Caring For Your Plants This Spring

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Stephen Orr, former editor-in-chief of Better Homes and Gardens and author of the new book The Gardener's Mindset, Connecting with Nature Through Plants. Orr shares his personal journey from childhood gardening in West Texas to rooftop gardening in New York City, emphasizing how gardening serves as both a therapeutic escape from digital overload and a profound way to connect with nature. He offers practical advice for spring plant care, including choosing the right pots for herbs, managing sun exposure on fire escapes, and combating pests like ants and pigeons with natural solutions. Orr stresses the importance of learning through trial and error, embracing plant deaths as part of the process, and avoiding overwatering—his top tip being to check soil moisture by weight or fingertip. He also advocates for native plants to support local wildlife and encourages listeners to plan garden color schemes intentionally using the color wheel. The episode features real listener questions about struggling dogwood trees, shady north-facing gardens, and houseplant care, all met with empathetic, experience-based guidance. The tone is warm, encouraging, and deeply rooted in the joy of growing and observing life. Key takeaways include: 1) Overwatering is the #1 killer of houseplants—use the finger test or pot weight to gauge moisture; 2) For small spaces like fire escapes, choose tough, aromatic herbs and climbers like morning glories; 3) Native plants like milkweed and mountain mint attract pollinators and support biodiversity; 4) Embrace plant death as a learning opportunity—‘the road to great gardening is littered with dead plants’; 5) Use the color wheel to create intentional, vibrant garden palettes; 6) Keep gardens slightly messy to support insects and wildlife; 7) Water deeply and infrequently, especially in summer; 8) Avoid letting pots sit in saucers to prevent root rot. The episode radiates optimism and quiet wisdom, celebrating the resilience and beauty of nature and human connection through gardening.