17 ways to grow

Literally the greenest action you can take

Last month, I basically wrote a love letter to bar soap. Before that, we got the topic of reusable shopping bags out of the way. Today, let’s talk about the greenest thing we can do:

plant something.

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Yesterday was Earth Day. In our neck of the woods, the sun is shining and warming the dirt. And I’m getting excited to start our garden. I thought it would be a good week to talk about something so basic to our survival.

Plants, trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are an important foundation to life that can also feel overwhelming to some (it’s me, hi!), but second-nature to others.

I have friends and family who are seasoned gardeners and if that’s you, let this be an encouragement to keep doing what you enjoy.

Maybe you’ve dabbled in houseplants, but have never planted a veggie garden. Or vice versa. Maybe now is the time to branch out.

If you’ve never cared for a green-leafed thing in your life, give it a try. No pressure nor judgment if it doesn’t work out or last. Even a short-term, oxygen-creation, carbon dioxide-recycling process is worth it, right?

My youngest had a packet of wildflower seeds that we planted a week ago. I can’t wait to see how they grow. It’s like a little present to watch unfolding every morning.

I’m going to make a list below, in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way. I’m not suggesting any of us do all the things. I’m just throwing a bunch of seeds out into the virtual soil, and whatever sprouts in your heart, try watering the idea.

1. Save a seed from a fruit you eat and see if it’ll sprout in some water in your window. (Bonus: real-life learning if you’ve got kids around.)

2. Pick up a tiny, potted plant at the market or your local nursery and brighten up your desk. (Bonus: might make you forget about the other desk clutter.)

3. Sprinkle some native wildflower seeds in a sunny spot in your yard. (Bonus: you might attract bees and butterflies.)

4. Plant a sunflower for neighbors to marvel at. (Bonus: cool content backdrop.)

5. Try to nurture an orchid. (Bonus: you’ll feel so accomplished if you succeed.)

6. Technically not planting, but buy some fresh cut flowers from your favorite local source. (Bonus: you can enjoy a rainbow of greenery without the upkeep, and it encourages flower farmers to keep up the good work!)

7. Go all out and master-plan a veggie garden. (Bonus: lots of delicious stuff to eat at the end of summer.)

8. Hire someone to replace a portion of your grass with native plants. (Bonus: you don’t have to do the upfront work.)

9. Gift a cute little succulent to a friend. (Bonus: they feel loved.)

10. Grow the easiest vegetable to grow in your zone, outside or in a pot. For us, that’s tomatoes. Everyone grows tomatoes here. (Bonus: join the club!)

11. Let your weeds grow. (Bonus: more bees, less sweat.)

12. Plant a tree, for yourself or your community. (Bonus: shade!)

13. Pot a small cactus in a hand-painted tin can. (Bonus: have your student paint the can and it turns into a great teacher appreciation gift.)

14. Plant a tree or bush in memorial of someone you loved, but don’t feel guilty if it dies. (Bonus: a good lesson in self-forgiveness.)

15. Research the Iroquios and Cherokee method of planting, called a Three Sisters Garden. (Bonus: you’ll learn something about American Indigenous history.)

16. Eat something green with dinner. (Bonus: and lunch, and breakfast. I’ve started doing this, before I eat protein or carbs, and I notice a difference in how I feel.)

17. Buy potted basil at the grocery store instead of clipped basil in a plastic box. It lasts longer and costs about the same price. (Bonus: it smells amazing every time you walk by.)

Anything on the list above inspire you? Or anything you’d suggest?

This year, in addition to a modest veggie garden, I’d love to add in another raised bed and include flowers amidst the peppers and tomatoes. If I actually pull it off, I’ll keep you posted. I would also like to research the Three Sisters Garden, though I don’t think this will be the year I go for it.

Happy planting (or eating or gifting)!

Love, Heidi

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P.S. Yesterday was Earth Day and I shared this graphic novel my 12-year-old and I loved. Team Trash is a great blend between a fun story and really good, digestible facts about waste and recycling.

P.P.S. I bought this cookbook after trying it out from the library last fall. I’ve made something from Seed to Plate Soil to Sky every weekend. My favorites are, not surprisingly, the pumpkin pie and dark chocolate tart.