The gardening season is officially underway, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to dive into 2025’s gardening journey! There’s something incredibly special about this time of year—the anticipation, the planning, the first signs of life as you start your seeds indoors, and that undeniable excitement of watching things grow. After a bit of reflection and learning from previous seasons, this year I’m keeping it simple with some of my tried-and-true favorites, while adding a few new projects into the mix. Here’s a peek into what’s growing (and sprouting!) in my garden this year.
Fewer Veggies, But Still Plenty of Flavor
As much as I love experimenting with new crops, I’ve decided to keep things focused on just a few vegetables this year. There’s something comforting about sticking to your favorite plants, especially when you know what works well for you. So, in 2025, I’ll be growing bell peppers, tomatoes, and a few herbs, which will always be staples in my garden. They’ve been reliable performers in the past, and I’m excited to see them thrive again this season.
One of my favorite parts of vegetable gardening is the excitement of direct sowing. This year, I’ll be direct sowing carrots and onion bunches. Carrots always feel like a bit of a gamble, but there’s nothing quite like pulling fresh carrots out of the ground and using them in meals. Plus, onions add such a great touch to a variety of dishes, so they’re always worth the effort.
A Flower-Filled Spring
Now, here’s where things get extra exciting—flowers! For the past couple of years, I’ve had a bit of a love affair with marigolds. I’ve started them from seed and planted them around my garden in hopes they’d help deter pests and keep the deer away. In year one, my marigolds were gorgeous, but unfortunately, the deer were *still* munching on my tomatoes, and I found deer tracks all over the garden. I couldn’t quite figure out if the marigolds were the right variety for the task, but they certainly made a beautiful addition to the landscape. The flowers bloomed in bright, fiery hues, and even though the pest control results weren’t exactly as hoped, the marigolds gave me a pop of color in the garden.
Last year, I decided to plant more marigolds in containers around my yard. They grew taller than I expected and bloomed mostly in orange (a little different from what I envisioned), but I couldn’t resist their vibrant presence. This year, I’m taking things a step further by trying something new: **perennials**. I’ve started some perennial flowers to transplant along the edges of my yard. I really hope they establish well and become a long-lasting feature in the garden. Perennials are great because they come back year after year, saving me the effort of replanting, and I’m hoping these new additions will add a nice texture and color contrast to my space.
But that’s not all—I’ve also planted a selection of **annuals** for containers and hanging baskets. Flowers like zinnias, snapdragons, columbines, and cosmos will add some fun variety, and I’m especially excited about the cosmos, which should bring some gorgeous, feathery blooms to my garden. Bachelor buttons will also make an appearance, giving me a bit of nostalgia from past gardens.
Starting Seeds in January—A Little Extra Patience Goes a Long Way
One of the joys of gardening, for me, is the anticipation of watching seeds transform into plants. I started a few different flowers in January, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. Zinnias, snapdragons, columbines, bachelor buttons, and cosmos were all planted early in the year. It’s a bit of a gamble starting them so early, but when they begin to sprout, it feels like such a small victory. And guess what? Some of them have already sprouted! In less than five days, I’m already seeing strong, healthy seedlings pushing through the soil, which is a huge boost to my gardening confidence.
I also decided to test out some older seeds this year. There’s always the possibility they won’t sprout, but I figured it was worth a try, especially when you have a collection of seeds sitting around. The results are still pending, but there’s a certain excitement in trying something new and seeing what happens. Who knows? Some might surprise me and come to life!
Early Spring, and the Garden Calls
With the warmer temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately, the urge to get outside and start working in the garden has been nearly impossible to resist. The soil may not be quite ready for heavy planting yet, but I’ve been preparing my space for what’s to come. The garden is starting to feel like it’s waking up after a long winter slumber, and there’s nothing more invigorating than that first whiff of fresh earth.
The promise of a new gardening season brings so much joy. It’s more than just growing food or flowers—it’s about connection. Connection to nature, to the rhythm of the seasons, and to the satisfaction of nurturing life from the ground up. Whether you’re starting from seed or buying a few plants to add to your garden, there’s magic in the process. Every sprout, every new leaf, and every bloom feels like a small victory.
A Glimpse Ahead
As we settle into this new gardening year, I can’t help but look ahead to what’s to come. There will be plenty of challenges, of course—pests to manage, weather to contend with, and the ever-present question of whether I’ve chosen the right varieties for my space. But one thing is for certain: I’m excited. Whether it’s tending to my tried-and-true vegetables or watching my newly sprouted flowers grow into something beautiful, I know this year’s garden is going to be one to remember.
So, if you’re starting your own garden this year, I encourage you to embrace the journey. Start small or dive in big, but make sure to enjoy the process. And as for me, I’ll be over here, eagerly awaiting my first tomato harvest and crossing my fingers that those marigolds finally live up to their promise of pest control. The adventure is just beginning!
What are you planting this year? I’d love to hear about your gardening plans and any new varieties you’re excited to try!