There is something truly magical about planting a seed and watching it transform into a plant that produces foods you love. Whether it’s a juicy tomato, a crisp cucumber, or a handful of fresh herbs, the sense of pride and joy you feel when harvesting something you’ve grown with your own hands is unmatched. Growing a garden isn’t just about putting food on the table—it’s about reconnecting with the earth, finding peace in your daily routine, and creating something meaningful with your time and energy.

Having a garden gives you more than just fresh vegetables and fruits. It offers a deeper awareness of the food you eat. You get to control what goes into the soil, how your plants are treated, and what ends up on your plate. When you grow your own food, you’re not relying on produce that may be sprayed with herbicides, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. You’re creating a cleaner, healthier alternative—one that benefits your body and your peace of mind. And for those of us with chickens, raised garden beds, and a love for the outdoors, the experience becomes even more rewarding. There’s something so satisfying about watching your flock wander through the garden paths, scratching and pecking while you tend your plants nearby. Until the bigger chickens decide to hop into the raised beds, tear up your plantings, and lay eggs. Banham’s don’t seem to destroy your raised beds as badly.

It’s a rhythm of life that helps me feel grounded and whole. Growing a garden can provide access to fresh, healthier foods and is good for your mental and physical well-being.

There’s a reason so many people call gardening a form of therapy. It’s a chance to unplug from screens, slow down your thoughts, and be fully present. Whether you’re pulling weeds, planting seeds, or watering your greens, you’re engaging with something real and nurturing. Nature gives back in more ways than one. Read more about why dirt may be nature’s original stress-buster.

Start a Small Garden

You don’t need a lot of land or a giant garden to grow your own fruit and vegetables. You can grow them on your porch or patio. Raised beds, container gardening, or even a small patch in your yard can be enough to get started. We used the growing bags to plant tomatoes a couple of years ago and had the best tomatoes ever.

You will also want to consider whether you are going to start plants from seeds or buy them from your local feed and seed store, such as Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc.

If you want to grow plants from seeds, where are you going to get your seeds? Do you want heirloom seeds (recommended)?

Try This:

• Plant a few herbs on your windowsill or porch
• Start with a small raised bed of tomatoes or a few large pots.
• Try a small Hydroponics Growing System for an indoor garden.  
• Learn about companion planting to make the most of your space.

Designing A Small Garden:

Some homesteaders often design gardens and landscapes based on permaculture principles, which mimic natural ecosystems. These methods ensure soil health, reduce water use, and promote biodiversity. This concept can be complex. Basically, the concept is about what is good for the earth, what is good for people, and fair sharing. I have shared some methods we have used on our small farm.

My husband and I decided a few years ago to plant shrubs, trees, or plants that are edible, medicinal, or attract pollinators to our property. There have been challenges with heat/cold, water, wildlife, or poor soil quality. As I posted earlier, we are avid composters, and our compost has improved our soil quality, which is better for plants. Read about composting from my previous blog post.

We regularly use a Native American planting method called the Three Sisters. Three Sisters involves planting corn, beans, and squash together, creating a natural partnership that boosts growth and enriches the soil. Corn gives the beans a tall stalk to climb, beans return nitrogen to the soil, and squash spreads out to provide shade and moisture retention like a living mulch. Read more about companion planting.

Things To Consider Before Planting

Try some of these planting practices to produce your garden. Whether planting directly in the ground or using containers or both you will want to take a moment and look at the surroundings. While it’s exciting to get started on a new garden, take some time just to observe. Where is the sun? The water? The wind?, like us, it may seem like a lot of work, but you and your family will reap the benefits. <3

I would love to hear about your experiences. Leave comments to share your experiences.