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.
1. How long does it take for blackberry bushes to bear fruit?
Most blackberry bushes begin producing fruit in their second year if you are planting floricane-fruiting varieties. However, primocane-fruiting varieties can produce a small primocane crop in the first year. Expect full fruit production from established bushes after 3–4 years.
2. Can I grow blackberries from seed?
Yes, blackberries can be grown from seed, but it’s a slow and unpredictable process. Seeds require cold stratification for 2–3 months to germinate, and it may take 2–3 years before plants produce fruit. Most gardeners prefer planting seedlings or bare-root plants for faster results.
3. How do I know when blackberries are ripe?
A blackberry is ripe when it is fully black, plump, glossy, and easily pulls from the cane. Taste and texture are the best indicators. Ripe berries should be harvested every couple of days during peak season for maximum flavor.
4. Can blackberries be grown in pots or raised beds?
Yes! Compact or erect blackberry varieties grow well in pots or raised beds. Use large containers with good drainage, fertile soil, and a small trellis for support. Repot every 2–3 years to maintain healthy growth.
Q: How often should I prune my herbs?
A: Most herbs benefit from trimming every 1–2 weeks during active growth. Fast growers like basil and mint can be pruned more often, while woody herbs like rosemary need lighter, less frequent trimming.
Q: Can I prune herbs if they are flowering?
A: Yes — especially annual herbs. Remove small flower buds quickly to keep the plant producing leaves. If the herb has already fully flowered and gone to seed, harvest what you can and consider replanting new seeds.
Q: Should I prune herbs in winter?
A: Only if they are actively growing indoors. Most outdoor herbs slow down in winter, so minimal pruning reduces stress. Focus on light shaping and removing dead or brown stems.
Q: What tool should I use to trim herbs?
A: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. Keeping tools sanitized prevents disease transmission and helps make clean cuts that heal faster.
Q: Will pruning make my herbs grow back bigger?
A: Yes! Correct pruning encourages plants to produce more lateral shoots, resulting in bushier, healthier herbs with more stems and leaves.
1. Can windowsill plants improve indoor air quality?
Yes, several houseplants, including snake plants, pothos, and spider plants, are known for their air-purifying abilities, removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. While plants won’t replace proper ventilation, they do contribute to improved air quality and add natural humidity to dry indoor environments.
2. How can I keep my windowsill plants healthy in winter?
During winter, light intensity decreases, and indoor heating can dry the air. Place your plants on windowsills with maximum sunlight, avoid overwatering, and increase humidity using a tray of water or a small humidifier. Sensitive flowering plants like geraniums or African violets may benefit from supplemental grow lights to maintain bloom and foliage quality during shorter winter days.
3. Can I grow flowering and foliage plants together on the same windowsill?
Yes, but pay attention to their light and water requirements. Group plants with similar needs—sun-loving succulents together and shade-tolerant foliage like snake plants and pothos separately. This prevents overwatering or underexposure and ensures all plants thrive. Rotating flowering plants occasionally can also help blooms develop evenly.
Can mango trees be grown in pots?
A: Yes, potted mango trees require large containers with well-draining soil. Regular repotting and sunlight exposure are essential to grow a healthy mango tree in a pot.
Can mango trees grow indoors?
A: Yes, young mango trees can grow indoors in large pots with sufficient sunlight or grow lights. Indoor mango trees may take longer to flower and fruit but are manageable with proper care.
How do I grow mango trees from seed faster?
A: Using warm conditions, consistent moisture, and polyembryonic seeds can speed up germination. Grafting onto seedling rootstocks is another method to grow mango trees faster and ensure quality fruit.
When do mango trees produce fruit?
A: Grafted mango trees may bear fruit in three to five years, while seed-grown trees may take five to eight years. Flowering and fruiting are influenced by climate, sunlight, and proper mango tree care.