Magic & mystery of growing food from seed to table

There’s something magical about planting a seed and watching it grow. In our backyard vegetable garden, which we have lovingly tended since 2015, we’re not just growing food; we’re nurturing curiosity, responsibility, and a deep connection to the world around us.

Since 2021, we have also been utilizing the Hamilton East Public Library’s Seed Library program to explore new vegetable, herb, and flower varieties.

Photo illustration provided

We encourage our young girls to be brave – brave enough to pick seeds they are curious about and learn how these plants grow – whether underground, in valleys, or on bushes. That small little backyard vegetable bed keeps them busy and engaged, and serves as their outdoor classroom all summer long, helping them stay connected. From sprouting to sharing and storytelling, they experience firsthand the joy of tending to their own little garden beds, taking ownership of watering, observing, and caring for their plants. Through this process, they are learning patience, accountability, and the importance of nurturing life.

The most rewarding part? HARVESTing to sharing their harvest with our neighbors and introducing their new favorite vegetables, and even making new wiggly friends, then adding what they’ve grown to our meals, where they can proudly taste the fruits of their labor. It’s a hands-on STEM learning experience that goes beyond the classroom, teaching them the organic cycle of life – from seeding to blooming to savoring fresh, homegrown produce.

We are incredibly grateful for the Hamilton East Public Library’s Seed Library program, which has made this journey even more enriching. Each year, the Seed Library offers all library patrons the opportunity to select up to 15 seed packets per growing season. It’s a wonderful initiative that encourages sustainable gardening and fosters a love for growing food within the community. The program also welcomes seed donations and community collaborations, making it a fantastic resource for group partnerships focused on environmental learning and sustainability.

Our columnist encourages you to check out the Seed Library at the Hamilton East Public Library. Learn more at hamiltoneastpl.org/seed-library. (Photo provided)

If you’re looking to start your own gardening journey or want to involve your children in a meaningful, hands-on experience, be sure to check out the HEPL event calendar for upcoming gardening workshops. You can also visit the Seed Library page at hamiltoneastpl.org/seed-library for more details. Let’s celebrate the joy of growing together!

Join the conversation and share your gardening adventures with the community by tagging @HamiltonEastPL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #HEPLSeedLibrary and #HEPLGrowers to showcase your progress and inspire others to dig into the joy of gardening and utilize their seed library resources.

By planting seeds today, we’re sowing the future – one sprout, one harvest, and one shared meal at a time.

Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each Saturday in the pages of The Reporter.