via the Providence Seed Library , a lending library for seeds at the Community Libraries of Providence . Potato and leek seeds came from someone he helped with composting . Italian hot pepper seeds came from friends , and the garlic is all his own — he ’ s been growing the bulbs for more than a decade .
In a pile of sand that had once been a cesspool , he planted the three sisters : corn , squash and Cherokee black beans , plants traditionally grown together by Native American tribes .
By summer 2022 , Penengo had planted more than eighty types of vegetables , fruits , herbs , trees and cover crops on his plot of land . Most of the bounty is used for family meals , pickled , conserved , turned into tinctures and sauces or left at the side of the road for lucky neighbors .
River ’ s favorite are the golden raspberries that nearly burst in your mouth they ’ re so full of juice .
Along the way , Penengo founded Digging Education , where he designs and builds edible landscapes and gardens for homeowners , businesses , schools and municipalities . He also coordinates the education and wellness programs at Johnston ’ s Gather Farm , where he ’ s known as Farmer Dan .
He ’ s a big proponent of using regenerative methods in his garden ; nourishing the soil naturally instead of using chemical fertilizers and insecticides . He also tries to capture as much water as possible to put back into the soil . In fact , during last summer ’ s dry spell he spent a month in Spain with his family , with no one tending to or watering the garden .
“ We came back and it was like a jungle ,” he says . “ I was actually a little worried .”
But that ’ s what happens when you care for a garden organically , he says :
Crop covers provide shade and nourishment , and the plants all work together to create a sense of harmony .
But that ’ s not to say everything is a success . Penengo keeps detailed drawings and journals about what thrives in the garden and what doesn ’ t .
“ My garden is like a test . I do a lot of trials of plants and seeds and planting things in different locations ,” he says . “ This looks nothing like it looked like last year . So you switch it around —
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