From Garden to Plate: Your Local Guide to Holistic, Whole-Body Nutrition

Grow, harvest, and nourish with intention—explore how a garden-to-plate lifestyle supports holistic nutrition with fresh, seasonal food that nourishes body, mind, and community.

Written by: Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN

Planting seeds of sustainability

Gardening is more than a hobby; it’s a tangible expression of sustainable nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a first-time planter, we’re here to support your garden-to-plate journey with holistic nutrition, nurturing wellness from seed to table through every intentional, nourishing step.

Getting started

I reached out to local grower and garden guru, Farmer Ben Sayler of Pleasant Hill Produce, for beginner-friendly advice. Here’s what you’ll need to get going:

The essentials

• Trowel for digging

• Hoe (or hands!) for weeding

• Harvest clippers and a bin to collect produce

• Refillable water jug and watering can

• Gloves and, optionally, a kneeling mat

First steps in May

• Test and work the soil

• Add compost

• Apply mulch to retain moisture and control weeds

• Let the soil rest before planting

What to plant (and when)

Mid-May is prime time to sow carrots and zucchini, two beginner-friendly crops with a host of health benefits and a short path to harvest (June through October).

• Carrots provide fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene (vitamin A), supporting vision and heart health

• Zucchini delivers vitamin C for immune health, hydration support, and skin resilience

  
  

Both are versatile additions to your summer cooking and perfect examples of how garden-to-table living can taste delicious while nourishing your body.

Check out the Vegetable Planting Calendar for Central Maryland to explore what else you can plant through the season, and remember—follow spacing guidelines to help your crops thrive!

Keeping it green

In keeping with community garden policies, avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, Farmer Ben suggests:

• Using organic pest solutions (like bacterial sprays)

• Covering tender plants with light sheets to deter critters

  
  

For watering, each gardener will bring their supply. A refillable jug paired with a watering can works well. And don’t forget to mulch—it reduces water loss and prevents weeds.

What does sustainable nutrition mean

At Aterra Nutrition, sustainable nutrition goes beyond nutrient labels. It means enjoying food that:

• Feels good in your body

• Brings joy (not stress)

• Can be sustained over a lifetime

  
  

It’s also about broader sustainability: supporting local growers, eating what’s in season, and reducing environmental impact through choices like local food and home gardening. Whether you're harvesting your zucchini or buying bread from a local baker, you’re building a system that honors both health and the planet.

Let's grow together

We’re thrilled to watch your garden grow, and even more excited to help you build confidence in the process. Growing your food deepens your connection to what’s on your plate and reinforces the idea that sustainable nutrition can be a joyful, nourishing experience from garden to table.

Want to learn how to eat your favorite foods without guilt or stress?!

Check out our FREE guide.

CLICK HERE

Disclaimer: While I am a registered dietitian, the information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only and may not be tailored to your specific health needs. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.