Meet Terri Carter | Gardener, Cook, Educator, Seed Saver and Master Gardener

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terri Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terri, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
For me, it has always been—and still is—about being exposed to the beauty of the world around us. As a child, my grandfather, whom I affectionately called Daddy, introduced me to so much that left a lasting impact. It wasn’t about lavish vacations or luxury items, but about finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Long before conversations about saving the planet became widespread, my grandfather was quietly living that truth. He taught me how to fish and clean what we caught, how to camp and cook outdoors. On hot summer days, we’d sit together sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade, watching Braves baseball games—it’s how I came to love the sport.

Those small, meaningful moments shaped me, and I’ve tried to pass them on to my children and their friends. I’ve tried to teach them that true value doesn’t lie in flashy cars or designer labels, but in appreciating the gift of life and making the most of every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always had a deep passion for food and history. Sometimes, I wonder if I spend too much time thinking about the past—but I can’t help it. It fascinates me. I often find myself reflecting on how my ancestors, once brought to America under the harshest of circumstances, had to rebuild their lives from the ground up—including creating an entirely new food culture. I look at how they survived this unfamiliar land, what they cooked, how they adapted, and how those traditions laid the foundation for what we now call Southern and Soul food.

My research has taken me far back—beyond slavery, beyond colonization—to the foodways of the original people of this land, the Native Americans. I’ve studied how they lived, what they ate, and how their food traditions intertwined with those of enslaved Africans. In many cases, Native and African American communities lived alongside one another, sharing knowledge and shaping a shared culinary history. Learning this changed everything for me. The more I discovered, the more deeply I wanted to understand—and to share.

In 2012, I went through a painful divorce that left me in a deep depression. I felt lost. But in that darkness, I turned to prayer. I asked God to help me heal, and I made a promise: if I found peace again, I would devote my life to teaching others about the foods our ancestors once grew, preserved, and cooked to survive. Little by little, my passion grew stronger, and my depression began to lift. Today, I can honestly say—I am healed. I am whole. And I am filled with joy and purpose.

Now, I live to share what I’ve learned. I find happiness in helping others rediscover the foods and stories of our past. And if I could offer just one message, it would be this: happiness is sacred. When you find it, hold it close. Nurture it. Life will have its storms and its sunshine, but it is a precious gift from God. We only get it once—so live it with laughter, love, good food, and good people.

When I was younger, I thought wealth meant money. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to understand that true wealth is a state of mind. Yes, we all need money to live, but happiness? That comes from within. And when you live from that place—of joy, of purpose, of peace—you are already rich beyond measure.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the things I’m most proud of is our natural landscape—especially the beautiful Chattahoochee River and everything it offers. If I had guests in town, I’d take them straight to Cochran Shoals for a peaceful, scenic walk along the riverbank with the dogs in tow. And of course, we’d pack a delicious lunch from Jerusalem Bakery & Grill—because nothing beats good food with a great view!

Next stop? Truist Park! Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good time, The Battery around the stadium is full of energy, great eats, and fun things to do—even if you don’t go inside to watch the game. But if there’s a Braves game happening, you better believe we’d grab some seats and cheer them on!

While I don’t make it downtown as often as I used to, I still love heading to Piedmont Park whenever there’s a free event. There’s something about being in the heart of the city, surrounded by music, laughter, and trees that just feels right. The Dogwood Festival and the Jazz Festival are two of my absolute favorites—so much culture, art, and soul, all for free! To me, Piedmont Park is like our own little Central Park right here in Atlanta.

And if we’re already downtown, we’d make a day of it: a stroll through Centennial Park, a visit to the powerful Civil Rights Museum, and a fun trip through the College Football Hall of Fame. I’m a proud Alabama fan (Roll Tide!), so I always love spotting the Crimson Tide represented there. Whether you’re into football or just along for the ride, it’s a must-see spot for any sports lover.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much of who I am—my values, my way of living, and any success I’ve found—to my grandparents, especially my grandmother, whom I lovingly call Mama. Mrs. Annie B. Carter took me in when I was just two days old and raised me as her own. Later, she and Daddy legally adopted me, but from the very beginning, I was wrapped in the warmth of their love in the small rural town of Fairfax, now known as Valley, Alabama.

Growing up with Mama was a gift. She didn’t just raise me—she taught me how to live with compassion, grace, and care. By her side, I learned practical things like sewing up a torn pair of pants, picking blackberries, and turning them into sweet jam or a homemade pie. I learned how to make jelly from scratch and how to appreciate the rhythm of seasons and traditions.

We took long road trips up North to visit family, and every fall, there was hog-killing day—an event that fed us through the winter. I can still taste the fresh tenderloin Mama would cook that very evening, always with warm biscuits. Those moments were more than just memories—they were lessons in love, resourcefulness, and joy.

I try to carry those traditions forward with my own children, hoping to pass on even a fraction of the love Mama poured into me. Her brave decision to take in an unwanted baby changed the course of my life. Because of her, I not only had a home—I found purpose. Her love gave me the foundation to share my passion for food and its deep roots here in the South. Without her, I truly don’t know where I would be.

Instagram: @Territhefarmer

Facebook: @Terri Y. Carter

Youtube: @TerriCarter2010