I was just visiting a friend of mine whose money plant is dying. He’s working on getting it healthy again. We talked about some solutions. But also we talked about how it feels so much worse when a money plant dies than when any other plant doesn’t survive. Why is that? Whether you call it superstition or psychology, certain plants have deep meanings and we get more affected by their survival (or lack thereof) as a result.

What is a Money Plant?

The term “money plant” can refer to a couple of different plant species. However, the Epipremnum aureum is the most common. Other names for this plant include the Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.

The money plant is a popular choice for indoor decoration. Many people believe it brings good luck and prosperity, hence the name “money plant.”

Key Characteristics of the Money Plant

Here are some characteristics of the Epipremnum aureum (money plant):

1. Money plants typically have heart-shaped leaves that are green with yellow or white variegation. They grow as trailing vines or as climbers, making them versatile for indoor settings.
2. Money plants are hardy and adaptable. They can thrive in a variety of conditions. Moreover, they are relatively low-maintenance. They can tolerate low light but prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
3. Money plants purify indoor air by removing toxins and pollutants.
4. Money plants are easy to propagate. You can propagate them from cutting. These can be planted directly in soil or water. This makes it simple to share the plant with friends or create new plants from the original one.
5. Money plants have a well-developed root system. In addition to the standard underground roots, they also produce aerial roots, which can grow from the stems and hang down to search for support and anchor the plant to various surfaces.

Beliefs about the Money Plant

In Feng Shui, the money plant is considered an auspicious and popular choice for enhancing positive energy and attracting wealth. In various cultures, the money plant is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and fortune to the home. The common name “money plant” itself reflects the belief that the plant can attract wealth and financial luck.

Here are some additional beliefs/cultural ideas/ thoughts about the money plant:

1. Gift for Prosperity: In some cultures, it is considered a thoughtful and auspicious gift to give a money plant to friends or family members who are starting a new venture, moving into a new home, or celebrating a significant life event.
2. Business Success: Money plants are often placed in offices and businesses with the belief that they can help attract success and financial prosperity. Some business owners keep money plants near cash registers, entrances, or important areas to promote financial growth.
3. Marital Bliss: In certain traditions, the money plant is associated with fostering a happy marriage. Couples may receive money plants as wedding gifts. Alternatively, they may keep them in their homes to strengthen their relationship.
4. Propagation for Luck: The process of propagating money plants, especially through cuttings, is sometimes seen as a ritual to multiply one’s wealth and good fortune.
5. Regular Pruning: Some individuals believe that regularly pruning or trimming a money plant can help stimulate financial growth. This act is seen as a way to cut away negative energy and encourage positive energy to flow.
6. Positioning in the Home: The specific placement of the money plant within the home or office can vary depending on cultural beliefs. Some suggest hanging or positioning the plant near the entrance to invite good luck into the space, while others recommend placing it in the southeast (wealth) or northwest (helpful people and travel) corners for various forms of positive energy.
7. Water and Prosperity: The practice of keeping a money plant in a clear glass jar or container with water is believed to enhance the symbolism of wealth and prosperity. Some believe that the presence of water amplifies the positive energy of the plant.

Why Does It Feel So Bad When a Money Plant Dies?

The emotional attachment to a money plant and the profound sense of disappointment when it withers or dies can surprise us, especially if we didn’t think that we particularly believed in the power of the money plant.

Money plants often occupy a unique place in our homes and lives. They’re more than just greenery; they symbolize financial well-being, good fortune, and growth. In many cultures, these beliefs have been passed down through generations, creating an emotional connection to the plant’s survival. The idea that a healthy money plant can bring wealth and happiness can make its decline feel like a harbinger of misfortune.

Psychologically, the attachment to money plants runs deep. After all, these plants are often gifted during significant life events, symbolizing goodwill and positive energy. As caretakers, we invest not just in their care but in the hopes and aspirations they represent. The responsibility to keep them thriving can evoke a sense of pride and accomplishment, and their presence can uplift the ambiance of a living space.

The loss of a money plant can be akin to the disappointment felt when cherished traditions are threatened or when dreams of prosperity seem elusive. It stirs emotions linked to the fear of financial instability and the desire for success. It’s a reminder that, in our unique way, we are all in search of growth and good fortune. So, when a money plant fades, it’s not just leaves that wither; it’s a piece of our aspirations that seems to dim as well.

Tip: Create a Ritual for Letting Go of a Dead Money Plant

My friend is going to keep trying to get his money plant to survive. It’s in the early stages of dying and there are many different things he can do for it – repotting, different light access, watering, soil changes, etc. However, if you ultimately do have to let a money plant go, then it might help to create a ritual around it.

Here’s one five-step process you might try:

Get a new money plant … or a different plant altogether. Make a ritual out of letting go of the money plant and inviting in this new plant:

1. Reflect: Begin by sitting quietly and reflecting on your feelings about the money plant that has died. Acknowledge your disappointment, frustration, or any other emotions you may be experiencing. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
2. Write a Farewell: On the piece of paper, write a brief farewell message to your money plant. Express your gratitude for the time you spent together and the symbolism it held for you. You can also write down any negative emotions you want to let go of.
3. Prepare the New Plant: Fill the small container or pot with fresh soil. Plant the flower seeds or the small plant in this container. As you do this, think about new beginnings and growth. This new plant symbolizes resilience and the opportunity for a fresh start.
4. Bury the Farewell Note: Fold the piece of paper with your farewell message and bury it in the soil of the new plant. As you do this, visualize letting go of the negative emotions and disappointment associated with the money plant that died.
5. Water the New Plant: Water the new plant as a symbol of nurturing new growth and positive energy. As you do so, imagine you are watering your hopes and dreams for the future.

Read More:

• The Best Plants for Mental Health Benefits
• 6 Health Benefits of Gardening
• Ponytail Palm Plant

Growing edible plants inside isn’t tricky.

All you need is an appropriate container, enough light, and to pick varieties that grow well in containers.

Picking the Right Container

Whenever you want to grow edible plants inside, you need to pick a container that meets the needs of your plants.

When picking a container, you must consider several things, like drainage and size.

Drainage

Sitting water encourages root rot, and this problem can persist in the winter because lower temperatures do not cause evaporation like in the summer.

Make sure any pot you use has drainage holes. You can obviously buy pots with holes, but when I grew herbs in containers, it was much cheaper to buy other containers and add holes with a drill.

Size

Some plants grow more extensive root systems or have root systems that spread out and stay relatively shallow in the soil.

So it is crucial to understand the plant’s needs for the size and shape of your plants. For example, you don’t need a deep container if you want to grow strawberries. However, a tomato plant produces a more extensive root ball, so its container must be much deeper than the strawberry.

Light

When growing plants inside, you must ensure they get enough light.

You may be lucky for things like small herbs and have a south-facing window without obstructions blocking the light. This means they may get enough light just sitting on the window sill.

But if you want to grow things like fruits or veggies, you must get a grow light that will provide 8 hours of sunlight daily.

You can choose grow lights to fit your needs, too. For example, you can get them with automatic timers, so you don’t have to remember to turn them off once the plants have met their daily light needs.

Edible Plants that Grow Well in Containers

Many plants grow well in containers. Below is a list of the most common edible plants you can grow inside.

Herbs

Herbs are a popular choice for growing edible plants inside. They do well in containers and only take up a little space.

The best herbs for growing inside are basil, oregano, rosemary, chives, thyme, sage, and mint. And these herbs come in various varieties, so you can produce many different versions simultaneously.

Peppers and Tomatoes

Peppers and tomatoes need bigger pots, but they can thrive indoors, given enough light. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have fresh garden salsa all year long?

Microgreens

Microgreens are different from the above plants. They can quickly grow inside because they don’t need light. Microgreens are the early growth of things like beans. To grow them, lay beans on damp (but not wet) paper towels, cover them with another damp paper towel, put them in a plastic bag or tray, and put them in a dark place. In as little as 5 days, they will have grown into leggy little, delicious things.

Conclusion

Do you grow any edible plants inside? Tell me about it!

Baking soda is one of the most amazing, affordable products available to us. Hopefully, you’re already using baking soda for cleaning throughout your home. If not, then you’re spending more money than you should on household cleaners. And today let’s talk about how baking soda’s benefits don’t stop there. There are so many uses of baking soda in gardening. Here are eight big ones:

1. Baking Soda for Soil Testing

Everything that you grow needs to grow in suitable soil. The soil’s pH level is one of the most critical factors. Therefore, you should do soil testing before you plant. Baking soda provides an easy, cheap way to do that. Here’s what to do:

• Take a tablespoon of soil and place it in a container.
• Add a little bit of distilled water until the soil is mud.
• Add a little bit of baking soda.
• Watch.
• Does the soil fizz? If so, then your soil has an acidic pH level.

Bonus tip: If the soil doesn’t fizz with baking soda, then you should do a second test. Take a fresh tablespoon of the soil. Add distilled vinegar to it. If it fizzes now, then your soil has an alkaline pH level. However, if neither the baking soda nor the vinegar cause fizzing, then you have soil with neutral pH.

2. Boost Your Plant Fertilization

Balcony Garden Web has several great suggestions for using baking soda in gardening. For example, they suggest adding baking soda to fertilize slow-growing, dull-appearing plants. They say that you should mix one teaspoon of baking soda and Epsom set with 1/2 teaspoon ammonia in one gall of water. Then add approximately one quart of that solution to each plant you want to fertilize. You should see them grow faster and brighter in no time.

3. Make Your Tomatoes Taste Better

This is one of my favorite tips from Balcony Garden Web. They explain that if you simply sprinkle a little bit of baking soda around the base of your tomato plants, you’ll be able to grow sweeter tomatoes. How is this possible? The soil absorbs the baking soda, lowering the natural acidity levels of the plant itself. Baking soda costs so little and yet it can work so much magic!

4. Get Rid of Garden Pests

It’s always so difficult to decide how to handle garden pests like worms and slugs. Some of them don’t do that much damage and you might decide to leave them alone. Others, however, can wreak havoc in your garden. If you don’t want to lose your plants, then you have to find some way to deal with them.

Baking soda can provide a solution. It’s eco-friendly and generally kind to your plants. However, it works as a pesticide. You can put it directly on slugs and gnats to kill them. Alternatively, you can make a solution that you spray on your plants to keep pests away.

5. Uses of Baking Soda on Plant Leaves

Did you know that if you have indoor household plants, you’re supposed to clean them? That’s right, household dust can settle on them and ruin them. A baking soda solution is a simple way to clean those leaves.

Even outdoors, though, you might find that baking soda helps the leaves of your plants. For example, a baking soda solution can help prevent fungus growth on plant leaves.

6. Add Baking Soda to Cut Flowers

Do you grow flowers in your backyard garden? If so, then perhaps you sometimes cut them and put them in a vase for yourself or to gift to others. Make those flowers last as long as possible by adding just a little bit of baking soda to the water inside that vase.

7. Deodorize Compost

Hopefully, you have compost for your garden. It’s such a waste if you don’t. However, the smell of a compost pile might have deterred you. If that’s the case, then baking soda can come to the rescue. Just sprinkle a little bit on top of the compost regularly. The smell will go away. You can then reap all the benefits of composting in your garden.

8. Cleaning Around the Garden

The plants are the most important part of your garden. However, they’re not the only part. You have gardening tools, statues, chairs, etc. Make sure that you keep all of these things clean for the best garden experience. Baking soda makes a great natural cleaner for all of these.

Read More:

• 100 Alternative Uses for Baking Soda
• How to Use Baking Soda for Weed Control
• How I Feel About the Hunting of Garden Pests

For over a year now, many people have spent more time indoors than usual. The bonus? More time to admire your indoor plants? The downside? Well, truthfully, there are a lot. But plant-wise, it’s probably realizing that most of your pretty plants don’t do much to refresh the stale air in your home. So add these indoor plants that produce soothing aromas to your space to freshen up your living quarters.

Set Realistic Expectations

A lot of people have unrealistic expectations about what their houseplants can do. No, adorning your home with plants won’t remove every single airborne toxin. And while these indoor plants that produce soothing aromas can help deliver a dollop of fragrance, they won’t envelop your home in a floral perfume. Tamper your expectations. Because these plants won’t replace your trusty air freshener, placement is key. Save these plants for walk-by areas so you can enjoy a pleasant whiff as you pass by.

Most Herbs

Most herbs are easy to grow indoors and have a strong scent. The type of herb you choose obviously depends on your scent preferences. Keep in mind that herbs require a bit more maintenance than many popular houseplants. You’ll have to water them more often and harvest the leaves to prevent flowering.

Keep herbs near the kitchen, so they’re easy to grab when you’re cooking or plating.

Eucalyptus

You can grow eucalyptus indoors, but dried eucalyptus branches are even easier to deal with. You can style them in a large vase or hang them in the bathroom. Then, when you take a shower, the humid space will fill with a burst of freshness.

Scented Geranium

Not all scented geraniums are made equal. Some give off more pungent smells that are better for outdoor growing and keeping away mosquitoes. But there are also plenty of geraniums that give off pleasant aromas like lemon and chocolate.

These plants need lots of light and some pruning to keep their shape. They also like consistent moisture levels.

Citrus

A little trickier to care for than most houseplants, citrus plants like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, produce fragrant blossoms with a heavenly scent. You’ll need to give these plants plenty of light and adequate humidity levels. Keeping them away from drafty parts of your house is also key to preventing stress-related problems.

Hoya

I’ve currently got a little hoya plant on my office bookshelf, but it’s not even close to big enough to produce flowers. When it eventually blooms, though, the blossoms will give off a subtle, sweet scent. To bloom, hoya needs a lot of light, so keep it in a bright area. Water only once the soil has dried up between waterings.

A Word of Caution

Many scented plants are bad news for pets, and some can even be harmful to humans. So if you have cats, dogs, or other domesticated animals wandering about, be sure to check whether a plant is toxic before putting it within reach of curious noses and mouths. Want to find out if a plant is poisonous? Check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Read More:

• Where to Buy Seeds for Microgreens
• How to Get Plant Spacing Right
• A Frugal Gardener Is a Patient Gardener

Let’s get one thing straight. You probably won’t improve your home’s air quality by filling it with indoor plants that can purify the air. According to a National Geographic piece from 2019, houseplants won’t do much to clean your home’s air. 

Most of the advice about air-purifying houseplants comes from an old NASA study. In a 2019 article in the Atlantic, Robinson Meyer reports that the study was indeed on the up and up, but it doesn’t quite translate to the real world. Plants do have cleaning abilities, but they just can’t handle cleaning an entire room, let alone a whole house of pollutants. Cleaning the air in your entire house would necessitate becoming a plant hoarder–which, come to think of it, isn’t a terribly unappealing idea. 

It’s no surprise that this myth about indoor plants that can purify air has proliferated online. I believed it at one point! NASA did a study? It must be true! Unfortunately, that study results have taken on a life of their own. People love to talk about the air purifying qualities of plants. 

But unless you’re filling your home from floor to ceiling with plants—eliminating a clear path to walk—your pretty house plants aren’t doing much to clean the air. You’re better off investing in an air purifier if you’re worried about air quality. 

Houseplants still have a variety of benefits, though! They’re attractive and are an inexpensive way to spruce up a room. They make great gifts, and research even shows that having houseplants can help boost your mental health.  

A Brief Word About Air Quality

In-home air quality is a complicated thing. Gardeners love to spend time outdoors but did you know that keeping your windows open can contribute to poor indoor air quality? If there’s a lot of traffic nearby or the air is particularly bad outside, letting it in will only serve to tank the air quality in your home.

Other things that can contribute to poor air quality include:

• Cooking
• Faulty appliances
• Fuel-burning appliances, like a gas stove or furnace
• New construction
• Household products like cleaning supplies and candles
• Mold

Don’t let their lack of air-purifying abilities dissuade you from acquiring houseplants. They certainly won’t make your air worse. Here’s a video that goes through some of the easiest houseplants to take care of. Bonus: they’re also some of the easiest to find for cheap!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy3oE5xAivY

Ever since the pandemic began, I slowly started buying houseplants. I’d scour my favorite online nurseries and pounce when they had a sale or coupon code up for grabs. Of course, I already had some plants before the COVID situation, but adding more made my home feel cozier, livelier.

When buying plants, I always opt for the smallest size because smaller plants are cheaper. I don’t mind starting with tiny nursery plants. I feel accomplished when they start to outgrow their small pots. Still, it’s a huge bummer when houseplants you’ve spent money on wilt and die.

I’ve been caring for a host of new plants this past year, and I can tell you which are worth your time and money. Here are 5 houseplants that won’t waste your money.

Snake Plant

When buying houseplants, I always look for ones that will fit my interior environment and my lifestyle. I have three types of lighting situations: two very sunny rooms, one partially shaded room, and another with very little light. When it comes to watering, I’m forgetful (but I have a handy app that reminds me when to care for my plants!) and prefer to fill my home with low-maintenance plants. Snake plants are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. They’re also supremely attractive and give off a tropical vibe without needing specialized care.

Prayer Plant

Prayer plants provide a huge visual impact. Their showy leaves come in a variety of colors. The plants are also pretty easy to maintain. They like a lot of moisture, so they need frequent watering. If you tend to overwater your plants, prayer plants are a great option because it’s tough to overwater them. They also don’t mind partial shade conditions.

Zebra Plant

Buying manageable houseplants doesn’t mean you’re stuck with visually boring specimens. I love the attractive stripey leaves on this plant. Zebra plants also require a lot of moisture, but the great thing about them is that they’ll tell you when they’re thirsty. The leaves immediately droop when it’s time for watering—a handy signal for the forgetful gardener.

Calathea

These come in a slew of varieties, and they’re all gorgeous. Calatheas can handle low light and have moderate watering needs. In my experience, they’re pretty tough to kill!

Sword fern

A lot of people have trouble with ferns. I’ve heard past wisdom that they’re fairly difficult to care for. I’ve had the opposite experience. As long as you provide them with plenty of water and keep the soil moist, they’re happy. They also don’t mind shade and actually prefer to be out of direct sunlight.

Quick plant care tips

I use an app that reminds me when it’s time to water each of my plants. Previously, I’d water them all on the same schedule, which is a no-no. It’s tough to remember each plant’s individual needs, though. I suggest creating a spreadsheet with a watering schedule to help you get used to each plant’s needs. Add reminders to your calendar, planner, or phone, so you don’t forget.

Always have a watering can—any cheap one will do!—on hand, so you can water at a moment’s notice.

I have two watering cans at the ready at all times. One is for watering, and the other contains liquid fertilizer. Having them both prepped and ready to go means I never skip out on plant care tasks.

You’ve heard of pruning branches, but what about pruning plant roots? Roots aren’t something we think about very often. Mainly because they’re buried under the earth. Out of sight. Out of mind. However, paying attention to your plant’s roots can be an essential part of raising healthy houseplants. 

Here’s why you might consider pruning plant roots. Below, you’ll also find a helpful video for guidance on how to prune plant roots.

Improve root growth

Young plants can sometimes fail to produce healthy, abundant root systems. When this happens, pruning the roots before transplanting may help encourage more vigorous growth.

Prevent or reverse root binding

If you’ve ever repotted a plant or left a seedling too long in its pot, you may have noticed that its root system begins to circle the bottom of the container. If this happens, it means the plant has become root-bound. Without anywhere else to expand, the roots become a ragged, dense mess. Trimming the roots can help encourage new root growth and improve the overall health of your plant.

An alternative to trimming is to use breathable fabric pots. Obviously, this isn’t a great option for indoor plants. For outdoor plants, thought, fabric pots allow for air pruning. Because the fabric is breathable, it will enable the roots to breathe, preventing plants from becoming root-bound altogether.

Increases nutrient absorption

By pruning plant roots, you encourage nutrient absorption. The new root fibers help increase a plant’s nutrient uptake from the soil. If you have a root-bound plant, it can’t take up nutrients efficiently because it’s incapable of growing a lot of new, healthy roots.

Slows down growth

Abundant growth is great, but a plant that grows too rapidly will quickly need to be repotted again and again. By pruning roots, you slow down overall growth keeping the plant the right size for its current pot for a little while longer.

Get more plants

You’ll also need to prune roots if you want to divide plants. To divide plants, you’ll need to separate the roots, clip them, and trim them to encourage new growth.

How to prune

The ideal way to prune a plant is to lightly trim part of its root system. Taking off too much can have the opposite effect and potentially damage the plant.

Many factors affect plant growth. Plants have a few basic needs. Having these needs unmet will cause them to perish. There are also factors outside of a gardener’s control that can impact how well a plant grows. While some variables are out of your control, there are things that you can influence.

What affects plant growth?

Plants need several things to stay happy. If you have the ability to control these variables, doing so can help your plants thrive.

Sunlight

Sunlight is the lifeblood of a plant. Without it, plants die. Sunlight enables photosynthesis, which is the process that allows plants to process nutrients. Without sunlight, they can’t properly take up nutrients. Some plants need more sunlight than others and providing your plants with the right amount of sunlight is key. Giving plants like lettuce too much sun can cause them to wilt, bolt prematurely, and wither. Not giving enough sun to plants, like eggplant, can stunt their growth and diminish overall yields.

Water

Honestly, this is probably the most confusing task for gardeners to get right. Even the most experienced gardeners sometimes over or under water their plants. It’s one of the important factors that affect plant growth. When you’re gardening outside, Mother Nature does some of the work for you. Indoors, it’s all you, baby. Either way, watering is a bit of an art. Without water, plants will eventually die—even the most drought tolerant. Outside, mulch is a helpful way to retain moisture. Irrigation systems can also help you water deeply and consistently—and waste less. Inside, I highly recommend getting an app that reminds you to water on a schedule or creating a makeshift calendar of your own. Watering plants that have different moisture needs on the same schedule is a recipe for disaster.

Air

Plants are a lot like people. They don’t like being squeezed together like sardines. Pack them too close, and you can encounter problems like stunted growth, pests, and disease. Space plants accordingly to prevent overcrowding. Keeping them spaced apart helps improve air circulation, which will reduce instances of disease. It’ll also give your plants plenty of room to grow. If you’re a patient person, you can try an experiment. Plant squash close together instead of following seed packet spacing guidelines and plant them in another area where they have plenty of room to breathe. You’ll see a noticeable difference in how they grow.

Temperature

Out of all the factors that affect plant growth, this one can be tricky to control—especially outdoors. The weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, even the most diligent gardeners end up with dead or sickly plants on their hands because an unexpected frost occurs. You can use crop protection and other tricks to play around with temperature, but when it gets really cold, there’s nothing you can do to stop the freeze. When starting seeds, getting the temperature right is key. Tomato and pepper seeds, for instance, won’t even germinate if the soil is too cold.

Nutrients 

Plants need food to survive. Often, good quality soil that’s amended yearly contains plenty of nutrients to get you through a vegetable gardening season. However, that’s not always the case. Poor nutrient uptake can happen for several reasons, including inadequate pH and environmental conditions. Without the right nutrients, plants can become diseased and stunted and provide a diminished or non-existent yield.

I love to plant crops in containers, especially finicky plants like eggplant and peppers. I use a variety of containers in my garden, including fabric pots. If it gets too cold, it’s simple enough to haul them inside. Containers are also great for those living in rental properties or those with limited space. It’s easy to shuffle them around a deck or balcony and you can manage to plant quite a bit in multiple containers. I’ve collected many plastic pots from the garden center over the years. I reuse them to plant herbs, tomatoes, and whatever doesn’t fit in the rest of my garden. But plastic pots have their pros and cons, and they aren’t the only option for your gardening needs.

The Trouble With Plastic

Black plastic pots are great for heat-loving plants because the dark material is a heat magnet. What’s not so great about plastic? Unless you’ve purchased self-watering containers, plastic pots require careful monitoring so that plants are evenly watered. Without proper drainage, plants may become root-bound or drown if over-watered (always make sure there are drainage holes underneath). Plastic doesn’t breathe very well, either. Imagine wrapping yourself in a sheet of plastic instead of breathable clothing. You’d end up a sweaty, suffocated mess.

That doesn’t mean plastic pots aren’t useful. They’re typically very inexpensive, easy to find, and they’re available in all shapes and sizes. But there’s already SO much plastic in the world. If there’s a worthy alternative, why not try it? By choosing a different type of plant pot, you can reduce your ecological footprint and stop creating unnecessary plastic waste.

An Alternative: Fabric Pots

You could use any pot for planting, but fabric pots offer a few distinct advantages:

• They’re relatively cheap. Often sold in packs, fabric containers are a suitable option for frugal gardeners.
• They last a long time. Cracked plastic and broken ceramic pots begone! Fabric pots are made of sturdy materials that won’t rip, even when filled with wet soil. Re-use them year after year.
• They’re breathable. The fabric allows for optimal airflow.
• No water-logging. You won’t have to contend with rotted roots using fabric pots, the material allows for proper drainage.
• Easy to handle. Handles make it easy to drag fabric pots around the garden.
• Foldable sides. Fabric pots are ideal for growing potatoes since the edges can be rolled down.

If you’re looking for a good beginner’s guide to growing in pots, I highly recommend the Vegetable Gardener’s Container Garden. It’s a book that I still refer back to!

I also recommend checking out this handy YouTube video on how to grow potatoes in containers:

What’s your favorite vegetable to grow in fabric pots? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Whether you’re away on business a lot, or you frequently visit family throughout the year, it can be hard to keep fussy plants alive when you’re away from home. Thankfully, there are plenty of suitable houseplants for frequent travelers.

My house is starting to resemble a jungle these days. I’ve been adding greenery during the pandemic because it feels comforting to bring the outdoors in, for some reason. While I’m not heading off on vacation anytime soon, I’m well aware of the challenge involved in keeping plants alive while away.

What to look for

When picking low-maintenance houseplants, there are a few things to consider, including:

• Light requirements. Chances are that if you’re traveling often, you’re not leaving your curtains open. You should choose plants that are tolerant of low-light conditions.
• Water requirements. Don’t pick plants that need daily watering if you’re someone who is away from home a lot. Choose species that don’t mind (and even prefer!) if the soil dries out.
• Disease-resistant. If you’re away often, you might not spot problems like pests and diseases early enough. Avoid these issues right off the bat by opting for disease and pest-resistant varieties.
• Toxicity. If you have pets, always check whether a plant is toxic before bringing it into your home. Someone who stays in your home with your dog may not realize the plants are poisonous. Likewise, if you ask someone to feed your cat every day, your kitty, when left alone, might enjoy a harmful nibble.

Best plants for frequent travelers

Here are my picks for top houseplants for frequent travelers.

Cacti and Succulents

This is a grouping of plants that require very little TLC. In fact, being away might actually a plus for these oft-spiky and plump plants. Neither needs much water, and overwatering can even cause deadly root rot. Your time away is likely to be beneficial to your relationship.

Spider Plant

This is a notoriously easy plant to care for. It grows quickly, looks great in a tabletop or hanging container, and doesn’t mind a bit of shade. The plants also produce “babies,” which you can re-pot for more spider plants!

Philodendrons

I have had a heart leaf philodendron in my kitchen for five years now. I often forget to water it for weeks on end, and it never seems bothered by my neglect. It’s a lovely low-maintenance plant that looks gorgeous in a hanging planter.

Snake Plants

This is one of my favorite plant varieties. Snake plants are such a visual marvel. They don’t mind low light conditions, and they’re very tough to kill. Don’t worry about not watering for a few days or weeks, these sturdy plants can handle it.

Peperomia

These cute lil’ plants are easy to maintain and come in a variety of textures and colors. They don’t mind low light spaces, and they prefer for their soil to dry out between waterings. In fact, I killed my first peperomia because I overwatered it! Most of the houseplants I’ve murdered have met their end because I was overzealous with watering. Oops!