I never thought a tiny seed could change the direction of my life. For years I lived a life that didn’t connect with nature, except when I needed it. The world of planting, agriculture, or anything that involved digging my hands into the earth was far away from my interests.
I even admired the people who dealt with it, because I considered it as something difficult. That all changed, however, the day an organic seed unexpectedly came into my hands.
It happened quite spontaneously. A close friend gave me cherry tomato seeds as a gift, thinking I might be interested in planting them because I live in a house, and have a large backyard. When I laughed sarcastically and said that I don’t even have flowers because planting plants has never been my interest, she smiled and said “Well maybe it’s time for you to start”.
It was an organic cherry tomato seed, which I like to eat and often buy in stores. I took my present and placed it on a shelf in my kitchen. Soon, I forgot about it because of all the other stuff going on in my life.
And then the day arrived when everything took a turn
Weeks later, on a boring afternoon, I was scrolling through YouTube videos and came across a series of videos of people cooking. One of the chefs particularly caught my eye because he was cutting the herbs for preparation from a pot he planted before and held on the kitchen counter. I was thinking how convenient it would be if I had pots of various herbs like that and when I cook, I just cut the herbs with scissors for my dish.
Then another cooking video appeared where a woman picked vegetables from her garden to prepare delicious food for her family and sale.
While watching the video I remembered the organic tomato seeds I got. Since I had nothing better to do, I started researching on the internet how to plant my cherry tomatoes because I knew nothing about it.
Instructions were so easy that I thought no way it would work out from the first time. All I needed was a pot and some soil from a bag. And that is it! I went to the shop, bought the bag of soil and a pot, came back home, and planted the seed. I don’t know why I thought it was a very complicated process.
This simple action ended up being the start of a journey I never expected to take.
The seed sprouted, and with it, so did my interest. What began as a half-hearted attempt to see if I could indeed grow something transformed into a genuine curiosity about the process. I found myself researching not just the care for this single plant but also the principles behind organic farming, the importance of biodiversity, and soil health.
Each discovery boosted my enthusiasm, leading me to expand my efforts beyond the boundaries of pots. Seeing a plant grow from seed to final product was incredibly fascinating to me. My thoughts were preoccupied with gaining more knowledge related to organic planting. Harvesting became a ritual for me.
There was something beautiful about picking the ripe fruits I planted, knowing they were grown with care and respect for nature. The flavors of my organic produce were unique, making every meal a celebration of my gardening efforts.
My backyard, once a simple lawn slowly turned into a beautiful and quite useful garden. I experimented with various crops, learning from successes and some little failures. This hobby quickly became bigger than I first thought it would, and soon it was not a hobby anymore.
I learned about the importance of crop rotation, natural pest control, and composting. I found great satisfaction in creating a sustainable environment where my plants could develop without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The process of nurturing these plants, from seed to harvest, became a source of daily joy and a meaningful connection to the cycle of life.
Organic agriculture taught me patience, as I learned to work on nature’s schedule, and resilience, as I navigated the challenges of weather and pests.
I moved my work from the office to home and at the same time, I worked on expanding my garden. Over two years, I made an enviable organic production of not only cherry tomatoes but also various vegetables.
I added bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes, and various herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme and cilantro. Each new crop brought its own set of challenges and learnings, but also a sense of achievement and pride.
My garden supported my own needs, and the needs of my family members and friends. But, even beyond that, I had enough to offer my organic products at the local markets on weekends and to earn money from my hobby.
Today, I run a farm that adheres to the principles of organic agriculture, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly practices. I’ve become a part of a community that values the connection to the land and the importance of nurturing it for future generations.
Through organic planting, I got closer to nature and learned all the cycles of a plant and how they interact with the seasons. I realized that in organic agriculture a lot depends on Mother Nature and climatic conditions. And that planting, in addition to skills and love, is also a blessing from God, because all the conditions coincided for me to get the final product.
How I learned the importance of organic seeds
The choice to continue using organic seeds became my gardening philosophy. I learned that these seeds come from plants grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring that the crops I raised would be free from potentially harmful chemicals.
This was important to me, not just for the sake of the plants, but for my health and the well-being of anyone who consumed my harvest. Consuming fresh, chemical-free products from my garden made me feel more healthy and energetic. I noticed an improvement in my well-being and the nutritional value of the food.
But the good things about it went further than just keeping me healthy. Getting into organic gardening showed me how important it is to take care of the environment and use resources wisely.
By avoiding synthetic materials, I was reducing the amount of chemical runoff and pollution that could harm local waterways and wildlife. Organic gardening practices, such as composting and using natural pest control methods, enhanced the biodiversity of my garden, attracting beneficial insects and making a healthier ecosystem.
Organic gardening also contributes to the soil health. I learned about the importance of crop rotation and cover cropping, practices that enrich the soil, prevent erosion, and improve its structure and water retention. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden, and by nurturing the soil, I was ensuring the sustainability of my gardening efforts and contributing positively to the environment.
Final Thoughts
My unexpected journey from a single organic cherry tomato seed to a passionate organic farmer has been a beautiful and joyful learning experience. It has taught me about planting, organic principles, patience, and care.
Growing an organic garden significantly impacts personal health and the environment. It nurtures the earth with care and respect, leading to a more sustainable way of living.
I’ve discovered a deep connection to nature and I started appreciating what Mother Nature gave us. This experience has been a reminder that small, mindful actions can lead to meaningful change, both in our lives and the world around us.
As I continue to maintain my organic farm with gratitude and love, I want to share a message with people who are thinking about starting an organic garden and encourage them to start now because it will be the best decision they have ever made.
Hey there, I’m Marwa Mcintyre. My life’s all about getting hands-on with the earth, championing the cause of growing things the organic way, and sharing what I’ve learned over the years. What is my aim, you ask? To make our planet a bit greener, one garden at a time
