My first attempt last year at growing spring bulbs in a pot failed miserably. I purchased ten tulip bulbs from the hardware store, dutifully followed instructions (or so I thought), and they all withered and died almost as soon as they’d sprouted. What did I do wrong? I had a few theories and tried to…
Category: Care & Advice
Is It Worth It to Grow Food on a Small Scale? An Honest Reflection
The gardening internet is full of encouragement for folks who want to grow their own food. Even as an apartment dweller, I am constantly being urged to grow lettuce in a window box or tomatoes in a bag. In theory, I completely support it. I would opt out of the industrial food system in a heartbeat…
This Year I’m Sowing Flower Seeds
When you’re gardening in a small space, it can be tempting to buy all your colorful annuals at the nursery. After all, you don’t need a huge quantity and the pretty store-bought plants offer instant gratification. I get it! I love shopping for plants and am all for indulging in the occasional nursery splurge if…
How to Turn an Old Firepit into a Sumptuous Summer Planter
Before throwing away any container-like object I always ask myself, “could this be a planter?” At our last house, we inherited a rusty old firepit left behind by previous tenants. It was destined for the trash, but I recognized its potential. In this post, I’ll share some general tips for repurposing any receptacle into a…
Six Satisfying February Gardening Jobs to Chase Away the Winter Blues
Cool temperatures and dark skies got you down? Me too. I know I can’t complain, living in a place with mild winters, but I am a solar-powered, heat-loving person. Once the glow of holiday coziness has worn off, the rest of winter is a slog. The slowly lengthening days and early blooms of February always…