I like the idea for the garden, the growing crops system would be a little complicated but I'll try to find a way for it!
If there is a way to grow crops maybe you could have a farm or something behind the house! And maybe you could have animals as well to take care of in addition to any crops. Maybe Xora since he comes from a farming village could run it or help you with it? Or a new farmer desire could be really cool XD
Im just remembering from Pokemon how it was possible to collect berries and plant them around to get more of them and thought it would be fun to have something similar XD