Spring Kitchen Garden Progress and Sunday Morning Coffee

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I can’t believe it’s only been one month since I planted my spring kitchen garden—so much has grown and changed quickly!

From fragile seedlings to vibrant, thriving plants, this experience has been gratifying and delicious. I even have small green tomatoes climbing my trellis’ and new tomato cages.

Raised wooden garden beds with green leafy plants and metal trellises on a sunny day, next to a concrete path.
Season 5 Volume 18

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun. Let’s get started!

Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

About Me

Raised wooden garden beds with green plants and metal trellises, set on a paved path in a lush outdoor garden under clear blue sky.

My Kitchen Garden: Incredible Growth in Just One Month!

One of the standout successes has been my tomato plants. They’ve taken off beautifully, with lush, healthy leaves and strong, sturdy stems.

Two of my plants already have small green tomatoes! I was thrilled to spot these tiny green treasures nestled among the leaves. There’s something so exciting about seeing those first tomatoes—knowing they’ll soon ripen into juicy, flavorful fruits for summer salads, sandwiches, and sauces.

A green tomato growing on a vine supported by a black stake, surrounded by leafy plants and red stems in a garden bed.

Speaking of salads, our lettuce plants have exceeded expectations. They’re lush, leafy, and ready for harvesting. We’ve already started picking fresh lettuce leaves each evening, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as stepping out to the garden, gathering crisp, fresh greens, and enjoying them moments later at the dinner table. The taste difference between store-bought lettuce and homegrown is genuinely remarkable. Knowing that we grew them ourselves, our nightly salads have become even more special.

A wooden garden bed with leafy green vegetables and herbs, including lettuce, rosemary, and tomato plants growing outdoors.

Almost every plant in my garden flourishes beautifully—except, unfortunately, my cilantro. This beloved herb hasn’t fared well, looking sparse and struggling to thrive. Sometimes, gardening reminds us that patience and perseverance are key. But I’m not discouraged; I’ll replant the cilantro this week, ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight, water, and attention. After all, homemade salsa and fresh guacamole demand a plentiful cilantro harvest!

Several small, wilting cilantro plants growing in a garden bed with soil, mulch, fallen leaves, and irrigation tubing visible.

Meanwhile, my beet plants have grown tremendously. They were planted last spring and are still growing. Their leafy green tops are full, rich, and vibrant, and I know beautiful ruby-red roots are waiting to be harvested soon beneath the soil. I’m already dreaming about the fresh beet salad we’ll quickly enjoy, perhaps paired with tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Growing your vegetables truly heightens the anticipation and enjoyment of your meals.

Raised wooden garden beds with lush green leafy plants and red stems, some spilling over the sides onto a paved walkway, surrounded by trees and trellises.

Gardening is not only rewarding but also humbling. Watching seedlings transform into healthy plants reminds me of nature’s magic and the care required to nurture growth. It also teaches patience—a virtue I’m continually practicing. Each plant’s unique growth rate and needs have taught me valuable lessons, whether when to water, how much sunlight is necessary, or when to intervene with extra nutrients.

Reflecting on this first month, I feel immense accomplishment and joy. Seeing my kitchen garden flourish has been a daily delight and a tangible reminder of the power and beauty of nature. It’s incredibly motivating to keep planting, learning, and nurturing this excellent garden space.

I can’t wait to share more updates with you soon. Until then, you’ll find me tending my tomatoes, replanting cilantro, and eagerly awaiting our first beet harvest. Beet salad, here we come!

Close-up of a garden bed with curly kale and tomato plants growing in soil, surrounded by wooden planks and lush green foliage.
Ten packets of Sereniseed organic seeds including cucumber, broccoli, carrot, bean, lettuce, basil, pepper, tomato, snap pea, and zucchini, each with illustrations of the plants.

Sereniseed Certified Organic Vegetable Seeds

Cover of the book "Kitchen Garden Revival" featuring a woman tending to a lush, green garden beside a house—an ideal pick for Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

Kitchen Garden Revival: A modern guide to creating a stylish, small-scale, low-maintenance, edible garde

Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil

A pair of brown gardening gloves, one showing the palm side and the other the back, with adjustable wrist straps and "HANDLANDY GARDENING" printed on the back—perfect for Mother's Day gifts on Amazon.

Women Safety Work Gloves 

A green and tan utility apron with multiple pockets, holding two wooden-handled tools and three pens, displayed against a white background—an ideal pick for Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

unisex adult gardening aprons

Beige woven straw visor hat with a wide brim and an open top, perfect for sun protection. A stylish choice for those seeking thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

Fashionable Womens Wide Brim Hat

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

Black metal garden trellises stand among various green plants and vegetables in a sunny garden with trees and a house in the background.

I was preparing to add my tomato cages to support my growing plants when I discovered my wooden cages had not fared well. Some had broken in half, and the others had rotted at the base. These were made (by me and my boys) nine and five years ago, and it was time to move on.

Raised garden beds with metal trellises, various leafy vegetables, and greenery growing under bright sunlight. Trees and shrubs are visible in the background.

I found these lovely new tomato cages made of metal and plastic. The plastic is the round supports.

These tomato cages match my arch trellis so well! They were easy to assemble and very strong.

Three black metal garden trellises stand upright indoors on a wooden floor, next to white kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Black metal garden trellises stand among various green plants and vegetables in a sunny garden with trees and a house in the background.

I love how great these look in my garden.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Two black metal garden trellises, one supporting a climbing rose plant with pink flowers, the other supporting a tomato plant with red tomatoes.
2Pcs Plant Cages and Supports

GO Steel Garden Arch, 7’8″ High x 4’5″ Wide

 Outdoor Garden Arch 

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A beige cushioned sofa sits next to a rustic wooden trunk coffee table with two metal bottles on top, on a brick floor near a brick fireplace.

You might remember that I pressure-washed our back patio. I also had to get rid of our rug. Believe it or not, something has been shredding it for the last few months. I think it’s either a squirrel or a cat, but it was pretty destroyed.

Outdoor patio with cushioned wooden chairs, a wooden coffee table, and a brick fireplace. The area is covered with a woven rug and surrounded by greenery.

I could do without one, but I quickly realized I needed a rug to make the space cozy. And I love the new rug that I found.

A beige patterned rug with geometric lines lies on a red brick surface. A few small leaves are scattered on the rug and bricks.
A rolled-up rug wrapped in plastic lies on a brick floor near a wooden chair, a chest, and two lanterns in a sunlit room.
A weathered green wooden chest is used as a coffee table on a covered porch with wicker furniture and a brown woven rug.
A neutral-colored woven rug is placed on a tiled patio, with a rattan sofa, wooden coffee table, and potted plants arranged around it—perfect for relaxing after tending your spring kitchen garden.
nuLOOM 10′ x 12′ Outdoor Area Rug
A wicker chair with a patterned cushion sits on a wooden deck beside a beige textured rug, surrounded by potted plants from the spring kitchen garden and a small white side table with drinks.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Outdoor patio with a beige sectional wicker sofa, matching armchair, coffee table, and decorative pillows on a gray rug. Inset shows close-up of wicker weaving detail beside a charming spring kitchen garden.
Grand patio 7-Piece Wicker Patio Furniture Set
This week's to do list.
  • Finish backyard clean up (more pressure washing, yeah!).
  • Measure and order cushions for patio furniture behind the Carriage House.
  • Plan dinner for thirteen golfers I am hosting in a week and a half.
A table setting with a floral lemon-themed placemat, two lit candles in gold holders, a yellow plate with cookies, and white flowers on a white tablecloth.

My girlfriend Janine at Happy Happy Nester made these Easy Corkboard Placemats DIY.

A chart displays nine sage paint color swatches from various brands, each labeled with the color name and brand, under the title "The Best Sage Paint Colors.

My favorite color! The All-Time 10 Best Sage Green Paint Colors.

Modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, beige curtains, a dresser with a white vase, a black accent chair, and natural light from a large window.

Did you know Designers Cringe When They See These 6 Things in a Bedroom? (I am pleased I have none!)

A bowl of white rice served with orange-colored curry and herbs, next to a smaller bowl of plain rice and a fork on a marble surface.

This Butter Chicken is something I can’t wait to try.

Mini phyllo cups filled with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, arranged in rows on a white rectangular platter.

These Greek Salad Phyllo Cups look delicious.

And what a week it was!

  • Two wooden chairs and a bench surround a brick fire pit next to a swimming pool in a sunny, green backyard.
    How to Order Custom Outdoor Cushions
    If you’ve ever tried to replace outdoor cushions, you probably know the struggle. Finding the right size, the perfect color and a fabric that holds up to the elements can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’ve been…
  • Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Mud Pies
    Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Mud Pie Sundaes
    Whenever I am asked what my favorite dessert is, I always answer “mud pie,” which is made with homemade coffee ice cream. Yum. Something about the Oreo cookie crust, coffee ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream gets me every time….
  • 4th of July Flag Ideas
    Last-Minute Ideas for a Meaningful and Happy Memorial Day
    Do you have minimal time to plan for the holiday? Fear not! I am sharing last-minute ideas for a meaningful Memorial Day today. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in…
  • Four men in blue blazers and light pants stand on a golf course, smiling and holding drinks on a sunny day.
    A Golfing Week and Sunday Morning Coffee
    This past weekend was one for the memory books as my husband Dave and our three sons—Andrew, Michael, and Matt—played in the Annual Cravens Golf Tournament at the beautiful San Gabriel Country Club. For our family, this tournament has become a…
  • A bright kitchen with white cabinets, a central wooden island with three wicker chairs, stainless steel appliances, and large windows letting in natural light. Hanging lights illuminate the space.
    Happy Birthday to My White Farmhouse Kitchen
    Twenty-five years ago today, we finished remodeling our white farmhouse kitchen. Don’t you think she looks pretty good after a quarter century? I did some rough calculations and estimated that in the last 25 years, I have cooked dinner in this…
  • Bright, modern living room with a dining area, featuring a wooden table, white chairs, a fireplace, and a large screen displaying art.
    Has the Open Concept Kitchen Plan Gone Out of Style?
    Here we go again. Articles are popping up everywhere claiming that the open-concept kitchen floorplan is on its way out. Is it true? I realize times have changed, and the need for more workspaces in the home has increased. But does…

Farmhouse Chandelier Iron Lantern Pendant

A clear glass teapot with a metal infuser and lid, filled with light-colored tea, perfect for brewing loose leaf or using your favorite tea bags.

Teabloom Heritage Borosilicate Glass Teapot

A rectangular woven straw clutch with a flap closure, featuring a braided texture in a natural beige color.

Straw Clutch Purse

A box labeled "The Secret Garden Organic Tea Collection" with floral illustrations, shown next to eight colorful, individually wrapped tea bags.

Premium Organic Tea Bag 80 Pack Sampler

8 Pack Large Metal Floral Hoop

styrofoam cone

Martha Stewart and José Andrés stand in a kitchen with chefs competing behind them, promoting the NBC reality competition show "Yes, Chef!" airing Mondays at 10/9c.

I know what I’ll be doing Monday nights! So excited to watch Martha’s new show, Yes, Chef!

We are immersed in spring, yet summer is right around the corner! This week, I will start sprinkling some summer ideas on my blog.

  • The Best Summer Salad Recipe
  • Spring Tablescapes: Colorful Settings for Your Next Party
  • Summer DIY Lumbar Pillow
  • Tips to Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer
  • My Favorite Restaurant Copycat Recipe
  • My New Rose Cake
A medium-sized, smooth wooden bowl with natural wood grain patterns, ideal for Mother's Day Gifts. Find this elegant piece on Amazon, sitting beautifully on a white surface.

Acacia 12 x 7 Wave Bowl

Two wooden and clear acrylic grinders, one filled with white peppercorns and the other with pink Himalayan salt—perfect for thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on Amazon.

Premium Acrylic Salt and Pepper Grinder Set

Three wooden spoons with woven handles are displayed next to a fabric pouch featuring spoon illustrations and "SPOONS" printed on it—perfect as thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts available on Amazon.

Creative Co-Op Mango Wood Spoons

We are immersed in spring, yet summer is right around the corner! This week, I will start sprinkling some summer ideas on my blog.

You Might Also Need…

Two stacked ceramic containers labeled "SALT" and "PEPPER," with the salt container on top, partially filled and its lid placed to the side—a charming addition to any kitchen and a thoughtful choice for Mother's Day gifts on Amazon.

Mud Pie Salt & Pepper Cellar, Off-White, 6″ X 3.5″ dia

A white cast iron Staub Dutch oven with a lid and two handles, featuring a metal knob on top—a stylish choice among Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon.

Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven

A beige countertop toaster oven with three control knobs, a glass door, and a diamond-patterned interior. The brand name “Our Place” is visible on the lower front—perfect for Mother’s Day Gifts Amazon shoppers will love.

Our Place Wonder Oven

Three gold-colored metal candlestick holders of varying heights are displayed on a plain white background, making elegant Mother's Day gifts available on Amazon.

Antique Brass Iron Taper Candle Holder – Set of 3

A square, off-white throw pillow with a blue floral embroidered pattern on the front—an elegant choice among Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

Jillien Harbor Throw Pillow

A clear glass jar with a round body and a wooden rattan-style woven cover around the base—perfect for stylish storage or as thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts from Amazon.

Glass Flower Vase with Rattan Cover

A set of four rectangular beige woven placemats stacked neatly on top of each other—perfect for Mother’s Day gifts. Available on Amazon.

Sweet Home Collection 100% Cotton Placemats

A Ninja CRISPi air fryer with cooked chicken wings inside, alongside a glass dish of broccoli and salmon—perfect for easy meals or as one of the best Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

Ninja Crispi Air Fryer

Four textured glass mugs with wooden lids are stacked and displayed, alongside four gold spoons arranged above them on a white background—perfect for stylish Mother's Day gifts on Amazon.

4pcs Set Vintage Coffee Mugs

Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers

This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared a lot of our favorite home items this week and here are the top sellers!

A portable electric pressure washer with hose, spray gun, detergent bottle, and four interchangeable nozzles displayed on a white background.
Electric Pressure Washer
A Hoover upright carpet cleaner with a detachable hose attachment is positioned next to a red cleaning pad on a white background.
Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner
A coiled Pocket Hose Copper Bullet garden hose with a copper nozzle and black spray head, shown alongside its packaging box.
Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Expandable Garden Hose
Six rolls of patterned wallpaper featuring intricate floral and botanical designs in shades of blue, green, beige, and white are arranged side by side.

12 Sheets William Morris Floral Wrapping Paper

A rectangular woven straw clutch with a flap closure, featuring a braided texture in a natural beige color.

Straw Clutch Purse

Three plain, rectangular jute tote bags with white handles, arranged side by side on a white background.

Burlap Totes Bags Bulk

Three rows of artificial burlap roses in varying shades from dark brown to beige, arranged in a grid on a white background.

Natural Burlap Flowers Assorted

Vegetable & Flower Wicker Basket

Six decorative burlap flowers in various shapes and designs, arranged on a white background.

Burlap Flowers 6PCS

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Raised garden beds with lush green herbs and plants growing under metal trellises along a sunny sidewalk; text reads "Spring Kitchen Garden Progress and Sunday Morning Coffee.

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3 Comments

  2. Hi Leslie, your garden looks wonderful! If you want a good crop of cilantro do not plant it in the sun, put it somewhere with a northern aspect.
    Cheers
    Heather

    Reply

  3. Leslie – When I visited Greece, I learned that the leafy tops of beets are really delicious! Try sauteeing them with chopped garlic and olive oil and tell me what you think! Don’t waste that yummy part of the plant.

    Reply

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