Gardening · Gardening

Garden Progress: Small Changes That Are Making a Big Difference

Thereโ€™s something rewarding about seeing your garden slowly come togetherโ€”one project at a time.

This past week, I focused on making a few key updates around my garden space. None of them were huge on their own, but together, theyโ€™re making a big difference in how everything looks, feels, and functions.

Finishing the Walkway

One of the biggest improvements I made was finally completing the walkway.

This has been a work in progress, but now that itโ€™s done, it completely changes how I move through the space. Itโ€™s cleaner, more structured, and honestly just feels more intentional.

Itโ€™s a small detail, but it makes everyday tasks in the garden so much easier.

Adding a Decorative Fence (and Solving a Problem)

I also added a decorative fence around:

My flower area The section where I planted peanuts

This wasnโ€™t just for looksโ€”it solved a real issue.

Stray cats had started using that space as a litter box, which is something I definitely needed to get under control. Since adding the fence, Iโ€™ve already noticed a difference.

Now the space feels protected and more visually put together.

Upgrading My Rain Barrel Setup

Another small but important update was mounting my rain barrel.

Before, it was sitting too low, which made it harder to access the water once it filled up. Elevating it has made collecting and using rainwater much more practical.

Itโ€™s one of those changes that improves efficiency without requiring a lot of effort.

Harvesting Collard Greens

I was also able to harvest some collard greens, which always feels like a win.

Right now, Iโ€™m letting a few plants go to seed. Once the seeds are ready and collected, Iโ€™ll clear that bed to make room for cucumbers and green beans.

Itโ€™s all part of the cycleโ€”harvest, reset, and plant again.

Looking Ahead

This season is teaching me that gardening isnโ€™t about rushing.

Itโ€™s about:

Making steady improvements Learning from what works (and what doesnโ€™t) Creating a space that grows with you

Every small step adds up.

Final Thoughts

This week wasnโ€™t about doing everythingโ€”it was about doing what I could and doing it well.

And right now, thatโ€™s enough.

Gardening · Gardening

Slowly Building Haven Harvest: Walkways, Growth, and New Beginnings.

This past week, I spent time pouring back into my gardenโ€”and for the first time, itโ€™s starting to feel like something intentional, not just something I planted and hoped would grow.

Little by little, Haven Harvest is coming together.

๐ŸŒฑ Creating a Walkway

One of the biggest updates I made was building a walkway through the garden. I wanted something that felt natural, grounded, and functionalโ€”something that would allow me to move through the space without disturbing the beds.

I laid down a weed barrier first, then began placing rocks that Iโ€™ve been collecting from around the property. Thereโ€™s something special about using what I already have. It makes the space feel more connected, more personal.

I added a few pavers to help stabilize certain areas, and Iโ€™m still working on filling it in, but even now, itโ€™s already transforming how the garden feels.

Itโ€™s no longer just a space where things growโ€”itโ€™s becoming a space where I can be.

๐ŸŒฟ Feeding the Soil

I also spent time adding more compost to my beds. Iโ€™ve learned that healthy plants really do start with healthy soil, so Iโ€™m trying to be more intentional about feeding it regularly.

On top of that, I made a simple fertilizing โ€œteaโ€ using things I had at home. I used:

  • boiled banana peels
  • used coffee grounds
  • crushed eggshells

I let everything steep and then used that nutrient-rich water to feed both my indoor and outdoor plants.

Itโ€™s a small step, but it feels good knowing Iโ€™m nourishing my plants in a natural, sustainable way.

๐ŸŒผ Refreshing the Deck Garden

I didnโ€™t forget about my deck either.

I added a new growing tower to maximize space, especially for herbs and smaller plants. Itโ€™s functional, but it also adds a really nice visual element.

To bring everything together, I laid down an outdoor rug, and that simple addition made the whole space feel more invitingโ€”like an extension of my home.

๐ŸŒž Where I Am Right Now

My garden isnโ€™t perfect, and itโ€™s definitely still a work in progressโ€”but itโ€™s growing, just like I am.

Every rock placed, every bed turned, every small updateโ€”it all adds up.

Iโ€™m learning to take my time, to build slowly, and to appreciate each step along the way.

This isnโ€™t just about growing food.

Itโ€™s about creating a space that feels like peace, purpose, and possibility.

And Iโ€™m really proud of how far itโ€™s come.

๐Ÿ“ธ Garden Progress

Iโ€™ve included a few photos below to show how everything is coming together so far. Iโ€™m excited to keep building and sharing this journey.

โ€œIf youโ€™re building your own garden, Iโ€™d love to hear what youโ€™re working on this season ๐ŸŒฑโ€

Gardening · Gardening

Zone 7a Spring Garden Update: Starting Seeds Indoors & Preparing Raised Beds

Thereโ€™s something about this time of year that feels full of possibility.

The air is still cool. The mornings are quiet. But underneath the surface, everything is preparing to grow โ€” and so am I.

This week, I officially started seeds indoors.

And just like that, the planting season feels real.


๐ŸŒฟ The Indoor Seed Station Is Fully Operational


Wide shot of my full seed station with trays and grow lights

This year I expanded my indoor setup โ€” multiple trays, labeled pods, grow lights positioned carefully, and even sweet potatoes sprouting below.

It may look simple, but this setup represents planning, learning, and commitment. Iโ€™m not rushing this season. Iโ€™m building it intentionally.


๐ŸŒฑ First Sprouts Under the Lights


Close-up of seedlings under grow lights

Watching those first leaves unfold under the glow of the grow lights never gets old. They may look delicate, but whatโ€™s happening below the surface is powerful.

Roots are forming.
Systems are strengthening.
Life is preparing.

This yearโ€™s indoor lineup includes:

  • Eggplant
  • Cayenne peppers
  • Bell peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Basil
  • Marigolds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Peppers and eggplant need that early head start. The brassicas will transition outside earlier if the forecast cooperates. Basil and marigolds are part of my companion planting strategy โ€” protection, pollination, and balance.

And the sweet potatoes? Those are personal. Watching them sprout reminds me that even something dormant can surprise you with life.


๐Ÿชต Preparing the Raised Beds


Photo of raised beds before cow manure

Outside, the beds are waiting.

I added more cow manure to enrich the soil and refreshed the raised beds in preparation for spring planting. The yard still looks winter-worn, but I can already see what it will become.

Healthy soil means stronger roots, better yields, and more resilient plants.

Soil first. Always.


๐ŸŒฝ The Future Corn & Peanut Patch


Outdoor patch photo where corn and peanuts will go

This is where the corn and peanuts will grow this year.

But timing matters.

Iโ€™m watching the forecast carefully, especially soil temperatures. Corn and peanuts need warmth and stability. Iโ€™m waiting until frost risk has passed and the soil temperature is consistently warm enough to support strong growth.

Gardening has taught me that patience protects your harvest.


๐Ÿ“… Zone 7a Planting Timeline (Quick Reminder)

Living in Zone 7a means our average last frost date typically falls around mid-April (April 10โ€“20). That date guides almost everything I do this time of year.

Hereโ€™s how Iโ€™m planning around it:

6โ€“8 weeks before last frost (Februaryโ€“early March):

  • Start peppers, eggplant, tomatoes indoors
  • Begin brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower

4โ€“6 weeks before last frost:

  • Start basil and companion flowers like marigolds

2โ€“3 weeks before last frost (weather permitting):

  • Harden off cool-weather crops
  • Transplant broccoli and cauliflower outdoors

After last frost (mid-to-late April):

  • Transplant peppers, tomatoes, eggplant
  • Direct sow corn
  • Plant peanuts once soil temperatures are above 65ยฐF
  • Move sweet potato slips outdoors once nights are consistently warm

Gardening in Zone 7a is about watching the weather โ€” not just the calendar.


๐Ÿ“’ Systems Matter This Year

This year I have:

  • My gardening binder organized
  • Seed inventory tracked
  • Raised beds refreshed
  • A growing app helping me stay on schedule
  • Weather patterns monitored closely

It feels less chaotic and more strategic.

Preparation brings peace.


๐ŸŒฟ Planting With Purpose

Every year I garden, but this year feels different.

Iโ€™m not just planting vegetables โ€” Iโ€™m building discipline. Iโ€™m practicing patience. Iโ€™m creating a rhythm that aligns with the seasons instead of rushing ahead of them.

Watching frost dates. Preparing soil before seeds go in. Starting early indoors but waiting wisely outdoors.

This garden is about more than harvest.

Itโ€™s about:

  • Teaching my children where food comes from
  • Building food security one bed at a time
  • Honoring agricultural roots that shaped generations before me
  • And trusting that steady preparation always produces results

The seedlings under my grow lights may look small now. The outdoor beds may still look quiet.

But I know whatโ€™s coming.

Because Iโ€™ve done the work.

And this season, Iโ€™m planting with purpose.

Gardening

Garden Update: Ready to Grow, Learning to Wait

Right now, my garden feels like itโ€™s holding its breath โ€” and so am I.

I have my seeds.

I have my starter pods.

I even have the garden layout mapped out and ready to go.

And yetโ€ฆ Iโ€™m pausing.

As excited as I am to start my seeds, Iโ€™m being intentional about when I begin. Living in a climate where late frosts are still a possibility, Iโ€™ve learned that starting too early can undo weeks of careful planning. Losing seedlings to an unexpected cold snap is frustrating โ€” and avoidable โ€” if youโ€™re willing to wait.

This season, Iโ€™m choosing patience

Why Iโ€™m Waiting to Start My Seeds

Seed starting is one of the most exciting parts of gardening. Itโ€™s where hope takes shape. But timing matters just as much as enthusiasm.

Right now, my hesitation comes down to one thing: our last frost date.

Even with grow lights and starter pods ready, planting too soon can mean:

weak seedlings that outgrow their containers stressed plants when itโ€™s time to transplant or worse โ€” losing them entirely to cold temperatures

Iโ€™ve learned that starting seeds at the right time is just as important as starting them at all.

What Iโ€™m Doing Instead (And Why It Still Counts as Progress)

Even though seeds arenโ€™t in the soil yet, the work hasnโ€™t stopped.

Hereโ€™s what I have been doing:

Reviewing my garden diagram and spacing plans Organizing seeds by indoor vs. direct-sow crops Prepping starter pods and trays Refreshing my memory on frost dates for my zone Making a short list of which plants truly benefit from early starts

This stage of gardening โ€” the quiet planning โ€” sets the tone for the entire season.

Trusting the Process

Gardening has taught me that rushing doesnโ€™t lead to better results. The soil warms when itโ€™s ready. The seeds sprout when conditions are right. And sometimes, the most responsible thing a gardener can do is wait.

Iโ€™m excited. Iโ€™m prepared. And when the timing is right, Iโ€™ll be ready to move quickly and confidently.

For now, Iโ€™m honoring the pause.

Whatโ€™s Coming Next

Once weโ€™re closer to our last frost date, Iโ€™ll be:

starting select seeds indoors hardening off seedlings slowly preparing beds for transplanting and sharing updates on whatโ€™s thriving

This season already feels promising โ€” and it hasnโ€™t even started yet.

Sometimes growth begins long before anything breaks the surface.

Gardening · Gardening

Spring Garden Plans: Preparing the Soil & Setting Intentions

Garden Updates | Spring Garden Series โ€“ Part 1

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After the quiet of winter, Iโ€™ve started easing back into the gardenโ€”not by planting right away, but by preparing the space where everything will grow.

Over the past few weeks, Iโ€™ve been clearing out my garden beds, removing old growth, and giving the soil some much-needed care. I added compost to replenish nutrients and laid down hay to protect the beds, retain moisture, and allow the soil to rest while the weather finishes deciding what it wants to do.

This stage of gardening is slower and quieter, but itโ€™s one of my favorites. It reminds me that growth doesnโ€™t begin when seeds go into the groundโ€”it begins with preparation.


Starting Seeds Indoors

With the outdoor beds resting, my next step is starting seeds indoors this coming weekend. Seed starting always feels hopeful to me. Itโ€™s a way to stay connected to the garden while honoring the last frost date and the natural rhythm of the season.

I keep things simpleโ€”seed trays, soil, light, and patience. These early starts will be ready to transition outside once spring settles in.


Garden Layout & Planting Intentions

Iโ€™ve also been sketching out my garden layout to help me think through spacing, companion planting, and how different plants support one another. This doesnโ€™t have to be perfectโ€”just intentional.

Hereโ€™s the plant list inspired by my current layout plan:


Spring Garden Plant List

Vegetables and Fruits

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers (bell & other varieties)
  • Cucumbers (with trellis support)
  • Zucchini
  • Potatoes
  • Okra
  • Corn
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Melons
  • Strawberries
  • Lettuce
  • Kale
  • Cabbage

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Sage
  • Garlic (already established / overwintered)

Flowers & Pollinators

  • Zinnias
  • Nasturtiums (woven throughout beds)
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Coneflower
  • Echinacea

These choices support pollinators, improve soil health, and encourage a balanced garden ecosystemโ€”not just productivity.


Why I Plan Before I Plant

Mapping things out helps me stay flexible while still being intentional. It allows me to think about airflow, sunlight, harvest timing, and how my garden functions as a whole rather than a collection of individual plants.

For now, the beds are resting under compost and hay, and the seeds are getting ready to wake up indoors. Spring will come when itโ€™s readyโ€”and so will the garden.


Spring Garden Series

This post is Part 1 of my spring garden series. Over the next few weeks, Iโ€™ll be sharing:

  • Seed starting progress
  • Bed planting updates
  • Companion planting wins (and lessons learned)
  • Early harvests and seasonal adjustments

Join the Conversation

If youโ€™re planning your spring garden, Iโ€™d love to hear about it.
What are you growing this yearโ€”or what are you thinking about trying for the first time?

Feel free to share in the comments or follow along as the season unfolds.

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Closing the Year with Intention: A Reflection on 2025 and Whatโ€™s Coming in 2026

As the year comes to an end, Iโ€™ve been taking time to slow down, breathe, and look back at everything 2025 brought into my life โ€” the growth, the challenges, the small joys, and the big victories. This year has been a season of showing up for myself in deeper, more intentional ways. It has been a year of rediscovering my voice, nurturing my creativity, strengthening my body, and creating traditions that reflect who I am becoming.

I entered this year wanting stability and connection โ€” and Iโ€™m ending it feeling grounded, hopeful, and proud.

Here is a look back at the year through each of the four corners of this blog: health & fitness, reading, gardening, and recipes โ€” the spaces where so much of my growth took root.


๐Ÿ’ช Health & Fitness: A Year of Movement and Milestones

This year, I ran more races than I ever have before โ€” and I pushed myself farther than I knew I could go. From the Turkey Trot I ran with my daughter to the Blue and Gray Half Marathon, each finish line taught me something new about my resilience, discipline, and joy.

I set personal records. I found strength in early mornings and in quiet miles. I learned to trust my body again. And perhaps most importantly, I found confidence โ€” the kind that comes from showing up even when youโ€™re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure.

Running became a reflection of my healing: slow, steady, and deeply personal.


๐Ÿ“š Book Club: Choosing Courage, Creativity, and Connection

My book of the month, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, could not have been more timely. Reading it reminded me to stretch, to take up space, and to lean into the opportunities that make me feel alive. Her voice pushed me to say โ€œyesโ€ to myself โ€” yes to rest, yes to creativity, yes to courage.

And that energy followed me straight into my writing.

Book Two of my Tidewalker series began taking shape in new and exciting ways. I made progress on Ezraโ€™s internal journey, deepened Grandmother Fatuโ€™s backstory, and built the tension between the two worlds in ways that feel richer and more purposeful.

This was also the year I became more consistent with my blog โ€” saying โ€œyesโ€ to sharing my voice, my journey, and my creativity with others.


๐ŸŒฑ Garden: Lessons from the Soil

My garden was one of my grounding spaces this year. From planting collards that ended up on our Thanksgiving table to experimenting with new vegetables and learning more about what my soil needs, gardening reminded me to slow down, stay patient, and trust the process.

Some plants thrived, some didnโ€™t, and all of it taught me something.

Next year, Iโ€™m excited to bring the garden back to life in the spring โ€” with new layouts, new crops, and a renewed appreciation for what grows when you nurture it with intention.


๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Recipes: A Year of Flavor, Culture, and Tradition

Cooking has always been a form of connection for me โ€” to my family, to my culture, and to my creativity. This year, I shared some of my favorite recipes, from sweet potato pie to sweet potato rolls (the only version my youngest gladly accepts!).

Food remains a place where tradition meets innovation in my home โ€” a way to honor my Sierra Leonean roots while creating new memories with my children.

In 2026, Iโ€™m planning to share more dishes inspired by Mama Africa, more home-baked favorites, and possibly a cultural cooking series that highlights flavors from across the continent.


โœจ Looking Ahead: Whatโ€™s Coming in 2026

As I step into the new year, Iโ€™m carrying a deep sense of clarity about what I want โ€” and what Iโ€™m ready to grow into.

Hereโ€™s a preview of whatโ€™s ahead:

๐Ÿ“˜ Book Two Release Timeline

Iโ€™ll be sharing more concrete updates early in the year, including sneak peeks, character insights, and details on when you can expect the next Tidewalker installment.

๐ŸŒฟ A New Garden Season

Iโ€™m already planning my spring planting: herbs, collards, vegetables, and maybe a few new experiments.

๐Ÿฒ New Recipes + A Cultural Cooking Series

2026 will bring new flavors to the blog โ€” including traditional dishes, West African favorites, and original recipes inspired by my roots.

๐Ÿ“ 2026 Blog Themes

Next year, Iโ€™ll continue rotating through Health & Fitness, Book Club, Gardening, and Recipes โ€” with a deeper commitment to consistency, reflection, and creativity.

โค๏ธ Personal Goals

Above all, 2026 will be a year of:

  • emotional wellness
  • rest
  • travel
  • continued healing
  • and choosing courage, both quietly and boldly

Thank You for Being Here

Ending this year with gratitude feels right. Thank you for reading, for showing up, and for taking this journey with me. Whether youโ€™re here for the recipes, the reflections, the stories, or the updates โ€” Iโ€™m truly grateful.

Hereโ€™s to a year of growth behind us, and a year of intention ahead.

See you in 2026. ๐ŸŒฟโœจ

Gardening · Gardening

๐ŸŒฟ Garden Update: Collard Greens Growing Strong & A Sweet Potato Harvest Worth Celebrating

Thereโ€™s something deeply healing about watching food grow with your own hands. This month, my garden has been a quiet reminder that even when life feels heavy or uncertain, growth is still happeningโ€”sometimes slowly, sometimes quietly, but always with purpose.

My collard greens are coming along beautifully this season. Their leaves are thick, vibrant, and full of life, and every time I walk outside to check on them, I feel that familiar sense of grounding. Thereโ€™s nothing like seeing your greens respond to the care youโ€™ve given themโ€”sunlight, watering, patience, and a little love. Collards have always reminded me of family, tradition, and resilience, so watching them thrive feels like a gift I didnโ€™t know I needed.

I also harvested my sweet potatoes, and let me tell youโ€”they did not disappoint. Pulling them from the soil felt like uncovering treasure. Thereโ€™s something magical about itโ€ฆ one moment itโ€™s just soft earth, and the next youโ€™re holding nourishment that you planted months ago. My sweet potatoes grew in all different shapes and sizes, but each one felt like a little victory.

This week, Iโ€™m planning to put them to good use in my kitchen.
Iโ€™ll be making a sweet-potato pie and some sweet-potato rolls for my familyโ€”recipes that bring warmth into the house and make everyone drift toward the kitchen to see whatโ€™s baking. Cooking with ingredients from my own garden always feels special. Itโ€™s more than just food; itโ€™s love, work, and intention all coming together on a plate.

As I look at whatโ€™s growing now and whatโ€™s being harvested, Iโ€™m reminded that the garden is a reflection of the season Iโ€™m in: nurturing, patient, hopeful. Things take time to root. They take time to bloom. And when they finally do, the reward is deeper than the harvestโ€”itโ€™s the reminder that growth is still happening in me, too.

I canโ€™t wait to share more next month, but for now, Iโ€™m grateful for greens, sweet potatoes, and the simple joy of feeding the people I love.

As I look at whatโ€™s growing now and whatโ€™s being harvested, Iโ€™m reminded that the garden is a reflection of the season Iโ€™m in: nurturing, patient, hopeful. Things take time to root. They take time to bloom. And when they finally do, the reward is deeper than the harvestโ€”itโ€™s the reminder that growth is still happening in me, too.

I canโ€™t wait to share more next month, but for now, Iโ€™m grateful for greens, sweet potatoes, and the simple joy of feeding the people I love.

And if youโ€™re curious about what Iโ€™m making with my harvest, stay tuned โ€” next Mondayโ€™s post will feature the sweet-potato pie and rolls Iโ€™m baking for my family.

Gardening · Gardening

Fall in Bloom | Gardening, Growth & Gratitude by Lulu Lee

๐Ÿ‚ Fall in Bloom: The Progress and Peace Iโ€™ve Found in My Autumn Garden

๐ŸŒฑ Nurturing Growth in the Fall

This season, my garden is teaching me about patience, purpose, and quiet hope.
After a long summer, stepping outside to see new life pushing through the soil feels like a gentle reward โ€” a reminder that growth doesnโ€™t stop just because the seasons change.

My fall garden is thriving with collard greens, steak tomatoes, carrots, russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, basil, cucumbers, beets, cabbage, and bell peppers. Each plant, in its own way, reflects where I am in life right now โ€” steady, persistent, and learning to flourish through transition.

If youโ€™re curious about what Iโ€™m using, you can find the same ones here:


๐Ÿ… Seeing Progress, Feeling Peace

Some beds are overflowing, while others are still finding their rhythm. My tomatoes have begun to climb again, pushing through the last warm days of fall, while the sweet potato vines spread like soft green blankets over the soil.

Iโ€™m grateful for every small sign of progress โ€” every new leaf, every bit of green pushing through the dirt. These moments remind me that growth isnโ€™t always loud or immediate. Sometimes, itโ€™s simply about showing up, watering consistently, and letting time do its work.


๐ŸŒธ The Beauty Beyond the Harvest

Beyond the vegetables, my flowers have been putting on their own quiet show โ€” bursts of color that make me stop and smile, even on busy days.

These blooms remind me to look beyond productivity and yield โ€” to appreciate the peace that comes from simply being outside, hands in the soil, surrounded by the hum of life.


๐ŸŒฟ Gratitude for the Process

Out here, I feel still. I can hear my thoughts soften. The garden gives me space to reflect on my days โ€” the challenges, the growth, and the gratitude that anchors me.

Even when Iโ€™m pulling weeds or pruning back overgrown vines, I feel thankful โ€” thankful for the quiet moments, the lessons in patience, and the sense of peace that only nature can offer.

Every bed, every leaf, every bit of soil carries a small prayer of hope โ€” that what I nurture now will one day feed me and my family, not just in body but in spirit.


๐Ÿ’ญ Reflection Prompt for Readers

Take a moment this week to step outside โ€” even if itโ€™s just your porch, a park, or your own small garden.
Whatโ€™s one thing in nature that reminds you to slow down, feel grateful, or keep growing?

Share your reflections in the comments โ€” Iโ€™d love to hear what brings you peace this season. ๐ŸŒธ

Gardening · Gardening

๐ŸŒฑ Starting My Fall Garden: Carrots, Greens & More


Thereโ€™s something special about the shift from summer to fall. The air cools, the days get shorter, and the garden takes on a new rhythm. Today, I kicked off my fall planting season. I couldn’t be more excited to see how it all turns out.


My Fall Crops

I used three garden beds to start my fall crops this year. Hereโ€™s what went into the soil today:

  • ๐Ÿฅ• Carrots โ€“ A classic root crop that loves cooler weather.
  • ๐Ÿ… Steak Tomatoes โ€“ Big, juicy, and full of flavorโ€”hoping for a late harvest.
  • ๐Ÿฅฌ Beets โ€“ Earthy and nutrient-packed.
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Collard Greens โ€“ A Southern staple that thrives in the fall.
  • ๐Ÿฅฌ Cabbage โ€“ Perfect for soups, slaws, and fermenting.
  • ๐Ÿฅ” Potatoes โ€“ Always satisfying to dig up at harvest time.
  • ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Bell Peppers โ€“ A pop of color and flavor for meals.
  • ๐ŸŒฑ Spinach โ€“ Quick-growing and versatile in the kitchen.

โœจ Why Fall Gardening Excites Me

Fall is one of my favorite times to garden. The pests slow down, the heat isnโ€™t so intense, and the harvests are hearty and grounding. Starting fresh beds always feels like a clean slate, full of potential.

This year, Iโ€™m especially excited about the greensโ€”collards and spinachโ€”and the challenge of getting good potatoes before the ground freezes.


๐Ÿ’ก Tips Iโ€™m Following

  • Rotate crops so the soil stays healthy.
  • Keep mulch handy to protect against early frosts.
  • Water consistentlyโ€”fall rains help, but donโ€™t always come on time.
  • Be patient: cooler weather crops can take a little longer.

My raised beds


๐ŸŒŸ Final Thoughts

Every season brings new challenges and rewards. I canโ€™t wait to see how these beds grow over the coming weeks. Gardening keeps me grounded, connected, and always learning.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you started your fall garden yet? What are you planting this season?

Gardening

Expanding My Garden & Looking for Advice ๐ŸŒฑ

Hi everyone!

Gardening is more than a hobby for meโ€”itโ€™s my way of staying connected to nature and my roots. I grew up in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where my grandfather had an incredible garden. During school vacations, weโ€™d help him grow about 90% of the food we ate. He lived into his mid-90s and even baked his own bread! Since moving to the States, Iโ€™ve noticed my body doesnโ€™t process food the same way it used to. Iโ€™m trying to reset by growing clean, chemical-free food for my family and myself.


Making the Most of My Space
I donโ€™t have a big yard. Iโ€™m maximizing the use of the space I have. Recently, I added two more raised beds. This helps me get closer to my goal of growing most of our food. My next big project is building a privacy fenceโ€”not just for looks, but also to protect the garden. Hiring a contractor isnโ€™t in the budget, so Iโ€™m doing it myself. Iโ€™ve already bought 10 fence panels and have been slowly collecting the rest of the materials. YouTube tutorials have been my best friend during this process!


Whatโ€™s Growing Now
This year, I started with:

  • Broccoli, kale, and spinach (spinach didnโ€™t make it ๐Ÿ˜”)
  • Cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, and jalapeรฑo peppers
  • Okra, white potatoes, sweet potatoes
  • Cabbage, onions, and cantaloupe
  • Sweet corn alongside an apple tree
  • Goji berry tree & Elderberry tree
  • Bush beans & strawberries (the strawberries didnโ€™t survive either)

From this, Iโ€™ve harvested potatoes, cherry tomatoes, okra, sweet potato leaves, sweet corn, and cantaloupes.

On my deck, I keep herbs for easy access while cooking. I have sage, basil, and oregano. I also have a small trial run of lettuce and green beans.


Future Planting Goals
Iโ€™m hoping to add soybeans, bell peppers, garlic, beets, watermelons, and leeks. I also want to plant radish, squash, cucumbers, peanuts, and more corn. Furthermore, I plan to grow strawberries, plums, cherries, and more apple trees.


Challenges Iโ€™m Facing
The biggest headache? Stray cats. They keep using parts of my garden as a litter box, which completely ruined my spinach this year. This is one of the main reasons Iโ€™m pushing to get the fence installed. If anyone has safe, cat-deterring ideas, Iโ€™d love to hear them!


Looking for Your Advice
Iโ€™d really appreciate tips on:

  1. How to safely keep cats out of my garden.
  2. How to organize my space better to maximize yield.

Iโ€™ll post some pictures of my current layout soon. The new raised beds will not be included. This way you can see what Iโ€™m working with. Any ideas or suggestions are welcomeโ€”thank you in advance! ๐ŸŒฟ

Recent harvest

Hybrid Rose

Okra plant…so pretty

Hibiscus

Cherry tomatoes

Cantaloupes