A few weeks ago, I planted the first seeds of the season, and as spring unfolds, I’m reminded of how much I love this time of year—when the earth wakes up, and the garden begins to take shape.
This year, our vegetable patch includes zucchini, onions, cauliflower, a variety of tomatoes (including San Marzano for perfect pasta sauce), bush beans, and a colorful mix of peppers—cherry, jalapeño, Thai hot, cayenne, and sweet red. We tried cucumbers last year without much success, but we did manage a strong crop of jalapeños and, for the first time, tomatillos. (Fun fact: tomatillos require at least two plants for cross-pollination—I learned that the hard way!)
We also grew radishes, though they weren’t our best crop, and a beautiful bounty of basil and parsley. I harvested, dried, and crushed them to use all year long. One of the biggest hits last season? Our homemade stuffed cherry peppers—pickled, stuffed with prosciutto and dry provolone, then preserved in olive oil. Absolutely delicious.
Starting the garden again this year has brought back memories of the gardens I had years ago, when the soil was rich and fertile, lovingly cared for with compost and nutrients. Now, our plot sits on former cornfield soil that’s been overworked and needs a lot of TLC. It’s not easy—most days we end up drenched in sweat, hands dirty, and muscles sore. And yes, sometimes I wonder why we do it.
But then I taste a sun-warmed tomato fresh off the vine, or crack open a jar of homemade sauce in the middle of winter and remember exactly why it’s worth it. The flavor of homegrown produce is richer, more vibrant, and deeply satisfying—especially when you know the work that went into growing it.
Spring is here, and the garden is calling. Whether you’re planting cheerful tulips and daffodils out front, or filling your backyard with vegetables and herbs, the rewards far outweigh the effort. There's nothing quite like the taste—and pride—of growing your own food.
So if you've been thinking about starting a garden, let this be your sign. Dig in, get dirty, and grow something amazing.