GROW PEACE BEFORE YOU GROW FOOD

FTF Garden Starter Guide

Inspired by Shontel Plair — Written by FTF Proof (ZN.4 Edition)

I ran into my old manager Shontel — the one who used to keep the Wendy’s line moving like a drumline.

She taught me pressure, timing, and patience.

Now we ain’t talking breakfast rushes no more — we’re talking rebirth.

She told me she wanted to start growing, make her own teas, eat clean.

I smiled and said,

“Then it’s time to plant peace.”

You don’t need acres or farmland to start.

All you need is one pot, one plant, one reason to heal.

That porch can be your temple. That soil can be your therapy.

THE DIRT HEALS DIFFERENT

When you touch the soil, it humbles your spirit.

It slows the noise in your mind.

You can’t rush growth — not roots, not healing, not life.

That’s why gardening hits different for people who been through chaos.

You start to understand that growth ain’t loud.

It’s quiet, disciplined, and daily.

You water your plants like you water your peace — steady, gentle, intentional.

Even if something dies, that’s not failure — that’s feedback.

Every plant that falls teaches you how to protect the next one.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU START SMALL

1. Some plants gon’ die. That’s life. It’s not loss — it’s lesson.

2. You’ll start paying attention again. To sunlight, to air, to your own rhythm.

3. The routine becomes therapy. Early morning water runs or sunset check-ins — that’s your peace practice.

4. You’ll crave clean living. Once you taste your own basil or mint, that junk food don’t hit the same.

FTF GARDEN STARTER KIT

Before you plant peace, stock up like a grow soldier.

You don’t need much — just a few tools, a little patience, and sunlight.

For Planting

• Pots or buckets (2–5 gallons) with drain holes

• Organic potting mix

• Compost or worm castings

• Perlite or coco coir for airflow

• Mulch or straw to hold moisture

For Starting Seeds

• Seed trays or small cups

• Spray bottle for misting

• Clear plastic bag or dome for humidity

• Grow light or sunny window space

For Watering & Care

• Watering can or hose nozzle

• Garden scissors or pruning shears

• Plant labels or popsicle sticks

• Small trowel or spoon for transplanting

Optional but Helpful

• Compost bin or bucket for scraps

• Gloves (or bare hands if that’s your vibe)

• Notebook or FTF journal

• Porch shelf or stand to lift plants toward the sun

STARTER PLANTS — PORCH WARRIORS

Start small and stay consistent. You’re not building a farm — you’re building peace.

Basil – Faith

Grows fast, loves heat, forgives mistakes.

Rosemary – Strength

Drought-proof and reliable year-round.

Peppermint – Clarity

Thrives in partial shade, perfect for tea and calm energy.

Peppers – Passion

Heat-tolerant, long harvest season, full of flavor.

Collards – Heritage

Southern roots that feed generations.

Okra – Patience

Classic crop that thrives in Savannah heat.

SEED VS STORE — THE FAITH TEST

Seeds: cheap, pure, slow, real.

They teach patience — the kind that pays off everywhere else in life.

Store plants: quick start, visible progress.

Good when you need motivation and proof right now.

Start with one of each. That way you train both sides — faith and follow-through.

TEA RITUALS FOR THE MIND, BODY & FLOW

Even before your garden blooms, you can brew your peace daily.

These teas remind you that healing can come in a mug.

Ginger-Lemon Energy Tea

2 cups water, 1 thumb fresh ginger, ½ lemon, 1 tsp honey or agave.

Boil 10 minutes. Drink before sunrise and step into purpose.

Green Calm Tea (Mid-Day Reset)

1 green tea bag, lemon slices, honey optional.

Soothe stress, boost focus, breathe deeper.

Chamomile Comfort Tea (Nighttime Wind-Down)

1 chamomile tea bag, drizzle honey, pinch of cinnamon.

Steep slow. Thank God for another day.

FTF GROWTH CODES

• Water early — don’t drown your roots.

• Rotate pots so every leaf feels the light.

• Speak over your plants — they grow from energy.

• Label each pot — claim your creation.

• Document your growth — every leaf is proof.

FTF PROOF NOTE

Every seed I plant is a prayer. Every sprout is proof I didn’t quit.

Gardening ain’t just about food — it’s about faith, focus, and freedom.”

💡 FTF Reminder:

Peace grows slow, but it does grow.

Start with one pot — and you’ll start seeing God in the details.