Last autumn, I relocated to an apartment in Brooklyn that features a balcony, and I made a commitment to myself to learn gardening. I researched heirloom seeds online and set a manageable goal: to grow and hold a single vegetable that began as a seed.
As spring arrived, I opened the seed packets I had confidently ordered months earlier, and most were surprisingly tiny. Would one additional drop of water be enough to kill this? I pondered. After searching online for “overwatering vs under-watering” and skimming through various gardening tips that quickly escaped my memory, I planted my seeds in starter trays by my living room window. If all went well, they would grow large enough to be outside just as the night temperatures ceased to dip low enough to cause harm.
“I’m not convinced this will work,” I expressed to a friend with a plot in a nearby community garden. “Seeds are meant to grow,” she reassured me. This was very comforting, and indeed, within days, tiny sprouts began to emerge.
From that point on, checking on my seeds became the first task of each morning. If I traveled over the weekend, I dropped my bag as soon as I got home and rushed to them with a watering pitcher. I was seated on my apartment floor repotting when the earthquake struck New York City on April 5th; I had to clean the soil from my hands before grabbing my phone to see what was happening.
However, by mid-April, the situation looked rather grim. My plants had stagnated. They didn’t appear large enough to move outside, yet I followed a planting schedule based on the last frost nonetheless. It was delightful to have a reason to venture outdoors early, and gardening heightened my sensitivity to the weather. Wind had previously been a minor nuisance until it threatened the survival of my fragile-stemmed plants that I desperately wanted to thrive. Temperature wasn’t something I first assessed through my phone’s weather app; I felt it each morning upon opening the balcony door.
One day, while hauling pitcher after pitcher of water from the kitchen sink, I realized that I hadn’t truly spent much time being a novice. It felt rewarding to experience both the challenges and joys of being a beginner. When I planted beans, my ignorance became apparent. I had chosen Hidatsa Shield Beans mainly for their beauty. When it was time to plant them, I felt perplexed: I plant a bean and it… multiplies into multiple beans? Creates a bean bush of some sort? Instead of turning to the internet for immediate answers, I opted to embrace the uncertainty.
As spring shifted to summer, I harvested a few dozen snap peas before the plants succumbed to what I believe was heatstroke. I was on track to produce juicy heirloom tomatoes when they developed some type of brown rot, potentially from over-watering, under-watering, excess fertilizer, insufficient fertilizer, or the pressure of being my top choice plant. The cucumbers, which began robustly, turned bulbous and tasted… unappealing. I may not have become 2024’s version of a young Martha Stewart, pulling vibrant vegetables from dirt-stained jeans and a cream cable-knit sweater, yet I was still enjoying myself.
Despite some hurdles and a very small yield, I achieved my goal and even exceeded it. I delighted in snipping fresh rosemary and chives from their pots. I crafted a few balcony-to-table kale salads. My favorite plant was ground cherries, grown from a seed that first entered North America with a Russian immigrant and has been cherished by generations of women. Once the papery husk is removed, it tastes like sugary cereal from the nineties (in a positive way). Additionally, there were the non-plant benefits, such as observing the bees buzzing around my balcony and engaging in conversations with neighbors about our gardening endeavors.
I recently messaged a friend who has years of gardening experience in California. “The beginner is astonished when a plant grows from a seed; the experienced gardener anticipates it,” I wrote. He responded: “I believe every gardener finds joy in what they cultivate.” It’s reassuring to know that enthusiasm doesn’t wane with greater experience.
This inaugural summer season, I made numerous mistakes, but I didn’t allow that to hinder my enjoyment of the journey. Even with low stakes, every single thing that grew filled me with joy. When something went awry, I either took lessons from it or blamed the heat, which is quite easy in August in Brooklyn. While I still feel a bit disheartened about those tomatoes, overall, the entire gardening experience served as a lovely reminder that you don’t need to excel at something to find pleasure in doing it. I’m already plotting for next year. I now have a new goal: to cultivate at least one sizable, juicy heirloom tomato.
Do you garden? What do you enjoy growing? What advice do you have?
P.S. 14 readers showcase their stunning gardens, including a San Francisco home featuring a beautiful garden.
(Photos by the author.)
**The Advantages and Joys of Adopting a Beginner’s Attitude**
In our rapid-paced, achievement-oriented world, expertise often receives accolades as the supreme goal. We aim to perfect our skills, ascend career ladders, and gather knowledge that distinguishes us as authorities in our domains. But what if, rather than forever pursuing expertise, we appreciated the wonder of being a beginner? What if we allowed ourselves to approach life with curiosity, openness, and a readiness to learn, regardless of how much we believe we already know? This encapsulates the “beginner’s mindset,” a notion rooted in Zen Buddhism, yet applicable to every facet of life.
Essentially, a beginner’s mindset involves viewing the world through fresh perspectives, free from preconceived notions, judgments, or the compulsion to be flawless. It encompasses being receptive to new experiences, ideas, and viewpoints, and discovering joy in the learning process. Here are some of the key benefits and delights of adopting a beginner’s mindset:
### 1. **Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity**
When we embrace a beginner’s mindset, we open ourselves up to curiosity. Rather than presuming we already possess the answers, we inquire, explore possibilities, and entertain fresh ideas. This curiosity can ignite creativity as we begin perceiving things differently and making connections we might have previously overlooked.
Consider a child learning to draw. They don’t dwell on whether their lines are perfect or if their colors appear realistic; they simply enjoy the act of creation. By approaching our own tasks and interests with the same playful curiosity, we unlock new levels of creativity and innovation.
### 2. **Alleviating the Fear of Failure**
One of the significant obstacles to growth is the fear of failure. When we feel compelled to be experts, we may shy away from risks or new experiences out of fear of making errors. However, by adopting a beginner’s mindset, we grant ourselves permission to fail. After all, beginners aren’t expected to get everything right on their first attempt.
This shift in viewpoint can be remarkably freeing. Instead of perceiving failure as something to dread, we can regard it as an indispensable part of the learning journey. Each misstep becomes a stepping stone toward growth, and every challenge an opportunity for improvement.
### 3. **Promoting Personal Development and Learning**
A beginner’s mindset fosters continual learning. When we look at life as if there’s always something new to uncover, we remain receptive to growth. This outlook can be applied across any aspect of life—whether it’s acquiring a new skill, deepening our understanding of a subject, or enriching our relationships.
Conversely, when we convince ourselves we’ve mastered a subject, we can become complacent or resistant to new insights. By staying humble and acknowledging that there’s always more to absorb, we can continually evolve and develop throughout our lives.
### 4. **Enhancing Mental Well-being**
Adopting a beginner’s mindset also positively affects our mental health. When we release the pressure to be perfect or to possess all the answers, we minimize stress and anxiety. Rather than perpetually chasing achievement, we can focus on finding joy in the journey itself.
This perspective also nurtures mindfulness. By being wholly present in the moment and paying attention to our current experiences, we can engage more fully in life. Whether it’s relishing a new dish, enjoying the process of acquiring a new skill, or simply appreciating nature’s beauty, a beginner’s mentality helps us discover happiness in the small moments.
### 5. **Cultivating Resilience**
Life is a series of challenges, and embracing a beginner’s mindset can aid us in navigating them with greater resilience. When we confront difficulties with an open heart and a desire to learn, we are better prepared to adapt and find effective solutions. Instead of feeling defeated when circumstances don’t align with our expectations, we can view obstacles as chances to learn and grow.
This attitude encourages flexibility. When we are not strongly attached to a specific outcome or method, we remain more adaptable and open to change when needed. Such adaptability is particularly beneficial in today’s rapidly evolving world.
### 6. **Enhancing Relationships**
A beginner’s mindset can significantly improve our relationships with others. When we approach conversations and interactions with curiosity and openness, we’re more inclined to listen actively and appreciate diverse viewpoints. Rather than taking for granted what someone might express or feel, we can ask questions and engage in significant dialogue.
This attitude fosters empathy and connection, making us more sensitive to others’ experiences and emotions. By remaining open to learning from those around us, we can cultivate stronger, more genuine relationships.
### 7. **Rekindling the Joy of Learning**
As adults, it’s easy to
