From Backyard Beginner to Growing Abundance

A few years ago, if you had asked me whether I would ever become a gardener, I probably would have laughed. Gardening wasn’t something I grew up doing, and I had no idea where to start. But sometimes the smallest seeds—both literal and figurative—can grow into something much bigger than we imagine.

My gardening journey began with an opportunity through a local urban gardening program called Rooted East. They didn’t just encourage me to garden—they truly equipped me to succeed. They helped build my first raised garden beds and provided tools, seeds, plants, and, most importantly, knowledge and support. What started as a small backyard project quickly became something much more meaningful.

At first, my garden only occupied a small corner of my yard. I planted a few vegetables and herbs, carefully following the guidance I had been given. I watched closely as the first seedlings pushed their way through the soil. Seeing those tiny green leaves appear felt like magic. It was the first moment I realized that gardening wasn’t just about growing food—it was about patience, care, and connection to the earth.

As the weeks passed, my confidence began to grow along with my plants. What started as a small experiment slowly expanded. I added more beds, planted more varieties, and spent more time learning about soil, sunlight, watering, and seasonal cycles. Before long, my little backyard garden had grown to cover nearly half of my yard—about four times the size of where I started.

Gardening became more than just a hobby. It became a daily practice that grounded me. There’s something powerful about stepping outside, putting your hands in the soil, and caring for something that depends on you. The garden teaches you patience because you can’t rush growth. It teaches resilience because not every plant will thrive, but there’s always another season to try again.

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been sharing what I grow with others. Fresh vegetables from your own garden taste different—they’re vibrant, nourishing, and grown with intention. Being able to feed my family and community from my own backyard has been incredibly fulfilling.

What I love most about gardening is that it’s always evolving. Each season brings new lessons, new plants to try, and new ways to expand. My goal is to keep growing—both the garden and the knowledge that comes with it. I hope to continue expanding my space and inspiring others to see that you don’t need acres of land to grow something meaningful. Sometimes all you need is a small patch of soil, a few seeds, and the willingness to learn.

Looking back, I realize that my garden didn’t just grow plants, it grew me. It taught me how to nurture, how to be patient, and how to trust the process of growth.

And the best part is, this journey is only just beginning.

– Home Gardener Alician Batts