N the Garden

Nemas Gardens Newsletter  January 2026 "Beginnings are the seeds of possibility." January carries the spirit of renewal—frost-kissed mornings in northern landscapes and sunlit abundance across equatorial gardens. Whether you’re pruning roses in New York or sowing amaranth in Manila, this month invites intention, courage, and gentle optimism. It is a season to honor fresh starts, to plant ideas alongside seedlings, and to trust that each small effort will grow into something g

Welcome to 2026, dear gardeners, growers, and green-hearted dreamers! There’s something magical about the start of a new year—a fresh calendar, fresh soil, and fresh intentions. Whether you’re tending a backyard plot, a balcony garden, or a community space, this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plant seeds for a more intentional growing season. Let’s dig into some gardening resolutions that can help us grow not just better plants, but better habits, deeper connecti

January might look like a quiet month in the garden, but in Zone 7A, it’s actually a strategic time to prepare, plant, and plan . With cold-hardy crops outdoors and seed-starting projects indoors, you can set the stage for a productive spring. Let’s walk through it step by step. 1. Know Your Zone 7A Winter Conditions Zone 7A typically experiences: Average lows between 0°F and 5°F Regular frosts and occasional snow Short daylight hours This means most tender plants won’t survi

Even in the quiet chill of January, USDA Zone 7A gardeners have plenty to do. While the ground may be frozen or soggy, this month is ideal for planning, prepping, and planting cold-hardy crops and indoor starts  that set the stage for a thriving spring garden. What You Can Grow Outdoors in January Though outdoor planting is limited, some resilient varieties can handle the cold  and even benefit from winter sowing techniques: Garlic : If you didn’t plant in fall, you can still

There’s a special kind of peace and excitement that comes with planting seeds. It’s the quiet thrill of possibility—the idea that something small and humble can grow into something nourishing, beautiful, and alive. For me, gardening isn’t just a hobby. It’s a grounding ritual, a way to connect with nature and with myself. My very first gardening experience was back in Grade 8. I still remember the joy of working alongside my classmates, our hands in the soil, laughter in the

As we step into 2026, what better way to start fresh than by digging into the vibrant world of gardening? Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist, a community educator, or just someone who loves plants, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region is blooming with opportunities this January. From trade shows to guided walks and hands-on workshops, these events offer a chance to connect, learn, and grow—literally and figuratively. Maryland: Industry Powerhous

January may seem too cold for gardening in Zone 7A, but it is actually an important month to prepare for the growing season. Even though most of the garden is still asleep, there are many plants you can start now, either indoors or with some protection outside. January is a time for planning, getting organized, and giving certain vegetables and flowers an early start so they will grow strong when spring arrives. This month is great for beginning cool-season vegetables indoors

Chicken manure is one of the most nutrient-rich fertilizers you can add to your garden — but it must be composted properly to be safe and effective. When done right, it transforms into a powerful soil amendment that boosts plant growth, improves soil health, and supports sustainable gardening. Here’s how to do it step by step. Step 1: Collect Your Materials Fresh chicken manure (avoid manure from medicated birds) Carbon-rich “brown” materials like dried leaves, straw, shredde

This recipe provides a foundational method that works beautifully with fiery habaneros or any chili pepper of your choice. By following these simple steps, you can create a versatile sauce perfect for spicing up everything from eggs to tacos. We've also included a fun step-by-step graphic at the bottom for you to follow along! Ingredients ​ This is a versatile base recipe. Feel free to add fruits like mango or pineapple, or spices like cumin and smoked paprika to make it your

Nemas Gardens Newsletter  December 2025 "Stillness hides the promise of bloom." December is a month of quiet resilience—bare branches in temperate zones and lush growth in tropical gardens. Whether you're protecting perennials in Portland or harvesting ginger in Quezon City, this season invites rest, reflection, and gentle care. It’s a time to trust the unseen rhythms of nature, knowing that every dormant root holds the promise of renewal. Happy Holidays to All From Garden to

December in Maryland’s Zone 7A may seem like a time for garden slumber, but don’t be fooled by the frost-kissed stillness. As nature wraps the landscape in quiet, it’s actually laying the groundwork for spring’s renewal. At Nemas Gardens, we believe December isn’t just the end of the calendar—it’s a subtle invitation to prepare, protect, and plant with intention. While most warm-season crops have long been tucked away, cold-hardy greens like spinach, mache (corn salad), and w

We believe in celebrating our vibrant community—and what better way than with a monthly raffle that rewards your participation and passion for growing together? What’s the Purpose? Every month, we host a special drawing to thank YOU—our amazing community—for signing up and staying engaged. Whether you join us online or in person, you’re automatically entered for a chance to win something green and great! Who Can Join? Everyone is welcome! If you sign up during the month (eith

From Garden to Table: A Cozy Holiday Season in USDA Zone 7a As December tiptoes in with its crisp air and quiet charm, we welcome the holiday season with gratitude, warmth, and a touch of garden-grown magic. In USDA Zone 7a, winter may hush the soil, but it doesn’t silence the joy of the harvest. Whether you’re sipping spiced tea from your own herbs or roasting root vegetables pulled from the earth, your garden is still very much part of the celebration. How Are You Using You

As the outdoor beds settle in for their long winter nap, it’s time to shift your gardening energy indoors. In USDA Zone 7a, December invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare—not just for the cold, but for the quiet growth that continues behind the scenes. Whether you're tidying up tools or coaxing herbs to sprout on your windowsill, winter gardening is all about gentle intention and indoor joy. Step 1: Clean and Store Your Tools (Yes, Even That One) Before you dive into indo

There’s something about gardening that brings me peace . It’s not just the quiet moments or the fresh air—it’s the rhythm of it. The way I can make even rows in the soil, plant each seed with intention, and know that something beautiful will come of it. Gardening gives me a new way to be creative, and that creativity feels grounding. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. I still remember one vivid moment from my childhood. I stepped into the backyard garden and was

November marks a significant shift in the garden and on the farm. In temperate zones, the last of the autumn crops are harvested, and the focus turns to preparing the land for winter. As the year winds down, November invites us to slow our pace and deepen our roots—literally and figuratively. In USDA Zone 7a, gardeners are wrapping up fall harvests and prepping for winter.  Overwintering Your Garden in Zone 7A (USA): How to Grow Garlic Garlic is a garden rockstar.   Plant it

Get ready to grow your own fresh herbs! This simple, six-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from expanding the peat pellet to harvesting your first batch for a delicious addition to your favorite meals. Let's get planting! A quick guide: 1. Prep the Pellet: Place the peat pellet in a small bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water and allow it to expand for a few minutes. Once expanded, use a spoon or your fingers to fluff the peat and loosen the soil

Gardening gives people peace of mind , and I think it's because it allows us to really reconnect with nature and take the time to nurture something. I haven’t gardened much, but I love the idea of having my own indoor garden one day. It’s a way for me to reconnect with nature, especially on a busy day. When I was a kid, watching my old neighbor tend to her flowers always made me smile. She seemed so at peace out there, and I always thought it was such a beautiful thing to wi

As the autumn leaves put on their final, vibrant show and we settle into the cozy comforts of the season, our thoughts turn to planning for future growth—and the exciting holiday season just around the corner! It's the perfect time to dream up new additions to your indoor plant family or plan next spring's garden masterpiece. Mark Your Calendars: Black Friday is Coming to Nemas Gardens! That's right! We're joining in on the Black Friday fun and preparing some of our best deal

At Nemas Gardens, we believe that growing food is more than a hobby.  It ’s a radical act of care, connection, and community. That’s why we’re launching the 1000 Growers Initiative , a call to action for up to 1000 people to grow and garden with us. Whether you’re planting herbs on a windowsill, tending a backyard plot, or leading a school garden, you’re invited to be part of something bigger. Together, we’re cultivating a future that’s resilient, regenerative, and rooted in