Why You Should Grow Garden Plants You Love

Your garden doesn’t have to be big or perfect—it just needs to bring you joy. Here’s why that matters more than anything else.

There’s something grounding about working in the dirt. It helps quiet the noise and pulls you back into the moment. Every spring, I find myself wanting that again—not to grow some picture-perfect garden, but because it helps me feel more settled.

If you’re just getting started with gardening—or maybe you’ve tried before and felt overwhelmed—let me offer this one piece of advice: Grow what you love. When you grow what you love, you’re more likely to stick with it. You’ll want to go outside and tend to it—not because you have to, but because you genuinely enjoy it.

Not what the internet says you should grow. Not what everyone else on Instagram is planting. Just start with something that brings you joy. For me, that looks like some herbs and tomatoes.

Why It Matters What You Grow

You’re more likely to be consistent with your garden if you enjoy it.
Growing unfamiliar or plants just because they’re “practical” can lead to discouragement.
Joy = sustainability. If it doesn’t excite you, you won’t care for it.
It’s okay to not grow what everyone else is growing.
You’ll learn better when you’re excited about what you’re growing.

Gardening is Good for You

Gardening is more than just putting plants in the ground. It’s like quiet therapy. It’s a reset button after a hard day. I love going outside and puttering around the garden with just my thoughts (and my dog) to keep me company.

Studies have shown that time in the garden can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. But you probably don’t need a study to tell you that. If you’ve ever spent time working in the garden you’ve probably felt it, too—that peaceful moment when the world slows down while you water your plants or check on the first tiny sprout breaking through the soil.

The mental health benefits of gardening are even more powerful when you’re connected to what you’re growing. When you love what’s in your garden, it stops feeling like a chore and becomes something you look forward to.

The Physical Benefits of Gardening

Gardening isn’t just good for your mind—it’s good for your body too. Digging, planting, watering, and pulling weeds gets you moving in a way that’s natural and practical.

It improves flexibility, strengthens your muscles (especially your legs and back), and gets you outside in the fresh air. Sunshine helps boost your Vitamin D levels, which supports everything from your immune system to your mood. Sunshine, exercise. and fresh air are part of the 8 laws of health too!

Avoiding Overwhelm

When you’re new to gardening, it’s easy to overthink it. You make a long list of vegetables you should grow. You start researching soil pH and companion planting and suddenly the fun starts to fade and it feels more like a chore.

Don’t do that to yourself.

Start with something that excites you. Do you love the smell of fresh basil? Plant basil. Want a few cheerful flowers to brighten your porch? Try zinnias or marigolds. Grow cherry tomatoes if you or your kids snack on them like candy. Pick something that makes you happy and plant that.

Trying to grow things you’re not interested in (just because they’re trendy or “useful”) often leads to burnout or discouragement. For instance, grow herbs you love to cook with, because you’ll use them often and feel happy every time you do.

And remember: you don’t have to grow everything this year. In fact, if you’re new to gardening, you probably shouldn’t. You can add to your list next year. Let’s just get started with the basics and have some success!

How Gardening Connects to Homemaking

Gardening is homemaking, just outdoors. It’s a natural extension of caring for your home and your family. When you tend to a garden—whether it’s a pot of herbs on your kitchen windowsill or a small raised bed in the backyard—you’re creating something special.

I just want you to know it doesn’t have to be complicated. A handful of fresh herbs can add delicious flavor to your dinner. A vase of flowers from your own yard can change the mood of a whole room. And when your kids help you plant seeds or pull weeds, you’re not just keeping them busy—you’re teaching them valuable lessons. My kids loved helping me in the garden – although no one really liked weeding including me.

Gardening can fit beautifully into a homemaker’s routine because it invites us to slow down. Your garden doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to bring you a little bit of happiness.