When I was in elementary school, I always visited my grandparents over the summer while my parents worked. They lived on a farm in Ohio near my extended family. My grandpa always kept a big garden and while I didn’t eat many vegetables then, I always loved looking out at the lush patch he had right next to the house. There’s nothing like fresh kohlrabi (which we pronounced ca-la-ra-bye) and sweet corn. We had a small garden back home on a community plot where I was always amazed to go to a see cucumbers growing. Like most other budding gardeners it seemed like magic to plant a seed and get a huge plant.

I’ve had a dream for awhile that we would grow most of the food we eat. Between fresh produce and preserving, we would have enough food to last for the whole year. A lush garden, well laid out, with a variety of interplanted vegetables, flowers and herbs. A place of relaxation where we can watch birds and butterflies and is a sanctuary for bees. Between our family roots and books I read where families were self sufficient, I just can’t shake this idea. What if we could use our land and local community for all of this food?

For the past several years, I have attempted to start a garden, each time improving a little bit and learning so much about the process. This year for Christmas, I got a grow light set up and decided I would document the whole process, along with all of the other projects I grow in this year.

Outside we have fava beans, garlic, potatoes, kale, kohlrabi, beets, greens and lettuce started. We have strawberries and herbs coming back from last year as well. Inside I’ve started herbs, brassicas, peppers, and tomatoes (way too many of each kind!). I’ve also decided to add a lot more flowers, including a cut flower garden at the inspiration from some amazing friends.

Gardening is only the beginning of this year of growth mindset. There are a lot of other projects that I’ve stopped halfway through and skills I’ve learned the basics of. If other people can learn to paint or play the ukulele or train their dogs, why can’t I? I think I’ve read enough books on habits and learning that it’s time to do.