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 Weeds that smell like mint include wild pennyroyal, wild bergamot, and wild oregano, all of which are edible and prized for their aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. Identify them carefully before…
💥 Quick Answer Roses aren't weeds by botanical definition—they're prized perennials with ornamental and commercial value—but they can spread uncontrollably through suckering or self-seeding, making them garden nuisances…
💥 Quick Answer The benefits of weed tea include fast-acting nutrient delivery—like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium—to plant roots, boosting soil health and growth without harsh chemicals. It also acts as a natural…
💥 Quick Answer Common elderberry isn't a weed—it's a beneficial perennial shrub with medicinal and ornamental value, though its rapid growth can overwhelm small gardens. Its berries and flowers provide health benefits…
💥 Quick Answer Creeping Jenny isn't a weed—it's a cultivated ground cover with ornamental value, though its rapid spreading habit can make it behave like one if left unmanaged. This hardy perennial (Lysimachia…
💥 Quick Answer Yes, hogweed is poisonous because its sap contains toxic chemicals that cause painful skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Giant hogweed, in particular, triggers phytophotodermatitis—a severe burn…
💥 Quick Answer Pigweed is not inherently poisonous to humans, but its oxalate content can cause mild digestive upset or kidney irritation in large amounts. Rare allergic reactions may occur with direct contact or…
💥 Quick Answer Pokeweed is toxic, containing dangerous compounds like phytolaccatoxin and saponins that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation upon ingestion or contact. All parts of the plant—roots…
💥 Quick Answer Identifying a milkweed bug clutch means spotting their 15–30 eggs arranged in neat oval clusters on milkweed leaves, usually yellowish-green and translucent. These clusters are strategically placed on…
💥 Quick Answer Seeing a monarch butterfly lay eggs on milkweed means you’re witnessing a vital moment for their survival, as milkweed is the only plant their caterpillars will eat—making your garden a lifeline for…
