The Melanin Urban Gardener

The Melanin Urban Gardener Bringing Nature to the Concrete Jungle: Cultivating Urban Oasis, One Garden at a Time. Fresh vegetables and products for sales

It’s something about the ice patterns on greenhouse plastic that’s so interesting to me. ...
02/23/2025

It’s something about the ice patterns on greenhouse plastic that’s so interesting to me.

Do you pay attention to the ice patterns in your greenhouse?

02/02/2025

Day 6: Container Gardening

1. Choosing the right pots and containers.

🪴 Pick the Perfect Pot for Your Plants 🌿
Not all pots are created equal! Here’s what to consider:
• Material: Clay for breathability, plastic for affordability.
• Size: Big enough for roots to grow (at least 12” for tomatoes).
• Drainage: Always check for holes to prevent root rot.

💡 Pro Tip: Add pebbles to the bottom of pots for extra drainage!

What’s your favorite container garden plant? Share your setup! 🪴

2. Best vegetables and herbs for container gardening.

🌟 Grow Your Own Food Anywhere! 🌱
Container gardening is perfect for small spaces. Start with these:
• Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, peppers, green beans.
• Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach.

🪴 Bonus: Portable containers mean you can chase the sun!

What’s growing in your containers this season? Share your wins! 🌟

3. Drainage: Why it’s crucial.

💦 Don’t Let Your Plants Drown! Drainage 101 🪴
Healthy plants need healthy roots. Here’s why drainage matters:
• Prevents root rot by letting water escape.
• Keeps soil aerated for better growth.
• Helps avoid nutrient loss from overwatering.

💡 Tip: Drill holes in pots without drainage and line them with pebbles.

Do you check your pots for drainage? It’s a game-changer! 🛠

01/23/2025

Day 6: Container Gardening

1. Choosing the right pots and containers.

🪴 Pick the Perfect Pot for Your Plants 🌿
Not all pots are created equal! Here’s what to consider:
• Material: Clay for breathability, plastic for affordability.
• Size: Big enough for roots to grow (at least 12” for tomatoes).
• Drainage: Always check for holes to prevent root rot.

💡 Pro Tip: Add pebbles to the bottom of pots for extra drainage!

What’s your favorite container garden plant? Share your setup! 🪴

2. Best vegetables and herbs for container gardening.

🌟 Grow Your Own Food Anywhere! 🌱
Container gardening is perfect for small spaces. Start with these:
• Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, peppers, green beans.
• Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach.

🪴 Bonus: Portable containers mean you can chase the sun!

What’s growing in your containers this season? Share your wins! 🌟

3. Drainage: Why it’s crucial.

💦 Don’t Let Your Plants Drown! Drainage 101 🪴
Healthy plants need healthy roots. Here’s why drainage matters:
• Prevents root rot by letting water escape.
• Keeps soil aerated for better growth.
• Helps avoid nutrient loss from overwatering.

💡 Tip: Drill holes in pots without drainage and line them with pebbles.

Do you check your pots for drainage? It’s a game-changer! 🛠

01/22/2025

Day 5: Sunlight & Shade

1. How much sunlight do plants really need?

🌞 Sunlight Matters! 🌱
Ever wondered why some plants thrive while others struggle? It’s all about light! Here’s a simple guide:
• Full Sun: Needs 6-8 hours (think tomatoes and peppers).
• Partial Shade: Prefers 3-6 hours (like lettuce and spinach).
• Full Shade: Happy with

01/21/2025

Day 4: Watering Wisdom

1. How to water your plants the right way.

💧 Water Smarter, Not Harder 🌱
Here’s how to keep your plants happy:
• Water deeply to encourage strong roots.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
• Use a soaker hose for even moisture.

💡 Tip: Morning watering is best to reduce evaporation.

What’s your watering routine? Let’s share tips! 🌸

2. Signs your plants are overwatered or underwatered.

🌿 Watering Woes: Spot the Signs 💧
• Overwatered: Yellow, wilting leaves and soggy soil.
• Underwatered: Crispy, curling leaves and dry soil.

💡 Tip: Check soil moisture before watering—your plants will thank you!

Have you faced watering challenges? Let’s troubleshoot! 🌱

3. Creating a low-maintenance watering schedule.

⏰ Simplify Your Watering Routine 🌱
• Daily Checks: Feel the soil—water only when dry 2 inches deep.
• Use Mulch: Helps retain moisture.
• Install Drip Irrigation: Saves time and water.

💡 Consistency = healthier plants and less stress!

What’s your watering hack? Share your time-saving tricks! 🌿

It’s currently -6 degrees with a windchill of -14 and I started pepper seeds indoors today. I like to give my peppers a ...
01/21/2025

It’s currently -6 degrees with a windchill of -14 and I started pepper seeds indoors today. I like to give my peppers a good head start because they take up to 30 days to germinate depending on the variety and I don’t like to rush them. I put 2 to 6 seeds per variety and thin them out later. I keep the trays in the dark until 50% of the tray has sprouted. (This light is on for picture purposes)
I mainly started my hot peppers that I have while I wait for the other ones to come. I’ll finish starting the rest of my peppers and things that have 100 plus days to maturity over the next two weeks.
Have you started your seeds yet? If not when do you start your seeds?

01/13/2025

Day 3: Plant Selection Part 3

3. Companion planting basics for a thriving garden.

🌸 Grow Better Together: Companion Planting 🌱
Plant friends = healthier crops! Examples:
• Tomatoes + Basil: Repels pests, improves flavor.
• Carrots + Onions: Deters carrot flies.
• Cucumbers + Sunflowers: Sunflowers provide support!

💡 Avoid planting competitors like onions and beans together.

What’s your favorite plant pairing? Let’s compare notes! 🌿

Nothing like being snuggled in the bed with seed catalogs on a Saturday night. This is my first time getting a catalog ...
01/12/2025

Nothing like being snuggled in the bed with seed catalogs on a Saturday night. This is my first time getting a catalog so I’m excited to see what they have to offer. I’m always excited to what the brands that I buy from like and have new in their catalog every year.
What’s your favorite seed catalog?

01/11/2025

Day 3: Plant Selection

2. How to choose between seeds and seedlings.

🌱 Seeds or Seedlings? Here’s How to Choose 🌸
• Seeds: Cheaper and great for fast-growing plants (radishes, beans).
• Seedlings: Faster results and better for long-season plants (tomatoes).

💡 Bonus: Start seeds indoors for an early jump on the season!

Do you prefer seeds or seedlings? Let’s chat! 🌿

01/11/2025

Day 3: Plant Selection Part 1

1. Best beginner-friendly plants to grow.

🌱 Start Small: Beginner-Friendly Plants 🌿
Here are foolproof options for first-time gardeners:
• Veggies: Radishes, lettuce, and green beans.
• Herbs: Basil, parsley, and mint.
• Flowers: Marigolds and zinnias.

💡 Tip: Start with just a few plants to keep it manageable.

What was the first plant you grew? Share your story! 🌿

01/11/2025

Day 2: Soil Basics Part 3

3. Improving your soil quality with organic matter.

🌿 Feed Your Soil, Feed Your Plants 🌱
Boost your soil with organic matter like:
• Compost: Nutrient-packed and homemade.
• Aged Manure: Enriches soil (ensure it’s fully decomposed!).
• Cover Crops: Plant legumes to fix nitrogen naturally.

💡 Tip: Healthy soil leads to thriving gardens!

What’s your go-to soil improvement method? Let’s trade tips! 🌸

01/10/2025

Day 2: Soil Basics Part 2

2. The importance of compost and how to make it.

♻️ Compost: Your Garden’s Best Friend 🌱
Compost enriches soil and reduces waste. Here’s how to start:
• Mix greens (veggie scraps) and browns (dry leaves).
• Keep it moist and aerate regularly.
• In 2-3 months, you’ll have black gold!

💡 Bonus: Composting is eco-friendly and saves money!

Do you have a compost bin? Share your setup! 🌿

01/10/2025

Today is National Houseplant Appreciation Day, and those leafy roommates of yours deserve some recognition. Think about it – while you've been going about your day, they've been quietly reducing your stress and improving your mental wellbeing. Not bad for something that just sits there looking pretty. So give your green friends some extra attention. Clean their leaves, check their soil, or maybe even treat them to a new pot. Just don't mention that succulent you killed last summer – we all have skeletons in our plant closet. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/air-purifying-plants

01/10/2025

Day 2: Soil Basics Part 1

1. How to test your soil’s pH and nutrients.

🌱 Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants 🌿
Testing your soil is key! Here’s how:
• Use a DIY kit or send a sample to a local lab.
• Check pH (most plants thrive in 6.0–7.0).
• Identify nutrient gaps like nitrogen or potassium.

💡 Tip: Adjust soil with compost or organic amendments!

Have you tested your soil before? Share your results! 🌍

01/09/2025

Tools every beginner gardener needs to get started.

🔧 Gardening Starter Kit: Must-Have Tools 🌱
Every gardener needs these basics:
1️⃣ Hand trowel: For planting and digging.
2️⃣ Pruners: To keep plants tidy.
3️⃣ Gardening gloves: Protect your hands.
4️⃣ Watering can: Gentle for seedlings.

💡 Tip: Buy quality tools—they’ll last longer!

What’s your favorite gardening tool? Let’s compare! 🌿

01/09/2025

Understanding different types of gardens: container, raised beds, or in-ground.

🌱 Which Garden Type Fits You? 🌿
Start by choosing the style that works best:
• Container Gardens: Great for small spaces like balconies.
• Raised Beds: Perfect for beginners—less weeding, better soil control.
• In-Ground Gardens: Ideal if you have good soil and lots of space.

💡 Bonus: You can mix and match garden types!

Which style are you leaning toward? Share below! 🪴

01/09/2025

Getting Started with Gardening

1. Choosing the right location for your garden: sunlight, soil, and space.

🌞 The Perfect Spot for Your Garden 🌱
A garden’s success starts with location. Here’s what to look for:
• Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for veggies.
• Soil: Well-draining with organic matter.
• Space: Start small—you can always expand!

💡 Tip: Observe your yard at different times to track sunlight patterns.

Where’s the best spot in your yard for a garden? Let’s plan! 🌿

As I’m reorganizing my seeds and planning my varieties for the 2025 seasons I came across one of the first varieties I b...
01/08/2025

As I’m reorganizing my seeds and planning my varieties for the 2025 seasons I came across one of the first varieties I brought from . The 2016 gardening season was the first year that I started growing vegetables from seeds. Initially I brought my seeds from my local big box store but later in the season I brought two grab bags from and I used those seeds to grow my garden for years. There were multiple of this red pear variety and I have a pack of the Anaheim peppers in the grab bags and this is what I have left.

These seeds still germinate and the plants do just fine in my garden. I’ve been purchasing from them every year ever since. It’s awesome when you get to reflect on garden and can see how far a business has come. The fact that you’ve been able to keep your seeds affordable even after the pandemic shows how much you truly care about your customers.

Over the last couple years gardeners we have went thru so much when it comes to getting seeds from other companies and having issues with them. I can honestly say MI Gardener is the only company I’ve never had an issue with the seeds being something different than what is in the pack. The germination rate has always been exceptional and anytime I plant two to three seeds to a whole they all grow every time. For price reference back then the seeds were 99 cents per pack and now they are $2 per pack. Only a $1 increase in 10 years I say is pretty good. Think about it there’s a lot of things in our everyday life that we use that we can’t say the same for. Luke I know a lot of people give you a hard time but keep doing what you’re doing.
- Signed a fellow Midwest gardener Brittney (Wisconsin)

*This post is not sponsored in anyway I just wanted to express my appreciation.*

Address

P. O. Box 18867
Milwaukee, WI
53218

Opening Hours

Tuesday 6:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday 6:30pm - 9pm
Thursday 6:30pm - 9pm
Friday 6:30pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 7pm

Telephone

+12487220770

Website

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Videos

I decided to empty out my drafts, this video is from 07/11/2024. I figure it would be helpful while planning out your garden now. I have a couple low light spots in my garden and these are the herbs that worked for me in those areas. . . . #GardenTips #RaisedBeds #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #raisedbedgardening #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener

Winter is here! ❄️🌱 What do you do in or with your garden during the colder months? Do you prep for spring, grow indoors, or let it rest? Let’s swap ideas and keep the garden vibes alive all year long! 💬✨ Drop your winter gardening tips below! 👇 #WinterGardening #GardenLife #UrbanGardener #GardenTips #RaisedBeds #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #raisedbedgardening #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener

Let’s talk raised beds! 🌱 This is the third type I use in my garden, and while it gets the job done, it’s not built to last forever. 2024 marked its second season, and the rust is starting to creep in. 😬 If you’re looking for a temporary option while planning to upgrade later, this could be a great choice! Just don’t count on it for the long haul. What kind of raised beds are you rocking in your garden? Let’s chat about the pros and cons below! #GardenTips #RaisedBeds #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #raisedbedgardening #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener

The first day of spring in 2025 is Thursday, March 20th. From January 1st to March 20th, there are: • January: 30 days (after January 1st) • February: 29 days (2025 is a leap year) • March: 19 days (up to March 20th). Total: 78 days until the first day of spring in Milwaukee. Even though it won’t really feel like it until the end of April into mid May. . . . #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #raisedbedgardening #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener #beginnergardening

Confession time: I’ve officially outgrown my 6 seed organizers and had to add two more to the collection, bringing me to a grand total of 8! 🌱 Some might call it excessive, but when you’re planting 750+ plants a year (yes, you read that right), it’s completely justified. I’m that person who gets deep into the details—varieties, growth patterns, planting timelines—you name it! This level of organization isn’t just for show; it’s how I keep my garden thriving and productive. Oh, and the organizers? They’re the photo organizers from Michael’s, but let’s be real, I only grab them on sale because that regular price? Yikes! If you’re as obsessed with seeds as I am, you already know the struggle. How do you keep your seeds organized? Let me know below! 👇 #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #raisedbedgardening #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener

Let’s talk about my second favorite brand of raised beds: Vego Gardens! 🌱💚 This isn’t sponsored—just sharing my honest experience because I know y’all love a good garden tool rec! 🙌 Their beds are sturdy, stylish, and perfect for transforming your garden space. 🪴 If you’ve been eyeing them, here’s your sign to give them a try. What’s your favorite brand for raised beds? Drop it below! 👇 #VegoGardens #UrbanGardening #RaisedBedGardening #gardeningclub #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardenlifestyle #organicgardening #blackgirlsgardening #blackgirlsgarden #midwestgardening #zone5gardening #gardenreels #beginnergardener

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