N the Garden

Nemas Gardens Newsletter  April 2026 “Every garden begins with a single seed, but its true growth is measured in the people it nourishes.” This quote reminds us that gardening is about more than plants—it’s about the impact those plants have on our lives and communities. When we grow food, we are also growing knowledge, resilience, and connection. At Nemas Gardens, each seed planted represents an opportunity for someone to learn, share, and take part in building a healthier a

April in the DMV marks the true arrival of spring in the garden. Flowers are beginning to bloom, seedlings are moving outdoors, and gardeners across the DMV are diving fully into the growing season. Throughout the region, April brings a variety of plant sales, garden festivals, workshops, and outdoor events where gardeners can discover new plants, learn from experts, and connect with their local gardening community. Here’s a roundup of gardening-focused events happening acros

Every year on April 22, Earth Day encourages people around the world to reflect on how their everyday choices impact the planet. For gardeners, this reflection often begins right in the soil. Gardens have the potential to do far more than produce flowers or vegetables. They can provide habitat for wildlife, support pollinators, improve soil health, and contribute to a healthier local ecosystem. One of the most meaningful ways gardeners can support these goals is by planting n

There’s something deeply powerful about witnessing life begin from what seems like nothing. A tiny seed, barely noticeable in the palm of your hand, holds the potential to grow into something vibrant, nourishing, and beautiful. That transformation is what first drew me to gardening and it’s what keeps me coming back. My favorite part of gardening isn’t just the end result, but the process itself. I love planting seeds, feeling the soil between my fingers, and getting my hands

Marigolds are one of the most dependable flowers you can grow as the garden shifts into spring. In Zone 7A, they fit naturally into the season, germinating quickly as the soil warms and continuing to bloom steadily into summer. Whether you’re filling out garden beds or adding support plants around your vegetables, marigolds offer an easy way to bring both color and function into your space without adding extra complexity to your routine. Step 1: Choose your variety Start by s

April in Zone 9A, which includes parts of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and California, is where momentum takes over. The garden is no longer just waking up, it is actively growing. Warm soil, longer days, and steady sunlight create the perfect conditions for both harvesting and planting. This is the month where your efforts start to show, and your garden begins to fill out quickly. Here’s your guide to April:  Step 1: Clear and Refresh Your Space As cool-season crops begin to f

Let’s welcome April Grow(n) Folks! April arrives with a quiet sense of momentum in the garden. The days feel brighter, the soil begins to warm, and everywhere you look there are signs that the growing season is truly underway. What began as careful planning in late winter now starts to turn into action. Seeds are being planted, beds are being prepared, and the promise of a full garden begins to take shape. April also brings a moment to reflect on the relationship we have with

Nemas Gardens Newsletter  March 2026 " As women, we are natural cultivators of ideas, of families, of communities. At Nemas Gardens, we believe that when women grow, everything around them blooms.” The quote highlights the idea that women naturally nurture and grow more than just plants — they inspire ideas, support families, and strengthen communities. At Nemas Gardens, it reflects the belief that when women are empowered to grow and lead, the positive effects ripple outward

Welcome to February, dear gardeners, growers, and lovers of all things green. March carries a special kind of energy. The days stretch a little longer, the air begins to soften, and the garden starts whispering that it is almost time. It is a month of transition, reflection, and preparation. March is also Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the women who have shaped our communities, our food systems, and our futures. In agriculture especially, women have always played

March in Zone 7A is where preparation meets possibility. The air is still cool, but the soil is beginning to wake up. While winter may linger in the mornings, this is the month gardeners shift into action. With the right steps, you can set your home or school garden up for a productive and vibrant spring. Here is how to move through March with purpose. Step 1: Prepare Your Space Before planting anything, take time to prepare your garden beds. Clear away debris, remove winter

March in the DMV is when the gardening season truly wakes up. The days are getting longer, soil temperatures are slowly rising, and across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, gardeners are stepping out of planning mode and into planting mode. From seed-starting workshops to native plant symposiums and early spring garden tours, March 2026 is filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and get inspired for the growing season ahead. Here’s a roundup of gardening-focused ev

When we think of St. Patrick’s Day, we picture green everything and the familiar three leaf clover. Traditionally known as the shamrock and closely associated with Ireland, clover has long symbolized luck, renewal, and growth. But beyond the celebration, clover plays a powerful and practical role in the garden. Most clovers belong to the Trifolium family, and what makes them special is not just their symbolism, but their function in the soil. Clover is a nitrogen fixing plant

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women who have shaped history not only through words, but through action. In agriculture and food justice, few figures embody the connection between land, freedom, and empowerment more powerfully than Fannie Lou Hamer. Many people know Hamer as a civil rights leader who fought tirelessly for voting rights in Mississippi. But her work did not stop at the ballot box. She understood something deeper: political freedom without e

I think my love for gardening began with my mom’s little balcony garden. When I was a child, that space felt like a quiet sanctuary—just a few pots and hanging plants, but it was full of life and care. I remember spending time there when my parents were away, feeling safe and held by the space she had created. It was as if her love lingered in the leaves, quietly keeping me company even when she wasn’t around. That small balcony garden wasn’t anything fancy, but to me, it was

Spring is the perfect time to grow snap peas. These crisp, sweet pods love cool temperatures and are one of the earliest vegetables you can plant in Zone 7a. If you are eager to get your hands in the soil before summer crops go in, snap peas are the ideal way to start the season. Here is your step by step guide to growing them from seed to harvest. Step 1: Choose the Right Time Snap peas are a cool season crop. In Zone 7a, you can plant them as soon as the soil is workable, t

Nemas Gardens Newsletter  February 2026 "Gardening is the slowest of all the performing arts. It is where you truly learn that to love a thing is to give it time." This quote speaks to the profound love we have for nurturing life in our gardens. It reminds us that our deepest connections—whether with the soil, a seedling, or the changing seasons—require patience and dedication. The true joy of gardening isn't just in the harvest, but in the quiet, consistent act of tending, t

Welcome to February, dear gardeners, growers, and lovers of all things green. February is often wrapped in roses and chocolates, but for those of us who garden, love shows up a little differently. It’s in the quiet care of tending soil, the patience of waiting for seeds to sprout, and the joy of nurturing life—day by day. This month invites us to slow down and reconnect with what we love most about gardening. Let’s lean into February as a season of affection for the earth, fo

For me, gardening is deeply fulfilling because it allows me to witness growth in its purest form. Starting with a tiny seed and, through patience and care, seeing it transform into a thriving plant is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that with consistent attention, life flourishes, and being part of that process brings a sense of purpose and quiet joy. My favorite part of gardening is the daily routine of watering and checking on my plants. In the mornings, I like to gre

Gardening is more than planting seeds—it’s a practice rooted in survival, resistance, innovation, and community. For centuries, Black farmers, gardeners, and agricultural leaders have shaped the way food is grown, shared, and sustained. Learning how to grow a garden today is also an opportunity to honor that legacy and reconnect with traditions that continue to nourish both land and people. This tutorial will guide you through how to start and grow a garden , while highlighti

February may still feel like winter in the DMV, but for gardeners, it’s one of the most exciting months of the year. Seeds are being sorted, plans are taking shape, and garden lovers across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are coming together to learn, share, and get inspired for the growing season ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a native plant enthusiast, or just starting to dream about spring tomatoes, February 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to dig in—