Spring Gardening Tips + Invitation to a Seattle Garden Party

Whiskey Barrels for Planting Herbs and Veggies

I have an invite for locals to The Home Depot for a garden party at the end of this post so be sure to check it out!

I had a productive weekend getting started on projects in my backyard. Friends from church came over to help with winter clean-up and to prep the area where we’ll plant our vegetable and herb gardens. It was so helpful to have people jump in and lend a hand.

backyard gardening

This year our plan is to establish a simple garden. Our yard is very rocky, so raised and above-ground containers make the most sense. Containers keep plants off the ground and help prevent our dogs from trampling seedlings. Container gardening also feels manageable and less intimidating, which makes it a great way to begin.

Whiskey Barrel Planters

I found cedar whiskey barrels at The Home Depot that are ideal for herbs and vegetables. They’re versatile, attractive and small enough to tuck into many spots around the yard. Once everything is planted I’ll share what we’re growing and how the plants develop. I didn’t see these barrels online, so check your local store if you’re interested.

Spring Gardening

We brought home a variety of plants to try this season.

Sweet Basil

I’ve always enjoyed growing herbs in containers — they’re convenient and useful year-round. Last year we grew blueberries and tomatoes, which did well in pots.

Strawberry Plants

This year I’m expanding to include strawberries, kale, a variety of lettuces and other vegetables. We aim to eat organic when possible, so having fresh produce right in our yard is exciting. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to plan a proper vegetable garden, but it’s never too late to start something new.

gardening book ideas

Because we’ve had our share of plant mishaps, we picked up a few gardening books last year to help avoid mistakes. Those resources have been useful as we learn what grows best in containers and how to care for different varieties.

Spring Garden Party @ the Home Depot

On May 17th I’m co-hosting a Seattle garden party sponsored by The Home Depot Garden Club at the Issaquah Home Depot. It’s a casual, hands-on event with DIY garden stations, garden-to-table bites prepared with local recipes, and a guided herb container project led by an expert Gardeniere. Whether you’re new to container gardening or already have a thriving yard, you’ll pick up practical tips and inspiration.

Join us for an afternoon of gardening activities and expert advice. Share your garden moments and spring projects with the hashtag #SpringMadeSimple. The Home Depot Garden Club provides helpful, region-specific gardening tips and inspiration for gardeners at every level.

This event and my participation is sponsored by The Home Depot.