About Yolanda

Hello there! My name is Yolanda, better known as the Bourgeois Gardener. And although I’ve been gardening for nine years now, I wouldn’t call myself an expert. I can say that over the years, I’ve learned a great deal and continue to learn new and exciting things as they pertain to gardening. 

I started my very first garden in 2017 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Zone 8a. I started with just cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Although I had a large yard, there was no fencing; it was commonplace to have wild animals in the yard, so I started my garden on my back deck. From there, I was hooked. I was amazed at how God could take a small seed and create more than enough food to feed a family. Can you imagine Matthew 17:20 “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” When I think of this context as it pertains to gardening, I get so excited. 

In 2020, during the height of a pandemic, my family and I trekked further south and west to North Texas, Zone 8b, for retirement. Again, I started a small garden with cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Today, I grow everything from various types of tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant, melons, and a whole lot more. Each year, I add more food sources and plants to the garden, while always trying something new.  

The move from NC to TX wasn’t that big a change as far as zones go (I state this because your gardening zone is very important).  The only real difference in my zone change is a slight change in temperature, around five degrees. What I’ve found is that Texas is warmer than North Carolina, even in the fall and winter months. In this journal, I’ve included basic but important terms. I have also included a listing of valuable resources.

I am thrilled to help you orchestrate your gardening year. Please understand, I am no expert, nor am I claiming to be. However, I have been gardening for years and have learned a few lessons along the way. I’ve had many successes and many failures in the garden. I’m happy to share those with you.

Happy gardening!