Ep 122 “Grow Your Own Garden Snack Bar: From Soil to Snack Time!”
04/12/25 • 17 min
Welcome back to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener
In this episode, Esther dives into one of the most fun and delicious gardening ideas yet—creating your very own garden snack bar! Imagine stepping outside and picking juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, crunchy snap peas, or a leafy kale wrap—all ready to eat with zero prep. Whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or just a few containers, you can grow an edible space designed entirely for snacking.
Esther breaks down exactly what a snack garden is, the best crops to grow (think baby carrots, basil, strawberries, and edible flowers!), how to design your layout for easy access (especially for kids!), and the low-maintenance care routine that keeps everything thriving. Plus, she shares creative ways to bring your harvest into the kitchen—from mini raw platters to herb-infused water and even garden “trail mix.”
As always, she weaves in updates from life on the orchard—juggling mushrooms, planning a roadside veggie stall, and finally deciding on the chicken run (which may or may not house just 15 chooks!). It’s a jam-packed episode filled with practical tips, garden inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
🌿 Perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, this episode will leave you hungry—in the best way—for more time in the garden.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
– Snack-worthy crop list
– Garden design tips for small spaces
– Maintenance hacks for a productive harvest
– Garden-to-kitchen snack ideas the whole family will love
– A sneak peek at Esther’s future school kits and hydroponic plans!
🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and start planting your snackable paradise today.
🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams
Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages
The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms
Or Grab
· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters
https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
Freebies: Grab the
"12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden
Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA
Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now
Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.
Welcome back to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener
In this episode, Esther dives into one of the most fun and delicious gardening ideas yet—creating your very own garden snack bar! Imagine stepping outside and picking juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, crunchy snap peas, or a leafy kale wrap—all ready to eat with zero prep. Whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or just a few containers, you can grow an edible space designed entirely for snacking.
Esther breaks down exactly what a snack garden is, the best crops to grow (think baby carrots, basil, strawberries, and edible flowers!), how to design your layout for easy access (especially for kids!), and the low-maintenance care routine that keeps everything thriving. Plus, she shares creative ways to bring your harvest into the kitchen—from mini raw platters to herb-infused water and even garden “trail mix.”
As always, she weaves in updates from life on the orchard—juggling mushrooms, planning a roadside veggie stall, and finally deciding on the chicken run (which may or may not house just 15 chooks!). It’s a jam-packed episode filled with practical tips, garden inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
🌿 Perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, this episode will leave you hungry—in the best way—for more time in the garden.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
– Snack-worthy crop list
– Garden design tips for small spaces
– Maintenance hacks for a productive harvest
– Garden-to-kitchen snack ideas the whole family will love
– A sneak peek at Esther’s future school kits and hydroponic plans!
🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and start planting your snackable paradise today.
🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams
Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages
The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms
Or Grab
· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters
https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
Freebies: Grab the
"12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden
Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA
Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now
Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.
Previous Episode
Ep 121: Stop Wasting Space! Smart Layout Tips for a Thriving Veggie Garden
In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, your host Esther Williams dives into one of the most powerful (but often overlooked) keys to garden success: smart layout planning. Whether you're growing in raised beds, digging straight into the soil, or using pots and containers, how you arrange your veggie garden can make all the difference between a thriving harvest and a frustrating flop.
Esther unpacks six essential elements to help you plan your most functional, productive, and beautiful garden yet:
- Garden Bed Types – Raised beds, in-ground, and containers: what's best for you?
- Spacing & Companion Planting – How to avoid overcrowding and boost plant health with smart pairings.
- Crop Rotation Basics – Simple rotation strategies to keep your soil thriving and disease-free.
- Sun Orientation & Shade Strategy – Where to place tall crops and how to create your own garden microclimate.
- Accessibility & Pathways – Designing with comfort and efficiency in mind, from hose reach to wheelbarrow access.
- Aesthetic & Emotional Flow – Creating a garden that brings you peace, joy, and beauty—every time you step into it.
You’ll also hear a quick update on the mushroom room, homeschooling garden kits in development, and some exciting behind-the-scenes happenings in Esther’s ever-expanding business space.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refine your setup, this episode will help you maximize your space, minimize stress, and fall in love with your garden layout.
🌿 Mentioned in this episode:
- Mushroom Growing Kits for schools & homeschoolers (get in touch if you're keen!)
- Instagram: @themessedupgardener
🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.
🎧 Press play and let’s grow smarter, not harder.
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams
Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages
The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms
Or Grab
· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters
https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
Freebies: Grab the
"12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden
Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA
Garden Goals Planning Worksheet
https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now
Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.
Next Episode
Ep 123: Grow Your Own Smoothie Garden – The Ultimate Guide to Fresh, Homegrown Ingredients
In this energizing Easter episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into one of the tastiest and most rewarding gardening projects you can start—your very own smoothie garden! Whether you're a complete beginner, a smoothie fanatic, or a backyard grower looking to bring more purpose to your edible garden, this episode is your guide to growing delicious, nutritious ingredients right outside your door.
Esther shares why growing your own smoothie ingredients is a total game-changer—not only does it save you money, but it also boosts your health, enhances flavor, reduces waste, and supports self-sufficiency. From strawberries and spinach to basil, beets, and beyond, you’ll get the full rundown on what to plant, how to plan your space (even if it's just a sunny windowsill!), harvesting tips, and how to prep and store your crops for year-round smoothie bliss.
She also shares her favorite garden-to-glass smoothie combos, storage hacks like smoothie cubes and purée packs, and encourages you to embrace gardening as a wellness ritual. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about growing something, learning as you go, and celebrating every tiny harvest win.
So if you’re ready to blend health, flavor, and homegrown magic into your daily routine, grab your gardening gloves and a notebook—you’re going to love this one.
🌿 Mentioned in this episode:
- Smoothie garden crop ideas (fruits, greens, herbs, and more)
- Space-saving growing tips for small areas
- Freezing, drying, and smoothie cube techniques
- Inspirational mindset boost for new gardeners
- Esther’s favourite smoothie recipes using garden-fresh ingredients
💬 Let’s connect! Share your smoothie garden with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener
📚 Want to know more about our garden and mushroom-growing kits for schools and homeschoolers? Reach out—we're working on expanding them now!
Happy Easter and happy growing!
🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams
Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages
The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms
Or Grab
· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters
https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
Freebies: Grab the
"12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden
Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA
Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now
Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.
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