If seed catalogs are piling up and you’re feeling excited but a little overwhelmed, this video is me sitting down with you and sharing exactly what I’m ordering for my Zone 7 garden this year. Before I ever add a single packet to my cart, I walk through how I make my seed list: I focus on what my family actually eats, what grows well in my zone, and what’s truly worth my time and effort. I also keep varieties simple—one or two that work—because I’m a busy mom and I’m not trying to make gardening more complicated than it needs to be. Then I share my beginner-friendly staples: two types of tomatoes (one slicer/sauce type and one cherry), lots of zucchini (because it’s easy and productive), reliable beans for early wins, and leafy greens like spinach, lettuces, and kale. I also talk root crops I love (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes), simple herbs that save money (basil, parsley, cilantro, chives), and flowers that make your garden healthier (marigolds and zinnias). And yes—I tell you what I’m skipping this season (hello, Brussels sprouts) so you can learn faster and garden with less stress.