The inspiration for this post came from many sources, but the one I want to highlight most is Netflix new shoe With Love, Meghann. On this series, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex invites friends and famous guests to a beautiful California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.As I watched the series, I was so inspired by the “backyard to home table” ease in which she explains the value of growing and eating your own food. Thank you Duchess!
“Will our family ever get too 100% growing our own food NO, but adding the backyard to our food sources has been such a joyful move for me” .
Ok… How Did We Get Here?!?!?!!
Last year, I wrote a post interviewing Sister~Friend Michele. She has one of the greenest thumbs I know! Over the years I’ve seen her use her passion for gardening as a powerful wellness tool. After our interview, I committed to growing something in the next season. Glad to say I’ve made good on my word!
While on vacation, I knew I wanted to get just a few items going. I began prepping while on the beach actually… planning what I would grow. I also wanted to purchase seeds from actual Farmers in support of small business.
The steps I took were:
- Decided what to plant
- As a newbie, I used Pinterest to get advice on what plants were the easiest items to grow
- Researched where to purchase seeds
- Sistah Seeds
- Located in Pennsylvania, small-business Farm
- website: https://sistahseeds.com/
- Ujamma Seeds
- Located in Maryland, small-business Coop
- website: https://ujamaaseeds.com/
- Sow Right Seeds
- Located in Missouri, medium business Farm
- website: https://sowrightseeds.com/
- Sistah Seeds
- Based on what I like to eat, I planted seedling trays and in outdoor boxes
- Here’s the first video below of me transferring radishes from the trays to the ground! Please be gentle, I’m trying something new with videos!
Health Benefits of Growing Your Own Food
This wouldn’t be a Whispers post if I did not mention the health benefits! Growing your own food has benefits both mental and physical health.
- Gardening increases vegetable intake!
- In a study looking at community gardening participants, they not only began eating more vegetables, but also gave their reasons for making these changes:
- Availability of garden produce
- Emotional attachment with the plants
- Feelings of pride, accomplishment, and self-reliance
- Taste and quality of garden produce
- Trying new foods
- Cooking and sharing food
- Increased seasonal eating.
- In a study looking at community gardening participants, they not only began eating more vegetables, but also gave their reasons for making these changes:
- Gardening gives you a more positive mood
- A busy day in the garden can be a good form of exercise.
- While tending a garden, you perform functional movement that mimics whole body exercise.
Back Yard to Table! Here we go….
Ok so I know most Vlogs are created by big budget Influencers who have an army staff and time…… That ain’t me… HA! I filmed this during a real lunch, on a real day for my Sister. You are welcome to laugh as I do try to make her laugh when I create them.
Tah-Dah! Lunch is Served!
Gardening food for the first time in my life has been rewarding, trying, and left me feeling such accomplishment. I know that I’m feeding my body and soul each time I tend to these plant babies. And they pay me back in delicious, nutritious food!
This post has been so much fun, I hope it inspires you to try even just one edible plant in your home or outdoor space!
Have fun!
J
Resources:
Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress
Dig into the benefits of gardening
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📖 Dr. Judith Davis is the author of 7 Whispers from My Heart to Yours –a soulful reflection on what a year of pursuing whole-person wellness really taught her: mind, body, and spirit.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a journey through seven dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, environmental, career, intellectual, and spiritual. 💛
✨ If you’re ready to pause, reflect, and whisper back to your own heart… this one’s for you.
Grab your copy on Amazon
