How gardening transform kids' curiosity & eating habits
Gardening, farming, or growing anything living offers countless benefits—enhancing soil health, improving air quality, and enriching local ecosystems. But one of its most profound impacts? The way it transforms children’s relationship with food, nature, and learning.
As I’ve shared before, I have two boys. Every late winter, I ask them what they’d like to grow for the season. It’s a small but powerful ritual, giving them a sense of ownership, planning, and anticipation. One year, my oldest son chose carrots—a surprising choice because he hated them. We had tried everything to get him to eat carrots—mixed with sugar, syrup, even hidden in other dishes—but he refused every time.
That spring, we planted carrots in tall pots. Part of choosing a crop means taking responsibility for it, so he watered them, checked on their growth, and learned to be patient. As the plants thrived, so did his curiosity. One day, he asked if they were ready. I told him to pull one up, and even though it was small, I assured him it was edible. From that moment on, he would sneak outside, pull up a carrot, and eat it straight from the soil.
What changed? The experience of growing led him to choosing—on his own—to eat something he once refused. There was no pressure, no bargaining. It was fun. It was his.
A similar thing happened with a friend’s child who visited our garden one summer. He spotted a box of turnips and asked what they were. When I told him, he immediately wanted to try one. His mother whispered, “He doesn’t like turnips.” But to her surprise, he pulled up a big turnip, ate the entire thing, and even asked if he could eat the leaves! I told him, "Some people love them, some don’t—you decide." He ate the leaves too, and his mom was astonished.
What happened? He was exploring food in a way that was hands-on, exciting, and natural—without expectations or rules.
When kids are involved in gardening, they’re far more likely to eat what they grow. But it’s about more than just food—it’s about discovery. Gardening teaches children about soil, water, ecosystems, plants, insects, food cycles, seasons, responsibilities and patience. More importantly, it ignites curiosity like nothing else.
In a world dominated by screens, kids need real-world experiences that connect them to nature. They need to see, touch, and care for the living world—to understand their connection to it and the responsibility we all share in nurturing it.
So here’s my advice: plant something together. Take care of it. You’ll be amazed at what your kids—and you—learn along the way.
The Green Thumb Myth: Why Anyone Can Grow
"I don’t have a green thumb like you."
I hear this all the time. But here’s the truth—no one is born knowing how to garden. It’s not a talent; it’s something you learn, just like cooking or playing a sport. If you enjoy something, you naturally spend time learning and practicing it. Gardening is no different.
I remember my first day as a farm apprentice. The air was cool, it was early spring, and the soil felt damp in my hands as my mentor handed me seeds. “Today, we’re planting radishes, turnips, and beans,” he said.
Beans, I knew. Radishes and turnips? Not so much. We don't have cold weather crops in Panama.
But as I pressed each seed into the earth, I realized something—gardening isn’t about being born with a special gift. It’s about curiosity, patience, and practice. Season after season, I kept learning—about vegetables, trees, organic methods, and even creating my own farming systems. I experimented, failed, adapted, and grew.
I advocate to anybody to garden. Why? because gardening isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about engaging all your senses. You can see a perfect apple on a screen, but that’s nothing like stepping outside, feeling the warmth of the sun, seeing the fruit ripen, reaching up to pick it, smelling its sweetness, and finally taking a bite. It’s a simple, yet powerful experience. How about this to know that what you are harvesting or cooking you grew it. That entirely another feeling, a great one!
So, if you think you don’t have a green thumb, try planting something. Nurture it. Watch it grow. You might just discover that you after all have a green thumb!
My secret (not so-secret) To healthy productive fruit trees
There’s a simple yet powerful truth to growing thriving, abundant fruit trees—a principle that has existed for thousands of years, hidden in plain sight. It’s not a complicated formula or a magic fertilizer. In fact, you already know it, yet it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of orchard care.
So, what is it?
Before I reveal this not-so-secret secret, consider this: As humans, we’re experts at taking—harvesting, consuming, and extracting—but when it comes to growing vibrant orchards and lush gardens, we must give back to the source.
The Answer? It’s All About the Soil.
Everything—yes, everything—begins and ends with the soil.
The Problem? Every time we harvest, we take nutrients from the soil, but we rarely replenish them. This eventually became our biggest problem eventually.
Think about the last time you walked through a forest and ran your hands through the soil—it’s rich, dark, and teeming with life. Beneath your feet, fungi, bacteria, critters, and worms are working in perfect harmony, naturally feeding and renewing the land. This is nature’s perfect system of recycling, exchange, and partnership—and it's the ultimate secret to growing healthy, resilient fruit trees.
Think of soil like a master chef
Imagine hiring the best chef in the world to prepare a gourmet meal for your family. When asked for ingredients, you respond:
"I’ve got the best steak money can buy. That should be enough."
Would the chef be able to prepare a balanced, delicious meal with just one ingredient? No.
And yet, that’s exactly what many gardeners do—they take (harvest) but forget to give (replenish the soil). Over time, trees weaken, crops struggle, and pests and diseases become more common.
The soil is trying to tell you something—it needs to be fed.
How to give back to your soil (and your trees will thank you!)
Restoring soil health is simple when you follow nature’s lead. Here’s my go-to system for building a thriving, self-sustaining orchard:
1- Start with Wood Chips & Cardboard
- Layer cardboard at the base of your trees to suppress weeds and build organic matter.
- Add wood chips on top—they retain moisture, feed soil life, and create the perfect foundation for long-term fertility. Repeat every year.
2- Plant Nitrogen Fixers
- Plant companion plants like Comfrey, Borage, Blue Wild Indigo, or anything in the bean family to naturally restore nitrogen to the soil.
3- Use the "Chop & Drop" Method
- Once your comfrey is established, cut it back and let it break down.
- Every time you chop, the roots release nitrogen, and the leaves slowly feed the soil as they decompose.
- For an extra boost, turn the leaves into compost tea and feed your trees naturally.
4- Mimic Nature’s Processes
- Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers (which are bad like fast food for plants), feed the soil with organic inputs.
- Think of it as giving the master chef (your soil) the right ingredients to prepare the best "meal" for your trees.
The results? Slow, steady, and transformational.
Soil health doesn’t change overnight—it builds over time, just as nature intended. But once you start giving back, you’ll notice:
- Healthier, stronger trees with deeper root systems
- Lush, resilient orchards with fewer pests and disease problems
- More pollinators & beneficial insects boosting your ecosystem
- Better-tasting fruit with richer flavors and higher yields
Try it. Trust the process. Watch your trees transform.
Backyard orchards
A legacy of sustainability for future generations
Every year, we lose land and trees to new houses and developments. While housing is essential, it’s disheartening to see the lack of green spaces being created at the same pace. Rather than getting caught up in debates, I prefer to focus on what we can do—on solutions that inspire action and hope.
Planting trees is one of the simplest and most impactful actions we can take. It’s a passion of mine, something I’ve spoken about many times before, because the benefits of trees are endless. As a father of two boys, this passion goes beyond the present—it’s about creating a legacy for them and future generations.
Fruit trees, in particular, are incredibly rewarding. When we plant one, we imagine its future: its size, its shape, and ultimately, the harvest it will yield. But the journey between planting and harvest holds something even more meaningful: memories.
For me, planting fruit trees isn’t just about the physical act; it’s about the connection it fosters. I plant trees that my kids love—Asian pears, figs, blueberries, and goumi, to name a few. One moment stands out in my mind: my oldest son sitting by the front door, book in hand. When I asked what he was holding, he opened his hand to show me goumi berries he’d picked.
That moment wasn’t just a simple memory; it was a glimpse of the legacy I’m leaving for my children. It’s more than memories—it’s better soil, cleaner air, and healthier food. Every tree I plant fills me with hope for something better, something lasting.
Imagine a future where your family enjoys the shade, fruit, and joy of a tree you planted today. Let’s create a greener world for the next generation—a world filled with growth, beauty, and sustainability.
Ask these 5 questions before hiring a landscaper
Ask These 5 Questions Before Hiring a Landscaper to Plant Your Fruit Trees
Planting fruit trees is an investment in your property's beauty, sustainability, and long-term harvests. However, not all landscapers are equipped with the expertise needed to establish a thriving backyard orchard. At Backyard Orchard, we specialize in tailored, sustainable fruit tree care, ensuring that every tree we plant is positioned for success.Planting fruit trees is an investment in your property's beauty, sustainability, and long-term harvests. However, not all landscapers are equipped with the expertise needed to establish a thriving backyard orchard.
Before you hire someone to plant your fruit trees, ask these five crucial questions to ensure you're working with a knowledgeable professional:
1. Do you consider my unique microclimate and soil conditions?
Many landscapers plant trees without fully assessing the environment, leading to poor growth or early decline. At Backyard Orchard, we analyze your specific site, including sun exposure, soil health, drainage, and wind patterns, to ensure that each tree is placed in an optimal location for maximum fruit production.
2. What Rootstocks and varieties do you recommend for my space and goals?
Not all fruit trees are created equal. The right rootstock and variety choice can mean the difference between a manageable, productive tree and one that struggles to thrive. We tailor our recommendations based on your available space, desired harvest size, and maintenance preferences—whether you want compact trees for an urban setting or robust heirloom varieties for a traditional orchard.
3. How will you ensure proper planting and long-term health?
A tree’s success begins with how it’s planted. Many landscapers dig a hole, drop in a tree, and call it a day. At Backyard Orchard, we follow best practices for planting, including proper depth, soil amendments, and root care. Additionally, we educate our clients on watering schedules, training techniques, and seasonal maintenance for long-term success.
4. Do you offer ongoing support and education?
Fruit trees require more than just planting—they need pruning, pest management, and seasonal care to stay productive. We don’t just install trees and walk away; we provide ongoing support, from personalized pruning tutorials to long-term orchard management plans, ensuring you feel confident caring for your trees year after year.
5. How wan we maximize productivity in my space?
Whether you have a small backyard or acres of land, there are strategies to maximize your harvest. From multi-grafted trees to espalier techniques and permaculture-inspired plantings, we design orchard solutions that align with your lifestyle and space constraints. Our expertise ensures that even the smallest yard can produce a diverse, abundant harvest.
Unlike general landscapers, Backyard Orchard offers specialized knowledge in organic fruit tree care, sustainable practices, and site-specific solutions. Our mission is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools to cultivate thriving backyard orchards—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener looking to refine your approach.
Before you hire a landscaper to plant your fruit trees, make sure they can answer these five questions with confidence.
If you’re looking for expert guidance, premium service, and a customized orchard experience, contact us today to start your journey toward a bountiful harvest!