How to Become a Gardener: Find empowerment in creating your own food security

Take charge of your family’s food security by learning how to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs—and right along with them, you’ll nurture your own inner strength, too.

A Garden Defined: What Makes a Space a Garden?

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “garden”? Many may say that a garden is a place where flowers and/or vegetables grow, and they would certainly be correct. Technically speaking, a garden is a designated and planned space used for cultivating and nurturing plants and other forms of nature. However, I believe that the term embodies that definition and so much more. If I had to articulate my perception of what a garden is, it would be along the lines of this: a garden is an intentional space that seeks to cultivate organismal collaboration, respect, and sustainability within an ecosystem. This perspective emphasizes the importance of protecting not only the health and well-being of humans, but also other valuable organisms within ecosystems. In order for a garden to thrive, we have to work together and seek to understand the value that every organism brings to the eco table.

Getting Down and Dirty: Starting Your Garden and Overcoming the Challenges

Previously we walked through the types of garden options that you may consider when starting your garden. It’s also important to add that you do not have to permanently commit to one type of garden; you can explore and cultivate any type of garden at any point in your journey. I actually recommend you do just that so you can find the methods that work best for you. Now, you have seen that there are many types of gardens to choose from, but since we are talking about food in this book, we will be focusing on steps to take and things you will need to construct an edible garden. As we move forward, I’ll detail a few topics for you to consider, such as space, resources, equipment, and vision. So, how do you begin from where you are and withwhat you have?

The Garden Grows You: Appreciating Your Gardening Evolution

As we prepare to walk back to the entrance of my garden, accepting that the end of our time together has come, I must say, you did it, my friend. You have come so far in learning how to become a gardener. Additionally, you’ve gained tips on how to create greater food security for yourself and perhaps those around you. This path is not an easy one, but it will be one of the greatest and most enlightening adventures you may embark upon. Learning to cultivate a garden is so much more than just throwing seeds and plants into the ground; it truly requires a conscious effort and commitment to stewardship from you, the gardener. However, I have no doubt that you will give that and so much more to your garden and to the environment around you. In these last few moments, it’s my hope to expound upon ways the garden may grow you as a gardener, and as a human being. I will also use this time to affirm a few principles that you may find helpful as you carry on in your gardening quest.