When Samantha Stephenson, inspired author and host of the Mama Grows YouTube channel, planted her first two raised beds, she wasn’t just growing vegetables; she was cultivating peace, beauty, and a deeper friendship with God. Her desire was to develop a nontoxic lifestyle, due in part to a debilitating chronic illness, and before long, her backyard hobby became a way of life, a journey of health, holiness, and renewal for body and soul. 

This is not your average gardening book. Rather, it is a handbook for the heart that reveals the secrets to growing where you’re planted for the nourishment of both soil and soul. Practically, you’ll learn about “Tending the Garden” through planting, pruning, harvesting, and preserving. But spiritually, you’ll learn patience in waiting, generosity in giving, and gratitude for the seasons of life that unfold under God’s tender care. 

Stephenson weaves Scripture, spiritual reflection, and family stories into every chapter, showing how gardening becomes a living parable of grace. Along the way, she offers:

* “A Year in the Garden” checklist for seasonal planning and care
* Step-by-step planting and harvesting guides — even for small spaces
* Simple, organic methods and nontoxic practices for family and soil health
* Time-saving strategies and budget-friendly tips for real-world gardeners
* Garden-to-table recipes the whole family will love

* Creative ways to involve your children and share the joy of growth

 

She also includes a link on how to expand “Little Gardener” tips into a full, hands-on, literature-based elementary science curriculum for homeschooling families. 

Whether you’re tending a few pots on a balcony or dreaming of your own homestead, this book will help you reconnect with creation and with the Creator. It will show you how to place your life in the hands of the Divine Gardener, who prunes, nourishes, and delights in the fruit He grows in you.