Gardening has become important to me because it gives me a sense of purpose, peace, and connection—both to the land and to myself. There’s something grounding about putting your hands in the soil and watching something grow from a tiny seed into food that nourishes people. Since being part of the Build It Up program, I’ve learned how valuable education, structure, and encouragement are in this process. The tools, resources, and guidance provided have helped me think more intentionally about planning, production, and long‑term success rather than just planting on impulse. It’s helped shift my mindset from “just gardening” to truly building something sustainable.
My favorite thing to grow so far is tomatoes. I love them because they are incredibly versatile—you can eat them fresh right off the vine, slice them for sandwiches, toss them into salads, or preserve them in so many ways. One of my favorite simple recipes is roasted garden tomatoes: toss fresh tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, roast until they burst, and use them over pasta, sourdough toast, or freeze them for later use. Tomatoes feel like a gift that keeps on giving, whether fresh, canned, sauced, or shared with others. What has surprised me most about gardening is learning that more isn’t always better. My instinct is to plant everything and plant a lot, but I’m learning that overcrowding can actually create more problems than success. Pest control has also been a challenge—it’s been frustrating at times, but it’s pushed me to slow down and educate myself more. I’m learning to observe, research, and respond instead of reacting. Gardening is teaching me patience, humility, and the importance of continuous learning, and I’m discovering that growth happens not just in the garden, but in me as well.
