Bringing the Garden to the Table: A Springtime Reflection

Spring always stirs something in me. The longer days and warmer soil make me want to get my hands in the dirt. I have many memories in the garden, especially watching my dad prepare the soil, plant, water, and tend to rows of delicious vegetables. It’s where my love for veggies began and where I learned that real growth takes patience, care, and a lot of work.

For me, gardening isn’t just a hobby. It connects me to the master gardeners in my family, to the hardworking farmers I know and deeply respect, and to all the local food advocates in my life who turn those labors into magic on the plate. Planting something with your own hands, watching it grow, and then feeding people with it is the good stuff. There’s nothing better than that.

This season, I am focusing on planting various herbs and vegetables that thrive in our local climate. Think crisp lettuces, aromatic basil, and juicy tomatoes. These ingredients enhance our meals and remind us of the importance of eating seasonally and sustainably.

For those new to gardening, start small. A few pots on a sunny windowsill or a raised bed in the backyard can yield a surprising amount of produce. The key is to choose plants that you love to eat and that suit your growing conditions.

As we embrace the joys of spring, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey from garden to table. It is a beautiful reminder of nature’s generosity and our role in nurturing it.

The Science Behind Gardening’s Benefits

Beyond the harvest, gardening is genuinely good for you. Studies show that it reduces stress, boosts mood, improves focus, and supports heart health. Just 30 minutes of light gardening can burn calories, strengthen muscles, and increase vitamin D levels from sunlight exposure. The microbiome in soil even contains Mycobacterium vaccae, a natural antidepressant that may help elevate serotonin production in the brain. Gardening feeds the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Recommended Gardening Reads

Here are a few books I love or have on my list—offering a mix of practical guidance, cultural insight, and seasonal inspiration:

• “Farming While Black” by Leah Penniman – A powerful, practical guide to sustainable agriculture rooted in food sovereignty and the African Diaspora.

• “The Garden Primer” by Barbara Damrosch – A classic for gardeners of all levels, full of easy-to-follow advice and timeless wisdom.

• “Unearthed” by Claire Ratinon – A beautifully written exploration of how reconnecting with soil can support healing, identity, and belonging.

• “Grow Now” by Emily Murphy – A helpful guide for climate-conscious gardeners focused on regenerative practices.

• “Black Flora” by Teresa Speight – A celebration of Black floral artists, growers, and designers making waves in the garden world.

• “Vegetable Gardening for Beginners” by Jill McSheehy – A straightforward, no-fuss guide for anyone just starting out.

East Coast Gardeners to Follow on Instagram

Here are some of my favorite accounts that offer education, creativity, and honest moments from the garden, three of which highlight Black voices and perspectives:

• @the.mocha.gardener (Ashlie Thomas) – Sharing homegrown wellness, food security tips, and relatable gardening moments from North Carolina

• @blackgirlswithgardens – A vibrant community platform offering education, support, and inspiration to Black women gardeners

• @theblackplantman – Equal parts knowledge and personality, bringing humor and helpful tips to your plant journey

• @gardeningwithgutner– A meteorologist turned gardener sharing seasonal East Coast growing advice and garden tours

• @rootsandrefuge – Jess’s garden in the Southeast is filled with practical wisdom and a deep love for the land

• @hudsonvalleyhousegarden – Beautiful seasonal photos and advice on growing in a colder Northeast climate

No matter where you are on your garden journey, it is never too early or too late to begin. The seeds we plant today, literally and figuratively, can grow into something beautiful. Whether it is one pot on a windowsill or a full backyard bed, your garden is a reminder that growth takes time, intention, and care.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn