The-Dirty-Hoe.com

5 things I wish I knew before I started a garden

🌿 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started a Garden
Helpful advice whether you’re starting your very first garden or digging into a fresh one!

Starting a garden is exciting—filled with hopes of fresh tomatoes, colorful blooms, and time spent with your hands in the dirt. But like many new gardeners, I learned a few things the hard way. Whether you’re planting your first seed or starting a new garden space, here are five things I wish I knew at the beginning.

🌱 1. Start Small and Learn as You Grow

When the gardening bug first bites, it’s easy to dream big. I pictured rows of vegetables, lush herbs, and flower beds bursting with color. But the truth is, a smaller, more manageable garden is the best place to start. Focus on just a few plants that are well-suited to your area. It gives you the chance to learn how they grow, what they need, and how to care for them—without feeling overwhelmed. You can always expand later!

☀️ 2. Sunlight Is Everything

Before you plant anything, watch the sun. Sunlight is one of the most important (and often overlooked) elements in gardening. Most vegetables and many flowering plants need at least six hours of full sun daily. Take time to observe how the sun moves across your space during the day. It will help you place your plants where they’ll truly thrive and save you the frustration of wondering why something isn’t growing.

🌿 3. Soil Health Matters More Than You Think

Your soil is the foundation of your garden. I didn’t realize at first how much difference good soil makes. If your soil is too compact, poor in nutrients, or drains poorly, your plants will struggle. Adding compost and organic matter can make a world of difference. You can even get a simple soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels. Healthy soil = healthy plants.

💧 4. Watering Isn’t Just “More is Better”

I used to think watering meant just keeping the soil wet—but I quickly learned that more isn’t always better. Overwatering can drown roots or invite disease, while underwatering stresses the plant. Most plants prefer deep watering less frequently, which encourages stronger root systems. And adding mulch helps lock in moisture and keep your soil cool during hot weather.

🐝 5. Pollinators and Beneficial Bugs Are Your Friends

Not all bugs are bad! In fact, your garden needs pollinators like bees and butterflies to thrive—and beneficial bugs like ladybugs and lacewings help control pests naturally. Avoid harsh chemical sprays and try planting pollinator-friendly flowers like zinnias, lavender, marigolds, or native wildflowers to attract them. A healthy, balanced garden is buzzing with life!

Gardening is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and every season teaches you something new. Start where you are, use what you have, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With a little patience and a lot of curiosity, your garden will grow—and so will you.

🌿 Grow Herbs in Water: 4 Kitchen-Friendly Favorites You Can Snip Anytime!

Dreaming of fresh herbs without the hassle of soil or garden space? Growing herbs in water is a simple and mess-free way to bring greenery into your kitchen. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a cozy countertop, these water-grown herbs are not only pretty—they’re practical! Here’s how to grow and care for four popular herbs in water.

🌱 1. Basil

Why it thrives: Basil is one of the easiest herbs to root and grow in water. Its tender stems love moisture and warmth.

How to grow:

Snip a 4–6 inch cutting just below a leaf node from a healthy basil plant.
Remove the bottom leaves, leaving only the top few.
Place the stem in a glass jar of fresh water. Make sure no leaves are submerged.
Keep it on a warm, sunny windowsill.

Care tips:

Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent cloudiness or bacteria.
Basil prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid chilly windows during the winter.
You can start harvesting once new leaves appear. Snip just above a node to encourage bushier growth.

🌿 2. Mint

Why it thrives: Mint is a hardy, fast-rooting herb that loves growing in water. It has a fresh scent and can be used in everything from teas to desserts.

How to grow:

Take a 4-inch stem cutting, remove lower leaves, and place it in a glass with water.
Mint doesn’t need a ton of light but appreciates a bright spot.

Care tips:

Change the water twice a week.
Trim frequently to prevent legginess and encourage full growth.
It can grow roots within a few days, and you’ll have a constant supply in no time!

🌿 3. Oregano

Why it thrives: Oregano is a flavorful herb that propagates well in water and adds a punch to pizzas and pastas.

How to grow:

Cut a 4–5 inch stem from an established oregano plant.
Remove leaves on the bottom half and place it in water.
Position the container in a bright area.

Care tips:

Refresh the water every 3–4 days.
Oregano loves sunlight—aim for at least 6 hours a day.
Once roots are a few inches long, you can snip leaves for cooking. Just don’t harvest more than a third of the plant at a time.

🌿 4. Thyme

Why it thrives: Though slower to root than basil or mint, thyme is well worth the wait for its earthy aroma and culinary versatility.

How to grow:

Take soft-stem cuttings (not woody ones), around 3–4 inches long.
Strip the lower leaves and place the stem in water.
Use a small container and make sure to give it lots of sunlight.

Care tips:

Be patient—thyme can take a couple of weeks to develop roots.
Change the water regularly and watch for mold near the waterline.
Once rooted, you can snip sprigs for soups, marinades, or roasts.

Final Tips for All Water-Grown Herbs
💧 Use a clear glass container so you can monitor water levels and root health.
☀️ Place near a window with indirect sunlight.
🔄 Refill or change the water regularly—herbs are sensitive to stagnation.
✂️ Harvest a little at a time to keep the plants happy and producing.

Why Grow Herbs in Water?
This method is perfect for small spaces, beginner gardeners, or those looking to reduce mess and maintenance. It’s a wonderful way to add freshness to meals—and life to your kitchen.

Ready to give it a try? Let me know which herb you’re starting with, or tag me in your kitchen garden photos—I’d love to see your windowsill growing wild and wonderful!

🌿 Happy growing!

Blooming Beauties: How to Grow Petunia, Lantana, Trailing Geranium, and Verbena in Hanging Baskets

There’s something magical about a lush hanging basket spilling over with vibrant blooms. Whether you hang them from your porch, pergola, or shepherd’s hook in the garden, they’re instant mood-boosters. Four top choices for show-stopping hanging baskets are petunias, lantana, trailing geraniums, and verbena. Each brings color, texture, and long-lasting flowers—perfect for creating that overflowing, cottage garden charm. Here’s how to keep each one happy and thriving.

🌸 Petunia

Perfect for: All-season color and soft, ruffled blooms.

Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow top inch to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Tips: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep them flowering. For leggy plants in midsummer, give them a light trim to encourage fuller growth. Petunias are heat-tolerant but benefit from some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.

🌼 Lantana

Perfect for: Heat-loving baskets with pollinator appeal.

Light: Full sun (the more sun, the better the blooms)
Water: Let soil dry slightly between waterings; lantana is drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with a low-nitrogen fertilizer keeps them blooming without too much leafy growth.
Tips: Lantana loves the heat and is a magnet for butterflies. No need to deadhead, as new blooms push out old ones. In humid areas, watch for mildew—ensure good airflow around the basket.

🌺 Trailing Geranium (Ivy Geranium)

Perfect for: Elegant trailing vines with bright pops of color.

Light: Full sun to partial shade (prefers cooler temps than zonal geraniums)
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the roots sit in water.
Fertilizer: Use a blooming fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
Tips: These geraniums thrive in cooler climates and don’t like extreme heat. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth, and remove yellowing leaves or faded blooms. They’re a bit fussier than others on this list but worth it for their graceful trailing habit.

💜 Verbena

Perfect for: Low-maintenance color that just won’t quit.

Light: Full sun
Water: Likes consistent moisture, but never soggy. Great drainage is key.
Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks with a water-soluble bloom booster.
Tips: Cut back slightly in mid-season to encourage a fresh flush of blooms. Verbena is a sun-lover that tolerates heat well and doesn’t mind a bit of dryness once established. Excellent for spilling over the edge of baskets.

Final Basket Tips

Choose a coconut fiber or wire basket with good drainage, or drill holes in plastic ones.
Use high-quality potting mix with moisture retention crystals if you live in a hot climate.
Group sun-lovers together and avoid mixing plants with very different water needs.
Rotate your baskets occasionally for even growth if hanging near walls or shaded areas.

With the right care, petunia, lantana, trailing geranium, and verbena can turn your hanging baskets into a floating flower show from spring through fall. Happy planting!

🌸 Mother’s Day Garden Sale – 15% Off Everything! 🌸

Hey garden friends!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the nurturing spirit of moms (and plant lovers of all kinds!) than with a gift that grows? Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a plant-loving friend, or even treating yourself, I’ve got something special blooming just for you!

From now through Mother’s Day, everything in my shop is 15% off — yes, everything! That includes:

🌿 Gardening essentials – thoughtful tools and goodies every gardener will love
🌼 Flower and herb seed packets – perfect for planting a garden full of beauty or flavor
🌱 Cute 3D printed planters – from charming character pots to nature-inspired designs
🪴 Live plants – because who doesn’t love a living gift?

It’s the perfect time to stock up for spring, surprise a plant-loving mom, or start your own garden journey. Every order is packed with care and joy — just like the gardens we grow together.

Browse the shop, grab your favorites, and don’t wait — this Mother’s Day Sale ends soon! May 4th

🌷 [http://www.printhousedesign.com]

Happy planting, and happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and garden mentors out there! 💚

🌿 Pretty but Perilous: 4 Beautiful Indoor Plants That Are Toxic to Pets

If you’re like me, you love filling your home with lush, leafy plants — they brighten up a space and bring a little piece of nature indoors. But if you also share your space with a curious cat, playful pup, or other furry friend, it’s important to be mindful of which plants might pose a danger to them.

Some of the prettiest indoor plants can be surprisingly toxic to pets. Today, I’m sharing four popular plants that look gorgeous in your home but should be kept out of reach if you have animals around.

🌿 1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why We Love It:
With its elegant white blooms and deep green leaves, the Peace Lily is a timeless indoor plant favorite. It thrives in low light and is easy to care for.

Why It’s Toxic:
Peace Lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause drooling, vomiting, mouth irritation, and difficulty swallowing if chewed on by cats or dogs.

Safe Tip:
If you love this plant’s look, consider displaying it in a hanging planter or a room your pets don’t visit.

🌿 2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why We Love It:
Pothos is a hardy, fast-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves that come in green, yellow, or white variegation. It’s one of the easiest houseplants for beginners.

Why It’s Toxic:
Like the Peace Lily, Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and swelling if ingested by pets.

Safe Tip:
Try trailing Pothos high up on shelves or in macrame hangers, well out of paw’s reach.

🌿 3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Why We Love It:
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, adds striking vertical lines and air-purifying benefits to any room. It’s tough as nails and survives on neglect.

Why It’s Toxic:
This plant contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if your pet chews on its stiff leaves.

Safe Tip:
Position your Snake Plant in corners or rooms where your pets can’t nibble, or opt for a pet-safe alternative like a Calathea.

🌿 4. Philodendron

Why We Love It:
Philodendrons are classic, easy-care houseplants with trailing or upright varieties that thrive in a range of light conditions. Their heart-shaped leaves add softness and charm to shelves and plant stands.

Why It’s Toxic:
Philodendrons also contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the mouth, tongue, and throat and cause drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if pets take a bite.

Safe Tip:
Display philodendrons in hanging baskets or high shelves far from curious paws, or swap it for a Peperomia or Prayer Plant for a safer choice.

🌱 Final Thoughts

Plants can uplift a space, but safety comes first when you have furry family members. If you already have one of these toxic beauties, consider moving it to an inaccessible spot or replacing it with pet-friendly plants like the Parlor Palm, Spider Plant, or Air Plants.

It’s always a good idea to double-check plant toxicity on reliable resources like the ASPCA website or consult with your vet.

Have a favorite pet-safe plant you love? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear about it! 🌸🐾