A: Watering frequency for indoor cacti varies depending on the season and the specific type of cactus. Generally, you should water your cactus when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season (spring and summer), most cacti may require watering every 2-3 weeks. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month or even less, as many cacti enter a dormant phase during this time.
A: Cacti thrive in well-draining soil. A cactus mix or a blend of potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice is ideal, as it allows excess water to escape and prevents root rot. Ensure that the pot you choose has drainage holes to facilitate proper drainage.
A: Most cacti prefer bright, direct sunlight, especially during their growing season. However, some varieties, like the Christmas cactus and Easter cactus, thrive in bright, indirect light. It's essential to consider the specific needs of each cactus type to ensure they receive the right amount of light.
A: Yes, cacti are well-suited to low humidity environments, as they are adapted to arid conditions. However, some species, like the Christmas and Easter cacti, may benefit from slightly higher humidity levels, especially during their blooming seasons. For most other cacti, low humidity is not a concern.
A: Cacti generally prefer warm temperatures, typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the day. However, they can tolerate cooler temperatures at night, especially during the winter months. Avoid exposing them to frost or extreme cold, as this can damage or kill the plant.
A: Yes, natural pest control methods can be very effective when applied correctly. They often require more frequent application and monitoring than chemical pesticides, but they support long-term garden health.
A: Absolutely! Many natural pest control methods are safe and effective for vegetable gardens. They help protect your crops while promoting a healthy ecosystem.
A: Identifying the specific pests affecting your plants is the first step. Once you know the pest, you can choose the most appropriate natural control method from the list provided.
A: Most natural pest control methods are safe for pets and children. However, it’s always a good idea to keep them away from treated areas until sprays have dried, especially with essential oils and soaps.
A: The frequency of application depends on the specific method and the level of pest infestation. Monitor your garden regularly and reapply treatments as needed, especially after rain or watering.
A: Yes, you can! Potatoes are perfect for vertical growing setups, like a potato tower or stacked garden. As the potato vines grow, you can keep adding layers of soil or mulch to encourage more tubers higher up. Vertical growing works well in smaller spaces and can even be done in a deep raised bed or large container. Just make sure to keep the vines supported if they start sprawling.
A: "Earlies" are potatoes that mature faster, usually within 70-90 days, and are perfect for harvesting as new potatoes. They’re smaller and tender with thin skins. "Maincrop" potatoes take longer to mature, about 100-120 days, and they’re usually larger with thicker skins, which makes them ideal for storage. If you want a long harvest, you can plant both types!
A: Green potatoes occur when tubers are exposed to sunlight, which leads to the production of solanine, a bitter compound that’s toxic in large amounts. To avoid this, keep the soil mounded over the plants as they grow and ensure that no tubers are peeking out from the soil. Green potatoes should be discarded, as solanine doesn’t go away with cooking.
Growing herbs at home is one of my favorite gardening adventures. Whether it's for fresh culinary flavors or just having some green buddies in my kitchen, herbs are the perfect go-to plants, especially if you're new to gardening. Over the years, I’ve tried my hand at a lot of different herbs, and let me tell you—some are just so easy, it’s almost like they grow themselves. So, if you’re looking to start a little herb garden of your own, here’s a list of herbs that practically thrive on minimal effort and a little TLC!
This Mediterranean herb is perfect for pesto, pizza, or just tearing a few leaves into a salad. Basil plants can reach about 12 to 24 inches tall, with large, glossy, and aromatic leaves that are a rich green, although I’ve seen some purple varieties too.
I’ve always planted mine right after the last frost, in a sunny spot where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. One thing I learned the hard way is to pinch off those little flowers when they start to appear—otherwise, the plant focuses its energy on flowering instead of growing more delicious leaves. Trust me, if you love Italian food like I do, you need basil in your life!
Mint is a total powerhouse, and if you’re not careful, it’ll take over your garden—literally! I made the mistake of planting mint directly into my garden bed once, and before I knew it, it had spread everywhere. But aside from its ambitious growth, mint is incredibly easy to grow and grows up to 24 inches tall, with bright green, jagged-edged leaves that release that iconic minty fragrance.
I now plant my mint in pots to control its growth, and it does just fine in partial sunlight. It’s not picky about soil, but I’ve noticed it prefers to be watered regularly to stay happy. Mint is super versatile, and I use it for everything from mojitos to adding a fresh kick to my iced tea. Plus, it’s the perfect herb for beginner gardeners since it grows like a weed (in the best way possible).
Thyme is one of those herbs that doesn’t ask for much but gives you so much flavor in return. I love thyme for its earthy, slightly lemony scent, and I use it all the time in roasted veggies, chicken dishes, and soups. Thyme is a low-growing perennial, forming a carpet of tiny, fragrant green leaves. It grows in small clumps that don’t usually exceed 12 inches in height, making it perfect for small pots or as a border plant in a garden.
What’s cool about thyme is that it thrives in dry, sandy soil and loves basking in full sunlight. It’s practically drought-tolerant, so if you’re the forgetful type when it comes to watering (guilty!), thyme will forgive you. I recommend thyme to anyone looking for an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance herb that doesn’t need a lot of fussing over.
Cilantro (or coriander, depending on where you’re from) is one of those herbs that you either love or hate. I’m firmly in the “love it” camp, especially when it comes to tacos, guacamole, and fresh salsas. Cilantro grows quickly and easily in cooler weather, and it has a bushy habit, with delicate green leaves and tall, feathery stems that can reach up to 24 inches in height.
One thing I learned early on with cilantro is that it doesn’t love the heat—when summer comes around, it tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) pretty quickly. The trick is to plant it in early spring or fall when temperatures are milder. It likes well-drained soil and needs regular watering, but avoid overdoing it. For beginners, cilantro is perfect, but be ready to replant it often since it grows fast and doesn’t hang around forever.
Parsley was another one of my early herb-growing experiments, and I was surprised by how resilient it is. This biennial herb grows into a bushy plant with bright green, curly, or flat leaves, depending on the variety.
Parsley likes rich, well-drained soil and regular watering to keep it lush. The plants can reach about 12 to 18 inches tall, and I’ve found that harvesting it regularly encourages new growth. I use parsley in everything from pasta dishes to salads, and it’s a great herb to have on hand because it’s so versatile.
Rosemary is the kind of herb that makes your whole garden smell incredible. I have a rosemary plant right outside my kitchen door, and I swear it’s like walking into a Mediterranean paradise every time I brush by it. This woody perennial can grow quite tall—up to 4 feet if you let it—and has needle-like leaves that release a wonderful piney aroma.
Rosemary is drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to water it too often, which is great if you’re forgetful. I recommend rosemary for anyone who wants a hardy, flavorful herb with minimal care.
Chives are probably one of the easiest herbs to grow, and they add a subtle onion flavor to dishes like scrambled eggs or baked potatoes. Chives grow in small clumps of slender, green, grass-like leaves and produce lovely purple flowers that bees love. They don’t take up much space, only growing about 12 inches tall, which makes them perfect for pots or small garden patches.
They need regular watering but aren’t too fussy otherwise. If you’re a beginner gardener looking for something that basically grows on its own, chives are a fantastic choice.
Oregano is another Mediterranean herb that’s perfect for anyone who loves Italian cooking. I’ve used oregano in everything from pizza to homemade tomato sauce, and it never disappoints. This hardy perennial grows into a small, bushy plant with tiny, aromatic leaves that have a peppery, slightly bitter flavor.
I’ve found that it doesn’t need much watering, and it actually prefers drier conditions. It’s super low-maintenance and will keep coming back year after year.
Dill is another herb that I absolutely love to have around, especially for pickling cucumbers or adding a fresh kick to salads. Dill has tall, feathery leaves and delicate yellow flowers that attract pollinators like crazy. It can grow up to 3 feet tall, so make sure to give it some space.
Dill prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil, and it needs regular watering, especially in the early stages. One tip: plant dill in the spring, because it doesn’t love the heat of summer.
Sage is one of those herbs that instantly transports me to fall, with its savory, earthy flavor perfect for roasts and stuffing. Sage plants grow into woody, bushy plants with soft, fuzzy leaves that are a silvery green.
It’s quite drought-tolerant once established and it doesn’t need a lot of water, which is great if you’re looking for an herb that won’t demand constant attention. Sage is perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance herb with a ton of culinary uses.
Lemon balm is one of my all-time favorites, especially because it smells like a burst of fresh lemon every time you brush against it. It grows up to 2 feet tall, with heart-shaped, light green leaves and tiny white flowers.
It needs regular watering, but once it’s established, it’s pretty easy to care for. I love using it in teas, salads, and even desserts. If you’re looking for a refreshing herb that smells as good as it tastes, lemon balm is a must-have.
Lavender is not just beautiful to look at, but it also smells heavenly and is perfect for adding a calming, fragrant touch to your garden or home. This hardy perennial grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall and produces stunning purple flowers on long, slender stems. The silvery-green, narrow leaves add to its aesthetic appeal.
Lavender thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making it ideal for a sunny windowsill or outdoor garden. It doesn’t need much water and actually prefers slightly drier conditions, so be careful not to overwater it.
Tarragon is another herb I’ve enjoyed growing for its unique, slightly licorice-like flavor that works wonders in salad dressings, chicken dishes, and sauces. Tarragon is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall, with narrow, dark green leaves that are slightly glossy.
One thing I’ve learned about tarragon is that it doesn’t need much water, and it actually prefers drier soil once it’s established.
Bay leaves add a subtle, earthy flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. This evergreen shrub can grow into a small tree, reaching up to 6 to 8 feet if planted outdoors, but it does just fine in pots where it will stay more compact. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy.
I love having a bay laurel plant because I can pick fresh leaves year-round, and it’s ideal for beginner gardeners who want a long-lasting herb that requires little effort.
Lemongrass is an excellent herb to grow if you’re into cooking Southeast Asian dishes. The tall, slender stalks of lemongrass have a refreshing citrusy flavor and aroma that’s perfect for curries, soups, and teas. Lemongrass can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall, forming a dense clump of bright green, blade-like leaves.
It’s surprisingly easy to grow indoors in pots or outdoors in warmer climates. One thing I learned about lemongrass is that it grows fast, and you can start harvesting the stalks in a matter of months.
A: Some herbs like rosemary and sage are perennials and can survive mild winters, but many herbs are annuals and will need to be replanted each spring
A: When herbs flower, the leaves can become bitter and less flavorful. To prevent this, pinch off any flower buds as soon as they appear. This redirects the plant’s energy back to producing leaves rather than seeds. Regular harvesting also helps prevent flowering.
Herbs are typically low-maintenance and don’t need heavy feeding. However, you can give them a light boost with organic fertilizer or compost every month or two during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the herbs to grow too quickly and lose flavor.
