BOILED SWEET POTATOES Have you tried boiling swee BOILED SWEET POTATOES 
Have you tried boiling sweet potatoes ? If so, what were your thoughts on the ? 

Sweet Potatoes are a very healing food especially if you grow them yourself. 

We used up all of our larger ones for baking and roasting & I stilI had quite a few of these tiny ones that I was going to compost, but then I heard that boiling them instead can boost their antioxidant power by 2-3X, making them even better for you. 

Boiling them also  makes them easier to digest and keep your blood sugar steady because they have a lower glycemic index! 

If you have tiny sweet potatoes, try boiling them…just cook until tender. The skin usually slips off
A simple, practical way to use the smaller harvest instead of composting. 

Do you usually boil or bake your sweet potatoes?

#sweetpotatoes #lowglycemicindex #healingfood #boiledveggies
Tiny seeds got you down? No worries! This little Tiny seeds got you down? 
No worries! This little trick will solve your problem. I think I first learned this trick from my friend @ Julia Dimakos. 

Tiny seeds like Snapdragons, Oregano, Lavendar, Rosemary are especially tiny and they are the ones that also have to be started early in January-February depending on your zone. 

What do you think? Would you try this hack or do you have other tricks for tiny seeds? Share them in the comments⬇️
This one is for @bj.brown8 “Don’t waste the wat This one is for @bj.brown8 

“Don’t waste the 
water”, my friend said. 

So simple. 

Are we really 
wasting water
when we pour it 
down the sink,
technically no it 
goes back into 
the system, 🌎
but for our plants 
that water could 
still do work! 

What are your thoughts? 

Is this just overkill or 
resourceful seed starting 
and gardening? 

#resourceful #seedstarting #dontwastewater
Afterall the Best Fall Garden cleanup is no cleanu Afterall the Best Fall Garden cleanup is no cleanup. 

Not sure if you noticed, but  I left a lot of branches on my perennials that I won’t clean up until spring. This is because leaving those branches with the seed heads not only feed the birds but also provide shelter for many native bees & insects. 

And don’t worry while we did shred some leaves we didn’t shred all of them. We also leave piles of them laying in the corners of our yard for the wildlife.
SEEDlLING CARE 101 Once they sprout, it’s time t SEEDlLING CARE 101 

Once they sprout, it’s time to take them off the heat mat and out from under the humidity dome. If you leave them in that warm, humid environment too long, they can get weak — and that’s when problems start.

So these little guys are headed under the grow lights in a 10×20 tray for bottom watering, and the rest are staying cozy until they’re ready.

There is seriously nothing better than seeing that first green come through the soil 🥹🌱

If you’re interested in the seed trays I’m using, comment SEEDS and I’ll send you the link in your DMs 💌✨

#seedstarting #gardeningtips #beginnergardener
Growing SPROUTS Grow your own fresh sprouts at h Growing SPROUTS 

Grow your own fresh sprouts at home! I’m loving this Seed Sprouter & using sandwich mix and salad mix sprouting seeds all from @botanical_interests 

1️⃣ Soak seeds 8–12 hrs in water (about 3× their depth).
2️⃣ Spread in a tray, single layer seeds will expand as they sprout!
3️⃣ Rinse 2-5 x daily with plenty of water then drain well.
4️⃣ Keep in indirect light; sprouts edible in 2–9 days.

💡 Tip: Once grown, store in the fridge and enjoy within 3–5 days for peak freshness!

Sprouts are easy, nutritious, and perfect on toast, salads, or bowls. 🥗

P.S. I am a @botanical_interests ambassador so you can get  5% off of this Seed Sprouter & all their products with CODE: MICHELLE 

Happy Sprouting! 

Follow👉 @michellesgardengrows for more Garden encouragement 😊 

#sprouts #growingsprouts #michellesgardengrows #sprouting
Grow Shelf Setup ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Getting my seed starting Grow Shelf Setup 

⬇️⬇️⬇️
Getting my
seed starting
setup ready.

Is it fancy?
No.

Are there
better versions?
Yes.

But this is
what I started with
as a beginner gardener
 six years ago. 

And it works.

Seriously though,
you don’t need 
full spectrum lights 
you can just use 
shop lights, 
but again I 
started with 
these lights and 
that’s what 
I’m still using.

You don’t need
perfect. 

You just need
to begin. 🌱

Happy Seed Starting 
💚Michelle @michellesgardengrows 

#seedstarting #seedstartingsupplies #michellesgardengrows #beginnergardener
❄️Winter Garden The snow has been here for almost ❄️Winter Garden 
The snow has been here
for almost a month ❄️

As you can see
 I didn’t get a chance
to clean up the garden
last fall.

And honestly…
I’m kind of glad I didn’t.

Old vines.
Frozen tomatoes.
Snow-covered beds.

It’s quiet.
It’s surprising.
It’s kind of magical. 
but also getting kind of old! 😬

Is your garden still covered in snow? Let me know in the comments!

#winter #gardentour #michellesgardengrows #snowygarden 

Do you still have snow in your garden?
SEED STARTING TIME 🌶️These are a few of the crops SEED STARTING TIME 
🌶️These are a few of the crops that really benefit from getting an early indoor start. I started these on Saturday February 7, 2026. 

If you’re a beginner gardener, I hope this video helps you feel a little less intimidated and a little more equipped! 

If you’d like my full guide on navigating the stages of indoor seed starting (from sowing to planting out), just comment SEEDS and I’ll send the blog post straight to your DMs 💌🌱

And remember everyone seed starts a little differently. This is what works well for me in my zone 7b & setup. 

Gardening isn’t about perfection… it’s about learning your rhythm. 💚

Happy seed starting! 
💚Michelle ~Michelles Garden Grows 

#seedstarting #beginnergardener #michellesgardengrows
New to gardening or just want an easy win this sea New to gardening or just want an easy win this season? 🌱

This Beginner’s Garden Bundle by @botanical_interests is a great way to help you start strong. It’s packed with dependable, beginner-friendly varieties that are easy to grow, forgiving if you’re learning, and rewarding to harvest.

Whether you’re planting in containers, raised beds, or a backyard garden, this bundle gives you a balanced mix of fresh greens, classic veggies, flavorful herbs, and joyful  blooms.

🌿 What’s included & When to plant. ⬇️

These both need a head start! Transplant outside after frost danger has passed and soil is warm⬇️

1. Early Jalapeño Chile Pepper (Organic) START INDOORS (8–10 weeks before last frost)
2. Gardener’s Delight Pole Cherry tomato: START INDOORS (🌱 6–8 weeks before your last frost date)

🌿 DIRECT SOW BEFORE OR AROUND LAST FROST (Cool-season crops)
3. Danvers 126 Carrot (Organic)
4. Farmer’s Market Blend Mesclun Lettuce
5. Lacinato “Dinosaur” Kale
These can handle cooler temps and light frost.

☀️ DIRECT SOW AFTER LAST FROST (Warm-season crops)
6. Blue Lake 274 Bush Bean (Organic)
7. Emerald Delight Summer Squash
8. Marketmore Cucumber (Organic)
9. Italian Genovese Basil (Organic)
10. Lilliput Zinnia (Organic)
11. Zohar Sunflower (Organic)

Wait until nighttime temps are consistently above 50°F and soil has warmed up.

🎁 Perfect for gifting or keeping your seeds organized as it comes in beautifully themed packaging for the season.

I am a botanical interests ambassador and have a special code for you to save⬇️

💸 Affiliate + Coupon:
Use my COUPON CODE: MGG5  at checkout to save 5% off your order.

https://glnk.io/73j50/michellesgardengrows  or find link in my bio 🌱)

Save this for planting season 🌱✨

Happy Seed Starting! 
💚Michelle 
👉@michellesgardengrows 

#seeds #beginnergarden #botanicalinterests #seedpackets
WINTER SOWING IN A MILK JUG (STEP-BY-STEP) 🚨 I WINTER SOWING 
IN A MILK JUG (STEP-BY-STEP) 

🚨 I forgot to show in the video that you’re supposed to poke holes in the bottom of the jugs, so don’t miss that step. 

1️⃣ Clean an empty milk jug
2️⃣ Poke drainage holes in the bottom
3️⃣ Cut the jug almost in half, leaving it attached under the handle
4️⃣ Fill with 3–4 inches of damp potting mix
5️⃣ Plant seeds (follow depth instructions — some stay on the surface)
6️⃣ Water gently
7️⃣ Close the jug and tape it shut
8️⃣ Remove the cap for ventilation
9️⃣ Label with seed name + date
🔟 Set outside in the sun — even snow is OK ❄️☀️

🌼 Let nature do the work
🌼 Open/vent on warm days once seeds sprout
🌼 Transplant when seedlings are ready

Perfect for cool-season veggies & cold-tolerant flowers like lettuce, pansies, and snapdragons!

#gardening #wintersowing #startingseeds
✅Landscape Fabric Have you tried this before? My ✅Landscape Fabric 
Have you tried this before?
My husband tried it for the first time last year and it worked great! He used leftover landscape fabric from years ago. Glad we finally found a way to use up that stuff because it didn’t work  in the yard 😂
🙏Praying everyone stay safe over the weekend!
🌿Growing more than gardens in 2026! And no, that d 🌿Growing more than gardens in 2026! And no, that doesn’t say grow your SOIL, although that’s a great idea too😂

New YT video is live! I’m sharing my garden-art Bibles + The Bible Recap plan to read through the Bible chronologically in 1 year. It’s not too late for you to join me! 

 ➡️ Details on YouTube (link in bio) or comment GROW & I’ll send the link to your DMS.
No more bagging leaves here. Before I became a g No more bagging leaves here. 

Before I became a gardener, we used to just bag up all our leaves in Hefty Lawn and Leaf plastic bags. 

In fact, the bags in the video were from someone in my neighborhood this year! 

But after getting into gardening, I learned how to use what I already have in my backyard more sustainably. 

We started mowing over the leaves with a bagged mower and using the shredded leaves as mulch around perennials, covering garden beds for the winter, and adding them to our compost bin since shredded leaves break down much faster. 

We also made leaf mold, which is amazing for the garden.

Last year, we got a chipper shredder from Harbor Freight-it not only handles the leaves but also shreds all the little twigs that fall from our trees, making yard cleanup so much easier. 

Shredding leaves is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to boost soil health, reduce waste, and nourish your plants naturally.

Do you leave the leaves entirely or do you shred them up for mulch & compost? 

~Michelle 

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden adventures
Upgrade your garden 👇 Black Friday SALE Nov 9 – D Upgrade your garden 👇

Black Friday SALE Nov 9 – Dec 1

✋DISCLOSURE: I am an Epic gardening ambassador and there is an affiliate link in this post which means if you buy through my link, I will make a small commission. 
✨ 25% OFF almost everything sitewide (and yes — my code MGG5 stacks for an extra 5% off = up to 30% off!)

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your garden for spring or shop for the gardener in your life… this is THE sale. 🙌

Here’s what you unlock ⬇️
💵 $50+ Free Shipping
🎁 $100+ Choose: Veggie Bundle or 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🎁 $200+ Veggie Bundle + 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🎁 $400+ Epic Seed Bundle + 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🔥 Birdies Metal Raised Beds -25% OFF or BOGO 50%
🔥 Vertical Planters -25% OFF or BOGO 50%
🌱 Seed Starting Supplies -25% OFF
🪴 Grow Bags -25% OFF
🌿 Yes, even the GreenStalk planter is included!

These are my personal favorites in my own garden:
• Metal raised beds (we fully transitioned from wood & it’s been a game changer 🙌)
• Grow bags (we use them for blueberries + potatoes!)
• Seed trays (incredibly sturdy for winter starts)
• Harvest basket — I use it constantly 🤍

✨ Shop the Epic Gardening Sale 
https://shop.epicgardening.com/MGG5

⏳ Don’t wait, sale ends Dec 1!

💚 Use my code MGG5  at checkout for an extra 5% off — it stacks on top of the sale price for up to 30% off

Happy Gardening! 🌿💛 
Michelle 👉 @michellesgardengrows 

@epicgardening 
#epicgardening #gardenproducts #epicgardeningpartner
Do you do this too? 👇 I pray for my husband, coll Do you do this too? 👇

I pray for my husband, college-age son, and daughter, my relatives and friends, and my spiritual family: (my husband’s a congregational leader shepherds a community of Faith) and the women I coordinate in our Sisterhood women’s ministry. 

I also pray for our local officials & national leaders in the government .

Sometimes it’s hard to remember everyone, but garden tasks make it meditative. 

I say each name aloud, trusting God knows their needs beyond what some have already shared with me. 🙏❤️

Happy Gardening & Praying
💚Michelle 

👉 Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden & faith inspiration 

#pray #gardentip #marigolds #homegardener #peacefulliving #suburbangardening
Marigolds plus a @newmansown Salsa jar =a simple A Marigolds plus a @newmansown Salsa jar =a simple Autumn Bouquet. Now, if I can only make them last until Thanksgiving! 

I love @newmansown salsa and have saved so many of their jars. I have tons of marigolds and we’re getting our first real big frost in the next few days so I harvested a bunch of marigolds and made a bunch of bouquets.

I grew so many marigolds in my raised beds  this year. I only wish I could remember which variety I grew as  they have been amazing! I love that they’ve lasted this long too.

Have you tried making Marigold bouquets?

👉 follow along @michellesgardengrows for more gardening  inspiration 🌱

#marigolds #gardeninginspiration #bouquet #beginnergardener #raisedbedgardening
Sungolds for the win! Did you know that Sungold t Sungolds for the win! 
Did you know that Sungold tomatoes  are indeterminate tomatoes, which means they are a binging  tomato that will produce all summer long until the first frost, and actually mine have lasted even through a light frost! 

We are getting our first really cold temps on Monday, which will dip down into the high 20s degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, I’m  trying to salvage my last few Sungold tomatoes !

#tomato #sungoldtomatoes #raisedbedgardening #homegardener #novembergarden #indeterminate
Check back in June! Garlic isn’t as complicated Check back in June! 

Garlic isn’t as complicated as I once thought! At first, I was confused about when to plant when harvest, which end of the garlic goes into soil, whether to plant hard neck or soft neck and so forth 🌱🧄 

This year I planted Music garlic, a hardneck variety with big, flavorful cloves and tall scapes in spring. Hardneck garlic loves colder climates, softneck does better in warmer areas, and here in zone 7B, I can grow both!

As a Botanical Interests Ambassador, if you use my link https://www.botanicalinterests.com/MICHELLE you can shop any Botanical Interests or Epic Gardening products & get 5% off. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 💚✨

Who else is planting garlic this fall? Share your plans  below!

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden inspiration 

#gardeninspiration #garlic #beginnergardener #raisedbedgardening
I love stopping by @rockcoopgc @acehardware Their I love stopping by @rockcoopgc @acehardware 
Their Garden center is part of a farm cooperative here in Virginia called Rockingham Cooperative. 

The Garden Center staff Cynthia & Bobby are true gems: knowlegable & always ready to help. Plus they always have the @coastofmaineorganic soils I use in stock. 👏

I recently picked up Quoddy Blend Compost from there to prep for planting garlic. The compost will add structure & increase the soil health in my raised bed garden.

***I’ve been using Coast of Maine products for a few years now. I’m also a Coast Of Maine ambassador & this compost was a gifted to me. 

Feeding  the soil first is the secret to healthy plants.

Good soil. Good  garden. ✨

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows to see how this garlic grows & it being harvested next June. 📆

@ coastofmaineorganic 
#compost #healthysoil #raisedbedgardening #feedthesoil #virginiagardener
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Gift Guides, Inspiration · December 1, 2025

17 Top Gifts for Gardeners

Looking for the best gifts for gardeners? Whether shopping for a friend, family member, or yourself, these 17 garden-inspired gifts combine style, functionality, and joy. From eco-friendly apparel to practical gardening tools and inspiring books, these gifts are perfect for anyone who loves plants and outdoor life.

⚠️This post contains affiliate links which means if purchase using my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my garden content.

1. Because Tees-Soft, Stylish, and Eco-Friendly Shirts for Garden Lovers

Three photos of same woman smiling and  in a yellow, green, and orange shirt with nature

BeCause Tees are soft, durable, and thoughtfully designed for plant and nature lovers. This family-owned Northern California brand offers T-shirts, long sleeves, and hoodies that fit comfortably and celebrate a love of nature without being over the top. Every order supports environmental initiatives and helps plant a tree, making these shirts a gift that gives back. Perfect for days in the garden or casual outings, these eco-friendly tees are a cozy, stylish choice for gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

  • See the BeCause Tees website to shop their nature and animal-inspired shirts. Use my discount code MGG15 to save 15% off your purchase.

2. Vego Kitchen Composter –Turn Scraps into Nutrient-Rich Compost

Turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with the Vego Kitchen Composter. It’s a game-changer for eco-conscious gardeners and anyone who wants to reduce waste while enriching their garden soil.  Easy to use, odor-free, and perfect for small spaces or apartments. It helps gardeners close the loop between kitchen and garden.

  • See the Vego Kitchen Composter on Amazon

7. Leather Garden Tool Belt –Keep Tools Handy in Style

Leather Garden tool Belt

Keep tools close at hand while gardening with a high-quality leather tool belt. Durable, stylish, and incredibly practical. This belt has made my harvesting and deadheading so much more efficient and enjoyable. Plus I don’t lose my garden shears anymore!

  • See Leather Garden Tool Belt/Florist Tool Holder at the Lero website and use CODE: MICHELLE to save 20% off at checkout.
  • Also see the Leather Garden Tool Belt/Florest Tool Holder also at Amazon

3. Dibber-Plant Seeds and Bulbs with Precision

A dibber is a simple but essential gardening tool for planting seeds and bulbs with precision.  Helps plant seeds at the perfect depth every time, which is especially helpful for beginners or anyone growing small plants like herbs or flowers.

  • See the Dibber on Amazon

4. Garden Shears–Effortless Pruning and Harvesting

Red garden Shears

These Japanese high-carbon steel garden shears are lightweight, ergonomic, and rust-resistant. Perfect for pruning, trimming, and harvesting, they make maintaining your garden easier and more enjoyable gardener needs a reliable pair of shears for pruning, trimming, and harvesting. The ClassicPRO Bypass Pruning Shears deliver sharp, clean cuts every time, thanks to Japanese high-carbon steel blades that protect plant health. Makes maintaining your garden much easier and more enjoyable.

  • See Garden Shears on Amazon

5. Seeding Square -Sow Seeds Like A Pro

Green Square with holes used to space and plant seeds

Take the guesswork out of planting with a seeding square. Perfect for raised beds, it ensures evenly spaced rows for vegetables and flowers, helping gardens flourish beautifully

  • See the Seeding Square on Amazon

6. The Well-Gardened Mind Book –Explore the Mental Benefits of Gardening

The Well-Gardened Mind

Gardening nourishes both body and mind. The Well-Gardened Mind shows how tending a garden supports emotional wellness and mindfulness, making it a thoughtful gift for reflective gardeners.The Well-Gardened Mind by psychotherapist and gardener Sue Stuart-Smith shows how gardening can nurture both plants and the mind. Backed by research, her insights reveal that spending time in green spaces reduces stress, supports mental health, and sustains the self. Combining personal experience, clinical expertise, and historical examples, Stuart-Smith demonstrates that gardening can heal, uplift, and provide solace for everyone.

  • See The Well-Gardened Mind on Amazon

8. Wind Spinner

Woman looking at garden wind spinner

This Wind Spinner has add such joy and whimsy to my garden. This decorative wind spinner adds movement and color to any garden. A whimsical touch that inspires both gardeners and visitors alike. Adds a playful, eye-catching element to any outdoor space.

  • See the Wind Spinner on Amazon

9. Video Bird Feeder

We have the best time watching the birds in our backyard up close on our phone app with this Vinguys Smart Bird Feeder with Camera. This is perfect for gardeners who love birds or want to create a lively garden ecosystem. This bird feeder allows gardeners and bird lovers to watch birds up close via an app on their phone. Combines gardening and wildlife observation.

  • See Vico Bird Feeder on Amazon.

10. The Easy Garden Kit

A photo of vegetables from garden and seed packs

A complete starter kit for beginner gardeners. Everything you need to start your own garden just add soil, sun, and water! The Beginner Gardener Kit includes 10 organic, easy-to-grow seeds, a full seed-to-harvest video course, a 118-page growing guide, and a bundle of digital bonuses like planting plans, recipes, and printable plant tags. Perfect for first-time gardeners or anyone looking for a fresh start, this kit offers fast-growing vegetables, greens, and flowers that thrive in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. Seeds include: zucchini, arugula, bush, bean, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, pea, radish, spinach, Zinnia.

  • See The Easy Garden Kit on Gardenary Website.

11. Harvest Basket

Harvest Basket with flowers and tomatoes inside

I love using this generously sized colander trug Harvest Basket to collect and carry everything from my garden from vegetables, flowers, or tools and then rinse and drain them right in the trug with no mess or spills. These sturdy rugs have been trusted by New England clam diggers for generations. Plus, it doubles as a magazine holder, pantry bin, or portable toy box, adding a charming, rustic touch wherever you use it. Made from food-grade, PVC-coated wire and pine with a steam-bent solid oak handle, and is proudly made in the USA.

  • See the Harvest Basket on Amazon

12. Kind Bee Farms Pollinator House and LeafCutter Bee Cocoons

Pollinator House

Help sustain local ecosystems with a pollinator house and leafcutter bee cocoons. A thoughtful gift for gardeners who care about biodiversity. I’ve enjoyed the leaf cutter bees in my garden for the past three years. It’s so charming to watch the leaf cutter bees go in and out of the nesting tubes as they make their cocoons out of pieces of leaves from my plants.

  • See the Pollinator House on Kind Bee Farms Website

13. Monarch Butterfly Leather Garden Gloves

Blue Rugged Guard Leather Garden Gloves by Farmers Defense

The Rugged Guard Leather Gloves from Farmers Defense are perfect for tough gardening and outdoor projects. Made with durable leather palms, moisture-wicking REPREVE® recycled material on the back, and touchscreen-friendly fingertips, they offer comfort, grip, and functionality all in one. Adjustable Velcro straps, padded palms, and reinforced thumbs make them tough enough for any job, available in unisex sizes S–XL.

  • See the Monarch Butterfly Gloves on Farmer’s Defense Website

14. Hori Hori Garden Knife-The Ultimate Multi-Tool

The Ultimate Multi-Tool

A Hori Hori knife is versatile for digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting. A must-have for serious gardeners seeking an all-in-one tool.

  • See the Hori Hori Garden Knife on Amazon

15. Tea Gardening for Beginners Book

Blog Post photo of Tea Gardening for beginners

I used this book in my garden book club, and it’s such a treat for anyone who loves both gardening and tea. What could be more satisfying than brewing a perfect cup of tea… from herbs you grew yourself? Tea Gardening for Beginners walks you through every step, from planning your garden plot to preparing delicious tea blends. You’ll Know your teas: Explore different teas and tisanes, and learn the best ways to blend and brew them. Build your garden: Pick the right spot, gather essential tools, and master pruning and harvesting techniques. Dig into plant profiles: Get quick rundowns of 25 plants, from lavender to lemongrass including taste, safety, and preservation tips. By the end, you’ll have the skills to grow and blend your own teas for energy, relaxation, digestion, or just plain enjoyment.

  • See Tea Gardening for Beginners on Amazon

16. Garden Sleeves, Apron & Sun Protection Hat

Woman standing in Garden with garden hat, sleeves, and gloves
  • See the Garden Sleeves on Amazon
  • See the Garden Apron on Amazon
  • See the Garden hat at Farmer’s Defense Website and use Code:

17. Becoming A Gardener

Blue book titled Becoming a Gardener

I love Becoming a Gardener, it’s part memoir, part gardening guide, and all heart. Catie Marron shares her journey of learning to garden in her new Connecticut home, blending personal reflection with practical advice and inspiration from a variety of garden writers. Filled with stunning photography, illustrations, and thoughtful insights, it’s a book that feels as lovely on your coffee table as it does in your hands while dreaming about your next garden project.

  • See Becoming A Gardener Book on Amazon

Conclusion

These are my top picks for gifts that any gardener will love. Whether it’s a practical tool like a dibber, a stylish T-shirt, or a fun garden decor like a wind spinner, these gifts are useful, thoughtful, and bring joy to the gardening experience.

Which of these gifts would you pick for the gardener in your life? Share your favorites in the comments!

In: Gift Guides, Inspiration

October Garden Book Club: Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell

Garden Book Club, Garden Books · October 14, 2025

October Garden Book Club: Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell

If you’ve ever been charmed by Beatrix Potter’s stories, from Peter Rabbit to Jemima Puddle-Duck, this book offers a beautiful peek into the real gardens and landscapes that inspired her writing and art. Book Overview of Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life…

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Michelle's Garden Grows is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you.

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How We Upgraded Our Wooden Raised Beds to Durable Birdies Raised Beds

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BOILED SWEET POTATOES Have you tried boiling swee BOILED SWEET POTATOES 
Have you tried boiling sweet potatoes ? If so, what were your thoughts on the ? 

Sweet Potatoes are a very healing food especially if you grow them yourself. 

We used up all of our larger ones for baking and roasting & I stilI had quite a few of these tiny ones that I was going to compost, but then I heard that boiling them instead can boost their antioxidant power by 2-3X, making them even better for you. 

Boiling them also  makes them easier to digest and keep your blood sugar steady because they have a lower glycemic index! 

If you have tiny sweet potatoes, try boiling them…just cook until tender. The skin usually slips off
A simple, practical way to use the smaller harvest instead of composting. 

Do you usually boil or bake your sweet potatoes?

#sweetpotatoes #lowglycemicindex #healingfood #boiledveggies
Tiny seeds got you down? No worries! This little Tiny seeds got you down? 
No worries! This little trick will solve your problem. I think I first learned this trick from my friend @ Julia Dimakos. 

Tiny seeds like Snapdragons, Oregano, Lavendar, Rosemary are especially tiny and they are the ones that also have to be started early in January-February depending on your zone. 

What do you think? Would you try this hack or do you have other tricks for tiny seeds? Share them in the comments⬇️
This one is for @bj.brown8 “Don’t waste the wat This one is for @bj.brown8 

“Don’t waste the 
water”, my friend said. 

So simple. 

Are we really 
wasting water
when we pour it 
down the sink,
technically no it 
goes back into 
the system, 🌎
but for our plants 
that water could 
still do work! 

What are your thoughts? 

Is this just overkill or 
resourceful seed starting 
and gardening? 

#resourceful #seedstarting #dontwastewater
Afterall the Best Fall Garden cleanup is no cleanu Afterall the Best Fall Garden cleanup is no cleanup. 

Not sure if you noticed, but  I left a lot of branches on my perennials that I won’t clean up until spring. This is because leaving those branches with the seed heads not only feed the birds but also provide shelter for many native bees & insects. 

And don’t worry while we did shred some leaves we didn’t shred all of them. We also leave piles of them laying in the corners of our yard for the wildlife.
SEEDlLING CARE 101 Once they sprout, it’s time t SEEDlLING CARE 101 

Once they sprout, it’s time to take them off the heat mat and out from under the humidity dome. If you leave them in that warm, humid environment too long, they can get weak — and that’s when problems start.

So these little guys are headed under the grow lights in a 10×20 tray for bottom watering, and the rest are staying cozy until they’re ready.

There is seriously nothing better than seeing that first green come through the soil 🥹🌱

If you’re interested in the seed trays I’m using, comment SEEDS and I’ll send you the link in your DMs 💌✨

#seedstarting #gardeningtips #beginnergardener
Growing SPROUTS Grow your own fresh sprouts at h Growing SPROUTS 

Grow your own fresh sprouts at home! I’m loving this Seed Sprouter & using sandwich mix and salad mix sprouting seeds all from @botanical_interests 

1️⃣ Soak seeds 8–12 hrs in water (about 3× their depth).
2️⃣ Spread in a tray, single layer seeds will expand as they sprout!
3️⃣ Rinse 2-5 x daily with plenty of water then drain well.
4️⃣ Keep in indirect light; sprouts edible in 2–9 days.

💡 Tip: Once grown, store in the fridge and enjoy within 3–5 days for peak freshness!

Sprouts are easy, nutritious, and perfect on toast, salads, or bowls. 🥗

P.S. I am a @botanical_interests ambassador so you can get  5% off of this Seed Sprouter & all their products with CODE: MICHELLE 

Happy Sprouting! 

Follow👉 @michellesgardengrows for more Garden encouragement 😊 

#sprouts #growingsprouts #michellesgardengrows #sprouting
Grow Shelf Setup ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Getting my seed starting Grow Shelf Setup 

⬇️⬇️⬇️
Getting my
seed starting
setup ready.

Is it fancy?
No.

Are there
better versions?
Yes.

But this is
what I started with
as a beginner gardener
 six years ago. 

And it works.

Seriously though,
you don’t need 
full spectrum lights 
you can just use 
shop lights, 
but again I 
started with 
these lights and 
that’s what 
I’m still using.

You don’t need
perfect. 

You just need
to begin. 🌱

Happy Seed Starting 
💚Michelle @michellesgardengrows 

#seedstarting #seedstartingsupplies #michellesgardengrows #beginnergardener
❄️Winter Garden The snow has been here for almost ❄️Winter Garden 
The snow has been here
for almost a month ❄️

As you can see
 I didn’t get a chance
to clean up the garden
last fall.

And honestly…
I’m kind of glad I didn’t.

Old vines.
Frozen tomatoes.
Snow-covered beds.

It’s quiet.
It’s surprising.
It’s kind of magical. 
but also getting kind of old! 😬

Is your garden still covered in snow? Let me know in the comments!

#winter #gardentour #michellesgardengrows #snowygarden 

Do you still have snow in your garden?
SEED STARTING TIME 🌶️These are a few of the crops SEED STARTING TIME 
🌶️These are a few of the crops that really benefit from getting an early indoor start. I started these on Saturday February 7, 2026. 

If you’re a beginner gardener, I hope this video helps you feel a little less intimidated and a little more equipped! 

If you’d like my full guide on navigating the stages of indoor seed starting (from sowing to planting out), just comment SEEDS and I’ll send the blog post straight to your DMs 💌🌱

And remember everyone seed starts a little differently. This is what works well for me in my zone 7b & setup. 

Gardening isn’t about perfection… it’s about learning your rhythm. 💚

Happy seed starting! 
💚Michelle ~Michelles Garden Grows 

#seedstarting #beginnergardener #michellesgardengrows
New to gardening or just want an easy win this sea New to gardening or just want an easy win this season? 🌱

This Beginner’s Garden Bundle by @botanical_interests is a great way to help you start strong. It’s packed with dependable, beginner-friendly varieties that are easy to grow, forgiving if you’re learning, and rewarding to harvest.

Whether you’re planting in containers, raised beds, or a backyard garden, this bundle gives you a balanced mix of fresh greens, classic veggies, flavorful herbs, and joyful  blooms.

🌿 What’s included & When to plant. ⬇️

These both need a head start! Transplant outside after frost danger has passed and soil is warm⬇️

1. Early Jalapeño Chile Pepper (Organic) START INDOORS (8–10 weeks before last frost)
2. Gardener’s Delight Pole Cherry tomato: START INDOORS (🌱 6–8 weeks before your last frost date)

🌿 DIRECT SOW BEFORE OR AROUND LAST FROST (Cool-season crops)
3. Danvers 126 Carrot (Organic)
4. Farmer’s Market Blend Mesclun Lettuce
5. Lacinato “Dinosaur” Kale
These can handle cooler temps and light frost.

☀️ DIRECT SOW AFTER LAST FROST (Warm-season crops)
6. Blue Lake 274 Bush Bean (Organic)
7. Emerald Delight Summer Squash
8. Marketmore Cucumber (Organic)
9. Italian Genovese Basil (Organic)
10. Lilliput Zinnia (Organic)
11. Zohar Sunflower (Organic)

Wait until nighttime temps are consistently above 50°F and soil has warmed up.

🎁 Perfect for gifting or keeping your seeds organized as it comes in beautifully themed packaging for the season.

I am a botanical interests ambassador and have a special code for you to save⬇️

💸 Affiliate + Coupon:
Use my COUPON CODE: MGG5  at checkout to save 5% off your order.

https://glnk.io/73j50/michellesgardengrows  or find link in my bio 🌱)

Save this for planting season 🌱✨

Happy Seed Starting! 
💚Michelle 
👉@michellesgardengrows 

#seeds #beginnergarden #botanicalinterests #seedpackets
WINTER SOWING IN A MILK JUG (STEP-BY-STEP) 🚨 I WINTER SOWING 
IN A MILK JUG (STEP-BY-STEP) 

🚨 I forgot to show in the video that you’re supposed to poke holes in the bottom of the jugs, so don’t miss that step. 

1️⃣ Clean an empty milk jug
2️⃣ Poke drainage holes in the bottom
3️⃣ Cut the jug almost in half, leaving it attached under the handle
4️⃣ Fill with 3–4 inches of damp potting mix
5️⃣ Plant seeds (follow depth instructions — some stay on the surface)
6️⃣ Water gently
7️⃣ Close the jug and tape it shut
8️⃣ Remove the cap for ventilation
9️⃣ Label with seed name + date
🔟 Set outside in the sun — even snow is OK ❄️☀️

🌼 Let nature do the work
🌼 Open/vent on warm days once seeds sprout
🌼 Transplant when seedlings are ready

Perfect for cool-season veggies & cold-tolerant flowers like lettuce, pansies, and snapdragons!

#gardening #wintersowing #startingseeds
✅Landscape Fabric Have you tried this before? My ✅Landscape Fabric 
Have you tried this before?
My husband tried it for the first time last year and it worked great! He used leftover landscape fabric from years ago. Glad we finally found a way to use up that stuff because it didn’t work  in the yard 😂
🙏Praying everyone stay safe over the weekend!
🌿Growing more than gardens in 2026! And no, that d 🌿Growing more than gardens in 2026! And no, that doesn’t say grow your SOIL, although that’s a great idea too😂

New YT video is live! I’m sharing my garden-art Bibles + The Bible Recap plan to read through the Bible chronologically in 1 year. It’s not too late for you to join me! 

 ➡️ Details on YouTube (link in bio) or comment GROW & I’ll send the link to your DMS.
No more bagging leaves here. Before I became a g No more bagging leaves here. 

Before I became a gardener, we used to just bag up all our leaves in Hefty Lawn and Leaf plastic bags. 

In fact, the bags in the video were from someone in my neighborhood this year! 

But after getting into gardening, I learned how to use what I already have in my backyard more sustainably. 

We started mowing over the leaves with a bagged mower and using the shredded leaves as mulch around perennials, covering garden beds for the winter, and adding them to our compost bin since shredded leaves break down much faster. 

We also made leaf mold, which is amazing for the garden.

Last year, we got a chipper shredder from Harbor Freight-it not only handles the leaves but also shreds all the little twigs that fall from our trees, making yard cleanup so much easier. 

Shredding leaves is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to boost soil health, reduce waste, and nourish your plants naturally.

Do you leave the leaves entirely or do you shred them up for mulch & compost? 

~Michelle 

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden adventures
Upgrade your garden 👇 Black Friday SALE Nov 9 – D Upgrade your garden 👇

Black Friday SALE Nov 9 – Dec 1

✋DISCLOSURE: I am an Epic gardening ambassador and there is an affiliate link in this post which means if you buy through my link, I will make a small commission. 
✨ 25% OFF almost everything sitewide (and yes — my code MGG5 stacks for an extra 5% off = up to 30% off!)

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your garden for spring or shop for the gardener in your life… this is THE sale. 🙌

Here’s what you unlock ⬇️
💵 $50+ Free Shipping
🎁 $100+ Choose: Veggie Bundle or 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🎁 $200+ Veggie Bundle + 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🎁 $400+ Epic Seed Bundle + 4-Cell Seed Tray 8-Pack
🔥 Birdies Metal Raised Beds -25% OFF or BOGO 50%
🔥 Vertical Planters -25% OFF or BOGO 50%
🌱 Seed Starting Supplies -25% OFF
🪴 Grow Bags -25% OFF
🌿 Yes, even the GreenStalk planter is included!

These are my personal favorites in my own garden:
• Metal raised beds (we fully transitioned from wood & it’s been a game changer 🙌)
• Grow bags (we use them for blueberries + potatoes!)
• Seed trays (incredibly sturdy for winter starts)
• Harvest basket — I use it constantly 🤍

✨ Shop the Epic Gardening Sale 
https://shop.epicgardening.com/MGG5

⏳ Don’t wait, sale ends Dec 1!

💚 Use my code MGG5  at checkout for an extra 5% off — it stacks on top of the sale price for up to 30% off

Happy Gardening! 🌿💛 
Michelle 👉 @michellesgardengrows 

@epicgardening 
#epicgardening #gardenproducts #epicgardeningpartner
Do you do this too? 👇 I pray for my husband, coll Do you do this too? 👇

I pray for my husband, college-age son, and daughter, my relatives and friends, and my spiritual family: (my husband’s a congregational leader shepherds a community of Faith) and the women I coordinate in our Sisterhood women’s ministry. 

I also pray for our local officials & national leaders in the government .

Sometimes it’s hard to remember everyone, but garden tasks make it meditative. 

I say each name aloud, trusting God knows their needs beyond what some have already shared with me. 🙏❤️

Happy Gardening & Praying
💚Michelle 

👉 Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden & faith inspiration 

#pray #gardentip #marigolds #homegardener #peacefulliving #suburbangardening
Marigolds plus a @newmansown Salsa jar =a simple A Marigolds plus a @newmansown Salsa jar =a simple Autumn Bouquet. Now, if I can only make them last until Thanksgiving! 

I love @newmansown salsa and have saved so many of their jars. I have tons of marigolds and we’re getting our first real big frost in the next few days so I harvested a bunch of marigolds and made a bunch of bouquets.

I grew so many marigolds in my raised beds  this year. I only wish I could remember which variety I grew as  they have been amazing! I love that they’ve lasted this long too.

Have you tried making Marigold bouquets?

👉 follow along @michellesgardengrows for more gardening  inspiration 🌱

#marigolds #gardeninginspiration #bouquet #beginnergardener #raisedbedgardening
Sungolds for the win! Did you know that Sungold t Sungolds for the win! 
Did you know that Sungold tomatoes  are indeterminate tomatoes, which means they are a binging  tomato that will produce all summer long until the first frost, and actually mine have lasted even through a light frost! 

We are getting our first really cold temps on Monday, which will dip down into the high 20s degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, I’m  trying to salvage my last few Sungold tomatoes !

#tomato #sungoldtomatoes #raisedbedgardening #homegardener #novembergarden #indeterminate
Check back in June! Garlic isn’t as complicated Check back in June! 

Garlic isn’t as complicated as I once thought! At first, I was confused about when to plant when harvest, which end of the garlic goes into soil, whether to plant hard neck or soft neck and so forth 🌱🧄 

This year I planted Music garlic, a hardneck variety with big, flavorful cloves and tall scapes in spring. Hardneck garlic loves colder climates, softneck does better in warmer areas, and here in zone 7B, I can grow both!

As a Botanical Interests Ambassador, if you use my link https://www.botanicalinterests.com/MICHELLE you can shop any Botanical Interests or Epic Gardening products & get 5% off. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 💚✨

Who else is planting garlic this fall? Share your plans  below!

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows for more garden inspiration 

#gardeninspiration #garlic #beginnergardener #raisedbedgardening
I love stopping by @rockcoopgc @acehardware Their I love stopping by @rockcoopgc @acehardware 
Their Garden center is part of a farm cooperative here in Virginia called Rockingham Cooperative. 

The Garden Center staff Cynthia & Bobby are true gems: knowlegable & always ready to help. Plus they always have the @coastofmaineorganic soils I use in stock. 👏

I recently picked up Quoddy Blend Compost from there to prep for planting garlic. The compost will add structure & increase the soil health in my raised bed garden.

***I’ve been using Coast of Maine products for a few years now. I’m also a Coast Of Maine ambassador & this compost was a gifted to me. 

Feeding  the soil first is the secret to healthy plants.

Good soil. Good  garden. ✨

👉Follow along @michellesgardengrows to see how this garlic grows & it being harvested next June. 📆

@ coastofmaineorganic 
#compost #healthysoil #raisedbedgardening #feedthesoil #virginiagardener

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