My 3-Year Journey to Growing an Indoor Garden (and Why I’m Finally Seeing Success)

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.

Nourish Your Mind and Body: The Link Between Healthy Eating and Mental Wellness

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re interested in trying out the Go Wise air fryer mentioned, you can support this blog by purchasing through the provided Amazon links. Thank you for your support!

In our fast-paced world, it’s more crucial than ever to maintain a balanced diet. Not only does it fuel our bodies, but it also has a profound impact on our mental health. Emerging research consistently shows that what we eat can influence our mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. One way to ensure you’re eating healthily without sacrificing flavor or convenience is by using an air fryer. Specifically, the Go Wise Air Fryer, available on Amazon, is an excellent tool to create delicious, nutritious meals effortlessly. I received mine as a Christmas gift from my daughter and absolutely love it, which is why I highly recommend it. Let’s explore how a healthy diet can keep your mind sharp and how air frying fits seamlessly into this lifestyle.

The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health

A healthy diet rich in nutrients provides the building blocks for a healthy brain. Incorporating a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet can:

  1. Improve Mood: Nutrient-dense foods help regulate mood-related neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds are particularly beneficial for mood stabilization.
  2. Boost Cognitive Function: Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and leafy greens, protect the brain from oxidative stress and support cognitive functions like memory and focus.
  3. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, help increase serotonin levels in the brain, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Why Air Frying is a Healthy Cooking Method

Traditional frying methods can add unnecessary fats and calories to your meals. Air frying, on the other hand, uses hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil, preserving the nutrients while creating a crispy texture. The Go Wise Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to prepare a wide range of healthy dishes quickly and easily. Here are a few benefits of air frying:

  • Reduced Fat Intake: By using up to 80% less oil, air frying significantly lowers the fat content of your meals, making them healthier.
  • Preserved Nutrients: Air frying retains more nutrients compared to other cooking methods that use high temperatures or excessive oil.
  • Convenience and Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, making it easier to prepare healthy meals even with a busy schedule.

Healthy Recipes for Your Go Wise Air Fryer

Here are some delicious, nutrient-packed recipes you can try with your Go Wise Air Fryer, perfect for maintaining a healthy mind and body:

1. Air-Fried Salmon with Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your Go Wise Air Fryer to 375°F.
  2. Toss the asparagus with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Put the salmon fillets and asparagus in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges.

2. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your Go Wise Air Fryer to 400°F.
  2. Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Place the fries in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
  5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

3. Air-Fried Chickpeas

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your Go Wise Air Fryer to 400°F.
  2. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.
  3. Spread the chickpeas in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the chickpeas are crispy.
  5. Enjoy as a healthy snack or salad topping.

Healthy eating is not just about nourishing your body; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mind. By incorporating nutritious foods into your diet and using cooking methods like air frying, you can enjoy delicious meals that support your mental and physical well-being. The Go Wise Air Fryer, available on Amazon, is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making it easy to prepare healthy and tasty dishes. Start exploring the endless possibilities and experience the benefits of a balanced diet and a sharp mind.