There is something intangible yet profoundly life-changing that occurs when we embark on the journey of growing our own food. We can work with our bodies to nourish ourselves and we are invited to learn new things, thereby - growing alongside our plants. 

My life’s path allowed me to foster a philosophical mind through a calling to work with edible plants - more specifically, to encourage others to grow food and understand where food comes from. I would not trade this journey for anything!

Here are five daily affirmations that come from growing your own food.

1.    Optimism – plants are incredibly hopeful beings. With just a few, seemingly simple things like water and sunlight and soil, plants can thrive, season after season. Plants are always growing, always persisting, always producing. They are dependable in that way. Tried and true. We are on the journey with them, to see what they are going to do next. Each day is a new discovery, and that is what keeps us coming back – their simple, hopeful magic. 

2.    Gratitude – this feeling is two-fold; the act of growing food is something you do with your physical body and there is appreciation, strength, and warmth in knowing that you can do the things your plants need you to do (like weeding, turning the soil, watering, etc.). Also, by eating the food you grow, you nourish your physical body. There is so much appreciation of our physical bodies when we keep our hands in the soil.

3.    Resilience – plants are the hardiest, most determined creatures I have ever known! They live and produce in the most uncomfortable and non-ideal locations. I have seen cherry tomatoes magically thrive in cracks of concrete and mint grow between boards of raised beds. In my space at home, I have tulsi basil, green onion and wildflower mix that return year after year. In the part of the yard where the goats live, I have spied rogue tomatoes and the compost pile is full of kale and squash that has re-seeded or persisted even when uprooted.

4.    Forgiveness – growing food is a practice. There is no right way of doing it nor is there a clear choice or decision that always works. It takes time and patience and a desire to learn, and well, grow. We all make mistakes. We all make plans for our growing spaces and watch as nature redirects us. There will always be bugs. There will always be unwanted moisture. Weather is a variable we cannot control. With each new season we are given permission to try something new, to tweak our practice and apply our learnings.

5.    Rhythm – I am a creature of habit. I enjoy routine. Not stagnant routine but meditative routine. Repetition of similar tasks helps to ground me and keep me focused. Watering is a favorite of mine. Something that needs done daily. It has a soothing sound, it brings coolness, refreshment, and life to the plants. There is a style and a method to doing it well. It is also a great opportunity to scout the plants and make sure everyone’s needs are being met. I water in the evenings, after checking the chickens and goats and before I walk the dogs. Simple routine. There is also the rhythm of the seasons. Most vegetables are annual plants, which means they grow for a couple of months and then they reseed, die back, and make room for the next season’s crops. This can be a challenge to overcome for the beginner. After pain-staking dedication to keep one’s plants alive, it is bittersweet to watch them wither but again we are reminded of optimism here, for as soon as death comes, there is an opportunity for newness and rebirth; to continue the growing process.

Try taking these wisdoms out of your growing spaces and into your every day lives. Be optimistic. Express gratitude. Practice resilience. Offer forgiveness. Find rhythm.

Remember, I am here, whenever you want to talk plants!

Erin Hostetler is the owner of The Patio Farmer, which offers consultations, installations, maintenance plans and Plant Club for in-depth gardening know-how. To connect, email [email protected] or @thepatiofarmer on IG and FB. Also, visit ThePatioFarmer.com.

The Patio Farmer - 9042 Mount HollyHuntersville Road, Huntersville, NC

The Patio Farmer provides Consultations, Installation assistance and custom Maintenance Plans to help YOU grow food at home, no matter what kind of space you have! With over 5 years of fa... Read More »