Growing Roots Together

05/27/2026

Which flowering plant is getting the most attention from the pollinators right now? The answer may surprise you!

Is it

🐝 Thyme - loaded with tiny flowers so many tiny pollinators and

Or is it

🐝 Borage - begins flowering mid spring and keeps on going on throughout the summer

Nope, it’s… 🥁

🐝 Brassica flowers - fall planted sprouting broccoli in this case!

I harvested sprouting broccoli for several weeks this spring and then let it go to flower. I will leave it until the flowers start to turn to seed pods and then I will cut it back and seed some squash and cucumbers.

05/18/2026

Lots of people tell me they don’t have success with peppers. But it’s really about choosing the right varieties. I grow all of my starts from local seed so I know they are already acclimated to our growing conditions. Plant them in full sun and these varieties will grow in abundance. So many that you will need to learn how to make pickled jalapeños, or pepper jelly. My favorite way to preserve them is to roast them with tomatillos and garlic or to dehydrate and use in powder form throughout the year.

Pepper and tomatillo starts available now! I also have a new variety called Peace Bell - a sweet bell pepper bred for our short summers. Cayenne pepper starts are 50% off currently! Link in bio

gardenstartsnursery

05/16/2026

Hope to see you at the Edmonds Summer Market tomorrow!

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Downtown Edmonds

Edmonds Museum Summer Market

05/13/2026

Even if I’m not sure how to pronounce it, I do know how to get the most from your Orach (aka Orache or Mountain spinach) harvests!

Orach (Atriplex hortensis) is a “wild” edible plant from the Mediterranean that easily reseeds itself to return each year. I welcome the abundant harvests with no work on my part. Orach comes in red or green varieties and both are a delicious salad green loaded with nutrients and micro vitamins that store-bought lettuce or spinach can’t even begin to compare to.

Orache thrives in the cool weather of spring and by late May begins to flower and set seed. It prefers a sunny spot, but I’ve grown it with success in part sun. Harvest often to discourage flowering by pinching the tops to encourage branching (like basil) and taking the largest leaves from the bottom of the plant.

When the plant flowers, let the seed heads dry fully before removing some to save for next season - or simply let them fall to the ground and you will have a giant patch of wild Mountain Spinach in the spring!

Learn more about Orach and other unusual edibles at the link in bio. Plants available now at GrowingRootsTogether.com.

05/10/2026

Thinking about getting some chickens? Join me at NE Seattle and Shoreline Tool Library to learn all about urban chicken keeping and ways to keep your chicks healthy and happy!

05/09/2026

Diversify your diet (and your taste buds) with these 8 unique and unusual edible plants! Ready to try something new? Shop now at GrowingRootsTogether.com/shop-1

https://www.growingrootstogether.com/post/eight-unusual-edible-plants-to-grow-in-your-garden-and-how-to-eat-them

Grow a pharmacy of unusual edibles to add interest to your garden and diversity to your plate and diet.

05/09/2026

Klip dagga always gets a center spot in my edible garden! It’s such a unique plant with crazy strange flowers. Everyone always asks about it. And the hummingbirds think I plant it just for them. It’s available now and ready to plant!

I dry some flowers and leaves to use medicinally as well - check out the many benefits of Klip dagga/Lion’s Ear! Be sure to do your own research before consuming any plant.

05/04/2026

Just wanted to introduce you to a few friends, new and a couple “old” favorites.

💗Oswego Tea is a brand new one for me. I love all the Monarda’s though and they are all wonderful pollinator plants too. The hummingbirds love them as well. Plus makes a yummy tea herb.

💕 Aster, oblogifolious is an aromatic, showy perennial growing to 3’ tall and blooming summer through fall. Flowers and roots are medicinal. Bring on the 🦋 🦋🦋

❤️ Gem Marigold - so many marigolds to chose from but this one has dainty edible flowers with a citrus flavor! Get some to interplant with your tomatoes.

🦁 Every year I talk more and more people into growing Lions ear/Klip Dagga. She can get up to 5’ tall with spires of unique whirling orange flowers. Lion’s Ear is an annual but so worth it. Look up the medicinal benefits as well - and be sure to research thoroughly before consuming and plant.

Tomatoes are ready to plant as well and you can preorder your basil now too! It’s all grown with love in Lynnwood. 💗

05/02/2026

Loaded up your favorite tomatoes and heading to opening day at the tomorrow!

Plus I have some amazing herbs and flowers too…

04/28/2026

I have so many squirrels and critters who want to eat my sunflower seeds as soon as I put them in the ground. But sunflowers don’t like to be transplanted so starting them in paper pots is a free and easy solution. 🐿️ none for you squirrels!

Beans and the entire Cucurbit family (squash and cucumbers) also do not like to be transplanted and do much better seeded directly in the garden. However, they don’t like cold soil. Paper pots work great for these crops too! Start them indoors or in a protected area outside a couple of weeks before planting out. Be sure to transplant these crops when they have one or two true leaves so they will have a better chance of reaching their full potential.

Want more summer garden learning? Join my online class tomorrow evening from 6-7:30 PM. We’ll cover all things summer gardening plus talk about your specific garden and gardening challenges. https://www.growingrootstogether.com/event-details/summer-gardening-garden-coaching-and-q-a