Plant a Little Garden

Last summer, we moved into a new home. It was too late to set up a full garden bed, but a collection of pots filled with eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and blooms turned our back deck into a small oasis. Even in limited space, tending these plants created a sense of calm and connection to the seasons - and gave us fresh ingredients for meals right outside the door.

Whether it’s a small patch of soil in the backyard or a few pots on the porch, you can start a little garden and let life grow. No matter the size, starting small is enough. One pot, one plant, or one corner of the yard can grow into a vibrant, nourishing space -both for your body and your spirit.

Begin with some favorite vegetables - tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers - and add leafy greens for variety and nutrition. Tuck in a few flowers, like edible nasturtiums or monarda, and aromatic herbs such as basil, rosemary, or thyme. These additions don’t just look and smell lovely - they can inspire meals, teas, and simple remedies. Color, fragrance, and life transform your space, and pollinators will thank you too.

There’s real medicine in soil. Getting your hands in the dirt exposes you to beneficial microbes that support your microbiome and calm the nervous system. Gardening is grounding in the most literal sense - it’s a gentle, restorative practice for body and mind.

Curious how else you can nurture yourself?  Check out all 15 practices and pick the ones that bring you comfort and joy.

~Barb