As we’ve shared garden goals from Abi and Sarah, a bigger picture has started to emerge. Across our team and our clients, the themes feel both practical and deeply human: starting earlier, planting with more intention, growing vertically instead of fighting nature, and making room for more flowers—whether that’s better-labeled dahlias or blooms woven right into the veggie beds. We’re hearing a shared desire to use what we grow, to learn by doing, to gain confidence and independence, and to let the garden be a place of connection—with partners, kids, and the rhythms of the seasons. It’s a reminder that gardeners are never bored… there’s always something new to try, together.

Whereas some love to follow systems in the garden, I’ve never been a checklist girl. Why do I garden? For the gatherings, the neighbors, the gumbo parties, the BLTs, the pesto weekends when everyone ends up around the kitchen island. My garden isn’t a system to master, but a source of abundance and inspiration that makes it easy to connect over food.

What started as a simple, slightly obsessive goal—harvesting something from my garden every single week—ended up reshaping how I cook, plan, and show up in my garden. I didn’t hit 52 weeks… but I came close, with fresh harvests in 48 weeks of the year. From a single bunch of kale to an absurdly joyful pepper haul, this challenge changed my mindset from “what do I feel like eating?” to “what do I have, and how can I use it?” If you’re motivated by goals, routines, and small wins, this reflection might inspire your next growing season.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early November garden.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your late-October garden.

Breaking down the definition of frost tolerance and discussing which plants will and won't survive when temps go below freezing.

Should you harvest small plants in February? Learn about why day length matters for plant size.

Your shopping list for indoor seeding starting. What you really need and why.

The how and why of “winter sowing” — a cheap and easy way to get a head start on your spring garden.

Plan your garden-inspired Thanksgiving meal…

My journey from avoiding the winter blahs to embracing the winter wonder…

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your mid-October garden.