How we started this small urban grow — the messy, beautiful truth
We started with one windowsill, a thrift-store lamp, and a stubborn refusal to accept that everything must be perfect. The first weeks were a mess: overwatered seedlings, a missing fan, and a surprising number of questions that Google couldn't answer.
Phase 1 — The experiment
Our early setup was improvisational. We kept notes — what wilted, what thrived, and what we should never try again. These notes became the first guides for the project.
Phase 2 — Learning the patterns
Patterns emerged: small, consistent changes beat dramatic interventions. Feeding schedules, light cycles, and simple pruning had outsized effects. We documented them and shared them with sponsors who wanted updates.
Phase 3 — Sharing and sponsorship
Sponsorship changed the project's shape. Not because of money, but because people started asking for photos, names, and progress reports. That accountability made us better caretakers.
What we keep repeating
- Consistent light and moderate feeding beat sporadic extremes.
- Small, frequent checks prevent large failures.
- Document everything — photos with timestamps save the most headaches.
What we still get wrong
We still overwater sometimes. We still misjudge humidity. And on a few nights, we lose a plant despite doing everything 'right'. We write about those failures because they help others avoid the same missteps.
If you want to help: sponsor a plant and get weekly photos, or buy a kit and learn along with us.