From my father’s garden to my own 

Daryne Bouadi shares how growing up on a family farm in Algeria shaped a lifelong passion for sustainable food and discovers the resources helping people across Bristol and beyond to get growing. Find out how to get involved with the latest Bristol Good Food 2030 campaign.

As a child, I spent countless hours exploring my family’s farm in Algeria, marvelling at the way my father coaxed life from the soil. These early experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the land and a passion for sustainable living. Growing up, I was lucky enough to have a dad who was deeply passionate about agriculture and sustainable living. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of helping him on our farm, learning not just how to grow things, but also how to make the most of what we grew, minimising waste at every turn.

A Masterclass in Zero Waste 

My dad is a true master when it comes to using every part of what he grows. From a single date harvest, he creates an impressive array of products: date juice, jam, chocolate powder, coffee powder, and even snacks. He’s also successfully cultivated olive trees in the southern region of Algeria, keeping our family’s olive oil heritage alive and thriving in a new environment. 

My mum is no different. When she cooks, nothing goes to waste;  she has a talent for taking whatever’s left over and turning it into something new and delicious. Between the two of them, I grew up in a household where throwing food away simply wasn’t an option. Their approach has taught me the importance of reducing waste and making the most of our resources. 

Watching my parents work their magic with plants and food, it’s no surprise that I’ve developed a deep interest in sustainable food networks and initiatives like the Bristol Good Food Bristol 2030 “Grow One Thing This Spring” campaign. This summer, I’m excited to take my own growing journey to the next level by starting a small vegetable garden in my backyard. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I’m prepared to learn from my mistakes and embrace the process of trial and error that comes with any new endeavour. 

Discovering Local and National Resources 

In preparing for my growing project, I’ve discovered a wealth of resources and initiatives, both locally and nationally. Here in Bristol, organisations like Avon Wildlife Trust’s Team Wilder and Edible Bristol are championing sustainable growing and helping people get started, no matter how much space they have. Nationally, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) offers fantastic resources for beginners, including video series, small-space guides, and their ‘Grow With It’ initiative for people with no garden. 

Planting Seeds of Inspiration 

Recently, I attended the regular Plant Love Café organised by The Bristol Rainforest, which was being filmed by Bristol Good Food 2030. Seeing the kids learning to grow plants took me right back to my own childhood, learning at my dad’s side. It was a powerful reminder of how those early experiences shaped my values and inspired me to pursue a more sustainable way of life. I left the event feeling energised and more committed than ever to sharing the joys of growing with others. 

Growing for Good 

As I embark on my own growing journey this summer, I’m not just doing it for myself. I’m doing it because I believe that by growing our own food and being mindful about waste, we can all make a positive impact on our environment and our communities. 

Get Involved, Get Growing… Here’s How You Do It! 

Whether it’s a small herb garden on your windowsill or a full-fledged allotment, every little bit helps. Start small, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice along the way. Consider joining a local community garden or allotment group to connect with other growers and learn from their experiences. By getting involved and getting growing, we can all contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come. 

To get involved in the Grow One Thing This Spring campaign, grow just one thing – be it herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes, or even mustard seeds on your windowsill. Take a photo or short video of what you’re growing or how you’re doing it.  Share it on Instagram, Facebook or Bluesky using #BristolGetGrowing and tag Bristol Good Food 2030. 

At the end of May, we’ll hold a prize draw. One lucky winner will receive a Get Growing prize bundle, packed with good food and growing goodies to inspire your next gardening adventure. Find out more about how to get involved.

To stay updated on future events, job opportunities and news, don’t forget to sign up for the Bristol Good Food Update at bristolgoodfood.org/newsletter.   

Lead image: Redcatch Community Garden photographed at the Get Growing Trail 2025 by Sylvie Dunn.

Daryne Bouadi is an AI and data engineer with a passion for sustainability and the transformative power of growing your own food. She is currently volunteering for Bristol Food Network and contributing to the Good Food Bristol 2030 programme of work.