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. Why should I attract ladybugs to my garden?
Ladybugs act as natural pest controllers, consuming aphids, mites, and other harmful insects that damage plants. By inviting them, you reduce pesticide use and encourage a healthier ecosystem.
2. What do ladybugs eat?
Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids, but they also consume whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, and other soft-bodied pests that plague vegetable and flower gardens.
3. How can I keep ladybugs in my garden year-round?
To retain ladybugs, provide consistent food sources (such as aphid-prone plants), water, and shelter like mulch, bug hotels, or dense plantings. Avoid using chemical insecticides that can harm them.
1. How long does it take for kiwi vines to produce fruit?
Kiwi vines typically take 3 to 5 years to produce their first crop. If grown from seed, it may take up to 7 years.
2. Do I need both male and female kiwi plants?
Yes, unless you plant a self-fertile variety. Most kiwifruit vines are dioecious, meaning male plants provide pollen, and female plants produce fruit.
3. Can kiwi grow in cold climates?
Yes. Hardy kiwi varieties can withstand extremely cold winters (down to -25°C or -13°F), making them suitable for northern regions.
1. How often should I water my indoor hanging plants?
Most indoor hanging plants prefer to dry slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
2. What’s the best soil for hanging plants?
A well-draining mix is essential. For tropical plants, use a peat or coco coir blend; for succulents, add sand or perlite.
3. Can hanging plants grow in low light?
Yes — Pothos, Philodendron, and English Ivy can thrive in shaded areas, although they’ll grow more slowly.
4. How can I keep hanging plants full and healthy?
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth. Rotate your plants every few weeks so all sides receive light evenly.
Q1: What are sunflower companion plants?
A: Sunflower companion plants are crops or flowers that grow well alongside sunflowers. They either benefit from the sunflower’s height, attract pollinators, or help repel pests. Examples include cucumbers, beans, marigolds, garlic, and squash. These best companion plants for sunflowers help create a healthier, more balanced vegetable garden.
Q2: Why should I plant sunflowers with companion plants?
A: Companion planting helps sunflowers grow stronger while improving your garden’s ecosystem. Some plants, like beans, fix nitrogen into the soil. Others, like onions and garlic, naturally repel harmful insects. Together, these sunflower companion plants enhance soil health, attract bees, and keep your garden pest-free — without chemicals!
Q3: What plants should I avoid planting with sunflowers?
A: Some plants don’t mix well with sunflowers. Avoid:
- Potatoes – attract the same pests as sunflowers.
- Pole Beans – compete for sunlight and space.
- Fennel and other allelopathic plants – release chemicals that inhibit growth.
- Basil and parsley – struggle with too much heat and shade.
These are plants to avoid because they can harm your sunflower plant’s growth or attract unwanted pests.
Q4: What does “allelopathic” mean in gardening?
A: The term allelopathic refers to plants that release natural chemicals (called allelochemicals) into the soil or air that affect nearby plant growth. For example, fennel and black walnut trees are allelopathic plants — they can stunt the growth of sensitive neighbors like sunflowers or beans. Always research before planting them together.
Q5: Can I plant sunflowers in a vegetable garden?
A: Yes! Sunflowers in vegetable gardens are fantastic companions. They attract pollinators that improve fruit yields for vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and beans. Their tall stalks also act as windbreaks, protecting smaller crops from damage. Just remember to plant sunflowers on the north side so they don’t block sunlight from shorter plants.
Q6: How close should I plant companion plants to sunflowers?
A: It depends on the type of companion plant:
- Small herbs or root crops (carrots, onions, garlic): 6–8 inches away.
- Medium crops (beans, cucumbers): 12–18 inches away.
- Large crops (tomatoes, squash, corn): 2–3 feet away.
This spacing ensures good airflow and prevents allelopathic effects between plants.