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.
Bonsai trees are all about patience. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years for a bonsai to be considered “mature,” and even then, they continue to grow and evolve throughout their lifespan. The slower the growth, the more intricate and beautiful the tree becomes. That said, if you’re looking for quicker results, starting with a pre-bonsai or young tree can speed up the process a bit!
Bonsai pots are shallow to restrict root growth and help control the size of the tree. This forces the tree to focus its energy on growing branches, leaves, and, eventually, creating that miniature look. Additionally, shallow pots aid in water drainage, which is crucial for bonsai health since waterlogged roots can easily lead to rot. Aesthetically, the small, shallow pots also highlight the beauty and shape of the bonsai itself, keeping the focus on the tree rather than the container.
Wiring is used to guide the branches into specific shapes and positions, allowing you to control how your tree grows. You can use aluminum or copper wire to gently bend and hold branches in place. Typically, wire should be left on the tree for a few months, depending on how fast your tree is growing. You’ll want to check regularly, though—if the wire starts to dig into the bark, it’s time to remove it before it damages the tree. Always be gentle when unwiring to avoid hurting the branches.
To successfully grow drought-tolerant plants in containers, use a well-draining soil mix such as cactus mix or potting soil amended with sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Plants in pots can dry out quickly, so it's crucial to water only when the soil is completely dry. Choose heat-tolerant container plants that thrive in sunny spots with lots of sun exposure. Self-watering planters can also help maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. For optimal results, consider using compost to enrich the soil mix and provide essential nutrients during the growing season.