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Tjaša and Robert: The Couple Who Taught Slovenians to Garden Without Digging or Toiling

Tjaša and Robert: The Couple Who Taught Slovenians to Garden Without Digging or Toiling

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Tjaša Štruc and Robert Špiler built a successful business, Vrt Obilja, from a small 17-square-meter space.
  • They teach sustainable gardening techniques like no-dig methods, composting, and mulching, making vegetable gardening accessible.
  • Their books, workshops, and online content have inspired younger generations to connect with nature and enjoy growing food.

Ten years ago, Tjaša Štruc and Robert Špiler started building their dream on just 17 square meters of land. Their venture, Vrt Obilja, has since blossomed into a thriving business teaching Slovenians how to garden without back-breaking labor.

Their approach emphasizes no-dig methods, composting, and mulching, transforming vegetable gardening from a chore into a joy. They guide plants from seed to harvest, proving that abundant yields are possible with smart, sustainable practices. This philosophy has resonated widely, attracting younger generations eager to reconnect with nature and enjoy fresh, homegrown food.

Now with a new garden, two children, and a well-established business, Štruc and Špiler remain committed to their principle that bigger isn't always better. They share lessons learned from gardening mistakes, advocate for intentional limitations, and seek simple solutions to common challenges. Their insights into managing pests like hornets and Robert's current cultivation of hundreds of stem vegetables offer a glimpse into their ongoing dedication to innovative gardening.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.