Ep 122 “Grow Your Own Garden Snack Bar: From Soil to Snack Time!” Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

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The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 122 “Grow Your Own Garden Snack Bar: From Soil to Snack Time!”

April 13, 2025 • Esther Aitken

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

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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

- https://stan.store/EstherA

- 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.