For the past three years, I’ve been on a mission: to grow my own vegetables, fruits, and herbs at home. On paper, it sounded simple — plant, water, harvest. In reality, it’s been a journey filled with trial, error, and more lessons than I could count.

When I first started, I built a raised bed outdoors. I imagined it overflowing with fresh produce. Instead… it became a jungle of weeds. Nothing I planted seemed to thrive, and when the cold weather came, everything died off. To this day, that bed looks more like a mini forest than a vegetable patch.

But I didn’t give up.

Because of allergies, spending long hours outdoors wasn’t a good fit for me. That’s when I discovered hydroponics — growing plants in water instead of soil. I started small, with one system, and quickly fell in love. The idea of watching roots grow and leaves sprout right in my own kitchen fascinated me. It also gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, I could actually grow my own food.

Of course, it hasn’t been perfect. I made mistakes — like cutting away too many leaves and roots from one system, which meant I had to completely restart. But with each setback, I learned. And this year, I can finally say I’m seeing success.

So far, I’ve been able to harvest collard greens, kale, and lettuce — foods I never thought I’d enjoy, but since starting a low-carb lifestyle over a year ago, they’ve become staples. Alongside those, I’m growing medicinal herbs like anise, marjoram, bergamot, and zinnia, which I use in teas, haircare, and beauty products. And I haven’t stopped there — strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon are all part of my indoor and container garden.

Right now, I have three hydroponic systems running, including a brand-new one I started just this past Sunday night (9/28/2025). It’s exciting to see the seeds sprouting and to know that soon I’ll be harvesting even more from my own home.

For me, this journey isn’t just about gardening. It’s about eating what I grow, cutting down on food waste, and making healthier choices that align with my lifestyle. No more buying big bundles of vegetables only to watch them go bad. Instead, I get to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce right when I need it.

It’s taken me three years, but I finally feel like I’ve found a rhythm. And as my plants grow, so does my gratitude. This journey has been about patience, resilience, and learning to celebrate progress, even when it comes one sprout at a time.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a garden but felt discouraged by failed attempts, I hope my story inspires you. It may not work the first time (or even the second or third), but if it’s something you really want, keep trying. Sometimes growth takes longer than we expect. But when it finally comes, it’s worth it.

If you’re curious about starting your own indoor garden, I’ve listed a few beginner-friendly hydroponic systems below that are available on Amazon. These are great options to help you take that first step. (As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.)

Here are some recommendations:

LetPot LPH-Max Hydroponics Growing System Kit, 21 Pods

AeroGarden Harvest Lite, Indoor Garden Hydroponic System with LED Grow Light, Holds up to 6 

Hydroponics Growing System Kit – 12 Pods

“A harvest of abundance begins with a single seed.“