We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Jarvis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Crystal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

When I launched Lettuce Grow Something in April 2018, I spent a lot of time offering free garden coaching and design consultations. This helped me refine my process for guiding future gardeners and secure reliable vendors for installing raised bed gardens. I was building my brand and sharing success stories on Instagram, which helped potential clients see the transformations I could offer.

My first paying client found me through Instagram, and it was such an exciting moment for my business. They wanted a custom raised bed garden to not only beautify their backyard but also begin their journey toward growing their own food. I designed and installed a space tailored to their needs, and it remains one of my favorite projects. It wasn’t just about creating something visually appealing—it was about empowering someone to start their own garden adventure. That first dollar of revenue represented so much more than just income. It was the start of a fulfilling mission to help others grow food at home.

Crystal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

20 years ago my family bought our first home in Pflugerville, TX and we decided we wanted to grow a garden. Since that first garden 20 years ago, I haven’t stopped growing and learning!

I love teaching others about growing their own food and creating beautiful garden spaces for them to enjoy. It has been one of the most rewarding things about gardening and starting my companyLettuce Grow Something.

Lettuce Grow Something offers comprehensive on-site services focused on creating and maintaining edible gardens. Our services include expert vegetable garden coaching, custom raised bed garden design, construction, and full installation.

We also extend our expertise world wide providing a wealth of garden education via our blog, virtual raised bed garden designs, personalized vegetable garden coaching, and planting plans adaptable to any space.

Our knowledge focuses on creating beautiful and functional raised bed gardens to help our clients not only learn how to grow some of their own food, but to actually enjoy their garden as well. We ensure our clients start off strong by providing guidance on the optimal setup for their vegetable gardens, including recommendations for soil, irrigation, and plant choices tailored to their specific space.

We take great pride in our garden creations and the meaningful relationships we’ve have with our clients. Gardening has a unique way of bringing people together, fostering both learning and growth.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best sources of new clients have been Google Search and Instagram. Both platforms are where my clients turn for gardening inspiration and advice. By optimizing my website for SEO, I’ve made it easy for people searching for garden education and services to find me. I also offer a wealth of free resources on my site to help aspiring gardeners get started.

On Instagram, I share before-and-after photos of garden transformations, along with practical gardening tips, which resonate with both new and experienced gardeners. This combination of search visibility and social media engagement has helped me reach a wider audience and attract clients who are passionate about growing their own food.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Over the past six years of running Lettuce Grow Something, resilience has been essential to pushing through the inevitable challenges that come with the territory. One recurring example is the installation of new garden beds. No matter how carefully we plan, unexpected issues—big or small—can arise during construction. In these moments, I’ve learned that patience and clear communication with my contractors are key to overcoming hurdles. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked with a team of skilled and reliable contractors who help me problem-solve when things don’t go as planned.

There have been times when these challenges have made me question whether I want to continue offering this part of my business. But I always remind myself of the satisfaction that comes when the obstacles are behind us, and we’re standing in a beautifully transformed garden with happy clients. That feeling makes all the hard work and perseverance worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lettucegrowsomething.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettucegrowsomething/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lettucegrowsomething
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lettucegrowsomething/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lettucegrowsomething

Image Credits

Jennifer Nesbit Holt – Photo of Crystal Jarvis
Crystal Jarvis – All garden photos