This picture was taken last April.

My neighbors and I had just started gardening, so all of the plants were still very small. I did a lot of research about gardening and used eggshells and coffee grounds to help make healthy soil.

Now look at our garden two months later! The plants have grown so much, haven't they?

As I worked in the garden, I realized that my parents loved gardening too. When I was in elementary school, we had a community garden where we grew vegetables together. Maybe that's why I enjoy taking care of my plants so much. I prune the tomato leaves and support the plants with stakes and ties.

Nature is amazing. The soil, water, and sunshine provide everything the plants need to grow. My mini tomatoes are getting bigger and are now a beautiful fresh green.

Sometimes my neighbors and I chat about our gardens and share what we've learned. I'm so happy that I started gardening.

I've already been using fresh basil and parsley in my lunches, and my calendulas are blooming beautifully. I don't just put the flowers in a vase—I also make calendula tea and am planning to make calendula-infused oil.

Gardening has become one of my favorite hobbies.