Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Messed Up Gardener

What happens when gardening meets good vibes and glittery geology? You get this episode.

Join Esther Williams—your cheeky host and dirt-loving rebel—for a slightly woo, slightly wild, and totally entertaining deep dive into the world of crystal gardening. From chakra-charged compost to protective tourmaline tucked near the tomatoes, we’re exploring how crystals have made their way from yoga studios to veggie beds—and why you might just want to bury a bit of sparkle under your zucchinis.

In this episode:
 🔮 What the woo is all about (with just enough sarcasm to keep it grounded)
 🌿 Which crystals to use for abundance, protection, or plant pep talks
 🪴 How to place them without looking like you’ve started a cult in your backyard
 🌕 Bonus tips for moon planting, naming your crystals, and laughing your way through the weirdness

Whether you’re crystal-curious or just here for the compost jokes, this episode is for anyone who believes gardening should be joyful, magical, and maybe just a little bit sparkly.

🎧 Hit play and discover why your kale might just vibe better with a rock named Kevin.

🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses / episodes packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener—your go-to podcast for all things gardening, worm wee, plant therapy, and occasional woo-woo wisdom. I’m Esther Williams, and today’s episode might just be my favorite kind of chaos: practical meets mystical, leafy meets loopy.

In this episode, we’re diving into the delightfully strange world of beneficial plant placement—a.k.a. why putting a jade plant in your southeast corner might not make you rich… but it might just make you feel like a grounded goddess with your life together.

✨ From feng shui’s wealth corners to intention gardens, we explore:

·         What the heck a Bagua map is (and why your bathroom might be holding your financial future)

·         The best houseplants for abundance, clarity, calm, and maybe even a bit of magic

·         Indoor vs outdoor vibes—and how to plant with purpose, no matter the space

·         How cultures worldwide (including Māori maramataka and folk traditions) have planted with meaning for generations

·         Whether any of this is real, or if we’re just making ourselves feel better with basil

Plus, I’ll give you easy steps to try energy gardening yourself—without needing crystals, chants, or a renovation budget. Just some soil, a compass app, and maybe a rosemary sprig or two.

Oh—and this week’s garden gossip includes worm bath resurrection, frost-fighting seedlings, and a surprisingly cute new plant stand for my peace lily (she’s now thriving in my own wealth corner).

🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener Podcast, your go-to mini masterclass for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be here today.

This week, we’ve been dealing with some wild weather—rain, wind, and all the joys (and headaches) that come with it! While the rain is great for the orchard and helping the kiwifruit plump up, the wind has been a bit of a nightmare. But thanks to our shelterbelts, damage has been minimal. That got me thinking—how do you garden successfully in windy conditions?

In today’s episode, we’re tackling everything you need to know about gardening in the wind—from selecting wind-resistant plants to designing your garden layout for better protection. We’ll cover:
🌿 Why wind matters and how it affects plants and soil.
🌿 The best wind-resilient plants, including hardy shrubs, sturdy veggies, and trees with flexible branches.
🌿 Garden design tricks to work with the wind instead of against it, like windbreaks, sheltered zones, and strategic planting.
🌿 Practical protection methods, including staking, mulching, and DIY wind shields.
🌿 Long-term strategies to strengthen your garden over time, like deep-root watering and using living windbreaks.

Plus, I share an exciting update about a science experiment I developed for growing oyster mushrooms in a classroom setting! A local high school has officially signed on to run the experiment, and hubby and I are donating all the materials. Stay tuned for updates on how the students get on!

So if you’ve ever struggled with wind-damaged plants or found your mulch blowing away like tumbleweed, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your garden thrive—even in a wind tunnel!

Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!

💬 Join the Conversation:
Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams

🌿 Share the Love!
If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.

🎙 Until Next Time...
As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·      A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Weeding your garden is an essential task that helps to keep it healthy and thriving. Weeds are unwanted plants that grow alongside the desired plants in your garden and compete with them for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. If left unchecked, weeds can quickly overtake your garden and cause your plants to struggle or even die.

In this episode I go through a number of tips that help in weeding with ease and safety. I also include a number of natural weed killing recipes that may be of interest.  Enjoy and have a fantastic week.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to back The Messed-Up Gardener and this 10 min or less quick & messy garden chat. I wanted to try something a little different. I keep getting questions that do not fill my traditional weekly podcast, so I figured why not do them as a 10min or less quick & messy garden chat. Please send me any gardening questions and I’ll see if I can accommodate them as either a quick & messy or as a formal podcast episode.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Planning and designing a new garden is so special because it allows you to create a unique space that reflects your personal style and preferences. It allows you to choose plants, colors, and textures that bring you joy and enhance your outdoor living experience. Additionally, a well-designed garden can add value to your property and create a more inviting atmosphere for you and your guests. It matters because it provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.

In this episode I go through a number of questions that I work through with my clients when creating and designing a new garden. I hope they help you in your garden planning journeys. Enjoy and have a fantastic week.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Growing mushrooms at home can be a great idea for several reasons. Firstly, it is a fun and rewarding hobby that can bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Secondly, it allows you to have fresh and organic mushrooms at your fingertips, which can save you money in the long run. Additionally, growing mushrooms at home can reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transportation and packaging. Finally, mushrooms are a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet, and growing them yourself ensures that they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.

In this episode I go through a number of questions that I have been asked around mushroom growing over the years, and I included a number of how to’s that have worked well for me in the past. Enjoy and have a fantastic week.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Hydroponic gardening is an interesting topic for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for plants to be grown in a soil-free environment, which can be beneficial in areas where soil quality is poor or limited. Additionally, hydroponic gardening can lead to higher crop yields and faster growth rates compared to traditional soil-based methods. It also allows for more precise control over plant nutrients and water supply, resulting in healthier plants. Finally, hydroponic gardening is a sustainable and space-efficient method of agriculture, making it a popular choice for urban and indoor gardening.

In this episode I go through a number of the questions that I have been asked around hydroponic gardening over the years and I included a number of how to’s that have worked well for me in the past. Enjoy and have a fantastic week.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

I've had a couple of questions lately around potting & repotting of plants and especially with the economy being way more scary lately with things being so expensive that in the old days even I wouldn't even hesitate to throw out old potting mix into the garden simply because I could go out and buy another bag of potting mix but now not so much.

In this episode I go through a number of the questions that I have been asked including how you can revitalize old potting mixes and how to do it safely and economically.  
Enjoy and have a fantastic week.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

I'm really excited about this particular episode. I'm going to talk to you about my Kiwifruit journey this past year and some of my packhouse days. Today's topic is going to be including working with customers to pollinate their plants an seeing what orchardists are doing to grow their crops and being part of a harvesting team and the processes around that and that next step of watching and seeing the Kiwi fruit being processed in an actual Kiwi fruit packhouse. 

For those of you who don't know what a Kiwi fruit is they are actually a Berry not a fruit and most cases it has skin covered with brown fuzz which is actually in fact edible. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

There is so much information out there about cuttings and how to take them and How to effectively propagate that it can be overwhelming. In this episode I have broken it down into simple steps with examples that even the kids can help with. Learning the skill of taking cuttings it's such an amazing rite of passage when it comes to sustainable gardening and providing food for your family and potentially developing this skill can help with saving a heap of money on creating easy to do Christmas and birthday gifts or even creating a side-line to bring in some extra cash. 

Mastering cuttings is also about preserving a species for the ages - especially if the plants you're taking cuttings from are an old fashioned variety with historical value. Most importantly have fun and give it a go practice makes improvements after all. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Fertilizing the garden is not something that should be looked at by the gardener as an other garden chore but as an exciting opportunity for a soil refresh and new growth which in turn produces more abundance in the garden and healthy food options in our kids bellies. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

This year it has been one disappointing thing after another in my garden and the increase in insect activity is absolutely doing my head in. In this case I'm referring to slugs and snails chewing through my garden as if it is their own personal buffet. In this episode I go through and give some practical tips on how to deal with some of the biggest pests in your garden. 

No not all of my practises have been organic but I do try to at least keep it simple and effective without having to have a lot of specialised equipment such as flame throwers 😊 to roast the snails into the afterlife instead this episode has a focus on using materials that can be found in your kitchen to combat the unwanted crawlies in your garden and ways that are less stressful on your budget. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams takes you through the art and business of dried floral arrangements! 🌸✨

After battling the flu and making exciting progress on her mushroom grow rooms, Esther is back and buzzing with updates—including her first batch of red and white clover honey heading for bottling! 🍯

Inspired by past episodes on Cultivating Cash from Your Garden and Valentine’s Bouquets, this episode takes a deep dive into dried flowers—how to grow, dry, and even monetize your arrangements.

What’s Inside This Episode?

🌿 Segment 1: Growing Your Own Flowers & Foliage for Drying

• The best flowers to grow for dried arrangements, including Strawflowers, Lavender, Hydrangeas & Roses.
• Why foliage & grasses like Eucalyptus, Pampas Grass, and ToeToe are crucial for structure.
• The unexpected power of seed pods & unusual additions like Poppy Seed Pods, Nigella, and dried citrus to add texture.
• Pro gardening tips for soil prep, plant care, and harvesting at the perfect time.

🔥 Segment 2: Drying Techniques & Creative Uses

• How to air dry, press, and use silica gel to preserve flowers like a pro.
• Creative ways to use dried flowers in wreaths, home décor, and even seasonal garlands.
• A hilarious story of a teenage flower-pressing mishap gone wrong!😂

💰 Segment 3: Turning Dried Flowers into a Profitable Business

• Where to sell dried flower arrangements—Etsy, farmers' markets, and wedding planners.
• Pricing strategies & profit margins—why handmade bouquets can sell for $20-$100+.
• Expanding your product range—DIY kits, resin crafts, and even subscription boxes.
• Staying inspired—following trends, refining your craft, and keeping customers engaged.

Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!

🌿 Share the Love!
If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.

🎙 Until Next Time...
As always, gardening can happen in any place, in any space and on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·      A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

I love this topic, planting hedging and shelterbelts are not just about creating a fencing boundary for your property, but it is an opportunity for so much more! 

It creates a feature, a potential option for sustainable gardening, property value increases and it has a list of environmental benefits. But like all things hedging and shelterbelts do come with maintenance costs but what doesn’t. 

I cover some of my favourite hedging options and different ways to grow your hedging like interplanting and I don't stop there, I cover environment, touch on a bit of the politics behind roading and shelterbelts as well. 

Any questions re todays topic or any other gardening topics reach out and lets chat. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget So Lets get Growing!! 

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

The weather has been so horrible and as we are only a few days away from winter I felt it was a highly appropriate topic choice. There are so many challenges to overcome in winter gardening that I do not blame you one bit for wanting to wrap yourself in a blanket and sit and read a good book or watch Netflix late into the night, but winter gardening can be so beneficial while still producing harvestable crops and with the added bonus give you such a head start into spring that its worth putting on the winter thermals and your favourite pair of gumboots.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

The word sustainable is thrown around so much these days that its almost losing its impact and its true meaning is almost lost in all the noise which is why I figured bringing it back to basics would be a fun topic.  

As the podcast episode title suggests I promised some sustainable gardening tips and I came up with several tips that I practice and have had proven results that are sustainable that matches my motto of Gardening Can Happen In Any Space In Any Place & On Any Budget.

Some are simple and straight forward, but a few others require a more in-depth planning but in the long run you as the gardener will reap the rewards as you work your way towards mastering your version of sustainable gardening. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

Over the last few months I have been accumulating the questions that listeners of this podcast have sent me for which I’m very grateful and a few have duplicated and were quite seasonal in nature, so I figured it’s a perfect time to chat about them.  I hope that some of the questions I covered today were helpful and if you do have any gardening questions, please do reach out. I'm going to keep compiling a list and Ill do an episode on a bunch of combined questions over time. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

The sound of gently moving water in your environment can create a feeling of peace and tranquility but there are also so many positive environmental reasons to have a water feature in your garden. They don’t have to be expensive, and they can be created from simple materials. I discuss my pond feature that I have had with me for the last 15 years and it has moved with me twice so even if you are renting having a water feature is possible and easy to maintain.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

In today’s episode I work through the benefits of having worms in the garden and the reasons to have a worm farm as well as a basic methodology of how to create your own worm farm for very little cost. I absolutely love having my worm farm and I hope I can inspire you to create one for yourself and if you already have one, I hope there are some gardening tips that will make it even more productive. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

In today’s episode I work through 7 key steps with loads of helpful tips to ensure that growing healthy seedlings becomes a norm. Including a list of a few easy to grow beginner seeds to germinate covering the basic food crop necessities in the garden.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener. 

In today’s episode I work through debunking 11 organic gardening myths, I had so much fun researching this topic which stemmed from a conversation I had with a friend regarding gardening styles and a comment she made as to how she can’t do organic gardening because it was just too expensive, and she didn’t have the space to grow organically and still get a sustainable crop out of it. I know from experience that it is untrue, so I set out to debunk her statements and the reasons why they were untrue. 

Let me know if there are any other Organic growing myths I haven’t covered in this episode I would love to try and debunk them.   

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.

In today’s episode I go through the steps to growing bulbs successfully no matter what the season is and ensuring that your bulb gardens stay healthy and produce blooms season after season. 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. 
In today’s episode I go through 10 chores that I myself utilize in my garden heading into Autumn to maximize my gardens growing potential and make my life way easier going into spring.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener—your go-to podcast for all things gardening, where we embrace the mess, the learning curves, and the joy of growing! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into organic gardening, breaking down the fundamentals, debunking common myths, and exploring trending natural practices that are reshaping how we grow our food.

If you’ve ever wondered what organic gardening truly means, why it matters, and how to get started without overcomplicating things, this mini masterclass is for you! We’ll cover:

✔️ What Organic Gardening Is – Understanding the philosophy and practical methods behind it.
✔️ Why It Matters – The impact on soil health, biodiversity, and our health.
✔️ The Role of Soil Health – Why soil is the foundation of everything and how to nourish it naturally.
✔️ Using Natural Fertilizers – Compost, worm castings, and plant-based fertilizers to enrich your garden.
✔️ Managing Pests Organically – Effective natural solutions without synthetic sprays.
✔️ Organic Gardening as a Lifestyle – How this approach transforms not just your garden but your mindset.
✔️ Trending Organic Gardening Practices – Including regenerative gardening, biointensive gardening, no-dig gardening, natural pest control innovations, and biochar soil improvement.
✔️ Practical Steps to Transition to Organic Gardening – Actionable tips to go organic, no matter where you are in your gardening journey.
✔️ Myth-Busting Session – Organic gardening is NOT too expensive, too time-consuming, or less productive!

Ready to take your garden to the next level, naturally? Grab your cup of tea (or compost bin!), get comfortable, and let’s dig in! 🌻

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got questions or a topic you'd love to hear about? Reach out—I love hearing from my fellow messy gardeners!

💬 Join the Conversation:
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams

🌿 Share the Love!
If you know a gardening friend who would love this episode, send it their way! Let’s grow this community of passionate, down-to-earth gardeners together.

🎙 Until Next Time...
Keep your hands dirty, your plants happy, and your gardening journey authentically messy! As always, gardening can happen anywhere, in any space, on any budget! Have an incredibly abundant week—I’ll buzz you later! 🐝✨

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·      A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode I go through 6 tips that I myself utilize in my garden to maximize my gardens growing potential. Including covering edible landscapes, square foot gardening and cold frames and yes, this time I did remember to include the plant of the week :-) 
I apologize for the occasional sniffle as I have a nasty bout of hay fever.  

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden. 

·         The 12-step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. 

If you are ready to grab a freebie, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

PS:
If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business.

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook @ Esther Aitken and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

I also host The Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Hi and Welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode I have had the absolute privilege and pleasure of interviewing my beekeeping mentor and Friend Judy Knipmeijer. Judy has been beekeeping for many years and has taught many students like myself the Art of Beekeeping and in this interview we go deep into all aspects of the bee keeping world.

Judy’s Instagram handle if you have any questions for her is @kakahibees 

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees   

The 12 step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. If you are ready to grab that, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode with the way the economy has been heading spending the big bucks in the garden is a thing of the past and I have been growing my gardens on a budget for quite some time. In this episode I cover 10 ways I have effectively and successfully been able to stay productive in my gardens.  

I also have a free 12 step guide to creating healthy soils in your garden. It’s so jammed full of information with actual examples of my soil sampling tests that I am considering turning it into an E book. If you are ready to grab that, email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Freebies to DM me for:

Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

The Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode I’m answering one of the most asked questions I have had over my career in horticulture, and I have attempted to summarise it in 12 simple steps. I have also put it in a PDF format if you want to grab that please email me at the themessedupgardener@gmail.com or flick me a DM and I will send it through to you.

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.

DM me for the Free TMUG 12 Step Guide to Creating Healthy Soils in your Garden.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode my energy is on Fire the week has been all sunshine and I take you through some of the grounding, bush bathing, meditative energy that you absorb from your garden that benefits your energy flowing into your day to day.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode I take you through a journey of my garden and its love language – No I’m not crazy - don’t send the men in white coats my way just yet. All vegetation has a language, and it can express itself in many ways. Have a listen and see or in this case hear for yourself and the next time you are in the garden really look at what it is telling you.     

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener.

In today’s episode we explore my pick for the top 3 flowers that make the perfect dried flower that lasts for a really long time in dried flower arrangements. These three can be used for weddings, birthdays, funerals, crafts, gifts and everything in between.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode we explore my pick for the top 5 herbs that cover a range of superpowers that legitimately should be used on a daily basis for not only amazing flavours but also their incredible health benefits. 

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode we explore how to deal with wet weather destroying your garden, vegetation, harvests and the aftermath of pests and diseases that are sure to follow.  My sympathies to the families experiencing the flooding in Auckland NZ.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram @esther.aitken @bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener. In today’s episode we explore how to plant into pots, planters, and the garden without damaging the root systems and by taking just that little bit of extra effort it reduces the stress on the plant itself & as a result it increases its survival rate.      

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m diving into all things lawn care—because let’s be real, a good lawn can be both a source of pride and a source of pain! Inspired by my husband’s obsession with the perfect mowing height (while I prefer a more relaxed approach), we’ll cover everything from choosing the right grass type to keeping your lawn lush and healthy.

We’ll explore the essentials: soil health, planting or reviving your lawn, mowing like a pro, watering the right way, and troubleshooting those pesky problems like weeds, pests, and patchy spots. Plus, if you’re tired of high-maintenance grass, I’ll share some awesome lawn alternatives that are easier, more sustainable, and just as beautiful.

Whether you're after a pristine golf-course look or a more natural, low-maintenance approach, this episode will give you the tools to grow a lawn that suits your lifestyle.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ How to choose the right grass for your climate and lifestyle
✅ The importance of soil health and simple ways to improve it
✅ Seeding vs. sod—what’s best for your lawn goals
✅ Lawn maintenance must-dos: mowing, watering, and fertilizing without overdoing it
✅ How to deal with weeds, pests, and common lawn care fails
✅ Alternative lawn options like clover, wildflowers, and thyme lawns
✅ Easy sustainable lawn care practices for a healthier yard and planet

Resources & Links:
🌱 Have a gardening question? Message me on @themessedupgardener on insta or Facebook The Messed Up Gardener or Esther Williams
🌱 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps me keep the podcast growing!

Thanks for tuning in! Remember, gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week, and I'll buzz you later! 🌿🐝

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·      A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener In today’s episode We explore what companion planting is and how it is beneficial to you in the garden and how utilising companion planting can keep the costs down both environmentally and dollar wise.  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener In today’s episode We explore 5 steps to creating an abundant Sustainable Garden. By looking at the key steps in the process from planning through to harvest and diving into what’s your season & have you missed your planting window?  

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener in today’s episode We explore ways to plan your garden spaces to maximise your harvestable output with little to no wastage and on a budget.   

DM me for my Nasturtium Pesto recipe.  

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

 Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener in today’s episode We explore 6 different types of indoor planting containers, from hanging baskets to window boxes and more. Being self sufficient is so important these days and as indoor space is often limited - it is important to get the planters just right to maximize the growth output which translates to better harvests.   

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener in today’s episode we explore how to: 

1) Look after and get the best value out of your Christmas tree, 

2) Look after living decorations, 

3) How to get rid of pine sap and 

4) How to stop your pets from sniffing around the base of your Christmas tree.

 I absolutely love this topic and I hope it resonates with you. 

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi and welcome to another episode of the messed-up gardener in today’s episode I will take you on mulching journey looking at what to use and when and how to get the best results. There are so many different types of mulch out there and even in a small space mulching is really important. I absolutely love this topic and I hope it resonates with you. 

As always Gardening can be done in any space in any place and on any budget.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

The garden can look serene, peaceful even but it’s a minefield of strategy’s, evolution and working in cohorts with each other to outcompete and in some cases even destroy the competition. In this episode I go into depth and look at what makes some of our most notorious plants / plant pests so successful. You will never look at a plant the same way again.  

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener on Instagram and TikTok and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode I go back to the basics – what it looked like for me growing up and some indoor and outdoor plants that are real drama queens that have a flare for the dramatics that can teach you a lot about how much and when to water and when they are hungry. I share the simple trick to keeping plants moist in ceramic pots and what yogurt and moss have in common.

The two books I mentioned in the episode was the 

Yates garden guide and the Tui New Zealand Vegetable Garden: the complete guide to growing vegetables in New Zealand. 

Come visit me at the #themessedupgardener on Instagram and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

The most productive way they say in the building industry for land use is when building on a plot of land is to go up rather then out and in your own gardens or planters that really is the case. In this episode I walk you through one of my favourite gardens that produces not only food for my daughter and I but also the creation of both potential Christmas gifts and insect microclimates.  Its easy to replicate when you know how. 

Come visit me at the #themessedupgardener on Instagram and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Garden tools are often neglected and thrown into the garden shed without a second thought or bought on the cheap. I go into detail as to why its important to look after your garden tools and why its important to buy quality. I go into detail regarding the 7 key tools I use in my garden and how I make sure they last the distance.

Come visit me at the #themessedupgardener on Instagram and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of gardening success: Irrigation. Whether you’re nurturing a lush vegetable patch, a few potted plants, or a sprawling flower garden, getting your watering right is key to thriving plants and stress-free gardening.

Join your host, Esther Williams, as we break down the basics of irrigation, explore the different types of watering systems—from trusty hoses and sprinklers to efficient drip systems and DIY solutions—and share sustainable watering practices to help you save resources and grow smarter. We’ll also dig into common mistakes, like overwatering, poor soil management, and over-reliance on technology, and how to avoid them.

You’ll learn practical tips like:

• How to water deeply and less frequently for strong, resilient roots.
• Why your garden’s microclimates might be influencing your watering needs.
• The benefits of rainwater harvesting, mulching, and even using greywater safely.
• How to troubleshoot irrigation system issues to keep things running smoothly.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, this episode has something for everyone. So, grab a cuppa, tune in, and get ready to make your garden hydration game stronger than ever! Don’t forget: Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us grow. As Esther always says, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Happy gardening, and we’ll buzz you later! 🌱

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheethttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In today’s episode I go into depth regarding the environment and love language of establishing a garden growing space. I am a firm believer of being able to grow in any space and in any place and on any budget while getting the best out of the space with full abundance and in some cases being able to maximize the area is to simply stop and let the area talk to you first and let the environment tell you what plantings will work.

Come visit me at the #themessedupgardener on Instagram and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants and I will see what I can do.

I also host the Let’s Biz You Up Podcast come join me there for all things in life and in business. Instagram #esther.aitken #bizyouup 

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you. 

If you are also into the business side then please join me at the Let's Biz You Up Podcast where we cover all things business related.

If you have any questions you would like me to cover please send me a DM.

Come say hello on Instagram @themessedupgardener or @esther.aitken or @bizyouup 

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.   

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into the ever-challenging world of garden pest and rodent control. From sneaky aphids and leaf-munching caterpillars to the chaos caused by rodents like rats and rabbits, we explore how these uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your garden. Esther shares insights into why pests and rodents invade gardens, how to spot the early signs of trouble, and practical strategies to tackle them.

Discover organic methods like companion planting, homemade sprays, and enlisting natural predators like ladybugs and birds to keep pests at bay. Learn about the benefits of physical barriers such as row covers and raised beds, as well as humane rodent control strategies like sealing entry points and setting live traps. We also highlight the importance of sustainable practices, avoiding harmful chemicals, and finding a balance between protecting your garden and coexisting with wildlife.

Whether you’re battling aphids, deterring rodents, or simply looking to improve your garden habits, this episode is packed with actionable tips and relatable stories to inspire your next gardening victory.

This week, try one new pest or rodent control method—be it planting marigolds, setting up a birdhouse, or checking for hidden entry points. Share your progress and gardening stories with us on social media!

Tune in for a fun and informative chat that reminds us all: gardening is a journey, not a destination. Let’s create gardens that are as resilient as they are beautiful!

Don’t forget: Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us grow. As Esther always says, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Happy gardening, and we’ll buzz you later! 🌱

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" A Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden Guide https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

If you are looking for some help planning your next gardening project or just need some 1 on 1 private coaching reach out and let’s get growing. 

If you have a gardening business or you’re looking at starting a gardening business including arboriculture, land clearing, firewood or a general plant growing & selling business lets work together in my 1 on 1 private coaching business containers. Having helped my clients grow several 6-figure businesses including from start-ups and working on million-dollar open space management contracts for many years now, let me help you & let’s grow your business so you can leapfrog your profits and establish a viable & sustainable business

Come visit me at the @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams and DM me any questions you would like to have answered on the podcast regarding your garden / plants / business and I will see what I can do.

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.