Winter is the season of good intentions… and stubborn garden myths. 😄 If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you can do with containers during the colder months, this post is for you. Let’s bust a few common winter container gardening myths—so you can garden smarter (and keep enjoying your pots year-round). 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 #𝟏: “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫.” 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! You can grow plenty, just not everything. ✅ Great winter container wins include: * microgreens * lettuce + leafy greens * green onions * herbs like chives, thyme, parsley (with decent light) * indoor grow-light shelf gardens Even outdoors in mild climates, cool-season greens can keep going. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: Winter gardening shifts from “sun + speed” to “light + patience.” 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 #𝟐: “𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐲.” 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! The air is drier… but most plants still need less water in winter. Why? * lower light = slower growth * cooler soil near windows = slower drying * roots drink less when temps drop 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: Many winter plant problems are actually overwatering, not underwatering. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 #𝟑: “𝐈𝐟 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐲.”. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! Drooping can mean: * too much water (roots struggling) * cold stress from windows * dry air stress * shock from repotting * pests 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: Always check the soil before watering. Droop is a symptom, not a diagnosis. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 #𝟒: “𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬.” 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! A simple grow light can be the difference between: “my herbs barely survive” and "I’m snipping fresh basil and lettuce in January.” You don’t need an expensive setup. Even a small, basic light over a shelf can make winter gardening feel possible. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: Light is usually the limiting factor, not your skill. 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 #𝟓: “𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐱 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.” 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! If light is low and the plant is resting, extra fertilizer can stress it. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: In winter, focus on: * adequate light * correct watering * stable temps * a little humidity help (if needed)

Winter plant care can feel like you’re doing everything right… and your plant is still like: “Absolutely not.” 😅 One of the biggest hidden issues this time of year is something we don’t always notice until the plant starts acting weird: 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 + 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 = 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭. Your houseplant may be sitting in a spot that looks perfect, It's has bright light on the windowsill but what it’s experiencing is basically: 𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. That mixed signal can lead to drooping, leaf drop, brown tips, and slow growth… even when you’re watering carefully. Let’s break down what’s happening and what to do about it. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 Even if your home is cozy, the air right next to a winter window can be 10–20 degrees colder than the rest of the room, especially at night. Plants near glass may deal with: * cold drafts sneaking in * chilly glass radiating cold * nighttime temperature dips * hot dry air blasting from vents nearby So the plant is getting bright light (good!) but also temperature stress (not good). 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 “𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝” 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 Here are common signs that your plant is stressed by the cold-window/warm-room combo: * Leaves droop even when soil is moist * Leaves turn yellow and drop * Brown tips or crispy edges (especially on tropicals) * Soft, dark spots on leaves (cold damage) * Slow growth that feels “stalled” * Soil stays wet forever because cold slows drying If your plant looks worse after a cold night, this may be the reason. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 Cold roots = slow roots. When a pot sits in a chilly window area: * the soil dries much slower * roots absorb water more slowly * you’re more likely to accidentally overwater So you water like it’s “normal indoor conditions”… but the pot is living in mini-winter. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐬 (𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞) 𝟏) 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 Even moving a plant 𝟔–𝟏𝟐 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 away can reduce cold stress dramatically. Plants still get the light, but less of the chill.

Winter windowsills are prime real estate. Not for big, dramatic plants… but for herbs that love steady indoor temps and can give you that “I’m still gardening!” feeling even in January. The trick is choosing herbs that do well with: * lower winter light * drier indoor air * slower growth * and “I only have this one window” reality 😄 Here are the easiest, most forgiving herbs for winter windowsills, plus a few tips to help them thrive instead of just survive. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 “𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧” 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏) 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: chives are tough, reliable, and don’t require perfect light. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: snip into eggs, soups, potatoes, salads. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: water when the top inch dries—don’t let it stay soggy. Bonus: It bounces back fast after harvesting. 𝟐) 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: mint is a champion. If it has decent light, it grows like it owns the place. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: tea, fruit, water infusions, desserts, sauces. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: keep it evenly moist and pinch it often to keep it bushy. 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: mint spreads like crazy outdoors! Indoors it’s still enthusiastic, but manageable in a pot. 𝟑) 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: handles cooler temps well and doesn’t demand intense sun. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: soups, pasta, salads, chimichurri-style blends. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: : parsley likes consistent moisture—don’t let it dry out completely. 𝟒) 𝐓𝐡𝐲𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: low drama, compact, and doesn’t need constant watering. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: roasted veggies, chicken, soups, stews. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: : let it dry a bit between waterings. Too wet is the main issue. 𝟓) 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: hardy, forgiving, and useful in everything. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: pizza sauce, pasta, marinades, roasted veggies. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: : bright light helps it stay strong—rotate weekly to prevent leaning. 𝟔) 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬) 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧: instant gratification and nearly impossible to mess up. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞: literally everything savory. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩: you can regrow from scraps in water or plant in soil for stronger growth.

Let's have some fun with this month's giveaway. Post a picture of one your houseplants and tell us what it would say If my plant could talk..... I have another set of "Wave" containers, only this set is in white. They are great for houseplants with drain holes and matching drip trays. They are 6", 7' and 8' pots that will add a bit of flare to your plants. But first, you need to share in the fun with "If my plant could talk....." Can't wait to see what they are saying. You have from now till end of day on January 14th to submit your entry. Don't forget a pic of your plant along with what it would say if it could talk!

Mark your mugs, PGS friends as National Hot Tea Day is Monday, January 12, and it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up with something warm while your outdoor pots rest. And since we’re container gardeners… we get to celebrate in the best way: turning the herbs we grow into comforting tea blends (the kind that feels like a blanket you can drink). 𝐓𝐡𝐞 “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛 𝐓𝐞𝐚” 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 (𝐒𝐨 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭) A few simple rules make a huge difference: 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐯𝐬. 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 * 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬: use a small handful (about 1–2 tablespoons lightly packed per cup) * 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬: use about 1 teaspoon per cup 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 * Tender leafy herbs (mint, lemon balm, basil): 𝟓–𝟕 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 * Woodier herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage): 𝟕–𝟏𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 * If it’s too strong: steep less time next cup, or add more hot water. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 A tea infuser is great, but a simple kitchen strainer works perfectly. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 “𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰-𝐈𝐭-𝐈𝐧-𝐀-𝐏𝐨𝐭” 𝐓𝐞𝐚 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 (𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐝) 𝟏) 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 + 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐦 “𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐩” Bright, soothing, and fresh — like a deep breath. * Fresh mint + fresh lemon balm * Optional: a little honey or a slice of lemon 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Lemon balm is often the “I didn’t know I needed this” herb. 𝟐) 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 + 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 “𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫-𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝” 𝐓𝐞𝐚 This one feels crisp and cozy at the same time. * 1 small sprig rosemary * Lemon slice or peel * Optional: honey 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Rosemary is strong — start small, then adjust. 𝟑) 𝐓𝐡𝐲𝐦𝐞 + 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 “𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐩” A classic cold-weather flavor that’s surprisingly delicious. * A few thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried) * Honey to taste 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Thyme can get bold fast best is short steep = smoother sip. 𝟒) 𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐞 + 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 “𝐂𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠” 𝐓𝐞𝐚 Warm, slightly earthy, and perfect for slow evenings. * 2–3 sage leaves (fresh) or 1 tsp dried * Optional: lemon + honey 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Sage is potent so less is more. 𝟓) 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥 “𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧” 𝐓𝐞𝐚 Yes, basil tea is a thing and it’s lovely. * A few basil leaves (sweet basil) * Optional: honey and/or a tiny pinch of cinnamon 𝐓𝐢𝐩: If you grow different basils (like lemon basil), experiment!