Hi, I'm Vera!

Why I started Heirloom Kitchen Gardens

Gardening has always been more than a hobby for me—it’s a connection to something deeper. My love for growing food started in childhood. My family tended to a small backyard garden for a few summers, and as a young adult, I always grew herbs or arugula during my apartment-dwelling years. I remember the joy of picking sun-warmed plums with my mom and eating them over the sink because they were so juicy, or our favorite fresh-picked tomatoes and basil on homemade bread with balsamic and evoo (before it cool). A huge part for me is the satisfaction of eating something we had nurtured, cared for, watered, and tended from seed to sink. How cool is that?!

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As I got older, I noticed many people wanted to grow their own food but felt overwhelmed by where to start. For me, learning about vegetable gardening has always come naturally—everything I read just sticks in my memory effortlessly. I have read dozens and dozens of gardening, flower, herb, nature books, because I can't get enough. It doesn’t feel like work for me; it feels like a calling, a passion, and a clear direction for my life.

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Friends often asked me questions: How do I start a garden? How can I grow vegetables without killing them? How do I make the most of my small space? I saw so many people eager to garden but held back by uncertainty and a lack of confidence. That’s when I knew—I could put my passion to use and help others.

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After years of learning, becoming a Master Gardener, and growing my own gardens, I knew I wanted to help others experience the same joy, confidence, and empowerment that comes with growing food. ​​That’s why I started Heirloom Kitchen Gardens—to guide families, especially those new to gardening, in creating thriving, productive gardens that fit their lifestyles. I believe that a garden is more than just a place to grow vegetables—it’s a place for families to connect, children to learn, and communities to flourish.

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Whether you’re dreaming of fresh herbs on your patio, a raised bed bursting with tomatoes, or a full backyard garden, I’m here to help you turn that dream into reality.

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Growing food should be simple, rewarding, and fun. I’d love to help you get started on your gardening journey!

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What is Heirloom Kitchen Gardens?

Heirloom Kitchen Gardens is here to help you bring your garden dreams to life! I believe that growing your own food should be simple, rewarding, and abundant. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your garden, I'm here to guide you every step of the way—making the process effortless, just kidding gardening isn't effortless but it is enjoyable.

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Why Heirloom Kitchen Gardens?

The word heirloom means "a valuable object passed down through generations." To me, gardening is just that—a skill, a tradition, and a connection to the past that can be shared with future generations. There’s something powerful about planting a tiny seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow into food that nourishes your family. It’s more than gardening; it’s empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a legacy. My hope is to teach you to garden so you can pass this family "heirloom" on to your kids, and grandkids in hopes we never lose this skill.

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A kitchen garden, known as a potager in French or a Kailyaird in Scottish tradition, is a space dedicated to growing edible and medicinal plants. Historically, it has been placed close to the home for easy access to fresh ingredients. I love helping families create their own kitchen gardens—spaces that are not only productive but also beautiful, functional, and fulfill your garden goals and dreams.

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At Heirloom Kitchen Gardens, I’m passionate about helping you grow food in a way that fits your life, whether it's a few raised beds, a backyard oasis, or a patio garden. Let’s create something special together—one seed at a time.

Big Dreams, Big Gardens

At Heirloom Kitchen Gardens, I dream of a world where anyone who wants to grow their own food can—no matter their space, budget, or experience. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a few raised beds, or just a sunny windowsill in an apartment, I believe that growing food should be accessible to everyone.

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I know how overwhelming it can feel to start. Where do I put my garden? How much sun do I need? What should I even plant? That’s where I come in! I walk alongside you, teaching you everything you need to know—soil, sun, water, and what will thrive in your space—so you can grow with confidence.

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Gardening isn’t just about food; it’s about making a difference:

• Less Waste: Growing your own food means fewer plastic-wrapped veggies and less food waste. (Hint: A great place to start is with homegrown salad greens and herbs!)

• Less Stress: There’s something incredible about putting your hands in the soil, watching something grow, and knowing you nurtured it. Gardening connects us to nature, bringing peace and joy into our daily lives.

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Read here about more about the life altering of the benefits of gardening.

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These are just a few reasons why I believe gardening is life-changing. If you're curious about starting your own garden, let’s chat! Send me a  email or DM on IG @IamVeraReinke or @HeirloomKitchenGardens.

I’d love to hear about your dreams and help you make them a reality.