Bailey Van Tassel Talks About Social Media Fame And Upcoming Book ‘Kitchen Garden Living’

Gardening squad unite!

If you’re all about learning the secrets of growing and harvesting healthy plants as well as how to live an all around more sustainable life, then we happily introduce you to Bailey Van Tassel, a content creator who’s been taking over our for Instagram feed with gardening-related videos (and we aren’t complaining).

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Bailey about her Garden Culture Podcast, celebrity gardens, and more!

When did you first get into gardening and at what moment did you consider sharing your knowledge with the rest of the world via social media?

B: “I started getting into gardening when I had a townhouse in Orange County, CA with zero yard. I was desperate to try my hand at growing vegetables and had just had my first child. It was 2017 and I started sharing immediately on my personal Instagram just as a natural way to share what I was up to. My passion for gardening quickly started attracting followers who weren’t friends or family and I realized that I could be onto something, so pivoted to a more public approach to sharing.”

What has been your reaction to all of the attention you and your content get on social media?

B: “I’m honestly bewildered by it – I’m so “normal” and can’t believe that people want to learn from me. The fact that I’ve been able to build a career off gardening is a dream come true.”

We love it when you review and create designs for celebrity gardens! Any stars you’re planning on covering next (We suggest Jennifer Garner’s farmhouse!)?

B: “Ah, thank you! I’ll cover her next then! I actually know the couple who designed her new home, so I may cheat a bit and get some inside scoop! But, I really want to get my hands on some footage of Jake Gyllenhaal’s garden – he’s an avid gardener! And I would love to design something for Kacey Musgraves – she’s our family’s favorite singer.”

You are almost at 100 episodes for your Garden Culture podcast! If you had to choose, what have been your favorite segments thus far?

B: “I actually love some of the early interviews like one with my friend, Leah from Highgarden Tea. Long-form content is so fun because you get to know people so much better. I also interviewed Ann Malloy from Neptune’s Harvest which is a fertilizer company I love and she gives insane garden tips that I don’t even think she knows are so valuable, all the while telling me about how she’s a diehard Grateful Dead follower – so fun!”

What would be your best piece of advice for someone who is just starting to make a garden at their home?

B: “Invest in making your soil amazing, start with seedlings instead of seeds, and allow yourself to fall in love with each hopeful sprout and bud and harvest.”

Is there any way that college students can still practice garden living in their dorms?

B: “ABSOLUTELY! They sell these great little hydroponic gardens that fit on a tabletop that is perfect for herbs and flowers. Any bit of nurturing will help you gain instincts and confidence.”

We are so excited for your book Kitchen Garden Living to come out! Can you tease what fans can expect from it?

B: “Thank you! The book will teach you how to design, grow, and tend to a garden, all while folding it into your everyday life. It’s meant to inspire you AND teach you.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

B: “The best place to find me is over on Instagram @baileyvantassel or at www.baileyvantassel.com.”

Photo Credit: Kami Arant Photography

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.