I’ll be honest—I never thought I’d be the type of parent who kept a box of worms in the house. It sounded… weird. Messy. Maybe even gross. But one rainy Saturday, when Squish and I were looking for a new project, we decided to give worm composting a try.

To my surprise, it wasn’t gross at all—it was actually fun. Squish loved checking on the worms, feeding them scraps, and watching how quickly they turned food waste into rich, dark compost. What started as a science experiment quickly became one of our favorite bonding activities. And the best part? We reduced our trash and grew stronger, healthier plants—all with a little help from some wiggly friends.

If you’ve ever been curious about composting with kids (but felt intimidated), I want you to know: you can do this, even in an apartment or with no extra time.

I’ll be honest—I used to think compost tea was one of those “hardcore gardener things” that only people with giant yards or fancy setups could pull off. I’d see the term pop up in gardening books or online, and it sounded… complicated.

But one summer, after my plants kept looking a little droopy no matter how much I watered them, I finally gave it a try. I made my first batch of compost tea in a simple bucket, let it brew, and then poured it onto my tomatoes and herbs.

Within days, they looked stronger, greener, and happier. That was the moment I realized compost tea really is like magic—you don’t need a farm or tons of equipment. You just need a little patience and a few easy steps.

And if you’re like me—busy, short on time, and maybe even living in a smaller space—this is absolutely something you can do.

I remember one week where everything felt like it was falling apart—work deadlines, bills piling up, and a never-ending to-do list. My brain was buzzing so loud I could barely hear myself think. Out of desperation, I went outside, grabbed an old pot, some leftover soil, and sprinkled in a few seeds I had tucked away in a drawer.

I didn’t expect much. But within a few days, little green shoots popped up. Every morning, I’d check on them, water them, and watch them grow. Suddenly, my stress felt lighter. That tiny act of nurturing something living helped me breathe again. Gardening, even in the smallest way, gave me peace when I needed it most.

And here’s the truth: you don’t need a big yard or tons of time. With just a windowsill, a balcony, or a single pot, you can create a space that grounds you, calms your mind, and yes—saves your sanity.

When we first moved into a tiny apartment, I thought composting was off the table. No backyard, no dirt patch, not even a balcony. I figured composting was for people with big gardens, rubber boots, and the time to manage a pile of food scraps.

Then one day, I saw a neighbor carry a small countertop bin down the hall. She told me it was her compost container, and she dropped it off at a local community garden once a week. That tiny container completely changed my view. Composting wasn’t just for people with space—it was for anyone who wanted to make a difference.

And I realized… this is exactly the kind of example I want to set for Squish. Even in a small apartment, we can take small steps that have a big impact.

It started with wilted cilantro.

I bought it, forgot it, and it melted in the back of the fridge. Again. I looked at that sad bunch of greens and thought: “Why can’t I just grow this myself?”

But we don’t have a yard. Or time. Or space.
Still, I couldn’t shake the idea. What if our kitchen window became something more?

So one weekend, we planted three little pots—cilantro, basil, and chives—right on the windowsill. We watered them, talked to them (Squish gave each one a name), and to our surprise... they grew.

They grew us, too.

That was the beginning of our indoor garden, and honestly? It’s one of the easiest, most rewarding things we’ve done as a family.

And now? I want that for you too.

"Beginner-friendly vegetable garden with lettuce growing in a small container on a sunny patio, perfect for parents starting their first garden in July.