Gardening has become a meaningful part of our family’s life since we moved to Tennessee in 2021. We began with raised beds, growing leafy greens, herbs, and a few vegetables like beans and eggplants. That first season went well enough to give us the confidence to try in-ground planting the following years. But in-ground gardening proved more challenging than expected. We battled more weeds, pests, groundhogs, and even our chickens and cats disturbing the beds. It was discouraging enough that we nearly gave up.
Thankfully, with support from the Build It Up program, we feel hopeful and better prepared this season. We’re now focusing on more pest-resilient crops like peppers, okra, tomatoes, onions, leeks, and plenty of culinary and medicinal herbs. We also planted eggplants, though flea beetles have already taken a toll—hopefully, the organic pesticide from the program helps them bounce back. Eggplants are especially valuable in our keto diet as excellent fat sponges.
Beyond the cultivated beds, we’ve also embraced the wild side of our yard. We make an effort to keep a diversity of wild plants, many of which we’ve discovered are edible and possess valuable medicinal properties, adding another layer to our self-sufficiency and connection to nature.
We’re excited to see what this season brings and grateful to be part of a supportive gardening community. The practical advice and encouragement we’ve received through Build It Up have made this journey all the more rewarding.
~Xinyi Chen Li
