What’s Growing in Our Garden: Successes, Setbacks & So Many Lessons

As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but look around with a mix of joy, surprise, and a little “oh wow, we’ve got some work to do.” Plant life is bustling everywhere I look. Green shoots reaching toward the sky, flowers blooming in unexpected corners, and tiny tomatoes peeking out from the vines. Yes, there’s still a lot of maintenance to do, always, but the joy of watching life take root right outside our door makes every sweaty afternoon and bug bite worth it.

We thought it would be fun (and hopefully helpful!) to start sharing garden updates from time to time, showing you what’s working, what isn’t, and what we’re learning along the way. Gardening is one big experiment, and we want to be honest about the whole process. So, here’s a peek into what’s happening in our garden this season.

Why We Grow: More Than Just Pretty Plants

If you’ve listened to our recent podcast episode on “Learning Why You Grow,” you already know our why runs pretty deep. For us, growing food is about:

• Food Access – We live in a food desert, meaning there is no grocery store within a mile's walking distance. Growing our food helps bridge that gap.

• Aesthetics – We’re still in the process of beautifying our space (lots more to do!), but we want our yard to feel alive, inviting, and full of purpose.

• Health – There’s nothing like fresh veggies straight from the soil. It feels good to know what we’re eating and where it came from.

• Education – We’re learning so much and love sharing what we know while learning from others as well.

• Fun – Honestly? I enjoy this. Digging in the dirt is good for the soul.

And then there are all the little bonuses—like spontaneous conversations with neighbors who stop to ask what’s growing or compliment the setup. That connection, curiosity, and community? It’s all part of the joy.

The Good Stuff: Garden Wins So Far

We’ve had some real successes this season, and we’re celebrating every single one:

• 🥬 Lettuce – Thriving! We’ve enjoyed some super fresh salads.

• 🍅 Tomatoes – Coming in strong.

• 🌿 Basil, Rosemary & Mint – Herbs are happy, and our kitchen is too.

• 🥒 Cucumbers – Crisp and climbing like champs.

• 🌼 Borage & Nasturtiums – Beautiful and edible! We tossed them into salads for some flair and flavor.

• 🍓 Strawberries – Kind of a win... when the birds don’t get to them first.

• 🫘 Beans – Reliable growers.

• 🌶️ Peppers – Just starting to produce.

• 🍈 Gourds & Squash – Fingers crossed they’ll be joining the success list soon!

And in our pollinator garden, things are blooming beautifully:

• 🌹 Yellow roses on a growing bush

• 💜 Fragrant lavender

• 🌼 Plenty of marigolds, yarrow, and other blooms buzzing with bees

It’s a joy to watch the space come alive—not just for us, but for the birds, bees, and butterflies too.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: Struggles We’re Facing

No garden is without its headaches, and ours is no exception. Here are a few of the current battles:

• 🐛 Cabbage worms have been relentless. Our brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, collards) are struggling, and it’s a constant race to remove the worms and protect the leaves. We’re considering trying row covers or neem oil next.

• 🐦 Strawberries vs. Cardinals – The birds are winning. We’ve tried netting, but they’re persistent. May need to outsmart them with decoys or dedicated bird feeders to distract.

• 👣 Human intruder – Sadly, someone stole something from our yard. We’ve since added more cameras and are working on better lighting to secure the space. It's disheartening, but we’re not letting it stop us from growing.

What We’re Learning

• Soil matters – Our soil is sandy, which affects plant growth. We’re experimenting with compost and amendments to improve retention and nutrients.

• Edible flowers are underrated – Not only are they beautiful, they add something special to your plate. We’ll be growing more.

• Gardening connects people – From random sidewalk chats to shared harvests, this space is sparking real relationships—and that’s just as valuable as the food.

Tips for Fellow Gardeners

• Take pictures regularly, even if they’re not perfect. Looking back at early-season shots reminds you how far you’ve come.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment – Try something new each season. It might surprise you!

• Talk to neighbors – Whether they’re gardeners or not, people are often curious and willing to share stories or tips.

• Protect your space – From pests and people. Cameras, fencing, and lighting can go a long way.

• Celebrate small wins – Even one ripe tomato is a victory when you grew it yourself.

Until Next Time…

Next time I’ll try to have better photos to show more of what we’re working with, but for now, I hope this update encourages you to keep growing, experimenting, and showing yourself (and your garden) some grace. We speak from experience because we're learners, just like you.

If you’ve got any tips for cabbage worms or clever bird deterrents, drop them in the comments. And if you’re just getting started with your garden journey, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

From our garden to yours, happy growing, and let's grow together!