Chicago-based
garden consultant
Homegrown Gardens specializes in turning garden dreams into reality with its unique
design | build | grow
services. We can take any unused space and transform it into a beautiful and sustainable garden oasis full of produce throughout the growing season – even within the size limitations of an urban landscape. From custom design and organic non-GMO seed sprouting, to education and ongoing support, we’re with you from beginning to end and beyond.
My Garden Journey
My love of gardening took root at an early age. As an Iowa farm girl, I learned the value of growing my own food as part of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. My desire to improve the health and well-being of others naturally led me to become a Registered Dietitian and certified yoga instructor.
My passion for garden design began to evolve at my first home outside of Chicago where I converted an unused space into a thriving, edible home garden. I experimented with sprouting various vegetable and herb varieties from seed. I learned how to maximize space using square foot gardening methods and vertical structures. I also studied soil composition and companionship planting to improve plant production.
My second home provided me with the golden opportunity to expand my gardening talents. I found the perfect space — a true diamond in the rough — that would become my next backyard oasis and the launching grounds for Homegrown Gardens. It required a complete overhaul to transform the flooded side lot into an exquisite landscape. With the help of a local contractor, I was able to bring my garden vision to life and continue to optimize my growing practices.
After my third year in business growing thousands of plants out of my garage for clients, it became apparent that it was time to scale up once again. In the fall of 2022 I took the leap and purchased a 2.3 acre property with loads of untapped potential in Winfield, Illinois. It is here where I will spread my wings and tackle my largest transformation yet. I invite you to watch my journey unfold as I rebuild Homegrown Gardens from the ground up.
Throughout the years, I have inspired many to take their first steps into their own garden journey and help manifest their garden dreams into reality. I’m excited to share my passion and homegrown expertise with you, no matter how big or small your space may be. Let’s connect and design the garden of your dreams so you can experience the joy of bringing fresh flavors from your backyard to your kitchen table.
Karen Miller
Owner and Founder of Homegrown Gardens
A love letter to the world
We know that most of the food purchased from grocery stores has been processed, sprayed with chemicals, and is far from fresh by the time it reaches your kitchen table. Part of Homegrown Gardens' mission is to help improve global health by reducing the collective carbon footprint. One way to accomplish this undertaking is to grow and consume your own produce.
Creating a home garden space not only dramatically reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down travel associated with trekking produce across the United States or even from other countries, but it also eliminates the use of plastic packaging and pesticides. Adopting a garden-to-table lifestyle and enjoying delicious chemical-free food directly from your backyard empowers confidence about what's on your plate for you and your loved ones.
Global starts with local.
We look forward to designing and creating a garden that changes your life and our world for the better!
