How much time do I want to spend on my garden?

I have to laugh—when we first started on our homesteading journey, my first thought was:

“I just said I want to slow down… and now I’m adding a whole new layer of responsibility to our lives?”

But here’s the thing: when I talk about slow living, I’m not talking about doing less. I’m talking about living with intention. It’s about choosing routines that allow you to disconnect from the cortisol high and instead take time to breathe, feel rooted, and live with purpose.

And that’s why I think it’s so important to ask yourself:

How much time do I realistically want (and have) to spend in my garden?

Because it’s not just planting and harvesting. Gardening includes setup, maintenance, preservation—and maybe even learning some things the hard way. Let’s break this down into four decisions that will shape your time investment.

Decision #1: What Fruits, Vegetables, or Flowers Will I Grow?

Not all crops are created equal when it comes to maintenance.

• Low-maintenance (aka “plant it and forget it”): potatoes, carrots, beets
• Moderate maintenance: strawberries, raspberries (some pruning, easy harvesting)
• High-maintenance: green beans, tomatoes (frequent harvesting, soil management, trellising)

Before you dive in, research each crop’s seasonal needs. If you’re short on time, choose varieties that are forgiving and don’t need constant attention.

Decision #2: How Many Plants Will I Grow?

More plants = more time… usually. But not always.

Some crops are easier to manage in bulk because they help:

• Suppress weeds
• Retain soil moisture
• Make watering more efficient

Do your math, and don’t forget to consider plant spacing and companion planting to reduce your workload and increase your yield.

Decision #3: What Planting Schedule Works for My Lifestyle?

Timing matters.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have seasonal busy periods (like travel-heavy months or kids’ sports seasons)?
• Can I spend 30–45 minutes a day in the garden, or just a few hours each weekend?
• Would I prefer smaller, ongoing harvests—or am I okay with marathon preserving sessions at the end of summer?

By staggering plantings or selecting crops with different maturation dates, you can manage your garden in a way that complements your lifestyle—not complicates it.

Decision #4: Eat Fresh, Preserve, or a Little of Both?

This one often gets overlooked.

• Fresh eating = rinse and serve
• Canning/drying/freezing = hours of prep, cleanup, and storage
• Sauces vs. slicing = even how you process a single crop (like tomatoes) can dramatically change your time commitment

If you’re preserving food, factor in that time just as much as your planting and growing schedules.

Final Thoughts

If you want my honest advice?

It’s not a bad idea to start small when it comes to your garden’s time investment.

Let yourself grow into the rhythm of the seasons. Some years you’ll feel inspired to go big. Other years? A pot of herbs on your porch might be enough. Either way, give yourself the space to build a garden that grows with you—not one that burns you out.

Because the real goal?
To slow down, grow wild, and enjoy the process.