How to Grow Anything – Getting Ready for Spring!
On Tuesday, March 3rd, we gathered for our final Muster & Mingle in Piqua—an evening filled with laughter, curiosity, and the easy rhythm of people sharing a meal together. Friends old and new pulled up chairs around the tables as dinner was served: baked chicken alongside spring vegetables and egg noodles, simple food that made the room feel warm and welcoming.
For the evening’s program, we were joined by Dave from the OSU Master Gardener program, who spoke on a topic he called “How to Grow Anything.” He began in a way that immediately set the tone for the night. Holding up a single daffodil bulb, he scooped a bit of soil into a pot, dropped the bulb inside, and added some water. Then he dusted off his hands and announced, “Done!” The room burst into laughter.
After the chuckles settled down, he admitted that there is, of course, a little more to it than that—but his point was clear. Too often, people overthink planting and growing. At its core, gardening is much simpler, and much more forgiving, than we sometimes imagine.
From there, Dave talked about the many reasons people feel drawn to start planting or landscaping projects—whether it’s creating beauty around their homes, growing food for their families, or simply finding a quiet moment outdoors with their hands in the soil. He also shared some of the common pitfalls that can trip people up when they begin planning a garden.
Practical advice flowed easily throughout the conversation. He spoke about giving plants enough space away from the house so they can mature properly, following the classic “rule of three” when grouping plants together, and thinking about height and layering to create gardens that feel balanced and visually interesting throughout the season. Small choices in spacing and structure, he explained, can make a big difference in how a garden grows and how it feels to walk through it.
Like so many of our evenings together, the conversation moved comfortably between learning and storytelling. Questions were asked, ideas were exchanged, and more than a few people left with fresh inspiration for what they might try planting this spring. It was a fitting way to close out our final Muster & Mingle in Piqua—gathered around the table, learning something new, and enjoying the company of one another.
We’re grateful to Dave and the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteers for sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with us. Their practical advice—and their reminder that gardening doesn’t have to be complicated—sent many of us home with new ideas for the season ahead.
Even as we closed the chapter on our gatherings in Piqua, evenings like this remind us why we love bringing people together around the table to learn, share, and connect. Muster & Mingle will continue in our new space, and we’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and new friends in the months ahead.
If you’d like to join us for a future gathering, you can find details about upcoming events and opportunities to participate on our Upcoming Events page. We can’t wait to see you!