Read by Matilda Longbottom

It all began with a small, cracked walnut lying on my kitchen counter—a leftover from Aunt Millie’s baking. As I turned it over in my hand, an idea sparked: Why not grow a walnut tree?

“Do you even know how to grow a walnut tree?” my friend Emma asked skeptically when I shared my plan.

“Not yet,” I replied with a grin. “But I’ll learn.”

Planting the Seed of Curiosity

My research revealed that walnuts prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. After a soil test in my backyard, I found the perfect spot near the edge—sunny, loamy, and full of promise.

But planting a walnut wasn’t as simple as sticking it in the ground. My gardening mentor, Mr. Lee, leaned over the fence one afternoon and explained, “You need to stratify the walnut first—basically, trick it into thinking it’s been through Winter.”

Following his advice, I soaked the walnut overnight, then nestled it in a bag of moist sand in the refrigerator. For three months, I monitored it, making sure the sand stayed slightly damp but never soggy.

The Moment of Planting

When Spring arrived, the conditions were perfect. I prepared the soil with compost, dug a 2-inch-deep hole, and carefully placed the walnut inside, its pointed side down. As I covered it with soil, I whispered a silent wish for its growth.

“How much water does it need?” Emma asked as she watched me water the spot.

“Enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Walnuts don’t like wet roots,” I said. From then on, I checked daily, ensuring the balance was just right.

Patience Takes Root

Weeks turned into months, and I faithfully weeded and nurtured the soil. Emma teased, “It’s just dirt. Are you sure something’s happening?”

“It takes time,” I replied, though I sometimes doubted myself.

Then, one sunny morning, I saw it—a tiny green shoot breaking through the soil. “It’s growing!” I called out, my excitement spilling over.

Emma rushed to see and smiled. “You did it.”

“We’re just getting started,” I said, already envisioning the care this little sprout would need.

Watching It Grow

As the tree grew, I learned the importance of deep watering to encourage strong roots. Mulching helped retain moisture and reduced weeds, and in its early years, I added compost to give it a boost.

By its third year, the tree had grown tall enough to cast a small shadow. I carefully pruned away dead branches, marveling at how each leaf and inch of growth felt like raising a child.

The Fruits of Labor

Nearly a decade passed before the tree bore its first nuts. The green husks fell, and I learned the art of timing their harvest. Prying open the husks was messy, leaving my hands stained for days, but the reward was worth it. The first bite of a homegrown walnut was like tasting the years of care and patience distilled into a single moment of sweetness.

Growing Together

One afternoon, as Emma and I sat under the shade of the now-mature tree, cracking walnuts, she asked, “So, what’s next?”

“Maybe another tree,” I said with a smile.

Growing a walnut tree taught me more than the mechanics of gardening. It taught me patience, perseverance, and the joy of nurturing life. For anyone considering it, my advice is simple: start with a single seed, give it your care, and watch as it grows into something extraordinary—not just a tree, but a testament to your own growth alongside it. ❖

About the Author: Faiza Api is a teacher and a passionate storyteller by heart.