We Started a Backyard Garden… and We’re Kind of Obsessed Now.
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
It started as one of those casual conversations couples have all the time.
You know the kind:
“We should really grow our own vegetables.”
“It would probably save money.”
“At least we’d know what’s going on our food.”
And then one day…
we actually did it.
My husband and I finally decided to start a backyard vegetable and herb garden using raised garden beds we ordered from Amazon, and somehow what started as a “little weekend project” has now turned into us proudly inspecting tiny tomatoes like we own a full farm.
At this point, we’ve become the people who walk outside just to “check on the garden” six times a day.
Why We Chose Raised Garden Beds
One thing we knew immediately?
We wanted raised garden beds.
Not only do they look cleaner and more organized, but they’re also much easier on the body. Saving our backs and knees was a major selling point because crouching down in the ground for hours was not part of our gardening vision.
Raised beds also helped us:
✔ organize our plants better
✔ control soil quality
✔ improve drainage
✔ reduce weeds
✔ and make gardening feel less overwhelming for beginners
Plus, they make the backyard look intentional and put together instead of: “We randomly started planting vegetables in survival mode.”
Why We Decided to Start Gardening
For us, it wasn’t just about saving money (although grocery prices definitely helped motivate this decision).
We also wanted:
✔ fewer chemicals on our produce
✔ fresher herbs
✔ healthier meals
✔ something we could do together
✔ and a peaceful hobby away from screens and stress
There’s something really satisfying about walking outside and cutting fresh mint or cilantro that you grew yourself.
Especially after paying grocery store prices for three tiny sprigs wrapped in plastic.
What We’re Growing So Far
We started small because…listen…
we’re learning as we go.
But so far, we have:
🌱 squash
🌱 cucumbers
🌱 tomatoes
🌱 cilantro
🌱 jalapeños
🌱 mint
🌱 oregano
🌱 parsley
🌱 bell peppers
And yes…everything is labeled with little plant markers because there is absolutely no way we were going to remember what was planted where.
At this point the garden looks like:
organization meets science experiment.
Sun vs Shade — We’re Learning Fast
One of the smartest things we accidentally did was place:
✔ one raised bed in full sun
✔ one in a slightly more shaded area
And let me tell you…
plants absolutely have preferences.
Some are thriving in the sunshine while others seem much happier getting partial shade during the hotter parts of the day.
We’re quickly learning that gardening is really, trail, error, Googling, YouTube watching and emotionally supporting tomatoes.
We Started with Plants… But Bought Seeds Too
Because apparently once you start gardening, you immediately become overconfident.
So while we started with small starter plants to help us ease into things…
I also bought seeds.
For “later.”
Because in my mind, I’m already planning our future backyard harvest empire.
The Bug Situation Is… Humbling
Now let’s talk about the tiny freeloaders trying to eat our hard work.
Because apparently the bugs also heard we started gardening.
We’ve been researching more natural remedies first before reaching for harsh chemicals because one of the reasons we started this was to reduce chemicals overall.
Some natural things we’ve learned:
✔ mint naturally helps repel some pests
✔ companion planting actually matters
✔ neem oil spray is popular
✔ crushed eggshells help with certain garden pests
✔ marigolds help deter bugs
✔ overwatering creates problems FAST
Gardening has quickly taught us that nature is both beautiful and slightly disrespectful.
Our Tiny Harvests Have Made Us Weirdly Proud
We’ve already harvested:
🌱 mint
🌱 cilantro
🌱 jalapeños
🌱 tomatoes
And when I tell you we celebrated those tiny tomatoes like we won a championship…
I mean it.
There’s just something different about eating food you grew yourself.
Even small harvests feel exciting because they represent:
✔ patience
✔ consistency
✔ care
✔ progress
We’re Already Planning the Next Seasons
Even though it’s currently spring…
we’re already talking about summer planting, fall gardening and winter prep.
Because apparently gardening people are always thinking one season ahead.
We definitely still have a LOT to learn, but we’re excited to keep sharing updates as the seasons transition and the garden evolves.
And if this garden really takes off?
We fully plan on sharing extra produce with our neighbors because nothing says “community” like unexpectedly receiving homegrown cucumbers.
Backyard Garden Essentials We’re Loving and Would Buy Again
If you’re thinking about starting your own raised garden bed setup, these are some of the BEST beginner-friendly essentials:
Click on the image for product link.
What We’re Learning Most
Gardening isn’t about perfection.
It’s about slowing down long enough to enjoy the process.
And in a world where everything moves fast…there’s something really grounding about watching something grow one small step at a time.
"Happy Growing" and thanks for stopping by. 😘
Hugs & Love
The Southern Girl
Chantée Lavette
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