Kurhan's Plant co.
weird & wonderful plants
Origin Story & Identity
How did you get into gardening, and what’s the story behind your Kurhan’s Plant Co.?
My family has been gardening for ... eons? Eons might be pushing it a bit, but as far back as time probably. Some loved the beauty of curated flower gardens, some grew as a way to not go hungry, and others grew for medicinal purposes. One of my grandfathers figured out I was just the right size to weigh down our rototiller enough to get through the tough soil in Abilene, TX. He used to stack me on top of an old lawn cushion and away we would go. One of my chores as an elementary school kid was to pick the okra, I learned early that socks were a great garden tool. (wear them on your hands to pick the okra, trust me)
When I got my own apartments, I grew on my balconies and patios. Trying to prove to myself that I could afford to eat healthily, feed my kids well, and continue a tradition I loved.
When I finally found the person I will spend my life with, we were able to start buying/growing more organic and locally than I had been able to do by myself. My husband Chris is a serios pepper head, but he couldn't ever find any organic super-hot peppers in the grocery stores. So, I started a much larger seed starting situation for the back yard. I kept buying seeds. Organic Heirloom peppers, beautiful medicinal herbs, and native pollinator plant seeds. I could fit them all! The idea of bringing them to my community began.
Do you have a fun fact, tradition, or personality quirk that makes Kurhan’s Plant Co. Uniquely “you”?
My whole personality is a quirk 😛
I’ve always been weird and wonderful. I’m honest to a fault and I love to over research. I was a super punk rock, anti-authority kid who drove her parents absolutely crazy. I’ve always been more comfortable with the unusual. Now I get to share my weird research, grow the way I want to, and help my community along the way.
What do you grow?
I grow weird and wonderful edible plants, medicinal and culinary herbs, and perineal plants.
What are you most proud of growing?
The Fibonacci spiral broccoli always thrills me. I like a good edible and ornamental pumpkin. The micro dwarf tomatoes make me feel SO good about growing with other folks. Suyo Long Cucumbers are one of my favorite ridiculous vegetables. How can you not be happy looking at the those?
Philosophy & Practices
How would you describe your growing or land-stewardship philosophy in your own words?
I grow unusual varieties of plants with sustainable practices that limit single use plastics and pesticides.
- The Pink Pots are made in the USA, BPA free, and are returnable to me for a discount.
- All of the soil I use is OMRI Listed Organic.
- Everything is grown by me in the Alliance area from seed or propagated from personal plant cuttings.
I care very much about the sustainability of the products I put out to my community. I want to reduce the number of disposable plastics as much as possible. I am happy to provide heirloom and unusual varieties that people do not have access to at a regular store. Stopping monoculture in our own gardens helps to familiarize us with amazing flavors and deter pests.
What’s the biggest challenge of growing the way you do?
The cost, time, and the weather.
I don’t have access to things that big growers do. It’s just me and a bag of OMRI listed soil potting away on the porch.
Daily Life & Personal Connection to the Work
What’s your favorite part of the work you do every day?
I really enjoy planting seeds. It makes me feel a great connection to the world and also gives me a feeling of eternity. Heirloom seeds make heirloom plants and I love the idea that the tiny thing I am doing on my porch or at my counter could continue forever.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy something you grow? (Bonus: share a simple recipe or pairing!)
We make and freeze a lot of pesto. Carrot Top Pesto/Basil Pesto/Cilantro Pesto (we did a lemon basil pesto last year that was amazing)
Unexpected company appetizer – Blistered Shishitos
Ever have people show up on you? Trust me... it isn’t my favorite thing. I’m scared of the doorbell 😛. If someone texts me that they’re in the area and stopping by, this is the snack they get. Plus, you can make different types of aioli from whatever you have going on in the fridge that is about to go bad.....
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Garlic Aioli - Lena's Kitchen
What are you excited to grow, offer, or dream up for the future of Kurhan’s Plant Co.?
I am excited to help people grow full-season gardens. To have agency and choice in their food, and to have a resource to help them get out in the garden.
I’m currently working on expanding my knowledge of medicinal herbs and plants and how they fit into my garden.
I’m preparing some GreenStalk grow kits for next Spring, as well as working on a garden consulting program.
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