Seed to soil—the first crack of green
The things we got wrong This page is a log of the mistakes we made before we knew better.
Founder & Editor
I’ve always been the one digging in the dirt—whether it was planting sunflowers in my grandma’s backyard or coaxing life out of stubborn seeds in a too-small windowsill. There’s nothing quite like the quiet satisfaction of watching something you’ve nurtured grow, and I want to help others experience that joy.
On *Weed And Feed*, I share the practical wisdom I’ve picked up over the years, from soil science to seasonal planting tips, all with a little humor and a lot of real-world honesty.
More from Marisol Salazar
💥 Quick Answer Milkweed plants are poisonous to humans and pets due to cardiac glycosides like ouabain, causing nausea, vomiting, or irregular heartbeat if ingested. However, they’re essential for monarch butterflies…
💥 Quick Answer The best time to spray weeds before or after rain is after light rain when soil is damp but not saturated, as this moisture helps herbicides penetrate weed roots more effectively while preventing chemical…
💥 Quick Answer Horses hair weed, or Equisetum hyemale , is a tough, invasive plant that spreads rapidly through its spore-producing cones and underground rhizomes. Look for its distinctive rough, ridged stems and bushy…
💥 Quick Answer Yes, the American pokeweed is poisonous to touch because its sap and berries contain phytochemicals like phytolaccatoxin, which trigger skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions. Always wear gloves…
💥 Quick Answer Butterweed is poisonous because it contains toxic compounds like sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause severe skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, or allergic reactions in humans and livestock…
💥 Quick Answer Milkweed isn't considered invasive in most parts of the country, though it can become overly aggressive in specific climates like the Southeast and Midwest, where it multiplies quickly and may crowd out…
💥 Quick Answer The mullein plant isn't classified as a weed botanically, though gardeners often treat it like one because of its fast-spreading nature and tendency to dominate garden beds through prolific self-seeding…
💥 Quick Answer National Weed Your Garden Day encourages gardeners to tackle weeds while embracing spring growth, typically celebrated on the first Saturday in May. Local gardening clubs organize workshops, tool-sharing…
💥 Quick Answer Pokeweed berries are edible only when fully ripe, deep purple-black, and properly prepared to remove toxins like phytolaccatoxin. Boiling or fermenting reduces risks, but improper handling can cause…
💥 Quick Answer Goutweed is a fast-spreading, invasive perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers, known for its aggressive root system that forms dense mats underground, making it a major challenge for…
