Nurturing Roots : discovering your "Why?"

Hello, gardening friends!!! It's a brand new year and as we stand at the threshold of our backyard gardening journey, it's crucial to delve into the roots of our intentions or re-evalute—the "why" that fuels our passion for cultivating the soil. Join me on this introspective journey as we explore the deeper motivations behind our green aspirations as well as what we should be thinking about moving forward.

My journey into conscious and natural living found its roots when I was pregnant with our firstborn. Like most first time parents, I was enveloped in the magical anticipation of new life, I immersed myself in books, blog posts and conversations devouring every word about nourishing my body, avoiding toxins, and cultivating a space that felt safe for our growing family. It was a slow dance towards a more intentional lifestyle, fueled by the desire to do better now that I knew better.

This initial quest for a healthier, more natural existence evolved into a profound interest in gardening, medicinal herbs, and even raising chickens (thanks to a nudge from my enthusiastic husband, a tale for another post!). Year after year, I find myself surprised by the depth of my new knowledge and the extent to which this green journey had woven itself into the fabric of my life.

A few seasons into my gardening journey, my dad gifted me a weathered photograph—a treasure capturing my grandmother in her family garden.

my grandmother in her family garden looking adorable

Both sides of my family are from the red clayed soils of South Georgia, where farming was not just a way of life but a testament to survival just two generations ago. (crazy how quickly our culture has evolved into a completely dependent lifestyle.) My "why" ceased to be just a passionate hobby; it became a bridge connecting me to loved ones I had lost. The soil I work today is the same earth my grandparents worked, nurturing life. The gardens they tended were not just a means of sustenance but a testament to resilience, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.

me with an abundant harvest from my garden

As I plant the seeds of today, I can't help but feel the presence of those who worked the same soil, cultivating dreams that have become the roots of my own journey. It's more than a garden; it's a living tribute to the generations before me, an homage to their resilience and a promise to continue their legacy.

Ok, enough of my long winded and sappy homage to my gardening journey haha let's discover your why and what to do next!

Discovering Your "Why":

Why are you interested in or already backyard gardening/homesteading?

Is it the allure of organic, homegrown produce motivating your gardening venture? The pursuit of a healthful harvest, free from pesticides and preservatives?

Is it a desire to get your kids outside with you, playing in the dirt and learning alongside you to cultivate a lifestyle less connected (even if just for a little bit everyday), a shared hobby with your children, watching seeds transform into plants, and witnessing the joy of harvesting together?

Perhaps its for those with dreams of self-sufficiency, the garden becomes a small but significant step towards a sustainable lifestyle. Growing your own food is not just a hobby; it's a commitment to reducing your ecological footprint and embracing a more independent way of life.

Maybe it's one or all of these! Maybe it's something completely different! Whatever your reason, I believe your "why" is a big first step in shifting your perspective from "I have so much to learn and do to get started" to "I get to do this!" It's fuel for your fire.

Understanding your space and what to do next!

After you know your why, what do you do next? We need to understand our space, light and soil! Go visit my blog post on next steps and mapping your garden!