In this detailed tutorial, the author guides readers through building and deploying a garden tracking API using Next.js and MongoDB, with deployment on a Kubernetes cluster managed by Rancher. The project is inspired by the author's personal gardening experiences and aims to create a digital solution for tracking plant locations and sowing dates. The process involves setting up a REST API, using Mongoose for MongoDB interactions, and implementing CRUD operations with Next.js Route Handlers. The deployment phase requires containerizing the API with Docker and managing it on Kubernetes via Rancher, utilizing tools like the ngrok Kubernetes Operator for public access. The guide also touches on potential expansions, such as developing a frontend or adding authentication, and encourages engagement through community platforms.