Gardening Philosophy
Seedling Squad takes into account the various perspectives of gardening. With our four writers hailing from different backgrounds, Seedling Squad aims to tackle gardening from the best possible angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seedling Squad houses a number of gardening-related questions, which you can find answers to using our knowledge database.
Gardening Terms
Our knowledge base also offers an expansive resource of gardening terms as well as a detailed description of each.
The team behind Seedling Squad
At Seedling Squad, our writers offer you various perspectives as you kick off your gardening journey. Whether you're gardening for aesthetics, food, or eyeing for everything DIY, there's always something here for you.
Meet Zuri Khumalo, a discerning writer at Seedling Squad, raised in the USA with African roots and now based in Indiana. Zuri's frequent journeys to South Africa in her youth ignited her fervor for environmental science, gardening, and sustainable living. These travels deepened her connection with nature, inspiring her to contribute to conservation efforts in her own meaningful ways. Reflecting her commitment, Zuri holds a degree in forestry, solidifying her dedication to environmental stewardship.
Meet Sarah Wilson, a 58-year-old woman with a passion for recycling and a newfound love for gardening. After moving to a house with a backyard, Sarah embarked on her gardening journey during the pandemic while confined to her home. Eager to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, she shares the knowledge she's gained over the past three years. Sarah's passion for gardening goes beyond the plants; it has been a source of solace, helping her navigate and overcome the challenges of depression and anxiety brought on by the pandemic. Join Sarah in cultivating not just gardens but a sense of community and well-being at Seedling Squad.
Meet Ryan Johnson, a passionate writer at Seedling Squad. Originally from Atlanta, he relocated to Minnesota to care for his grandfather's farm, where he discovered the joys of farming, gardening, and the art of incorporating woodwork into gardening. Ryan's writing style is informative, encouraging, and rich in detail, aiming to guide and inspire novice gardeners with his cool demeanor and strong-willed passion for the agrarian lifestyle
Meet Anjali Sharma, our talented writer at Seedling Squad. An immigrant from India currently residing in New Jersey with her Indian husband, Anjali brings a unique perspective to gardening and cooking. Her writing style is clear, practical, and community-oriented, enriched with personal stories that make gardening relatable and enjoyable. Anjali's passion lies in raising her own vegetables in her backyard and crafting diverse dishes with them. Her journey into cooking was inspired by the challenges of adapting to American cuisine as an immigrant, finding joy in preparing her own meals.
Mission-Vision
Mission
To empower aspiring gardeners by providing accessible, beginner-friendly gardening knowledge, step-by-step guides, practical tips, and plant recommendations that inspire confidence and success in cultivating their own green spaces.
Vision
To create a thriving community of new gardeners who find joy and fulfillment in gardening, fostering a deeper connection with nature while nurturing sustainable and beautiful gardens that enrich lives and the environment.
The Content We Offer
Seeding Squad offers various content about everything gardening-related. We mostly cover topics about beginner friendly recommendations, ideas, tips, and tricks.
Need to know more?
Our knowledge base covers a wide range of gardening-related topics usually focusing on unconventional questions or first-hand experiences.
Q: How do I keep invasive vines under control?
The key to managing vigorous or invasive vines is consistent pruning and monitoring. Remove seed pods before they open to prevent self-sowing, pull up suckers and runners as they appear, and prune the vine hard at least once per year. Choosing non-invasive native plant species like coral honeysuckle or American wisteria instead of their invasive counterparts is the single best step you can take.
Q: Can I grow shade vines in containers?
Absolutely. Star jasmine and black-eyed Susan vine are among the best choices for containers. Use a large pot with drainage holes, fill it with a quality potting mix, and provide a small trellis or obelisk for the vine to climb. Container vines need more frequent watering and fertilizing than those planted in the ground.
Q: Which shade vines attract hummingbirds and butterflies?
Coral honeysuckle and trumpet vine are the top picks for attracting hummingbirds with their tubular flowers. Dutchman’s pipe is a host plant for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly, and sweet autumn clematis attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies, when it blooms in late summer.
1. What is the easiest plant to propagate for a complete beginner?
Pothos is widely considered the easiest plant to propagate. It roots quickly in water, tolerates low light, and is very forgiving of mistakes. Spider plants and tradescantia are also excellent starting points because they naturally produce offsets or root readily from cuttings.
2. Do I need rooting hormone to propagate plants?
No. Rooting hormone can speed up root development and is especially helpful for hardwood cuttings or slower-rooting plant species, but many houseplants—like pothos, philodendron, and herbs—root perfectly well without it. If you are just starting out, try without rooting hormone first and see how your cuttings perform.
3. Can I propagate a plant in winter?
You can, but results may be slower. Most plants enter a period of slower or dormant growth during the colder months, which means cuttings take longer to root. If possible, propagate in early spring or summer when plant hormone activity and daylight hours naturally support faster new growth.
Q: When is the best time for spring planting?
A: Most spring vegetables to grow should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the springtime, which is often 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Hardy crops like peas and spinach can handle cooler soil, while others may need to wait until the ground warms slightly.
Q: Which are the easiest spring vegetables for beginners?
A: The radish, peas and sugar snap peas, and various leafy greens like lettuce are widely considered the easiest spring vegetables. This is because they have a short growing season, grow quickly from seed, and generally face fewer pest issues than summer crops.
Q: How can a spring garden be protected from a late frost?
A: If a frost is predicted after spring planting has begun, cover the garden beds with a frost blanket, burlap, or even old bedsheets overnight. This traps the radiant heat from the soil and protects tender bright green leaves from freezing. Be sure to remove the covers the next morning once temperatures rise.
How do I stop my lettuce from being bitter?
Bitterness is usually caused by heat. When the temperature rises, the plant thinks it is time to reproduce and produces seeds (bolting). To prevent this, keep your salad garden well watered, use mulch to keep the soil cool, and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Can I grow these in a "salad bowl" on a balcony?
Absolutely! Most leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula have shallow roots and thrive in containers. Just make sure the bowl has drainage holes and you use good potting soil.
What is "succession planting"?
Succession planting means you sow seeds every 1 to 2 weeks instead of all at once. This ensures that when one batch of lettuce is finished, a new batch of young leaves is ready to harvest, giving you a constant supply of fresh greens.