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Join Me for a Garden Chat – Live on Facebook This Sunday!

I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be going live on Facebook this Sunday at 3 PM Central Time for a fun and interactive garden chat! Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting your gardening journey, this live session will be packed with helpful tips, inspiration, and a chance to connect.

During the Facebook Live, I’ll be sharing:

• Herb Gardening Basics – Easy-to-grow herbs for your kitchen especially pin pointing the herbs from my Culinary Herb Kit that is listed in my Etsy shop. I will share how to sow the seeds and plant care directions for the herbs. Plus I will talk about my course that goes into deeper details about each herb.

Mark your calendar and join me on my Facebook page this Sunday at 3 PM Central – I can’t wait to chat with you all! ( https://www.facebook.com/printhousedersign1.0)

Come See Me in Pecan Gap This Saturday! ( 9am- 4pm )

If you’re local, I’d love to see you in person! This Saturday, I’ll be selling at the Pecan Gap Fire Station alongside other amazing vendors. I’ll have a fresh selection of herbs, air plants, and succulents available – perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your home or gifting to a fellow plant lover.

It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with community spirit and unique finds. Swing by, say hello, and pick up some plants to brighten your space!

I can’t wait to connect with you both online and in person this weekend. See you soon!

Spring DIY: Create Charming Eggshell Succulent Planters

Embracing Succulents for Spring

Spring is all about renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to introduce succulents into your home or garden. Their vibrant greens, purples, and blues bring a refreshing touch to any space. You can create a beautiful spring display by arranging eggshell planters in a nest-like basket, placing them on a sunny windowsill, or using them as a centerpiece for a seasonal table setting. These tiny planters also make delightful Easter decorations or thoughtful gifts for plant lovers!

This DIY project is a perfect way to recycle eggshells and bring a bit of nature indoors. Have fun creating your own mini succulent garden!

he first day of spring is the perfect time to refresh your home with a touch of greenery. Succulents are a fantastic way to bring the fresh, vibrant energy of the season indoors. Their low-maintenance nature and variety of colors make them an excellent choice for springtime décor, and what better way to display them than in charming eggshell planters? Eggshell planters are an eco-friendly and adorable way to showcase tiny succulents while adding a touch of charm to your home or garden. Plus, they make for a fun DIY project that’s easy and rewarding!

What You’ll Need:

Empty eggshells (cleaned and dried)
Small succulents or succulent cuttings
Cactus or succulent soil mix
A small spoon or tweezers
A needle or small nail (for drainage holes, optional)
An egg carton or mini tray for displaying the planters

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Eggshells

Gently crack the top of the eggshells and remove about a third of the shell. Empty the contents (save for cooking!) and carefully rinse the inside. Let the eggshells dry completely before using them as planters.

2. Create Drainage Holes (Optional)

Using a needle or a small nail, carefully poke a few tiny holes in the bottom of the eggshells. This helps prevent excess water from sitting at the bottom, reducing the risk of root rot. If you prefer not to poke holes, be mindful of watering lightly.

3. Add Soil

Spoon a small amount of cactus or succulent soil mix into each eggshell. Fill them about three-quarters full, leaving space for the plant’s roots.

4. Plant Your Succulents

Gently place your tiny succulents or succulent cuttings into the soil. If using cuttings, let them callous over for a day before planting to prevent rot. Use tweezers if needed to position them carefully. Once placed, add a little more soil around the base to secure the plant.

5. Water Lightly

Since eggshells are small and don’t have much drainage, use a small dropper or misting bottle to lightly water your succulents. Be careful not to overwater!

6. Display Your Eggshell Planters

Place your eggshell planters back into an egg carton, a small tray, or a decorative dish. They make a perfect windowsill or tabletop display, and you can even use them as charming party favors or gifts!

Care Tips:

Keep your succulent egg planters in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
Water sparingly, about once every two weeks or when the soil feels completely dry.
If your succulents outgrow their eggshell planters, transplant them into larger pots to continue thriving.

Why Use Eggshells?

Eggshells not only serve as a biodegradable planter but also contain calcium, which can benefit plants as they break down. When you’re ready to repot, simply crush the shell and plant the whole thing in soil!

3 Unique Air Plants and How to Care for Them

Air plants (Tillandsia) are some of the most fascinating houseplants you can grow. Unlike traditional plants, they don’t need soil to thrive—just air, water, and light. With over 600 species, each with its own unique characteristics, choosing the right air plant for your space can be exciting. Today, let’s dive into three standout varieties and how to care for each one.

1. Tillandsia xerographica: The Queen of Air Plants

Description: This stunning air plant is known for its silvery-green, thick, curling leaves that form a beautiful rosette. It’s slow-growing but can reach up to 12 inches in width, making it a statement piece in any collection.

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light or some direct morning sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal.
Water: Soak for 20–30 minutes once every 7–10 days. Shake off excess water to prevent rot. Mist occasionally in dry conditions.
Airflow: Needs good air circulation to dry properly after watering.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures (50–90°F) and thrives in humidity.

2. Tillandsia ionantha: The Blushing Beauty

Description: One of the most popular air plants, Tillandsia ionantha is small but mighty. It starts off green but blushes red or pink when about to bloom, producing a vibrant purple flower.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can handle some direct sun.
Water: Soak in water for 15–20 minutes once or twice a week, depending on humidity. Shake dry thoroughly.
Airflow: Needs good air movement—avoid placing it in enclosed containers without ventilation.
Temperature: Loves warm temperatures but can tolerate slight fluctuations.

3. Tillandsia bulbosa: The Alien-Looking Wonder

Description: With its wavy, tentacle-like leaves, Tillandsia bulbosa looks like something from another world. It’s unique in that it often forms a symbiotic relationship with small organisms like bacteria that help it absorb nutrients.

Care Tips:

Light: Medium to bright indirect light is best.
Water: Mist 3–4 times a week or soak for 15 minutes once a week. It holds water in its bulbous base, so make sure to shake out any trapped moisture.
Airflow: Needs excellent airflow to prevent rot inside its base.
Temperature: Enjoys warmth and humidity but should never sit in standing water.

Final Thoughts

Air plants are easy to care for, but each variety has its preferences. The key to keeping them healthy is providing the right balance of light, water, and airflow. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic xerographica, the colorful ionantha, or the unusual bulbosa, there’s an air plant for every plant lover.

Which air plant is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

6 Perfect Herb Pairings to Grow Together in a Large Container

Growing herbs in containers is a great way to enjoy fresh flavors right at your doorstep. But did you know some herbs grow even better when paired together? Certain herbs have complementary growth habits, water needs, and pest-repelling properties, making them perfect container companions. Here are six herb pairings to try, along with tips on how to plant and care for them.

1. Basil & Parsley

Why They Work Together:

Basil and parsley both love moist soil and full sun. While basil enjoys warm weather, parsley is a bit more tolerant of cooler temperatures, making this a great pairing for most seasons.

How to Plant:

Choose a large container (at least 12 inches wide and deep) with drainage holes.
Fill with well-draining potting mix enriched with compost.
Plant basil on one side and parsley on the other, leaving about 6-8 inches between them.
Water well after planting.

Care Tips:

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Place in full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Pinch basil leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.
Harvest parsley stems from the outer edges to promote continuous growth.

2. Rosemary & Thyme

Why They Work Together:

Both rosemary and thyme thrive in drier conditions and prefer well-draining soil, making them ideal for growing together.

How to Plant:

Use a terra cotta pot or another container that allows for good drainage.
Fill with sandy, well-draining soil (mix potting soil with sand or perlite).
Plant rosemary toward the center and thyme near the edge, as thyme tends to spill over.

Care Tips:

Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Place in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight).
Trim rosemary lightly to maintain shape and harvest thyme regularly to prevent it from becoming woody.

3. Mint & Chives

Why They Work Together:

Mint and chives both thrive in moist soil and can handle partial sun, making them a great pair for a shadier patio or balcony.

How to Plant:

Use a deep container (at least 12 inches deep) to control mint’s spreading roots.
Fill with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Plant mint on one side and chives on the other, leaving space for both to spread.

Care Tips:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Place in partial to full sun (4-6 hours of sunlight).
Trim mint frequently to prevent it from taking over the container.
Harvest chives by cutting at the base to encourage new growth.

Final Thoughts

Pairing herbs in containers not only saves space but also creates a natural balance that promotes healthy growth. Whether you have a sunny patio or a shaded balcony, there’s an herb pairing that can thrive in your space. Try these combinations and enjoy a fresh supply of herbs all season long!

What are your favorite herb pairings? Share your experiences in the comments!

How to Grow and Harvest Dill: A Gardener’s Guide

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an aromatic herb known for its feathery foliage and distinct flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to herb gardens, perfect for seasoning dishes, pickling, and even attracting beneficial insects to your garden. If you’re ready to grow dill from seed and learn how to care for it, keep reading!

Growing Dill from Seed

Dill is best grown directly from seed, as it has a delicate taproot that doesn’t transplant well. Here’s how to start your dill successfully:

Choose the Right Location – Dill thrives in full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Choose a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Sow Seeds Directly – In early spring (after the last frost), scatter the seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil, spacing them around 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 10-14 days.
Succession Planting – To ensure a steady supply of fresh dill throughout the season, plant seeds every few weeks until midsummer.

Caring for Dill

Once your dill seedlings emerge, follow these care tips to keep them thriving:

Watering – Dill prefers evenly moist soil but doesn’t like to sit in water. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Thinning & Spacing – When seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, thin them to about 12 inches apart to give them space to grow.
Support – Tall dill plants can become top-heavy. If needed, stake them gently to prevent bending or breaking.
Companion Planting – Dill grows well alongside cucumbers, lettuce, and onions but should be kept away from carrots and tomatoes to prevent growth interference.
Pest & Disease Prevention – Dill is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids can be a problem. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep pests in check.

Harvesting Dill

Dill can be harvested for both its leaves (dill weed) and seeds.

Harvesting Leaves – Begin harvesting the feathery leaves when plants reach about 8 inches tall. Snip the leaves close to the stem as needed, always leaving some foliage for continued growth.
Harvesting Seeds – When the flowers develop and start to turn brown, cut the seed heads and hang them upside down in a paper bag to dry. Once dry, shake the bag to collect the seeds for culinary use or replanting.

Storing and Using Dill

Fresh Dill – Store fresh dill leaves in a glass of water in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them in an airtight container.
Drying Dill – Air-dry dill leaves in small bundles, then crumble and store in an airtight jar.
Dill Seeds – Store dried seeds in a cool, dark place for use in pickling, seasoning, or next season’s planting.

Final Tips for a Thriving Dill Crop

Let some plants go to flower to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
If growing in containers, choose a deep pot to accommodate the taproot.
Avoid transplanting seedlings, as dill dislikes being moved once established.

With these tips, you’ll enjoy a lush and flavorful dill harvest all season long! Whether you’re growing dill for its fresh leaves or its seeds, this hardy herb is a great addition to any garden. Happy gardening!