The Messed Up Gardener

In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, your host Esther Williams dives into one of the most powerful (but often overlooked) keys to garden success: smart layout planning. Whether you're growing in raised beds, digging straight into the soil, or using pots and containers, how you arrange your veggie garden can make all the difference between a thriving harvest and a frustrating flop.Esther unpacks six essential elements to help you plan your most functional, productive, and beautiful garden yet:Garden Bed Types – Raised beds, in-ground, and containers: what's best for you?Spacing & Companion Planting – How to avoid overcrowding and boost plant health with smart pairings.Crop Rotation Basics – Simple rotation strategies to keep your soil thriving and disease-free.Sun Orientation & Shade Strategy – Where to place tall crops and how to create your own garden microclimate.Accessibility & Pathways – Designing with comfort and efficiency in mind, from hose reach to wheelbarrow access.Aesthetic & Emotional Flow – Creating a garden that brings you peace, joy, and beauty—every time you step into it.You’ll also hear a quick update on the mushroom room, homeschooling garden kits in development, and some exciting behind-the-scenes happenings in Esther’s ever-expanding business space.Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refine your setup, this episode will help you maximize your space, minimize stress, and fall in love with your garden layout.🌿 Mentioned in this episode:Mushroom Growing Kits for schools & homeschoolers (get in touch if you're keen!)Instagram: @themessedupgardener🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.🎧 Press play and let’s grow smarter, not harder. Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther WilliamsFollow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener – your go-to podcast and mini masterclasses for all things gardening! I'm your host, Esther Williams, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the essential things every beginner gardener should know before putting a single seed in the soil.Starting a veggie garden can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're short on space, time, or confidence. But don’t worry—I’m breaking it down step-by-step so you can feel empowered, not stressed. In this episode, we’ll cover seven key considerations to help you set your garden up for success, including:🌿 Choosing the right location and understanding sunlight 🌿 Building healthy soil and testing pH 🌿 Planting with the seasons and knowing your climate 🌿 Watering wisely and planning for ongoing maintenance 🌿 Keeping pests and critters out—naturally 🌿 Managing your time realistically so gardening fits your lifestyle 🌿 Tapping into gardening communities for support and advicePlus, I share a few exciting updates on my consulting office setup and the success of our mushroom-growing kits in local high schools—so if you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or know someone who might benefit, let’s connect!Whether you’re planning a lush backyard garden or a few pots on a balcony, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to grow your own food with joy and purpose.🌱 Remember, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget.If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more garden-curious folks find their way to our messy, magical world of growing.💬 Join the Conversation: Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther WilliamsFollow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet - https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome back to The Messed Up GardenerIn this episode, I chat about drought struggles, a septic tank surprise, mushroom growing wins, and prepping for the markets! Plus, I dive into the magic of keyhole gardens—a low-maintenance, high-yield setup that recycles kitchen scraps, conserves water, and works in almost any space.You'll learn: 🌿 What a keyhole garden is & how it works 🛠️ How to build one step-by-step 🍅 What to grow (and what to avoid) 💧 Why it’s perfect for busy, water-wise gardenersGrab your cuppa and tune in for a relaxed, info-packed chat full of tips, stories, and a few laughs along the way!🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!💬 Join the Conversation: Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams🌿 Share the Love! If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.🎙 Until Next Time... Keep your hands dirty, your plants happy, and your gardening journey authentically messy! As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener Podcast! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into a game-changer for your garden—fertilizers. Whether you’re growing lush indoor plants or a thriving outdoor veggie patch, understanding fertilizers can make all the difference between droopy leaves and vibrant, healthy growth.In this episode, I’m keeping it simple, practical, and, of course, a little messy as we break down: ✅ What’s in a fertilizer? Understanding NPK ratios and how they affect plant health. ✅ Organic vs. synthetic fertilizers—which one is right for your garden? ✅ How to read fertilizer labels without feeling like you need a chemistry degree. ✅ The role of secondary nutrients & micronutrients—because NPK isn’t the whole story. ✅ The relationship between soil health & fertilizers—healthy soil = happy plants! ✅ Signs of nutrient deficiencies—because your plants will tell you what they need! ✅ Best practices for fertilizing outdoor gardens—from veggies to lawns and perennials. ✅ Indoor plant fertilizing tips—when, how, and what to feed your houseplants without overdoing it.I also share a personal fertilizer disaster from my early gardening days (spoiler: my tomatoes did not appreciate my “more is better” experiment). Plus, I’ve got updates on my oyster mushroom projects, upcoming market returns, and an exciting opportunity for homeschooling families interested in growing mushrooms as a science experiment!If you’ve ever stood in the garden center, staring at fertilizer bags like they’re written in another language, this episode is for you. Tune in, get the dirt on plant nutrition, and let’s get growing!🌱 FREE GARDENING RESOURCES 🌱 https://stan.store/EstherA Don’t forget to grab my freebies! 📌 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden – Quick, actionable tips for garden success. 📌 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet – Natural, chemical-free methods for healthier plants. 📌 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet – Perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.🎧 Hit play, get your hands dirty, and let’s make those plants thrive! 💚 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!💬 Join the Conversation: Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams🌿 Share the Love! If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.🎙 Until Next Time... Keep your hands dirty, your plants happy, and your gardening journey authentically messy! As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener Podcast, your go-to mini masterclass for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be here today.This week, we’ve been dealing with some wild weather—rain, wind, and all the joys (and headaches) that come with it! While the rain is great for the orchard and helping the kiwifruit plump up, the wind has been a bit of a nightmare. But thanks to our shelterbelts, damage has been minimal. That got me thinking—how do you garden successfully in windy conditions?In today’s episode, we’re tackling everything you need to know about gardening in the wind—from selecting wind-resistant plants to designing your garden layout for better protection. We’ll cover: 🌿 Why wind matters and how it affects plants and soil. 🌿 The best wind-resilient plants, including hardy shrubs, sturdy veggies, and trees with flexible branches. 🌿 Garden design tricks to work with the wind instead of against it, like windbreaks, sheltered zones, and strategic planting. 🌿 Practical protection methods, including staking, mulching, and DIY wind shields. 🌿 Long-term strategies to strengthen your garden over time, like deep-root watering and using living windbreaks.Plus, I share an exciting update about a science experiment I developed for growing oyster mushrooms in a classroom setting! A local high school has officially signed on to run the experiment, and hubby and I are donating all the materials. Stay tuned for updates on how the students get on!So if you’ve ever struggled with wind-damaged plants or found your mulch blowing away like tumbleweed, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your garden thrive—even in a wind tunnel!Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!💬 Join the Conversation:Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams🌿 Share the Love! If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.🎙 Until Next Time... As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams takes you through the art and business of dried floral arrangements! 🌸✨After battling the flu and making exciting progress on her mushroom grow rooms, Esther is back and buzzing with updates—including her first batch of red and white clover honey heading for bottling! 🍯Inspired by past episodes on Cultivating Cash from Your Garden and Valentine’s Bouquets, this episode takes a deep dive into dried flowers—how to grow, dry, and even monetize your arrangements.What’s Inside This Episode?🌿 Segment 1: Growing Your Own Flowers & Foliage for DryingThe best flowers to grow for dried arrangements, including Strawflowers, Lavender, Hydrangeas & Roses.Why foliage & grasses like Eucalyptus, Pampas Grass, and ToeToe are crucial for structure.The unexpected power of seed pods & unusual additions like Poppy Seed Pods, Nigella, and dried citrus to add texture.Pro gardening tips for soil prep, plant care, and harvesting at the perfect time.🔥 Segment 2: Drying Techniques & Creative UsesHow to air dry, press, and use silica gel to preserve flowers like a pro.Creative ways to use dried flowers in wreaths, home décor, and even seasonal garlands.A hilarious story of a teenage flower-pressing mishap gone wrong!😂💰 Segment 3: Turning Dried Flowers into a Profitable BusinessWhere to sell dried flower arrangements—Etsy, farmers' markets, and wedding planners.Pricing strategies & profit margins—why handmade bouquets can sell for $20-$100+.Expanding your product range—DIY kits, resin crafts, and even subscription boxes.Staying inspired—following trends, refining your craft, and keeping customers engaged.Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!🌿 Share the Love! If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.🎙 Until Next Time... As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener—your go-to podcast for all things gardening, where we embrace the mess, the learning curves, and the joy of growing! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into organic gardening, breaking down the fundamentals, debunking common myths, and exploring trending natural practices that are reshaping how we grow our food.If you’ve ever wondered what organic gardening truly means, why it matters, and how to get started without overcomplicating things, this mini masterclass is for you! We’ll cover:✔️ What Organic Gardening Is – Understanding the philosophy and practical methods behind it. ✔️ Why It Matters – The impact on soil health, biodiversity, and our health. ✔️ The Role of Soil Health – Why soil is the foundation of everything and how to nourish it naturally. ✔️ Using Natural Fertilizers – Compost, worm castings, and plant-based fertilizers to enrich your garden. ✔️ Managing Pests Organically – Effective natural solutions without synthetic sprays. ✔️ Organic Gardening as a Lifestyle – How this approach transforms not just your garden but your mindset. ✔️ Trending Organic Gardening Practices – Including regenerative gardening, biointensive gardening, no-dig gardening, natural pest control innovations, and biochar soil improvement. ✔️ Practical Steps to Transition to Organic Gardening – Actionable tips to go organic, no matter where you are in your gardening journey. ✔️ Myth-Busting Session – Organic gardening is NOT too expensive, too time-consuming, or less productive!Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!💬 Join the Conversation: Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams🌿 Share the Love! If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.🎙 Until Next Time... Keep your hands dirty, your plants happy, and your gardening journey authentically messy! As always, gardening can happen anywhere, in any space, on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m diving into all things lawn care—because let’s be real, a good lawn can be both a source of pride and a source of pain! Inspired by my husband’s obsession with the perfect mowing height (while I prefer a more relaxed approach), we’ll cover everything from choosing the right grass type to keeping your lawn lush and healthy.We’ll explore the essentials: soil health, planting or reviving your lawn, mowing like a pro, watering the right way, and troubleshooting those pesky problems like weeds, pests, and patchy spots. Plus, if you’re tired of high-maintenance grass, I’ll share some awesome lawn alternatives that are easier, more sustainable, and just as beautiful.Whether you're after a pristine golf-course look or a more natural, low-maintenance approach, this episode will give you the tools to grow a lawn that suits your lifestyle.In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to choose the right grass for your climate and lifestyle ✅ The importance of soil health and simple ways to improve it ✅ Seeding vs. sod—what’s best for your lawn goals ✅ Lawn maintenance must-dos: mowing, watering, and fertilizing without overdoing it ✅ How to deal with weeds, pests, and common lawn care fails ✅ Alternative lawn options like clover, wildflowers, and thyme lawns ✅ Easy sustainable lawn care practices for a healthier yard and planetResources & Links: 🌱 Have a gardening question? Message me on @themessedupgardener on insta or Facebook The Messed Up Gardener or Esther Williams 🌱 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps me keep the podcast growing!Thanks for tuning in! Remember, gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week, and I'll buzz you later! 🌿🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of gardening success: Irrigation. Whether you’re nurturing a lush vegetable patch, a few potted plants, or a sprawling flower garden, getting your watering right is key to thriving plants and stress-free gardening.Join your host, Esther Williams, as we break down the basics of irrigation, explore the different types of watering systems—from trusty hoses and sprinklers to efficient drip systems and DIY solutions—and share sustainable watering practices to help you save resources and grow smarter. We’ll also dig into common mistakes, like overwatering, poor soil management, and over-reliance on technology, and how to avoid them.You’ll learn practical tips like:How to water deeply and less frequently for strong, resilient roots.Why your garden’s microclimates might be influencing your watering needs.The benefits of rainwater harvesting, mulching, and even using greywater safely.How to troubleshoot irrigation system issues to keep things running smoothly.Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, this episode has something for everyone. So, grab a cuppa, tune in, and get ready to make your garden hydration game stronger than ever! Don’t forget: Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us grow. As Esther always says, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Happy gardening, and we’ll buzz you later! 🌱Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden - https://stan.store/EstherA- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into the ever-challenging world of garden pest and rodent control. From sneaky aphids and leaf-munching caterpillars to the chaos caused by rodents like rats and rabbits, we explore how these uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your garden. Esther shares insights into why pests and rodents invade gardens, how to spot the early signs of trouble, and practical strategies to tackle them.Discover organic methods like companion planting, homemade sprays, and enlisting natural predators like ladybugs and birds to keep pests at bay. Learn about the benefits of physical barriers such as row covers and raised beds, as well as humane rodent control strategies like sealing entry points and setting live traps. We also highlight the importance of sustainable practices, avoiding harmful chemicals, and finding a balance between protecting your garden and coexisting with wildlife.Whether you’re battling aphids, deterring rodents, or simply looking to improve your garden habits, this episode is packed with actionable tips and relatable stories to inspire your next gardening victory.This week, try one new pest or rodent control method—be it planting marigolds, setting up a birdhouse, or checking for hidden entry points. Share your progress and gardening stories with us on social media!Tune in for a fun and informative chat that reminds us all: gardening is a journey, not a destination. Let’s create gardens that are as resilient as they are beautiful!Don’t forget: Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us grow. As Esther always says, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Happy gardening, and we’ll buzz you later! 🌱Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the rewarding world of gardening with kids. Inspired by a conversation with a coworker who was unsure how to get their children involved in gardening, Esther shares practical tips, creative activities, and solutions for common challenges to make gardening a fun, engaging, and educational adventure for the whole family.From the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of gardening to simple ways to get started with kid-friendly tools, plants, and sensory experiences, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Esther also explores themed garden ideas, playful DIY projects, and ways to keep kids excited about gardening over time.Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a gardening newbie, this episode will help you introduce little ones to the joys of gardening while fostering lifelong skills, curiosity, and a love for nature.Resources Mentioned:Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend, leave a review, or drop Esther a message with your favorite gardening topic. Let’s make 2025 a thriving year for your garden and succulents!As always, Esther reminds us: Gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget.Follow The Messed-Up Gardener: Stay tuned for more episodes filled with gardening tips, inspiration, and plenty of plant-filled positivity.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome to the first episode of The Messed-Up Gardener for 2025! In this episode, Esther dives into the fascinating world of succulents, covering everything you need to know to keep these hardy, beautiful plants thriving. Whether you're new to succulents or looking to expand your collection, this episode is packed with practical tips and advice.Esther explores six key areas of succulent care:Watering Techniques: Learn how to avoid overwatering and master the "soak and dry" method.Choosing the Perfect Soil: Discover how to create or select well-draining soil that keeps succulent roots healthy.Sunlight Requirements: Find out how to balance light exposure indoors and outdoors.Cold Weather Care: Learn how to protect your succulents from frost and thrive through winter.Propagation Methods: Step-by-step guidance on growing new plants from leaves, stems, or offsets.Overall Maintenance: Tips for pruning, fertilizing, and managing pests to keep your succulents in top shape.This episode is inspired by a listener question from K Sing in Auckland—thank you for the suggestion! Plus, Esther shares some exciting goals for 2025 and invites you to join the conversation by sending in your gardening questions for future episodes.If you missed last week’s episode on garden planning and goal setting, don’t forget to grab your free Garden Goals Planning Worksheet—the link is in the show notes!Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Happy gardening! 🌱As always, Esther reminds us: Gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget.Stay tuned for more episodes filled with gardening tips, inspiration, and plenty of plant-filled positivity.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: Grab the - "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA - Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA- Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener podcast, your go-to show for all things gardening! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today’s episode is all about setting your garden goals for the new year. Whether you’re just starting out, have a bit of experience, or are a seasoned gardener, this episode is packed with tips to help you create a plan for your garden that feels manageable and inspiring.We’ll talk about why setting realistic goals is so important, how to match your gardening ambitions to your time, budget, and space, and ways to set meaningful goals that reflect your personal priorities—whether that’s growing fresh food, creating a peaceful retreat, or helping the environment. I’ll also introduce my favourite framework for goal-setting, SMART goals, tailored specifically for gardeners, to help you break big ideas into clear, actionable steps.To make things even easier, I’ve created a free "Garden Goals Planning Worksheet" to guide you through the process. It’s a simple tool to help you organize your thoughts and turn your ideas into a plan you can actually stick to. https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowI’ll also share tips for overcoming common gardening challenges—like finding time in a busy schedule, dealing with pests, or navigating unpredictable weather. Plus, we’ll chat about how to stay motivated by celebrating small wins and connecting with other gardeners in your community or online.If you’re ready to set your gardening intentions for 2025, I’d love for you to share your goals with me! Post them on social media and tag me using the hashtag #TheMessedUpGardener for a chance to be featured. Your journey could inspire someone else to start theirs, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.As always, I’ll leave you with a few bonus resources to help you get started:12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden" Free eBook https://stan.store/EstherAOrganic Gardening Cheat Sheet with a worksheet for setting sustainable gardening goals. https://stan.store/EstherAGarden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowThank you for joining me for this episode. I’m so grateful to have you here. Let’s set our intentions, get planning, and make 2025 an incredible year for our gardens. Remember, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an abundant week, and I’ll buzz you later!Happy New Year, and happy gardening! 🌱Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the most-asked questions about outdoor planters. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned pro, you’ll find helpful advice on choosing the best materials for planters, preventing overwatering and underwatering, and creating beautiful container gardens in small spaces. Learn how to grow edible plants like herbs, veggies, and fruits in containers, and discover tips for keeping your plants healthy and productive all season long. Esther also shares practical ideas for repurposing items into creative planters, choosing the right soil and fertilizers, and using tools to simplify plant care. With her friendly guidance, you'll be inspired to try new gardening techniques and make the most of any space, no matter how small. Plus, New Zealand listeners can take advantage of a special offer on Shesther’s ready-to-grow oyster mushroom kits—just $30 plus freight when you mention the podcast. As the holiday season approaches, Esther wraps up with heartfelt wishes for a joyful and restful Christmas. Tune in to learn, grow, and be inspired to take your container gardening to the next level. Highlights Include: Top tips for selecting planter materials based on climateHow to spot and fix overwatering or underwateringCreative ways to maximize small spaces for gardeningBest edible plants to grow in containersSpecial mushroom kit offer for New Zealand listenersFollow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Ep 26 - Mastering the Art of Worm Farming – It’s so simple any one can have one. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/12725106-ep-26-mastering-the-art-of-worm-farming-it-s-so-simple-any-one-can-have-one.mp3?download=true Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do. Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the world of subtropical gardening. With the holiday season just around the corner, Esther shares her excitement about upcoming projects, including greenhouses, chickens, and her latest eBooks. But today’s focus is all about growing and maintaining subtropical plants.Esther covers everything from understanding subtropical climates to creating the perfect growing conditions with well-drained soil, microclimates, and proper maintenance practices like watering, pruning, and frost protection. She also addresses common challenges like pests and diseases, offering simple solutions to keep your garden thriving.The episode highlights easy-to-grow subtropical plants, including citrus trees, bananas, hibiscus, and passionfruit vines, as well as edible options like taro, sweet potatoes, and chilies. Plus, Esther shares quick tips for indoor tropical plants to help you bring a little greenery into your home.Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a lush, vibrant garden that’s both beautiful and rewarding. Esther also shares details about her mentoring opportunities, free gardening resources, and upcoming projects.Tune in, and let’s get your garden growing! 🌱Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today.Imagine stepping into your garden, where every plant holds the power to heal, soothe, and rejuvenate. In this transformative episode of The Messed Up Gardener, we reveal how you can create your very own medicinal garden—a living sanctuary of wellness that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.Discover the ancient art of plant-based remedies as we guide you through selecting, growing, and caring for medicinal herbs that are as beautiful as they are beneficial. From calming chamomile to immune-boosting echinacea, this episode is your step-by-step blueprint for growing health and harmony right outside your door.But that’s not all—we’ve included a bonus recipe for a soothing herbal tea that’s easy to make and delicious to sip. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a ritual that brings relaxation to your life, one cup at a time.If you’re ready to reconnect with nature, save money on wellness products, and cultivate a space that heals from the inside out, this is your moment. Don’t just listen—step into the world of possibilities your garden holds. Press play now and start your journey to self-sufficient wellness today. 🌱🎧 listen and transform your garden into a powerhouse of natural remedies! 🎧I hope you enjoy today's episode.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today we’re diving into the No Dig Gardening Method. This simple, sustainable approach transforms your garden without the back-breaking work of digging or tilling. Whether you’re working with a lawn, a weedy patch, or even an old paddock, No Dig gardening makes it easy to grow healthy, thriving plants.In this episode, I’ll explain the science behind No Dig gardening, inspired by nature’s way of building soil. We’ll explore its benefits, like less effort, fewer weeds, better soil health, and improved water retention. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, offering a low-maintenance, eco-friendly way to grow vegetables, flowers, or create a beautiful backyard.I’ll also walk you through starting your own No Dig garden with step-by-step guidance, including choosing a spot, layering compost and mulch, and tips for containers and raised beds. Whether you want a productive veggie patch or a gorgeous flower bed, this method is a game-changer.If you’re in New Zealand, don’t miss out on my mushroom grow kits—perfect Christmas gifts! Message me to order. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Messed Up Gardener for more tips, stories, and inspiration. Thanks for listening, and happy gardening! 🌱I hope you enjoy today's episode.Follow our Journy on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Imagine a vibrant stream lined with lush greenery, where birds sing, fish swim, and the air feels pure. This is the magic of healthy riparian zones. In this episode, we explore how restoring these vital areas can transform both rural and urban landscapes. Learn how riparian planting improves water quality, prevents flooding, and creates habitats teeming with life. From farming benefits to urban cooling, discover how small actions like planting native trees can create lasting ripple effects for the environment, communities, and even your own backyard.A great example of urban riparian restoration I talk about is the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea as well as a number of New Zealand examples. Whether you're a landowner, a city dweller, or someone who simply loves nature, this episode will inspire you to take action. Ready to make a difference? Dive in and discover how every tree planted and every stream restored brings us closer to a greener, healthier world.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Follow our Journy on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Join me in today’s festive episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener in your life, this episode is tailor-made for you.I kick off the show with a buzz about our kiwifruit orchard in full bloom, bees buzzing in overdrive, and an exciting announcement—The Messed-Up Gardener hit #4 on the Apple Podcast NZ charts! A huge milestone, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support. With that energy, I dive into helping YOU choose thoughtful, personalized gardening gifts—no more boring gift vouchers! From essential tools like the versatile Niwashi Gardening Tool to fun DIY projects you can create with your kids, I share practical tips that will make your Christmas shopping for gardeners a breeze.And that's not all—I have a gift for YOU too! Download my 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden eBook and an exclusive Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet to help you grow the garden of your dreams. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting lesson plan for mushroom-growing in schools, coming soon to my Stan store soon!Tap into my passion and expertise as I guide you toward meaningful gifts and tips that support the gardener’s green thumb and the planet. 🌱 Listen now, and give a gift that keeps on giving—growth, beauty, and abundance.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Follow our Journy on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAIf you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.In today's episode, we've explored the creative, sustainable world of repurposing pallets and other recycled materials to build unique, rustic garden furniture, storage solutions, and planting structures. We've looked at everything from why using recycled materials is a fantastic eco-friendly choice, to the practical steps of choosing safe pallets, prepping them for durability, and crafting specific projects like benches, compost bins, and vertical planters.Using pallets allows you to build character into your garden while embracing sustainability and keeping costs down. As a bonus, you get to express your creativity and add a distinctive charm to your outdoor space with one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces. Whether you’re making a seating area, adding storage, or creating new planting spaces, working with pallets can elevate your garden’s aesthetic while staying eco-conscious.So, grab some pallets, pick a project, and get started—your garden will thank you!I hope you enjoy today's episode.Follow our Journy on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab · A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies: https://stan.store/EstherAGrab the "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, we're diving into one of the most fulfilling parts of gardening—growing and maintaining your own fruit trees! Whether you have space for an orchard or just a cozy corner on your patio, this episode covers the essential steps for ensuring your trees flourish and bear fruit season after season.We’ll begin with tips on selecting the right tree for your climate and soil and explore whether to plant in open ground or containers (with a special story about my beloved Luisa plum). From there, we’ll walk through key planting techniques, watering routines, and fertilization strategies to keep your trees healthy.Stay tuned for invaluable tips on pest and disease management, seasonal care routines, and even pruning tricks to encourage productive growth. We’ll finish with a guide on planning for a year-round fruit harvest, so you can enjoy fresh fruit no matter the season! Get ready to turn your garden into a fruit-producing haven.Tune in, take notes, and let’s grow something amazing together! 🍏🍑🍋 As always, I say gardening can happen in any space and in any place and on any budget.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Link to Ep 11 - 8 Companion plants that are rockstars in the garden is as followshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/11988880-ep11-8-companion-plants-that-are-rockstar-s-in-the-garden.mp3?download=trueThe Messed Up Gardener Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566951655354&mibextid=ZbWKwLAnd the Shesther’s Mushroom Facebook page linkhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558624250087&mibextid=ZbWKwLDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.today we have a spooky, fun-filled episode in honour of Halloween. I completed a bit of a deep dive to discover the most-asked questions about Halloween gardening, from growing the perfect pumpkins to creating an eerie, haunted atmosphere right in your backyard." This is something I absolutely love about doing this podcast the research can be so much fun and I’m learning a tonne as well, and in the spirit of Halloween for a bit of fun I also at the end of this episode present you with a full Wealth and Prosperity Spell using your garden herbs. "So, whether you're a beginner gardener or looking to add a little extra magic to your landscape this season, stick around. These tips will not only help you create a Halloween-inspired garden but also solve some common gardening challenges as we transition for you amazing people on the other side of the world into colder months." And us here in New Zealand as we head into November the last month of our spring. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener."Today, I'll be answering the top 10 most-asked questions by gardeners on ornamental gardening, with tips that can really make a difference—especially for beginners. These tips are easy to follow, but they’re often overlooked, even though they solve some of the biggest problems gardeners are struggling with. "Let’s start with one of the most important steps: choosing the right plants for your specific climate and soil.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Today’s episode which is all about something special: creating scented gardens that fill your space with delightful fragrances, whether you’re in the countryside or living in a city apartment. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, I have got some unique tips you probably haven’t heard before—tips that will make a real difference in your garden. And I’m also tackling the challenges many gardeners are facing in 2024."I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. Check out The New – The Messed Up Gardener – Facebook page. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.In today’s episode I cover a few of the key questions I remember being asked back in my garden centre days, and touch on the gardening tools that are useful when gardening around your bulbs and towards the end of today’s episode I also give you an organic home insect recipe that you can use on your bulbs that I have had some success with when treating insects on my bulb foliage. Spring is such an exciting time of year not only does it mean the garden is a hive of activity but it also feels like a fresh start after the long dark and cold days of winter. Let me know what your favorite spring bulb is and if your on the other side of the world now is the perfect time to start planting out your bulbs ready for your spring. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCheck out The New - The Messed Up Gardener - Facebook page. Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Todays episode covers some of the most versatile spring vegetables that from experience are easy to grow and harvest in a relatively short time and how to easily cook with them. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Thank you to the person who asked me about stump removal this week – it felt a bit like when I was working in the garden centers again in my youth. In this episode I bust 5 stump removal myths and give you effective strategies for tree stump elimination. Even if you don’t have any stumps in your garden its worth a listen. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step-by-Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.While out and about this week I bumped into a friend of a friend that also happens to listen to the podcast and she asked me two key questions the 1st was for some advice regarding her planters, more specifically how she could get them looking good over spring and the 2nd was she asked me what a gardening coach actually was so I decided to address both. I’m going to dive into the spring planter upgrades 1st and I’m not just going to be covering the typical replant it with something pretty speech – Nope I’m going to shake it up with a bit of kiwi ingenuity. Covering upgrades that a gardener can complete that are affordable, colourful, environmentally friendly and relatively beginner gardener friendly. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantersIf you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.This week I was listening to a law of attraction podcast and the host was talking about decluttering and specifically mentioning Marie kondo who is highly regarded in the world of decluttering. Now I had a thought at the time why can this not be applied to the garden and it got my creative juices flowing so putting pen to paper I sat down and made a heap of notes as to how it would and could apply to my own garden this the led on to doing a bit of a clutter assessment in the garden. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.I originally had three questions proposed to me around composting and as such I found myself going quite in-depth with their answers. In this episode I cover the fundamentals of composting and also a list of materials and what they are for to get yourself set up with a composting capability in both an urban and a rural environment. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.If you are new to the garden scene or you have moved into a new place or are just looking at creating a new vegetable garden - then this episode is for you. I cover a number of pros and cons of establishing your vegetable gardens and cover a list of the top items and roughly their associated costs you will need to create a vegetable garden from start to finish. Of course there are other items that I could have included but for the sake of time I kept it fairly concise. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Basically I discussed vegetables that you can grow all year round with most of them if you grow them in excess - you can easily store and or freeze the produce with a bit of preparation and fill the freezer for those months that may be a bit lacking in the vegetable garden growth department. Most of these vegetables can be grown in pots and planters as well so in theory no matter where you are and regardless of your budget growing a crop all year round is a feasible option. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Creating my spring priority list is probably the most important part of my growing season. The priority’s I cover in today's episode I can't stress enough how important these priorities are for me and my garden. It's the difference between getting it right for my family so we do have enough produce throughout the spring, summer and autumn growing seasons.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.I loved recording this episode - the person that asked me this question was in a real pinch and we ended up coming up with a number of different methodologies to get her garden looking pretty sharp in a very short amount of time ready for her in-laws. Some of it can be done on the cheap and yes she may have to spend some dosh but ultimately the in-laws will never know how dreary it was before they arrived. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.This particular episode as a very casual look at some of the key points you need to grow a successful and vibrant hanging basket basically throughout the whole year. Hanging baskets do require a little bit more maintenance than the average planter box or pot plant but they are worth it especially if you're limited in growing spacesI hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.In today's episode, we're diving into the world of planter boxes—your ticket to a flourishing garden, which can happen in any space and in any place and on any budget. Whether you're a budding gardener or a seasoned green thumb, join us as we explore the secrets to growing and mastering planter boxes, turning areas into lush, vibrant oases.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.I’m all about efficiency this week - I use all four of these low maintenance gardening methods that I talk about in this episode in my own garden and I assure you - I am time poor but I’m still harvesting year-round and my garden thrives. I do cover a number of both pros and cons for each of the 4 low maintenance methods which will hopefully give you an informed idea of what the requirements are if you do choose to instigate one or all of these 4 methods. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.If your thinking I can throw some seed into the soil and add a bit of water and poof I have germination and seedlings - how hard can it be – well your not wrong - it does work like that but if you really want to maximise your germination rates and get your best bang for your buck then this episode is for you 😊 I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.In today’s episode we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of seed setting, harvesting, storage, the optimal storage materials and viability testing. Whether you’re a master gardener or just someone with a love for watching things grow, this episode is packed with pro tips and answers to your most pressing questions.Have you ever wondered why some seeds fail to germinate despite your best efforts? Or perhaps you're curious about the precise conditions needed for optimal seed setting in various plants / situations? Today, we’ll uncover the science behind these essential gardening phases and share practical advice to enhance your gardening success. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Due to yet another massive grocery bill I started really thinking about some of the things I used to do to preserve our own food especially when I was growing up and even when I was saving up for my house deposit everything was preserved either frozen or dried and or dehydrated. I remember doing some preservation when my daughter was a Bubba putting Peaches in light syrup things like that. These are recipes & methodologies that the current generation are missing out on and it literally feels like we're losing our skills to be able to preserve our own food. Which totally inspired this episode. A little bit further in this episode I will give you the recipe for the Peaches in light syrup as well. If you would like a copy of the recipe flick me a DM and I'll email it to you.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.After talking to a property owner at work this week and their mission to turn their orchard into a certified organic orchard it inspired today’s episode. I’m covering some of the organic growing basics and I have also included a natural weedkiller recipe. DM me if you would like me to send it through to you. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.After harvesting a bucket full of persimmon fruit out of the garden I realized that most of my garden is made up of an edible landscape and this year we have had almost year round fruit and veg as well as a great amount of insects including butterflies and it fully inspired todays episode. Every day there has been something different going on in the garden. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.After last week’s episode I was inspired to talk about healing my garden hence todays episode on regenerative gardening. Regenerative gardening is an approach to growing plants that focuses on enhancing the health and vitality of the entire ecosystem within the garden. This method goes beyond the principles of organic gardening by emphasizing the restoration and rejuvenation of the garden's soil, biodiversity, and overall ecological balance. The main goal of regenerative gardening is not only to produce healthy and sustainable crops but also to create a garden that contributes to the healing of the planet by capturing carbon, improving soil structure, and increasing water retention.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Gardening in small spaces, including urban areas, presents unique challenges that can lead to common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls can help gardeners maximize their small-space gardens' potential. In this episode I cover ten of the most common mistakes made when conducting small space gardening and I cover ways in which to avoid and or remedy them.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Climate-resilient gardening is not just a trend but a necessary shift in how we approach our gardens amidst changing weather patterns and environmental challenges. As gardeners, adopting practices that enhance our gardens' resilience to climate variability brings numerous benefits, vital for both personal satisfaction and the broader ecological impact.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Engaging in the ongoing battle against pests and weeds in a garden can sometimes feel like a never ending task, where the fruits of one's labour are often consumed by uninvited guests, or overgrown by opportunistic plants. However, this struggle is not only worth it but integral to the gardening process, in this episode I delve into why its worth the effort with tips and tricks to make it easier. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do. Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.This episode goes deep into a number of questions asked by fallow gardeners as to ways you can monetize your garden with a number of them, I asked myself as I was going through this research journey which has led me to grow our mushrooms and currently looking at utilizing dead space to grow hydroponic lettuces for markets. A gardener might consider monetizing their garden for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to offset some of the costs associated with gardening, including seeds, tools, and water. By selling surplus produce, flowers, or even seeds, a gardener can turn a hobby into a self-sustaining endeavour. Secondly, monetizing a garden can contribute to local food sustainability. By providing fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, or herbs, a gardener supports community health and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Additionally, it can foster community connections, as selling or sharing garden bounty often leads to interactions with neighbours and local food enthusiasts. Lastly, monetizing a garden can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. It validates the hard work and dedication required to maintain a garden, turning passion into profit. Whether through farmers markets, community-supported agriculture, or online platforms, monetizing a garden offers a blend of financial, environmental, and social benefits, making it an attractive option for gardeners looking to expand the impact of their green thumbs.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Winter gardening presents unique challenges and opportunities, leading gardeners to seek advice on how to navigate the colder months successfully.In this episode I cover a number of gardening secrets that once revealed will totally help your wither garden thrive. I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.Maintaining indoor plants during the winter months can be a challenging task due to the lower levels of light, drier air, and cooler temperatures. However, with a few strategic moves, you can keep your green friends thriving even during the coldest season. Remember, each plant has its unique needs, so it's important to consider the specific requirements of your indoor garden inhabitants.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.One of my nemesis in the garden has to be the Rose Bush and I say that with much love and affection. Roses love to hate me and I have had to work quite hard for some of my rose bushes to flower exceptionally well over the years. This episode goes over a number of pointers from planting to pruning and of course I had to pop in some equipment maintenance techniques.I hope you enjoy today's episode.Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees. As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget. Freebies DM me for:Nasturtium Pesto recipe.If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the [email protected] or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable businessCome visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.