Sensible & Simple Life

As September arrives in Michigan, the garden starts to shift. Some plants are slowing down, others are still producing, and cooler nights are right around the corner. Fall garden cleanup can feel a little confusing, especially when you garden in raised beds and containers like I do. Knowing what to pull, what to leave, and when to do it can make next spring much easier and healthier for your garden. 🌱 When to Start Fall Garden Cleanup in Michigan In zone 6 of Michigan, fall cleanup usually begins in September and continues through October. I like to start slowly rather than doing everything at once. Some plants benefit from early removal, while others should stay put until after the first frost or even until spring. Fall cleanup is not a single day task. It is a gradual process. 🥕 Plants That Should Be Pulled in the Fall Annual plants that will not return next year should be removed once they stop producing or show signs of disease. Vegetables and herbs that should be pulled...

 One of my favorite gardening discoveries has been learning how easy and satisfying it is to save seeds from plants I already grow. Last season I harvested seeds from my parsley and basil plants, and it felt like a small gardening win that will keep paying off year after year. Saving seeds is a simple way to stretch your gardening budget, preserve plants you already love, and stay connected to the full life cycle of your garden. 🌼 Why Save Seeds From Your Garden Saving seeds allows you to grow plants that are already adapted to your local conditions. In southeastern Michigan, zone 6 gardens experience cold winters and warm summers, which means plants that thrive here are worth keeping around. Seed saving also gives you control. You know exactly where your seeds came from, how they were grown, and which plants performed best. And honestly, there is something special about planting seeds you saved yourself. 📦 How I Store My Seeds After harvesting my seeds, I keep things si...

Basil has quickly become one of my favorite herbs to grow. This is my second season growing it, and after spending the winter reading and researching, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. Basil is fragrant, versatile, and surprisingly easy to grow once you know its needs. Whether you want to grow it in your garden, on your windowsill, or preserve it for later, basil has a place in any kitchen. 🛠️ Tools and Supplies for Growing Basil Small pots or containers with drainage holes (if growing indoors) Raised garden bed or a sunny outdoor spot with rich soil Hand trowel and watering can Mulch for outdoor beds Sharp scissors or pruning shears for harvesting I grow my basil in a  raised garden bed  I bought a few of years ago, and I still love it. 👉  Here’s the one I use from Amazon  if you're looking for something simple and sturdy ( Amazon affiliate link ). 🌱 Basil Growing Season in Michigan In Michigan (zone 6), basil thrives during the warm m...

If you grow herbs at home like I do, you might find yourself wondering what to do with the abundance. Sure, you can dry them or freeze them, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy them year-round is by making herb-infused oils and vinegars. They are simple to create, beautiful to gift, and a wonderful way to bring fresh flavors to your kitchen. This project is also a great way to use the herbs I’ve dried from my garden using the air fryer or herbs I still have growing indoors during the colder months. 🍃 Why Make Herb-Infused Oils or Vinegars? Homemade infusions add flavor and elegance to everyday cooking. A splash of rosemary oil or basil vinegar can elevate a salad, marinade, or even a loaf of homemade bread. These infusions also make wonderful gifts when poured into decorative bottles. You control the ingredients and avoid preservatives. Plus, it’s a way to make use of what’s already in your garden or pantry. 🧺 What You’ll Need to Make Herb-Infused Oils and Vinegars For Herb-...

This year I decided to branch out a little in my garden and try growing broccoli. It’s something I’ve never grown before, but always wanted to. With its nutritious green heads and cool-season preferences, broccoli seemed like the perfect challenge for my little raised bed setup. Even though it’s now mid-June here in Michigan (zone 6), which is a bit late for spring planting, there’s still time to get a summer crop in the ground. Plus, I’ve already got fall planting in mind too. 🌱 Why Grow Broccoli? Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse and part of the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. It’s packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you’ve only ever eaten store-bought broccoli, fresh from the garden is a whole different experience, it is sweeter, more tender, and full of flavor. 🛒 Supplies I Used to Grow Broccoli Broccoli seedlings (you can start from seed, but I picked up healthy starts from a local nursery) Raised garden bed...

This spring I decided to try something new in my garden—growing lettuce! It’s mid-May here in Michigan (zone 6), and the weather has warmed just enough to make this a great time to get leafy greens into the ground. As a beginner, I’ve done some research and learned a lot already. I thought I’d share the process, tips, and some fun facts in case you’re thinking about giving lettuce a try too. 🌱 Why Grow Lettuce? Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, making it perfect for beginners like me. It grows quickly, doesn’t require much space, and you can harvest it more than once if you pick it the right way. It’s also a great way to enjoy fresh, pesticide-free salads straight from your garden. 🛒 Supplies I Used to Grow Lettuce Lettuce seeds (I chose a mixed variety pack for fun colors and textures) Raised garden bed with well-drained soil Small hand trowel Watering can Garden labels (optional but helpful) 🌤️ Timing and Location for Growing Lettuce In Mic...

Did you know that some public libraries now let you borrow seeds the same way you borrow books? These are called seed libraries , and they are popping up in communities across the country, including right here in Michigan (zone 6). I first discovered a seed library at a local branch a few years ago, and I was amazed at how simple and thoughtful the idea is. Instead of checking out a book, you “check out” seeds to plant at home. Later, if you are able, you can return seeds from your harvest so the cycle continues. Let me tell you more about it. 🌻 What Is a Seed Library? A seed library is a community resource that offers free seeds for vegetables, herbs, or flowers. These seeds are available to anyone. No library card required at many locations. Some libraries have them in catalog-style drawers or pretty wooden boxes with labeled packets. You take a few seed packets, plant them in your garden or containers, and (ideally) save some seeds from your harvest to return. This helps supp...

If you are looking for a quick and satisfying crop to grow in your raised garden bed this season, radishes are a fantastic choice. These crunchy, peppery little root vegetables are perfect for beginner gardeners and seasoned green thumbs alike. In Michigan (zone 6), radishes thrive in our cool spring and fall seasons, making them one of the earliest veggies you can sow. Let’s walk through what you need, how to plant them, and a few tips to keep them growing strong. 🧺 Supplies You’ll Need to Plant Radishes Here’s what you need to get started: Raised garden bed with good drainage Quality garden soil mixed with compost Radish seeds (common varieties like Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, or Easter Egg are great) Small garden trowel or hand rake Watering can or garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle Garden markers (optional but helpful) 🌿 Radish Planting Steps Step 1: Prepare Your Bed Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Radishes need at least 6 hours of sunlight...

As the chill of winter lingers and the garden rests, now is the perfect time to start dreaming and planning for spring. One of the best ways to get a jumpstart on your garden is by starting seeds indoors. Not only is it a rewarding project during the colder months, but it also gives you a head start with stronger, healthier plants once the soil is ready for planting. Whether you're a first-time gardener or have been growing vegetables for years, indoor seed starting is a practical and enjoyable way to stay connected to your garden year-round. 🏡 Why Start Seeds Indoors? Starting seeds indoors allows you to extend your growing season. In Michigan, where the frost lingers into May, starting seeds inside means you can get a head start with plants that need a longer growing season like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Here are a few more benefits: You’ll save money by growing from seed instead of buying starter plants. You’ll have more variety to choose from since seed catalogs offer...

If you live in Michigan (zone 6) and enjoy gardening, you know how important it is to choose plants and practices that work with our unique climate and soil. From snowy winters to humid summers, gardening here comes with its own set of challenges and joys. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned grower, a good book can be a helpful companion throughout the seasons. Here are five excellent gardening books that are especially helpful for those of us planting and growing in Michigan. 🌼 1. Gardening Month by Month in Michigan by Melinda Myers This book is perfect for anyone who likes to plan ahead. It offers monthly tasks, tips, and suggestions that are specific to Michigan’s zones. You will find practical checklists, planting advice, and timely reminders that help you stay on track all year long. Melinda Myers is a well-known horticulturist, and her guidance is easy to follow and encouraging. 👉  Purchase the book on Amazon   (affiliate link) 🌱 2. Michigan Gardene...

Indoor Gardening and Herbs A simple way to keep a little green in the kitchen during Michigan winter, with easy indoor herbs for cooking, drying, and everyday comfort. When the Michigan garden beds go quiet for the winter, I still like having a little bit of green around. Indoor gardening is one of those small things that helps me feel connected to growing, even when there is snow outside and the backyard garden is resting. A few herbs on a sunny windowsill can make the kitchen feel warmer and more alive. I like herbs because they are useful without being overwhelming. You can snip a little basil into soup, add chives to eggs, or dry extra thyme for later. It feels simple, practical, and cozy. If you miss your garden in the colder months, growing herbs indoors is a sweet place to start. Why Grow Herbs Indoors? ...

Growing Spinach in Grow Bags in Michigan My first time growing spinach in fabric grow bags, how I cared for it, and what I learned as a beginner gardener in Michigan Zone 6. This year I tried growing a small patch of spinach in fabric grow bags for the first time. It was my first time planting spinach at all, so I was honestly pretty excited when the leaves started filling out. There is something so satisfying about seeing tiny seedlings turn into something you can actually harvest and eat. Growing spinach in grow bags worked beautifully for my small garden space. It kept things tidy, made watering easier, and helped me manage the planting area without needing a big garden bed. When the outer leaves reached about 4 to 6 inches long, I knew it was time to harvest. I used the cut-and-come-again method, which made the whole thing feel simple and rewarding. ...

How to Plant Garlic in Michigan A simple beginner-friendly guide to planting garlic in Michigan Zone 6, including when to plant, how deep to plant cloves, winter care, and when to harvest. Garlic is one of my favorite things I have tried growing because it feels almost too easy. I planted garlic for the first time two falls ago because a neighbor gave me a few extra bulbs. I did not have a big plan. I did not know much about garlic. I just separated the cloves, tucked them into my raised garden bed, covered them with mulch, and hoped for the best. Then spring came, and little green shoots started popping up. I was so excited. There is something very satisfying about planting something in the fall, forgetting about it during the snowy months, and then seeing it come back to life when the garden starts waking up again. If you are wondering how to plant garlic in Michigan...