Rooted in Joy: A Conversation with Bailey Van Tassel on Kitchen Gardening, Homesteading, and Creating a Life Connected to Nature

In a world increasingly driven by speed and convenience, Bailey Van Tassel offers a refreshing perspective rooted in connection—to nature, to family, and to the simple pleasures of life. As an author, gardener, and creator of the Substack newsletter In The Garden, Bailey has inspired countless individuals to embrace kitchen gardening and homestead living in a way that feels accessible and joyful.

With her upcoming book, Kitchen Garden Living, she combines practical guidance with a heartfelt invitation to reimagine our relationship with the land, the seasons, and the food we grow. In this interview, Bailey shares her journey, her insights for beginners, and her vision for cultivating a meaningful, balanced lifestyle.

Nicolle: What inspired you to delve into kitchen gardening and homestead living, and how has it transformed your lifestyle over the years?

Bailey: My upbringing started on a small hobby farm in the redwoods meets vineyards of Northern California, though I completely rejected all outdoor things. When I had my first baby something unlocked in me, and I just had to reconnect with my roots. I started gardening when my first son (I have three kids now) was 8 months old and it transformed my life. It opened my eyes to the therapy that is gardening and the wider lens of how climate, soil, and food impact the world. I’m much more conscious now of how we fit into the ecosystems and how to be a good steward within that. I consider myself “crunchy-ish” as well, having been educated on what we put into and onto our bodies. 

Nicolle: Your upcoming book, Kitchen Garden Living, offers a guide to establishing a kitchen garden. What key advice do you have for beginners who are intimidated by the idea of growing their own food?

Bailey: Start when you’re inspired and use seedlings, not seeds. There is magic in seeing something grow from seed, but if that intimidates you then go get some seedlings from the nursery build a little herb garden, and enjoy caring for it. However you can make it feel playful and indulgent, do that - plant pretty edible flowers and some obscure onion variety if that feels fun - just follow your inspiration. Know that all gardeners fail; the faster you do so, the faster you’ll learn and develop a keener sense of what to do in your space. 

Nicolle: As the author of the Substack, In The Garden, how do you balance promoting traditional homestead values with the modern realities of a fast-paced world?

Bailey: I just write the truth of what I’m doing. A lot of people paint this picturesque and bucolic version of gardening and homesteading - linen dresses and Aga stoves, which for some is their reality. Often I’m running from carpool to the garden to the kitchen to a dinner out with my husband and back again, living a very modern life. However, I root down in the values and the rhythms of living connected to nature, making sure that component of life is baked in first.

The seeds get sown and watered before scrolling on my phone. I invest in tools over handbags, I allow myself the time to enjoy nature before over-committing to something that in my bones is a “no”. I also like to show people that you can bake your own bread and grow your own peas while still enjoying a latte and the convenience of grocery pick-up - it’s not about being pious in our pursuit, but adding it into our lives in a way that enhances our joy. 

Nicolle: With the holiday season approaching, what are your favorite seasonal gardening tips or recipes that families can embrace to create meaningful, wholesome traditions?

Bailey: For gardening, just get out there. Mulch like your life depends on it. Herbs will make everything feel cozy - add them to everything and get creative.  I also like to attach traditions to nature, so consider a fun winter activity like drying oranges for a garland or making some chive salt (I have a recipe for this in my book!) to gift to neighbors. Perhaps press some flowers to make bookmarks out of and really lean into calm activities that dual purpose into gift giving or hosting. 

Nicolle: Homestead influencer culture has been on the rise in recent years. What do you think draws people to this lifestyle, and how does your work aim to reshape their perceptions of what it takes to succeed?

Bailey: I think we deeply crave the slowdown. I also think hustle culture has been debunked and so this feeling of “what now?” arises. My work aims to inspire you in a way that is achievable. It’s all about starting right now with where you are and what you have - not longing for an 80-acre farm and lamenting about not having that, but instead thinking about how you can let a single raised bed dictate the rhythm of your day. You’ll naturally be influenced by that one tiny change and see your life transform. 

Nicolle: Sustainability and family health are central to your philosophy. How do you approach educating your audience about the environmental and health benefits of kitchen gardening?

Bailey: I try to always lean into hope over fear. Fear is so motivating, but on a cellular level is not doing us any favors. Attaching our progress to the benefit of how we’ll feel is more my approach. Helping people easily see things like how peat moss is not a renewable resource, so instead using coconut coir is an example of a simple solution-based piece of info.

I never want to present a problem without a good solution, and in my own home that is an approach we take. If we encounter a challenge but don’t work towards a solution, then often we’re just left with futile complaining. Our bodies are very good at knowing what feels light instead of what feels heavy so recognising that tiny reality is something to become aware of. 

Nicolle: For those looking to gift your book during the holidays, what aspects of Kitchen Garden Living do you think will resonate most with readers, particularly those new to gardening or homestead living?

Bailey: I think people will love how I break down the “how to garden” part of the book and include tips for including children in each chapter. I also think they’ll like the lifestyle approach of using all the skills and your harvest to improve daily life, holidays, and overall celebrations. The garden is nothing without your use of it, and I include so much of that useful element. 

Bailey Van Tassel’s approach to gardening and homesteading serves as a gentle reminder that we can all cultivate a life rooted in intention, no matter where we start. Her upcoming book, Kitchen Garden Living, offers both practical tools and soulful encouragement, making it a perfect gift for aspiring gardeners or anyone seeking to slow down and reconnect. As Bailey so beautifully demonstrates, it’s not about perfection, but about finding joy in the rhythm of nature and allowing it to enrich our lives. Whether you’re planting your first herb garden or simply rethinking your daily habits, Bailey’s wisdom is sure to inspire.

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and a social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.