my 12-Step Process of Gardening
Planning
Purchasing
Planning
Just as we prayerfully plan our lives, we design our gardens with vision and purpose. Decide how large/small you want your garden to be ahead of time. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
Price
Purchasing
Planning
Every garden has a cost and an investment of resources, time, and commitment. In the same way, following Christ requires us to count the cost of discipleship. Price out your garden with a reasonable budget. “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
Gathering tools equips us for the work ahead, just as scripture equips us for spiritual battles (2 Peter 1:3). Tools: Rake, shovel, garden fork, gloves, soil, woodchips, raised bed lining, fertilizer, pesticide, hose or watering can, seeds, starter pots, popcicle sticks.
Preparing
Preparing
Preparing
Clearing the soil reflects how God softens our hearts, removing distractions so His Word can take root. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:8)
Planting
Preparing
Preparing
Seeds of faith, like seeds in the ground, begin small but hold the promise of abundance (Matthew 13:31–32). Choose the seeds that you want to plant or the plants that you plan to grow and harvest. Since tomatoes are more finiky plants, new gardeners should purchase the plant instead of growing from seed. Rotate your crops each year.
Pouring
Preparing
Pouring
Water sustains plants, and prayer sustains us. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is our daily nourishment. You must make sure that your plants get adequates sunlight and water. If you water too much you will stunt the growth. If you don't water enough, the plant will die. Moderation is the key.
Positioning
Positioning
Positioning
Plants thrive in sunlight, and we thrive when we position ourselves in God’s presence (John 8:12). Finding the right place in your yard or patio is key to the health of your garden. Certain plants need more sun whereas others need less sun. Make sure you plant them in the right place.
Protecting
Positioning
Positioning
Guarding against pests mirrors guarding our hearts, for “above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). I personally make my own pesticide. Stay tuned for my organic pesticide recipe and tips.
Pruning
Positioning
Pruning
Though pruning feels painful, Jesus teaches that it leads to greater fruitfulness (John 15:2). You have to make sure that you prune your plants. Overgrowth of foliage will snuff out the fruits. Weekly pruning is the key.
Pulling
Preparing Again
Producing
Weeds compete with healthy plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If left unchecked, they choke out growth and diminish the harvest. Spiritually, weeds represent distractions, sins, or worries that entangle our hearts and keep us from flourishing in God’s Word. “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)
Producing
Preparing Again
Producing
The harvest is a celebration of God’s provision. “The one who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Enjoy what you can and give away what you cannot eat. If you plan correctly, you will have a bountiful harvest and much to share with your neighbors and friends.
Preparing Again
Preparing Again
Preparing Again
Removing roots for the next season reminds us that endings are also beginnings, for God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). At the end of your harvest, remove all the weeds, and roots for plants that will not come back the next season. For those that will return, remove any dead or dired stems so that new shoots will grow next year. Allow your soil to rest undesturbed for at least 3 months.
choosing the plants that you want to grow
Herbs (Perennials)
Flowers (Pollinators)
Flowers (Pollinators)
Perennials are plants that will return year after year. The best garden perennials are herbs and teas because they provide ongoing flavor and healing, just as God’s Word is enduring and ever‑present. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Flowers (Pollinators)
Flowers (Pollinators)
Flowers (Pollinators)
Flowers attract pollinators, ensuring fruitfulness in the garden. Spiritually, they represent beauty, joy, and the relationships that help faith flourish. I plant Marigolds and flowers in each of my raised beds to ward away animals and to attract bees. “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not eve
Flowers attract pollinators, ensuring fruitfulness in the garden. Spiritually, they represent beauty, joy, and the relationships that help faith flourish. I plant Marigolds and flowers in each of my raised beds to ward away animals and to attract bees. “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).
Fruit (Annuals)
Flowers (Pollinators)
Fruit (Annuals)
Tomatoes and fruit are not easy plants to grow. You have to have the correct nutrients in your soil or your tomatoes will have rot or won't grow. Too much sun or not enough will also affect their growth. The cycle of planting and harvesting, shows how annuals remind us of seasons of growth and renewal. “Let us not become weary in doing go
Tomatoes and fruit are not easy plants to grow. You have to have the correct nutrients in your soil or your tomatoes will have rot or won't grow. Too much sun or not enough will also affect their growth. The cycle of planting and harvesting, shows how annuals remind us of seasons of growth and renewal. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest” (Galatians 6:9).
choosing your garden style
Potted/Patio Garden
Potted/Patio Garden
Potted/Patio Garden
Grow plants in containers on patios, balconies, or small spaces. Perfect for herbs & flowers.
Pros:
- Flexible to move pots for sun, shade, or protection.
- Ideal for small spaces or renters.
- Easy to experiment with different plants.
- Great for beginners.
Cons:
- Pots dry out quickly and need frequent watering.
- Limited root space can restrict plant size
Grow plants in containers on patios, balconies, or small spaces. Perfect for herbs & flowers.
Pros:
- Flexible to move pots for sun, shade, or protection.
- Ideal for small spaces or renters.
- Easy to experiment with different plants.
- Great for beginners.
Cons:
- Pots dry out quickly and need frequent watering.
- Limited root space can restrict plant size.
- Soil nutrients deplete faster and need replenishing.
Beginner Tip: Choose larger pots with drainage holes. Use high‑quality potting mix, and water consistently; container plants rely entirely on you.
Raised Bed Garden
Potted/Patio Garden
Potted/Patio Garden
Grow in framed boxes filled with soil above ground level. Beds can be wood, stone, or metal.
Pros:
- Better control of soil quality and drainage.
- Easier access with less bending, great for mobility.
- Warms up faster in spring, extending the growing season.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (materials + soil).
- Beds dry out faster and need consistent waterin
Grow in framed boxes filled with soil above ground level. Beds can be wood, stone, or metal.
Pros:
- Better control of soil quality and drainage.
- Easier access with less bending, great for mobility.
- Warms up faster in spring, extending the growing season.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (materials + soil).
- Beds dry out faster and need consistent watering.
- Limited depth for deep‑rooted crops unless built tall.
Beginner Tip: Start with one or two raised beds rather than many. Use a mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter for healthy growth.
In-Ground Garden
Potted/Patio Garden
In-Ground Garden
Grow directly in the soil of your yard. Plants grow in natural earth, often in larger plots.
Pros:
- Cost‑effective (no need for containers or lumber).
- Large growing space for vegetables, flowers, or fruit.
- Soil microbes and ecosystems thrive naturally.
Cons:
- Dependent on your native soil quality (may need amending).
- More vulnerable to weeds and p
Grow directly in the soil of your yard. Plants grow in natural earth, often in larger plots.
Pros:
- Cost‑effective (no need for containers or lumber).
- Large growing space for vegetables, flowers, or fruit.
- Soil microbes and ecosystems thrive naturally.
Cons:
- Dependent on your native soil quality (may need amending).
- More vulnerable to weeds and pests.
- Harder to control drainage in heavy clay or sandy soils.
Beginner Tip: Test your soil before planting. Adding compost or organic matter can dramatically improve fertility and drainage.
Need Help?
Do You Kneed Help?
Gardening doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your skills, I offer personalized garden coaching sessions to guide you through every stage of the growing process. From planning your beds to troubleshooting pests and nurturing healthy soil, you’ll have expert support right by your side.
If you’d rather skip the seed‑starting phase, I also grow organic, ready‑to‑plant seedlings each season. These healthy young plants give you a strong head start in the garden, with two seasonal harvest windows so you can choose the perfect time to plant.
