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: Will all beneficial insects stay in my garden permanently?
Not always. Many beneficial insects are mobile and will move around searching for food, mates, or shelter. However, you can encourage them to stay by planting a continuous succession of blooming plants, offering water and habitat, and avoiding disturbances like over-tilling or spraying chemicals.
Q: Are beneficial insects safe to have around children and pets?
Yes, most beneficial insects are completely harmless to humans and animals. Insects like ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, fireflies, and predatory mites do not sting or bite. Even bees and parasitic wasps are generally non-aggressive and only sting when provoked. With proper respect and limited disturbance, they are safe to have in family gardens.
Q: How do I attract beneficial insects to my garden naturally?
You can attract beneficial insects by planting a wide range of pollen- and nectar-rich flowers, especially native species. Herbs like dill, fennel, parsley, coriander, and flowering plants like alyssum, sunflowers, yarrow, and marigolds are particularly effective. Avoid using chemical pesticides, as they can kill helpful insects. Providing water sources and undisturbed shelter, like leaf litter or mulch, also encourages them to stay.
Q: Do I need to buy beneficial insects, or will they come on their own?
While you can purchase beneficial insects (like ladybugs or predatory mites) online or at garden centers, many will naturally find your garden if the environment is right. Planting insect-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, and providing habitat can encourage them to come and reproduce on their own.
Q: What’s the difference between beneficial insects and neutral insects?
Beneficial insects directly help your garden by controlling pests or pollinating plants. Neutral insects don’t harm or help—they’re simply present in the ecosystem. It’s important to learn to identify both so you don’t accidentally eliminate harmless or helpful species.
Q: Can I have both bees and children or pets in the same garden safely?
Absolutely. Bees, including honeybees and native bees, are gentle and non-aggressive when left undisturbed. They typically only sting in self-defense, such as when their hive is threatened. Educating children not to swat or disturb bees and planting flowers away from play areas helps ensure a peaceful coexistence.
Can I use salt to kill snails in my garden?
Although salt can kill snails by dehydrating them, it is not recommended for garden use. Salt can damage the soil, harm plant roots, and affect beneficial soil organisms. It’s best to stick to safer alternatives like diatomaceous earth, beer traps, and crushed eggshells that target snails without harming your garden’s ecosystem.
Are coffee grounds safe to use for pest control?
Yes, coffee grounds are a popular natural method to deter slugs and snails. The texture and caffeine content are unpleasant to these pests. They’re generally safe for most plants and can even enrich the soil with nutrients. However, they may increase soil acidity, so use them in moderation around plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil.
Do snails and slugs harm all types of plants?
Snails and slugs prefer soft, tender vegetation, especially young seedlings, lettuce, spinach, basil, and strawberries. However, if populations are high, they may begin feeding on a broader range of plants, including root vegetables and even woody stems. Slugs eat a variety of plant tissues and can devastate a garden if left unchecked.
How do copper barriers work against snails?
Copper reacts with the slime that snails and slugs produce, causing a mild electric shock that repels them. This won’t harm the pests, but they will avoid crossing copper surfaces. Copper tape can be wrapped around planters, garden beds, and containers to form a safe and effective barrier.
Can I keep slugs and snails out of a vegetable garden without chemicals?
Absolutely. Many gardeners successfully keep slugs and snails away using natural methods like handpicking, setting traps, spreading crushed eggshells or coffee grounds, and using copper tape. Additionally, improving garden drainage and watering in the morning will make your vegetable garden less attractive to these pests.
Q: Do I need a big pond for dragonflies?
No—small container ponds with a few aquatic plants can still attract dragonflies and support larvae development, saving space while achieving great results.
Q: Will these plants eliminate all mosquitoes?
While no single solution fully removes mosquitoes, combining dragonfly habitat with standing water management and these plants can significantly reduce mosquito populations.
Q: Are these plants all native?
Most—like swamp milkweed, arrowhead, and blue flag iris—are native and ecosystem-friendly. Always check local rules, especially before planting aggressive species like cattails.
Q: Can strawberries and raspberries be grown together?
A: Yes, strawberries and raspberries can be grown in the same home garden. Just make sure they have enough space, proper organic fertilizer, and are protected from pests and birds.
Q: How do I protect berry plants from pests and birds?
A: Use bird netting to shield your ripe berries from birds. For pests like aphids or spider mites, opt for organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Q: What’s the difference between summer-bearing and everbearing raspberries?
A: Summer-bearing varieties produce one large crop in early summer, while everbearing types yield two crops—one in summer and one in fall. Choose based on your fruit development goals and growing season.