N the Garden

There is a certain kind of energy that returns to the garden this time of year, and a lot of it comes from the steady hum of bees at work. As flowers begin to open and plants take off, bees become more active, moving from bloom to bloom and playing a quiet but essential role in the growing season. Bees are some of the most important pollinators we have. As they collect nectar and pollen, they help plants reproduce, which leads to the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we rely on

Spring Into Safety: Tick Awareness in the Garden As the warmth of spring returns, so does the excitement of gardening and outdoor activities. While we celebrate the blossoming of flowers and the renewal of life around us, it’s important to remember the small creatures that are also more active during this time of year—ticks. These tiny pests can pose a serious health risk, as they carry diseases such as Lyme disease, making it essential to stay informed and cautious. Ticks ar

Welcome May, Grow(n) Folks. As the days grow warmer and gardens begin to bloom, this is the perfect time to step outside, get planting, and enjoy the beauty of the season together. May is when the garden really begins to feel alive. After weeks of preparing beds, starting seeds, and watching the weather, everything starts to come together in a visible and exciting way. Flowers begin to open across the landscape, adding color, movement, and energy to spaces that just a few wee

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. We also have a video tutorial on YouTu

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