Dear Readers,

The first people I knew who called themselves parents had actual, human children. Then came the dog moms and the cat daddies with their fur babies. And, sometime within the last few years, I became aware of a new subject of parental devotion: plants. Friends whose house-plant collections seemed to be growing dramatically started calling themselves “plant moms” and “plant dads.” The terms predate Instagrammer Darryl Green’s popular 2019 book, The New Plant Parent: Develop Your Green Thumb and Care for Your House-Plant Family, but the title, still popular, certainly may have helped codify the phrase.

Houseplants have become astonishingly trendy. A roundup of recent studies and stats on houseplants shares that one in three Americans under 40 call themselves “plant parents,” and that the majority of Americans have one or more houseplants. February, a month I associate with cabin fever, seemed perfect for a newsletter about making the most of indoor gardening (unusually warm temperatures aside). 

I’ve found some great items to share. Things such as these handmade wood propagation stations, incredibly charming plant animals, a handy recycled rubber potting mat, an innovative LED frame for your plants (15% off with code BLUEDOT), and more. But I’d also like to take a moment to suggest trying out a few simple ideas that don’t cost a thing:

• Learn how to propagate plants.

• Host a cutting and plant swap with friends. 

• Look for plants on Facebook Buy Nothing groups — mine always has loads. You might also luck into grow lights, pots, and more. 

• See if your local garden center has a “Take a pot, leave a pot” pile before you buy new pots. 

• If you plan to start seedlings inside, ask a local nursery if they’ll give you extra empty seedling packs. 

• You can also start seedlings using paper egg crates or by making little newspaper pots. 

• Upcycle unexpected containers into planters. A large Roma tomato can with holes drilled in the bottom, for instance, would make a charming vessel for your kitchen basil plant.

And, most important, just enjoy your plants! Science tells us that they’re sure to boost your mood. Watching something grow and change before our eyes sparks wonder and appreciation for the natural world. And couldn’t we all use a little more of that? I once spent an afternoon in college at the St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Sale. The carnivorous plant folks spoke about their charges with such fondness and pride that it truly seemed like they were talking about pets or children — not fly traps. They were plant parents, indeed. 

Happy gardening and happy shopping, 

–Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor