Gardening has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, but I can confidently say it’s the best thing you can do for your soul. Whether you’re growing a sprawling vegetable garden or tending to a couple of houseplants, gardening reconnects you to the essence of life itself. For me, it reconnected me to my roots and brought me back to a love of nature that began in my childhood.
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Growing Up Close to Nature
I was raised in the South, back when playing outside was the norm, not a screen in sight. My love for plants started with my grandma’s big, lush pothos hanging in her living room. It was stunning, and I remember being mesmerized by it. That early connection to plants stayed with me, even as I transitioned to city life. But after years away, I felt called to return home, dig my hands into the soil, and reconnect with the outdoors. Gardening has since become a crucial part of my healing journey.
Lessons Learned From Gardening
1. Patience and Faith
Gardening teaches you that growth takes time. Seeds don’t sprout overnight, and plants require consistent care. Sometimes you’ll do everything right, and a plant will still die. It could be the soil, too much water, too little sunlight, pests, or reasons you may never know. The key is to accept the loss, have faith in the process, and try again next season.
2. A Deeper Connection to Nature
When you garden, you become aware of the life all around you: the sun, the moon, the insects, the birds, and even the worms working hard below the surface. Slowing down to appreciate this interconnected web of life fosters a sense of gratitude and wonder.
3. Hard Work and Dedication
Gardening isn’t just planting seeds and watching them grow. It’s digging, watering, fencing to keep the dogs out, and installing nets to protect your crops from birds. It’s labor-intensive, but seeing the fruits of your effort makes every drop of sweat worthwhile.
4. Companion Planting
One of the most fascinating things I’ve learned is companion planting—the practice of pairing plants that benefit each other’s growth. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can repel pests. This method has helped me maximize my garden’s health and yield.
5. Observing Growth Stages
Watching seeds sprout and grow has been a joy. I even experimented by germinating seeds in napkins and transferring them to jars before planting them in the ground. It’s a small miracle to see life unfold before your eyes.
Beginner-Friendly Gardening Must-Haves
Starting your gardening journey? Here are some essentials:
- Gardening gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and thorns.
- Hand trowel and spade: For digging and planting.
- Watering can or hose: To keep your plants hydrated.
- Quality soil: Good soil is key to plant health.
- Pest control solutions: Organic options like neem oil are beginner-friendly.
Easy Plants and Flowers to Grow
Outdoor Plants: Try tomatoes, zucchini, or herbs like basil and mint. Flowers like marigolds and sunflowers are low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.
Indoor Plants: Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies thrive indoors with minimal care.
Shop My Gardening Favorites
Ready to get started? Check out my Walmart storefront for gardening tools and essentials, and explore my shop page for products I personally use and recommend.
Let’s Stay Connected
What has gardening taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s share and grow together! Don’t forget to check back for part two of this post—gardening is a lifelong journey, and I’m excited to keep learning and sharing with you.
Affirmation
I grow with patience, I learn through faith, and I thrive in connection with nature.
Write to y’all soon,
Jordy
