Welcoming Spring by Tending Our Soul Gardens

The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and there are blooms beginning to sprout all over. Spring is officially here.

Two years ago, I tried my hand at gardening for the first time. I am a definite novice, and, although I would love to have a beautiful self-sustaining garden, I will admit that I do not always prioritize my garden and tend to it with the love and attention needed for it to truly flourish.

Often the soil is old and I know little about the composition of nutrients and ph needed to best grow each plant. I don’t have the space to have the proper sunlight needed for all produce, and yet sometimes I try to grow it anyway because I want that fruit. Occasionally I forget to water my plants, remembering in the middle of the day, yet not wanting to water them then because I know much of the water will go to waste in the heat. And I don’t always notice the signs of disease, pests, or weeds and, even when I do, I am not necessarily informed on how to best protect my garden friends.

“Spring reminds us that there is always growth, new beginnings, and rebirth.”

But, I keep trying. I am also starting to love this season. Before having a garden, spring was simply a sign to me that summer–a season I dread because of the heat and high UV–was on its way. Yet, this year I find myself delighting in each new bloom. The trees that were merely sticks weeks ago are growing leaves and blooming flowers. Our blackberry bush, which was barren a month ago, is showcasing bountiful green leaves. Even the tomato seeds, that I removed from a store bought tomato, are beginning to sprout in the makeshift greenhouse that I created for them out of a plastic strawberry container. It honestly enchants and amazes me.

Spring reminds us that there is always growth, new beginnings, and rebirth. It reminds us that, just like the one random lupine blooming in our garden–the birds in our backyard are notorious for planting various seeds all throughout our yard–incredible beauty can sprout from a single seed.

It encourages me to ask the question, “what seeds do I want to plant in my own life and how can I nurture my own garden?”

Steps to nurturing your soul garden:

Lay the foundation.

Think about the soil you are planting your seeds in. What sort of nutrients do you need? Who and what are you surrounding yourself with? What are the conditions of your garden and what will help your own seeds grow best?

Choose the seeds you want to plant.

What do you want to grow within yourself in this season? Just as each plant has its own season of growth, so too does what we grow in each season of our life vary. What do you want to plant in this season? Maybe you are planting something that grows quickly and you will see the progress in a short amount of time. Maybe you are simply sowing the seeds now, letting them bloom slowly, and trusting that they will flower when ready. Plant what you need, not what grows well in someone else’s garden.

Water your seeds.

Remember that planting the seeds is only the beginning. You must nurture what you have planted and water it so that the seeds can keep growing. Find what fills your soul. What brings you joy? What keeps you going? What people and things pour life into you and support your growth?

Remove weeds.

Notice the plants masquerading as greenery that are causing harm to your garden. What is stealing the nutrients from what you are trying to grow, either intentionally or unintentionally? Are there words, beliefs, or even people that are starving the plants in your garden, robbing them of the light they need to fully form? If so, give yourself permission to remove those weeds, creating space for your garden to thrive.

“Appreciate what you are blooming and who you are becoming.”

Above all, trust that life always finds a way. Not every seed we plant germinates, but there are also plants that pop up where we never expected. The most beautiful flowers can be found anywhere, even breaking through concrete.

And remember, your garden is both beautiful and uniquely yours. Maybe it is wild with vines and wildflowers growing everywhere. Maybe it is perfectly planned in rows contained within planter boxes. Maybe your garden is small, on a tiny windowsill, or maybe it occupies an entire field. Your garden doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and your garden can, and should, change with the seasons. Be gentle with yourself. Appreciate what you are blooming and who you are becoming.

In the comments, share what you are planting in your soul garden (or your actual garden) this season.