As a proud Latina gardener, my backyard is more than raised beds and tools. It's a living reflection of my culture, my creativity, and my connection to the women who came before me.
I grow organically, not just because it’s better for our bodies and the earth, but because it feels honest. This garden is resistant. It’s healing. It's a joy. And it’s a reminder that we can grow our own food with intention and care even in a small space.
Whether you're in Zone 6, 7, or just planting your first seed, I hope this post reminds you: the garden can feed your soul just as much as your body.
What I’m Growing Right Now (July Edition):
Vegetables & Fruit:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Bush Beans
- Okra
- Summer Squash
- Onions
Flowers for Pollinators & Beauty:
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Calendula
Herbs for Cooking & Healing:
- Basil
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Cilantro
- Sage
- Lavender
These plants fuel my meals, inspire my recipes, and keep my two sweet pitbulls King and Royal busy sniffing around the rows.
Why Gardening Matters to Me
Every time I walk barefoot through my garden, I feel grounded. I water with intention, harvest with love, and cook with fresh-picked ingredients from smoothies and stir-fries to arroz con habichuelas and sofrito made with homegrown peppers, cilantro, and garlic.
Gardening isn’t just a hobby it’s my way of honoring the women who came before me. My grandmother grew lush plants in our Brooklyn apartment, humming soft hymns as she rotated them toward the sun. Now, I grow beans, okra, squash, and herbs in my own space, connecting back to my Puerto Rican roots with every seed I plant. Gardening is a way of life rooted in heritage, mindfulness, and nourishment. It’s slower, more sacred, and absolutely organic.
Beginner Tip: Where to Start
Start small with herbs and beans. Get yourself familiarized with growing zones within your area . Heres a link to help
Basil, mint, rosemary: Add instant freshness to meals and are perfect for containers or small gardens.
Bush beans: Easy, fast-growing, and incredibly satisfying to harvest.
These plants are forgiving and joyful to grow and they’ll change your cooking and your mindset.
Shop My Favorite Garden Tools
I’ve listed all my go-to containers, gloves, soil tools, and raised bed gear right here: My Favorites
Everything is pitbull-tested and gardener-approved 🐾
💬 Let’s say Connect
Want more slow-living garden inspiration + fresh recipes? Sign up for my monthly Garden Gathering Newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes garden wins, my favorite in-season dishes, plant of the month and tips for your own garden to table recipes.
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Tag me when you try a recipe, remix it, or just want to share a garden moment. I’d love to see it 🌸💛
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