Every day among plants is a good day. Plants lift the spirit and bring a calm, steady joy. My grandmother and mother always kept lovely flower beds and indoor plants while I was growing up (my mom still does), and those memories sparked my desire to become a “plant person” even though I still consider myself a novice gardener. I don’t remember vegetable gardens from my childhood, though I may be mistaken; it’s something my family and I have been learning together over the past few years.
At our previous home we used untreated wooden barrels that were safe for planting. We grew strawberries, blueberries, lettuce and snap peas in them and even planted several fruit trees shortly before we sold the house—trees I still miss. At our current home we discovered a generous stand of wild blackberries spilling over a neighbor’s fence, and for a few seasons we enjoyed the bounty. New neighbors removed that patch, so this year I’m hoping to plant our own. We’ve continued to use the same barrels for lettuce and kale over the last couple of years.
Recently we planted broccoli, but a little critter found the tender leaves before we did. We tried netting and fencing, but it managed to get in. A local garden center suggested chemical treatments I wasn’t comfortable using, so I researched organic, DIY solutions and discovered how many effective methods incorporate essential oils I already have on hand.
Growing organically matters to me. Plants absorb what’s in their soil, and vegetables grown in chemically treated ground can carry residues into our meals. We choose organic soil and plants and avoid toxic treatments so our food is cleaner and our yard stays safe for our dogs. That means opting for natural pest control and plant care whenever possible.
Even with homegrown organic produce, washing is important. We use an essential-oil based fruit and vegetable wash for everything we bring in from the garden, store, or farm delivery. It cleans effectively without harsh chemicals and can help produce stay fresher longer. It’s always surprising how much residue comes off store-bought broccoli when cleaned this way.
I also make an indoor plant mist using a plant-based household cleaner that my fiddle-leaf fig responds to eagerly—my “Happy Plant Spray.” I plan to share that recipe soon, along with an essential-oil spray I use on succulents. Diffusing pure oils near plants and in our home seems to boost both plant and human mood and vitality.
For the past two years I’ve made an aphid spray for roses using essential oils and it’s been very effective—no more aphids devastating the blooms. Here is the recipe I’ve used successfully:
Essential Oil Aphid Rose Spray:
5 drops each of:
Thyme
Peppermint
Clove
Rosemary
1 teaspoon Castile soap in a spray bottle filled with water. Shake and spray the affected leaves daily until the aphids are gone.
I also learned that a few drops of orange oil in water, lightly spritzed on upper foliage and blossoms, can help attract pollinators like bees and butterflies—something I’m eager to try this season.
This year I plan to use essential oils more broadly in and around our vegetable beds. They can help deter pests, support plant health, attract beneficial pollinators, and even contribute to soil health when used appropriately. Essential oils are a handy, natural companion for gardeners who prefer organic methods.
On Monday I’ll share my Happy Plant Spray, and throughout the summer I’ll post more about our garden with organic gardening tips, recipes, and inspiration photos.
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Choosing safe essential oils for home and garden:
Use only trusted, pure essential oils around plants, pets, and people.
Not all products labeled “oil” are safe—some contain preservatives, fillers, or come from plants grown in chemically treated soil. If you’re unsure of an oil’s source or purity, avoid using it around food, pets, or plants. Select oils from reputable suppliers whose sourcing and processing you trust.
If you already use a quality starter kit of essential oils, many of those oils will be useful for plant care and household uses. I rely on a brand I trust for oils and toxin-free home products and have used them consistently for years.
The versatility of pure essential oils and non-toxic products continues to impress me. They’re part of our daily routines and help me maintain an organic, safer home and garden environment.
Are you planting gardens this year? What are your favorite vegetables or plants to grow?
Related plant-based home posts:
Get the household oils kit you need to do all the things
DIY Succulent Diffuser
How I Use Essential Oils
Lavender, Vanilla + Lime Essential Oil Spray
Calming Stress with Essential Oils
My Best Secret for Making Cleaning Spark Joy
