Planting Little Seeds of Faith in a New Garden

Watching Faith Take Root in tiny seeds.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Sometimes the most meaningful growth begins in the smallest, quietest ways— unnoticed, unseen, and rooted in faith. We don’t see the big picture, but like little children can’t always see the big picture of what is happening. We as adults can’t always see the big picture that God has for us. I also wonder whether it is harder for adults not to see the big picture and let the seeds grow into what they are supposed to be. We know more than our children, but we still know so little in the great scheme of things.

There’s something both beautiful and bittersweet about watching your children grow older. The days feel long when they’re little, but somehow the years still move faster than you expect. Lately, I’ve found myself noticing a shift—not just in how tall they’re getting or how independent they’re becoming, but in something deeper.

As we move through different seasons of life, I’m beginning to see that the small seeds of faith we started planting years ago are beginning to take root. The next steps will be to continue to nurture those seeds. Starting with the soil, be on the lookout for that next post!

They’re budding.

Living in Nebraska, spring always feels like a fresh invitation to start again. The soil begins to warm, the threat of frost slowly fades (though we all know to be cautious until after Mother’s Day), and gardeners begin planning what to plant and where. We Nebraskan’s know that you don’t want to be fooled by fake (false) spring. You have to be intentional with your planning and preparing for the coming growing season. You don’t just scatter seeds and hope for the best—you think about what grows well together, what supports each other, what brings out the best in the garden.

Faith, I’m realizing, is much the same way.

When we plant vegetables or herbs here, we often pair them with flowers that help them thrive. Marigolds, for example, are a favorite in Nebraska gardens. They’re not just bright and cheerful—they help deter pests and protect nearby plants. We tried this last year and created a perimeter around our tomatoes. It was a fun pop of color to the already colorful garden. We are always learning about what to add to help the garden do better. Over the last few years, it has really become our livelihood. Faith has many components, and seeds can be planted in many ways, such as music, TV shows and movies, reading the Bible, church, Sunday school, and so many other things.

Nasturtiums do something similar, drawing aphids away from more delicate crops. Zinnias and sunflowers invite pollinators, bringing life and movement into the garden while helping everything else grow stronger. Neither of these have we yet added to our garden, but we are learning so much about companion planting. We have nasturtiums bought and ready to be added to the seed starters, but we are still figuring out what other flowers we want to include this coming growing season. Zinnias are still on the list to be bought still.

It’s intentional. It’s thoughtful. It’s nurturing. And it doesn’t produce results overnight.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

It’s not always in big, obvious ways that I see growth in my kids’ faith. Sometimes it shows up in quiet conversations, in the questions they ask, or in the way they respond to a difficult situation. Other times, it’s in the choices they make when no one is prompting them. They’re beginning to share pieces of their own faith journeys—personal, thoughtful, and uniquely theirs.

Of course, they still need guidance. They still look to us for direction, reassurance, and truth. But there’s a gentle shift happening. The constant leading is slowly giving way to walking alongside them. And that change, while a little bittersweet, is also incredibly rewarding.

Fruit of the Spirit Seeds

Last summer, we spent time learning about the fruits of the Spirit—what it means to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. At the time, it felt like we were simply planting seeds—having conversations, sharing examples, hoping something would stick.

Now, I can’t help but see the parallels between those lessons and the way we tend a garden.

Love and kindness feel like the marigolds—quietly protecting and strengthening what’s around them. Patience mirrors the slow, steady work of waiting for something to grow beneath the surface. Joy looks a lot like sunflowers—bright, bold, and impossible to miss. And faithfulness? That’s the daily tending, the watering, the choosing to show up even when growth isn’t visible yet.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

My oldest even revisited these same lessons in Sunday school this past year, and it felt like a quiet confirmation—like God was reinforcing what had already been planted. Just like in a garden, sometimes seeds need more than one season to truly take hold.

“The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground… and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.” — Mark 4:26–27

Seasons of seeds

This season isn’t about having done everything perfectly. It’s about trusting that the small, consistent moments matter. The prayers, the conversations, the examples—none of them are wasted.

Because just like gardening in Nebraska, we can prepare the soil, plant with intention, and surround those seeds with what helps them flourish—but ultimately, the growth is not in our control.

We plant.
We nurture.
We wait.
And we trust God with the rest.

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” — Psalm 126:5

And now, I’m watching.

Watching faith take root.
Watching it grow.
And trusting that it will continue to bloom in ways I may not even see yet.

🌱 Practical Gardening Tips for Nebraska

What is companion planting?
Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit one another. Some flowers repel harmful insects, others attract pollinators, and some even improve soil health. It’s a simple, natural way to create a healthier, more productive garden.

Marigolds with tomatoes or peppers (help deter pests)
Nasturtiums near cucumbers or squash (act as a “trap” plant for aphids)
Zinnias and sunflowers throughout the garden (draw bees and butterflies)

Why start seeds indoors?
Starting seeds inside gives plants a strong, healthy head start—especially in places like Nebraska where the growing season can be shorter and unpredictable. It allows seedlings to develop sturdy roots before facing wind, temperature swings, and pests outdoors. By the time you transplant them after the last frost, they’re already well on their way.

Best watering systems for your garden
Consistent watering is key, but how you water matters just as much as how often.

Drip irrigation systems are one of the best options—they deliver water directly to the roots, reduce waste, and help prevent disease by keeping leaves dry.
Soaker hoses are a simple, budget-friendly alternative that slowly release water along the soil.
Hand watering works well for small gardens and offers a chance to closely observe your plants, but aim to water deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong roots.

General tips: