Hi, I’m Jill — the hands, heart, and trowel behind Harvesting Flavor.

My love for gardening began at 15, when I got my first job at a local plant nursery and fell in love with watching something grow from seed to harvest. Over the years, gardening became more than just a hobby — it became a lifeline, a teacher, and a source of healing.

Like many, my journey into plant-based eating began with a turning point: my health. For a short period of time I struggled with hypoglycemia. I’d shake, sweat, and feel my heart race if I didn’t eat every two hours. Because of that, I put on a good 35 pounds, fast. I knew something wasn’t right, but didn’t know where to start. After a lot of research and reflection, I decided to go plant-based — and within just two weeks, my symptoms were gone. The added weight also slipped away, effortlessly. It was a wake-up call. Food wasn’t just fuel; it was medicine.

Then, more recently, came a breast cancer diagnosis — a moment that brought everything into sharper focus. Navigating personal health challenges pushed me to take a closer look at what I was putting on my plate. What started as a way to feel better evolved into a deeper connection with the food I grow, cook, and share.

But here’s the thing — I didn’t grow up plant-based. I’ve had to learn how to make food that’s not just good for you, but good period. Food that even the most loyal carnivores in my life genuinely enjoy. Through trial, error, and a lot of kitchen experiments, I discovered how to coax flavor from simple ingredients — and how to make meals that people look forward to, not just “settle for.”

Harvesting Flavor is the result of all of that: my garden dirt-streaked hands, the lessons learned in my kitchen, and my belief that growing and eating with the seasons doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional.

Whether you’re here to start your first vegetable garden, experiment with kombucha, or learn how to make a plant-based feast that makes everyone at the table happy — I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s grow, cook, and savor — together.

Warmly,
Jill 🌱