Introduction: My 2024 garden was nothing short of a learning experience. When I first embarked on my gardening journey, I had no idea just how much I’d grow—both as a gardener and as an individual. The most valuable lesson I learned is that you can grow in almost anything. Growing up, I never even knew about raised beds or grow bags. In fact, I thought all plants had to go directly in the ground, just like I’d seen in many gardens. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the incredible variety of ways you can grow food, especially in small or unconventional spaces.
The game changer for me? Facebook gardening groups. Joining these communities such as Beginning Gardening for Zones 7a/7b, opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I saw people growing in containers, raised beds, and even creative DIY setups. The possibilities seemed endless, and it gave me the confidence to dive deeper into gardening.
🌱 Starting Small and Growing Big: Seed Starting and DIY Soil Mix
In January 2024, I began the adventure of starting my seeds indoors. The excitement of seeing tiny sprouts emerge from the soil was like nothing I had ever experienced. As the months passed, I got more and more into the rhythm of planting, nurturing, and experimenting. I added more seeds to the mix, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and watched as my collection of plants began to grow.
When it was finally time to move the seedlings outside, I realized I’d need more than just store-bought soil. After researching, I decided to make my own soil mix. This not only saved me money, but it also allowed me to control the quality of the soil I was using. My mix included:
- Peat Moss
- Perlite
- Compost
- Fertilizer
The combination worked perfectly for my container and grow bag setup, and I couldn’t have been happier with the results.
🌼 The Plant List: What I Grew in My 2024 Garden
The beauty of gardening in 2024 was the freedom I had to experiment with different types of plants. I went all-in with a mix of edible and ornamental plants. My garden became a colorful and functional space, and I loved seeing how each plant grew over time.
Here’s a rundown of what I grew:
- Callaloo (a leafy green)
- Corn (always a fun challenge to grow!)
- Hot peppers (I was hoping for a spicy harvest)
- Tomatoes (a must-have in any garden)
- Potatoes (growing in containers, no less!)
- Basil, oregano, peppermint, and lemongrass (perfect for fresh herbs in my kitchen)
- Citronella (to keep the bugs at bay)
- Sunflowers (their bright faces were such a joy)
- Nasturtiums and marigolds (to attract pollinators)
- Okra, scallion, watermelon, and kabocha squash (all great choices for a beginner)
I also attempted to grow strawberries and bell peppers, but those didn’t quite take off the way I hoped. It was a bit disappointing, but every gardener knows that not every plant thrives. However, I didn’t let this deter me—gardening is all about learning and adapting.
🛠 Grow Bags: The Unsung Heroes of My Garden
As a beginner, I quickly realized that the traditional in-ground garden just wasn’t going to work for me, especially with my cemented backyard. That’s where grow bags came in. I started with around eight of them, and they turned out to be the perfect solution for my small concrete backyard, but I quickly needed more.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed using grow bags. For one, I could water each plant individually based on its specific needs, which helped me avoid overwatering or underwatering. I could also move them around to different parts of the yard, depending on where the sunlight was best at different times of the day. It gave me so much flexibility! Whether I was growing tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes, the grow bags kept the plants healthy and thriving.
🦔 Dealing with Uninvited Guests: Squirrels and Stray Cats
As much as I loved my garden, it wasn’t long before I encountered some challenges. It turned out that my plants were very appealing to the local wildlife—especially squirrels and stray cats. They were constantly digging up my soil and nibbling on my seedlings.
Luckily, my husband stepped in and helped me build a protective fence around the garden. This simple addition was a total game changer! It not only kept the animals away but also provided some much-needed structure to my garden setup. The protective fence was especially helpful during the 2024 season, allowing me to fully enjoy the fruits of my labor without worrying about unexpected visitors.
🌻 A Beginner’s Mistake (That I Don’t Regret)
Looking back, I may have overestimated my gardening abilities and started with a larger setup than a first-time gardener should. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The sheer amount of plants I took on challenged me, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way—but each mistake was an opportunity to learn. Whether it was experimenting with my soil mix, trying to figure out which plants needed more sun or less water, or just managing the space I had, every step of the process helped me grow as a gardener.
💚 Reflecting on My 2024 Garden: A Season of Growth and Discovery
As I reflect on my 2024 garden, I can’t help but feel proud of everything I’ve accomplished. Gardening isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about growth in so many other ways. It’s about patience, resilience, and creativity. It’s about facing challenges and learning from them. And most importantly, it’s about enjoying the process.
I started this season with little more than curiosity and the desire to learn. Now, I have a beautiful garden that brings me peace, fresh food, and the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve nurtured life from the ground up. If you’re thinking about starting your own garden, no matter your space or experience, remember this: there is no “perfect” way to garden. All you need is a little creativity, a lot of patience, and the willingness to learn from every experience.
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