Tampa gardener Judy Bao cultivates viral success on TikTok
When Judy Bao turned her Tampa backyard into a TikTok sensation, she never imagined it would lead to nearly 1 million followers.
TAMPA (BLOOM) – It was a warm Wednesday afternoon in Tampa, and I was headed to meet Judy Bao, a woman who brings the term “Green Thumb” to a whole new level to with her amazing TikTok videos. Her backyard is famous for being lush, lively, and so beautifully cultivated that I’m surprised she’s not charging admission. Not only did I get to tour this slice of paradise, but I also went home with more fresh produce than my local grocery store. My girlfriend was thrilled, and so was I—especially after we whipped up a pasta salad and a caprese salad that evening. Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes from Judy’s garden? Yes, please!
As I stepped into Judy’s backyard, it felt like entering a secret garden—minus the talking animals, but with plenty of vibrant plants and charming paved paths that could easily be part of a garden tour. The whole place was a labor of love, and the roof shingles paving the walkways added just the right touch of rustic flair. I spent nearly three hours exploring with Judy and her son, Thong, and honestly, I could’ve spent three more and still not seen everything. They sent me off with a basket of fresh goodies, proving that in Judy’s world, green thumbs and generosity go hand in hand. The more I explored Judy’s garden, the more I understood why her TikTok content has captured so many hearts.
Scroll all the way to the end of this article to see a full gallery of photos from the garden!
A Vibrant Oasis
Judy’s garden is more than just a collection of plants; it’s a meticulously crafted world. As I walked along the paved paths, thoughtfully created with roof shingles, I couldn’t help but marvel at the variety of fruits and vegetables thriving in this vibrant space. There were cherry tomatoes, rose apples, banana peppers, green onions, and even a bell pepper, all ripe for picking. The garden’s rustic charm, with its handcrafted tools and bamboo structures, added to the sense of serenity and creativity.
A Journey Rooted in Tradition
Judy Bao’s journey from nail technician to full-time gardener and social media influencer is as captivating as her garden. Originally from Vietnam, Judy moved to Tampa when she was a teen, bringing with her a deep love for gardening, inspired by her grandmother. What began as a hobby eventually became a way of life, leading Judy to quit her job as a nail technician to focus on her garden full-time.
Her transition into gardening has been a remarkable one, filled with trial and error, as she learned to cultivate her garden using whatever resources she had at hand. She even crafts her own gardening tools from bamboo she grows herself, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.
The TikTok Sensation
Judy’s son, Thong La, played a pivotal role in her journey to social media stardom. He started recording short videos of Judy working in her garden and shared them on TikTok. It didn’t take long for these videos to go viral, attracting nearly a million followers to Judy’s TikTok account. The content is a mix of gardening tips, tutorials, and glimpses into Judy’s daily life, all delivered with warmth and enthusiasm.
As I watched them in action, it was clear why their TikTok channel is so successful. There’s an infectious energy in the way Judy works, and her passion for gardening shines through in every video. It’s no wonder people from around the world are drawn to her content.
A Warm Welcome
The best part of my visit wasn’t just the garden itself—it was the warm welcome I received from Judy and her son. They greeted me with smiles and an enthusiasm that was as infectious as their TikTok videos. You’d think they’d known me for years, the way they eagerly showed me around, pointing out the different plants and sharing anecdotes about their gardening adventures.
Judy is in her fifties, but you wouldn’t guess it from her energy and passion for gardening. She flitted about the garden like a butterfly, plucking cherry tomatoes here and pulling a weed there, all while keeping up a lively conversation. Thong, her son and the mastermind behind their TikTok success, was just as engaging. He had a great sense of humor and was quick to share behind-the-scenes stories about their journey to social media stardom.
As we strolled through the garden, I was struck by how much thought and care had gone into every aspect. Judy explained how she uses roof shingles to pave the paths, giving the garden a rustic charm while keeping everything neat and tidy. She even crafts her own gardening tools from bamboo and other natural materials, which she showed off with pride.
It was like being in a candy store, but instead of sweets, we had an abundance of fresh, healthy veggies. Judy’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself getting excited about every ripe tomato and bell pepper we came across.
Throughout the tour, Judy and Thong shared stories of their gardening journey, from the early days when Judy was learning through trial and error to the moment they realized their TikTok videos were going viral. It was clear that this wasn’t just a garden—it was a sanctuary, a place where they could escape from the world and connect with nature.
A Bright Future
Judy Bao’s success on TikTok isn’t just about beautiful plants and clever gardening hacks; it’s about the heart and soul she pours into everything she does. Her garden is a testament to decades of dedication, creativity, and an unwavering belief that good things grow when you tend to them with care. Whether she’s crafting tools from bamboo or repelling mosquitos with burning branches, Judy’s ingenuity and resourcefulness never cease to amaze.
As I left her garden with a basket full of fresh vegetables, I realized that Judy’s green thumb wasn’t just for gardening—it was for generosity, too. I mean, who else sends a stranger home with enough produce to make a whole pasta salad and a caprese feast? Judy Bao, that’s who.
Her TikTok success has replaced her former income as a nail technician, proving that when you’re passionate about something, people notice. But it’s not just about the numbers for Judy. It’s about the smiles, the shared stories, and the sense of community she’s cultivated, along with her rose apples and cherry tomatoes.
So if you haven’t checked out Judy’s TikTok or Youtube channel yet, now’s the time. You’ll find gardening tips, DIY tricks, and plenty of heartwarming moments. And who knows, you might even catch her teaching Thong a thing or two about gardening. After all, there’s no such thing as too many cooks in Judy’s kitchen—especially if they’re bringing fresh veggies to the table.
In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the digital weeds, Judy’s garden is a refreshing reminder that sometimes the simplest things—like growing your own vegetables and sharing them with others—are what make life truly rich. If you ask me, that’s the kind of viral success we could all use a bit more of.
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