N the Garden

June in the DMV is when gardens begin to hit their stride. Spring blooms transition into lush summer growth, pollinators are buzzing everywhere, and gardeners are busy harvesting early crops, maintaining flower beds, and preparing for the hotter months ahead. Across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, June brings opportunities to explore botanical gardens, attend plant-focused festivals, visit community gardens, and connect with fellow growers who share a passion for ga

Every year on June 5, World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and caring for the world around us. It is a day that encourages people everywhere to reflect on the impact we have on the environment and consider the small steps we can take to help create a healthier, more sustainable future. Gardening offers one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to connect with the environment. Whether growing vegetables, planting flowers, composting foo

Zucchini is one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow during the transition into summer, especially in Maryland’s Zone 7A climate. With warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and a lengthy growing season, zucchini establishes quickly and produces heavily throughout the summer months. Its fast growth and reliable harvests make it a strong choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking for steady production with relatively simple maintenance. In well-prepared so

Across Zone 6A, June brings the start of true summer gardening. This growing zone includes parts of states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, and Colorado, where warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours create ideal conditions for steady garden growth. By June, the cool unpredictability of spring has mostly passed, allowing gardeners to fully shift their attention toward maintaining heal

June is National Pollinator Month, a time to recognize the important role pollinators play in keeping our gardens, ecosystems, and food systems healthy and thriving. While they may often go unnoticed, pollinators are responsible for supporting the growth of many of the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants we enjoy every day. Their work helps bring life, color, and balance to gardens and natural spaces all around us. Pollinators come in many forms, each helping plants repro

June has a way of making the garden feel fully alive. The days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and everything in the landscape seems to be growing a little faster. What started as seedlings and early spring plans has now turned into thriving beds, blooming flowers, and the steady rhythm of summer gardening. There is color returning to every corner of the garden, along with the sounds of birds, buzzing bees, and the activity that comes with the season settling in. As

May marked Teacher Appreciation Month and it gave us an opportunity to recognize the incredible educators who make a lasting impact on students and communities every single day. At Nemas Gardens, we understand that growth does not only happen in the garden. It also happens in classrooms, after school programs, and in the everyday moments where teachers encourage curiosity, confidence, and creativity in young minds. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all teach

How to Use Your Clamshell Garden Kit This is the same kit we use in our afterschool garden clubs, and it is one of our favorites! With just a few simple steps, you will have your seeds planted and on their way to becoming something amazing. Here is everything you need to know. What's in Your Kit Your Clamshell Garden Kit includes four peat pellets, a packet of seeds, and a plant label. Step-by-Step Planting Guide Step 1: Set up your peat pellets. Place your peat pellets insid

Growing your own herbs has never been easier or more fun! This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to get your indoor herb garden thriving. Prefer watching? Check out the video tutorial above! What's in Your Kit? Your Herb Garden Starter Kit with Soil comes with everything you need to get started. Inside you'll find two bottle squeezers for warm water, a small burlap sack filled with soil, a 4-inch plastic pot with drainage holes at the bottom, a dome

If you love the idea of growing your own herbs indoors, this kit makes it simple and fun! Whether your kit includes peat or coco coir pellets, the steps are the same and you will be planting in no time. What's in Your Kit Your Herb Garden Starter Kit with a pellet, either a peat or coco coir pellet, and includes two bottle squeezers for warm water, a 4-inch plastic pot with drainage holes at the bottom, a dome lid to create humidity, a packet of seeds, a plant label, and a pr

Nemas Gardens Newsletter May 2026 “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul." - Luther Burbank Flowers do more than add beauty to our gardens. They shape how we feel, how we connect, and how we care for the world around us. As Luther Burbank suggests, flowers have the power to uplift, nourish, and heal, not just physically but emotionally and socially. In May, when gardens are in full bloom, this impact b

Every year on May 20th, we recognize World Bee Day, a day that highlights just how important bees are to our environment, our food systems, and the health of our gardens. While they are small and often go unnoticed, bees play a major role in keeping the natural world thriving. Bees are one of nature’s most efficient pollinators. Through the process of pollination, they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and, in the process, transfer pollen that allows plants to prod

May in the DMV is when the garden truly comes alive. Flowers are in full bloom, pollinators are active, and the growing season is in full swing. Gardeners across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are planting, harvesting early crops, and transforming outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems. Throughout the region, May brings a wide range of plant sales, garden festivals, workshops, and community events where gardeners can discover new plants, learn from experts, and con

What if high school students could graduate with more than classroom knowledge, but with real experience, real skills, and a clear sense of direction for what comes next? At Nemas Gardens, that idea is becoming reality through the Youth Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on opportunity for Maryland high school students to step into urban agriculture, environmental education, and sustainable growing while earning and learning at the same time. The program is about experience as m

Okra water is one of the easiest ways to use fresh okra, especially when you have a lot of it on hand. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, and the rest is simply letting it sit and do its thing. Before you start, try to use smaller okra pods, about five to six inches long. They tend to be more tender and easier to work with than larger ones. If you’d rather follow along visually, we also walk through this step by step in our video below: Why Make or Drink Okra Water Okra

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching an empty plot of land slowly transform into a thriving, vibrant garden. What starts as bare soil becomes, over time, a living, breathing space full of growth, color, and purpose. Being part of that transformation is one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. I’ve always loved being outdoors, but gardening gives that connection to nature a deeper significance. It’s not just about being outside—it’s about contributing to

May in Zone 4B (including parts of Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and small higher elevation areas of Colorado and Idaho) is a turning point in the garden, but it still comes with a bit of patience. In this colder northern climate, the soil is just beginning to warm and the last frost can still linger into early or even mid May depending on your exact location. Because of this, May is a month of tra

Bush beans are one of the most reliable and rewarding crops to grow as the garden fully transitions into warm weather. In Zone 7A, May offers the perfect conditions for planting—warm soil, longer days, and steady sun that help beans germinate quickly and grow with minimal effort. Whether you’re planting in a backyard garden, raised bed, or container, bush beans are a simple way to get a fast, productive harvest without a complicated setup. Step 1: Choose your planting spot St

Nemas Gardens Special Spring Edition: What to be Aware of in the Spring “Spring has sprung! Let's welcome the season with open arms, but also be aware of nature's little surprises." As we embrace the beauty of spring, it’s important to stay aware of common seasonal risks. Ticks are more active, so be sure to check for them after spending time outdoors. Bees, while essential pollinators, can become aggressive when disturbed, so approach with caution. Also, spring pollen can tr

As everything starts to bloom and green up, spring brings a fresh energy that draws people outside. At the same time, it also marks the return of seasonal allergies. For many, that means sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that can take some of the joy out of being outdoors. A little awareness can make it much easier to manage and still enjoy the season. Spring allergies are often linked to pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants releasing it into the air. On dry, windy