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There is something about the start of a new gardening season that just feels like a fresh start. This year feels especially exciting because I am starting seeds indoors for the first time, and I have my very own backyard to grow in. I am not taking that for granted for a single second.
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Hannah, and gardening has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Maine, my mom and I had two raised beds at our childhood home where we’d grow vegetables every summer. We’d go to the local greenhouses together, debate what to plant, and spend whole afternoons in the dirt, figuring out where everything would go. For the past five years, our apartment complex had shared garden beds we used every season, which I was so grateful for, because not having any outdoor space of my own didn’t stop me from getting my hands dirty.
Now we have a house. We have a backyard. And this year, I’m doing things a little differently.
A Garden That Means a Little More This Year
I want to be honest with you, getting back into gardening over the past couple of years has been hard. My mom passed away two years ago, and gardening was so tied to her. It was something we did together. She’d help me decide what to plant, she’d come over and help me get everything in the ground, and we’d check on things together all season long. Nasturtiums were her absolute favorite.
But I know how important it is to keep going, and being in the garden still feels close to her. So here I am: a new house, a new backyard, and a whole new season to look forward to.
(If you’ve been following along from the beginning, you know this blog has always been a space for the honest, in-between moments of life. You can read about why I started it here.)
Starting Seeds Indoors for the First Time
Okay, this is the part I am most excited about. I have never started seeds from scratch before. I always just bought seedlings at the local greenhouse. But now that we have the space, I wanted to try it, and I am already so into it.
I grabbed a seed starting kit, a heat mat (game changer — seeds germinate so much faster with bottom heat), and some quality seed starting mix. Watching those little sprouts pop up on my kitchen counter has been the coziest thing.
That said… I am fully taking the pressure off myself here. If the seeds don’t work out, I will just buy seedlings. No stress. The goal is to enjoy the process, not to be perfect at it. (Can a perfectionist actually say that…?)
Figuring Out the Raised Beds
One of the most fun (and slightly overwhelming) parts of this spring has been figuring out my raised bed situation. I went back and forth between cedar wood and galvanized metal, and what size bed for weeks. Wood feels classic and cottage-y, but metal is more durable and honestly looks really sleek. I ended up going with galvanized metal raised garden beds in charcoal gray and I am so happy with the decision. They look so good, and I think they’ll hold up for years.
I haven’t fully decided where they’re going in the yard yet, which is very on-brand for me. I’m still mapping out the space and thinking about sun exposure, proximity to the hose, all of that. In addition, my husband and I are hoping to do a little revamp to our patio this spring.
When we were first settling in, figuring out the yard was one of those things I didn’t anticipate needing so much planning for, kind of like all the things we didn’t expect when we first moved in. If you’re a new homeowner too, that post might feel very familiar.
My #1 Garden Recommendation: Lobster Compost
Growing up in Maine, lobster compost was just something that was a must. I honestly took it for granted. Now that I don’t live there full-time, I either order it on Amazon or make a trip to a local greenhouse, as some local places carry it too. It is always worth the price.
This stuff is incredible for enriching your raised bed soil, and I truly recommend it to everyone. If you’ve never used it, it’s exactly what it sounds like… compost made from lobster shells, and it is packed with nutrients that your plants love. Sometimes you’ll even see shells while playing in the dirt and getting your veggies set up. It’s my number one product recommendation for any vegetable garden, no question.
What I’m Growing This Year
Here’s what I’m planning to put into the beds this season, though we still have about two months, so things can always change! I usually have my staples no matter what, but there’s always room for a new experiment or two.
- My annual staples: Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, romaine lettuce, zucchini, and tomatoes. Every single year without fail.
- Things I love but haven’t fully committed to yet: Butternut squash and brussels sprouts… and can we talk about how beautiful brussels sprouts are when they actually grow? They’re such a stunning plant. Still on the fence, but they might make the cut.
- Things I’ve tried (and failed at): Artichokes, peas, and cucumbers. Multiple times. I have not given up hope, but I also may have given up hope.
- New this year: Green peppers! First time attempting them… we’ll see how it goes.
- Continuing from last year: Cut flowers! I tried growing a cut flower garden for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. There is nothing better than clipping flowers from your own yard and putting them in a vase on your kitchen table. Space permitting, they are definitely going back in this year.
A Few More Amazon Finds I’m Loving
A well-stocked garden toolkit makes everything easier. Here are a few more things I’m using this season:
Greenhouses, Seedlings & Not Taking It Too Seriously
One thing I want to say before I go, exploring greenhouses is one of my favorite things. There is something about walking through rows of plants, herbs, and flowers that just gives me peace. Whether I end up starting everything from seed or buying half my garden as seedlings from a local greenhouse, both are a win.
Every year, I try to grow something new. Every year, something fails. And every year, I can’t wait to do it again.
This year, I am also channeling some of that same slow, intentional energy into the kitchen. If you’ve been following my Ina Garten cookbook series, you know I’m all about honoring the things and people that made me fall in love with being at home. The garden feels like an extension of that same intention.
Let’s Grow Something Together This Year
I’m so excited to share this whole season with you… the setup, the planting, the wins, and definitely the inevitable failures (artichokes, I’m looking at you). If you’re gardening this year too, I’d love to know what you’re growing! Do you have a favorite variety I should try, a raised bed tip, or a product you swear by? Drop it in the comments below.
If you want to follow along in real time, I’ll be posting updates on TikTok throughout the season, from seed starting on my kitchen counter all the way to harvest. Come watch the journey (and cheer me on when things go sideways)! 🌱
And if you want to shop any of the Amazon finds mentioned in this post, everything is linked on my Favorites tab. I keep it updated all season long.
Happy growing! 🌱
