Monstera Deliciosa

20 Unique Indoor Plant Varieties to Try

Stepping into a home adorned with a diverse array of indoor plants can transform any space into a vibrant and inviting sanctuary. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, unique indoor plants offer a myriad of benefits, from purifying the air to enhancing your mood and reducing stress. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast looking to expand your collection or a newcomer eager to experiment with different varieties, exploring unique indoor plants can add excitement and charm to your living spaces.

As an avid gardener, I’ve always been fascinated by the endless possibilities that indoor plants present. Each plant comes with its own set of characteristics, care requirements, and beauty that can elevate the ambiance of any room. I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right plants that not only thrive indoors but also bring something special to your home. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you twenty unique indoor plant varieties that are sure to captivate your heart and enhance your indoor gardening experience! Let’s dive into these botanical gems that will add diversity, beauty, and joy to your living spaces.

Alocasia Polly (Alocasia x amazonica)

Alocasia Polly, also known as the African Mask Plant, is a stunning indoor plant renowned for its dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves adorned with striking white veins. Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Alocasia Polly thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it perfect for indoor spaces like living rooms and offices. Its bold foliage not only serves as a focal point in any room but also adds a touch of exotic elegance that can transform your home into a lush, green paradise.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light requirements can be easily managed. To keep Alocasia Polly healthy, it’s essential to provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season can promote vibrant leaf coloration and robust growth. Pruning any yellow or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s stunning appearance and encourage new growth. With their captivating foliage and air-purifying qualities, Alocasia Polly is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and uniqueness in their plant collection.

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

venus flytrap flower
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The Venus Flytrap is one of the most fascinating carnivorous plants you can grow indoors, known for its unique ability to capture and digest insects. Native to the subtropical wetlands of North and South Carolina in the United States, Dionaea muscipula thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light. Its striking green leaves are modified into specialized traps with hair-like structures that snap shut when prey touches them, providing a captivating display of nature’s ingenuity right in your home.

Venus Flytraps are not considered invasive and can be safely cultivated indoors with proper care. To ensure their health, it’s crucial to use pure water, such as rainwater or distilled water, as tap water can contain minerals that harm the plant. They prefer a soil mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite, maintaining consistently moist conditions without waterlogging. Additionally, feeding them live insects occasionally can supplement their nutrient needs, as they rely on capturing prey for essential nutrients. With their intriguing hunting behavior and unique appearance, Venus Flytraps are a delightful addition to any indoor garden, sparking curiosity and admiration while helping to control pests naturally.

Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

Chinese money plant
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Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a trendy and charming indoor plant celebrated for its round, coin-like leaves that radiate from a central stem, creating a visually appealing rosette. Originating from the Yunnan Province of China, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it perfect for desks, shelves, and window sills. Its unique leaf shape and ease of propagation have made it a favorite among plant enthusiasts, adding a touch of modern elegance to any space.

Chinese Money Plants are not considered invasive and are excellent for indoor cultivation, where their compact size and prolific growth can be easily managed. To keep Pilea peperomioides healthy, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support vibrant leaf growth and overall plant health. Their ability to produce numerous offsets, or “pups,” makes propagation easy, allowing you to expand your collection or share plants with friends and family. With their distinctive appearance and low-maintenance nature, Pilea peperomioides is a delightful choice for anyone looking to add a unique and stylish plant to their indoor garden.

Lithops (Living Stones)

living stones plant
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Lithops, often referred to as Living Stones, are a unique and intriguing group of succulents that mimic the appearance of pebbles and stones, making them perfect for indoor gardens seeking a touch of novelty. Native to the arid regions of southern Africa, Lithops thrive in environments with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making them ideal for sunny window sills and minimalist indoor settings. Their fascinating appearance not only serves as a conversation starter but also helps conserve water, allowing them to survive in harsh conditions with minimal care.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To maintain healthy Lithops, it’s essential to provide ample sunlight and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent rot. During their dormant period, typically in the summer, watering should be significantly reduced to allow the plants to rest. Additionally, using a specialized cactus or succulent soil mix can enhance drainage and overall plant health. With their captivating stone-like appearance and low-maintenance requirements, Lithops are a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners looking to add a unique and eye-catching element to their plant collection.

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’

echeveria
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Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a stunning succulent known for its rosette-shaped leaves that display beautiful gradients of color, transitioning from deep green to soft pink hues, reminiscent of a pearl. Native to Central America, this Echeveria variety thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it perfect for sunny indoor spots like windowsills and shelves. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for creating visually appealing arrangements and terrariums, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any indoor space.

These Echeverias are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To keep Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ healthy, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support vibrant color transitions and robust growth. Pruning any leggy or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s compact and attractive shape, encouraging fuller and more symmetrical rosettes. With their stunning coloration and low-maintenance nature, Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a delightful addition to any indoor succulent collection, bringing both beauty and tranquility to your living spaces.

Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)

wandering jew
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Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as the Wandering Jew, is a vibrant and fast-growing indoor plant celebrated for its striking, striped leaves and trailing growth habit. Native to Mexico and Central America, this plant thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making it perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, and tabletops. Its beautiful, variegated foliage, featuring shades of green, purple, and silver, adds a lively and dynamic touch to any room, creating a visually stimulating and stress-relieving atmosphere.

Wandering Jew plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their trailing vines can be easily managed and shaped. To maintain their vibrant appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Pruning any leggy stems can help encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too unruly. With their stunning foliage and easy-going nature, Tradescantia zebrina is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of movement in their plant arrangements, enhancing the overall serenity and visual appeal of their living spaces.

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

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The Ponytail Palm is a striking indoor plant known for its swollen trunk and long, graceful, arching leaves that resemble a ponytail, adding a unique and exotic touch to any room. Native to the hot and dry regions of eastern Mexico, Beaucarnea recurvata thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it ideal for sunny indoor spaces such as living rooms and home offices. Its distinctive bulbous trunk serves as a water reservoir, allowing the plant to withstand periods of drought and minimal watering, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles or who tend to forget to water their plants regularly.

Ponytail Palms are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To maintain their health and striking appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Pruning any yellow or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s elegant shape and prevent pest issues. With their unique structure and low-maintenance nature, Ponytail Palms are a beloved choice for indoor gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and resilience in their plant collection, creating a calming and visually captivating environment that helps reduce stress.

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

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Staghorn Ferns are one of the most unique and eye-catching indoor plants, renowned for their large, frond-like structures that resemble the antlers of a stag, adding a dramatic and artistic flair to any space. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, particularly Central and South America, Platycerium bifurcatum thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it perfect for indoor gardens, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture levels are naturally higher. Its distinctive growth habit, with fronds attached to a central rhizome, creates a striking and dynamic display that serves as a focal point in any room.

These ferns are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, especially when mounted on cork boards or placed in hanging baskets, allowing their fronds to cascade gracefully. To maintain their health and vibrant appearance, it’s essential to provide consistent watering, ensuring the rhizome remains moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help maintain the high humidity levels they thrive in. Fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season can support healthy frond development and overall plant vitality. With their stunning, antler-like fronds and air-purifying qualities, Staghorn Ferns are a fantastic addition to any indoor garden, creating a serene and visually captivating environment that helps alleviate stress and enhance the overall ambiance of your living spaces.

Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

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Rhipsalis baccifera, commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, is a fascinating and delicate indoor plant celebrated for its long, slender stems adorned with small, bead-like fruits that add a touch of elegance and intrigue to any space. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, as well as some Caribbean islands, this epiphytic cactus thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it ideal for indoor settings such as bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Its graceful, trailing stems create a soft, cascading effect that enhances the visual appeal of hanging baskets and shelves, adding a sense of movement and tranquility to your home.

Mistletoe Cacti are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and humidity requirements can be easily managed. To maintain their delicate appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, ensuring good air circulation can help prevent fungal issues, which these cacti are prone to in overly humid conditions. Feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season can support healthy growth and vibrant fruit production. With their enchanting appearance and air-purifying capabilities, Rhipsalis baccifera is a wonderful addition to any indoor garden, fostering a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment that helps reduce stress and enhance the overall ambiance of your living spaces.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

white kalanchoe
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Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a vibrant and cheerful indoor plant known for its clusters of bright, long-lasting flowers that can bloom throughout the year with proper care. Native to Madagascar, this succulent thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it perfect for sunny indoor spots like windowsills and balconies. Its compact growth habit and colorful blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange add a lively and uplifting touch to any room, creating a joyful and stress-free atmosphere that enhances the overall mood of your home.

Kalanchoe plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To encourage continuous blooming, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support vibrant flower production and healthy foliage. Pruning spent blooms and removing any dead or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s attractive appearance and encourage new growth. With their stunning flowers and easy-going nature, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of joy in their living spaces, creating a colorful and uplifting environment that helps reduce stress and enhance well-being.

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

string of hearts
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String of Hearts is a charming and delicate indoor plant known for its trailing vines adorned with heart-shaped leaves, creating a romantic and visually appealing display. Native to the southern regions of Africa, Ceropegia woodii thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, and tabletops. Its lush, variegated foliage, featuring shades of green and silver, adds a touch of whimsy and beauty to any room, fostering a calming and stress-free atmosphere that enhances the overall ambiance of your home.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To maintain their attractive appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Pruning any leggy or overgrown stems can help maintain the plant’s delicate trailing habit and promote fuller, more lush growth. With their enchanting heart-shaped leaves and graceful vines, String of Hearts is a beloved choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of love and tranquility in their living spaces, creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment that helps reduce stress.

Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)

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Rex Begonia is a stunning variety of Begonia renowned for its richly textured, colorful leaves that come in an array of patterns and hues, making it a standout addition to any indoor garden. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, Begonia rex thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it perfect for indoor spaces such as living rooms, offices, and bedrooms. Its unique foliage, featuring intricate designs in shades of green, purple, pink, and silver, adds a touch of artistic elegance and visual interest, creating a serene and stress-free environment that enhances the overall ambiance of your home.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light requirements can be easily managed. To maintain their beautiful foliage, it’s important to provide consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support vibrant leaf colors and healthy growth. Pruning any damaged or yellowing leaves can help maintain the plant’s attractive appearance and encourage new growth, ensuring your Rex Begonia remains a focal point in your indoor garden. With their stunning, patterned leaves and air-purifying qualities, Begonia rex is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and tranquility in their living spaces, creating a peaceful and visually captivating environment that helps reduce stress.

Anthurium clarinervium

red anthurium flower
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Anthurium clarinervium, often referred to as the Velvet Cardboard Anthurium, is a breathtaking indoor plant admired for its large, velvety leaves with prominent veining that create a striking contrast against its darker foliage. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this Anthurium thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it ideal for indoor settings such as living rooms, offices, and bathrooms. Its unique leaf texture and vivid veining add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room, fostering a calming and visually stimulating environment that helps alleviate stress.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light needs can be easily managed. To maintain their stunning appearance, it’s essential to provide consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support vibrant leaf colors and healthy growth. Pruning any dead or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s elegant look and promote new growth, ensuring your Anthurium clarinervium remains a beautiful and thriving centerpiece in your indoor garden. With their exquisite foliage and air-purifying capabilities, Anthurium clarinervium is a beloved choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of tranquility in their living spaces, creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment that helps reduce stress.

Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss)

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Tillandsia usneoides, commonly known as Spanish Moss, is a delicate and ethereal indoor plant prized for its long, wispy strands that create a soft, flowing appearance, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to any space. Native to the southeastern United States, particularly in states like Florida and Georgia, Spanish Moss thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it ideal for indoor settings such as living rooms, patios, and hanging baskets. Its unique growth habit, requiring no soil and absorbing moisture and nutrients directly from the air, makes it a low-maintenance and versatile addition to your indoor garden.

Spanish Moss is not considered invasive and can be safely grown indoors without concerns of it spreading uncontrollably. To maintain its delicate appearance, it’s important to provide consistent misting to keep the plant hydrated, especially in dry indoor environments. Additionally, ensuring good air circulation can help prevent fungal issues and promote healthy growth. Spanish Moss benefits from occasional feeding with a diluted, balanced fertilizer, which can enhance its vibrant coloration and overall health. With its graceful, cascading strands and air-purifying qualities, Tillandsia usneoides is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of calm in their living spaces, creating a serene and visually captivating environment that helps reduce stress.

Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant)

propagating haworthia
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Haworthia fasciata, commonly known as the Zebra Plant, is a charming and resilient succulent admired for its striking, white-striped leaves that create a bold contrast against its deep green foliage. Native to the arid regions of South Africa, this Haworthia thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it perfect for indoor settings such as windowsills, desks, and shelves. Its compact size and attractive leaf patterns make it an excellent choice for small spaces, adding a touch of modern elegance and visual interest to any room.

Zebra Plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific light and watering needs can be easily managed. To maintain their vibrant appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and enhance leaf coloration. Pruning any damaged or yellowing leaves can help maintain the plant’s attractive shape and promote new growth, ensuring your Haworthia fasciata remains a beautiful and thriving addition to your indoor garden. With their stunning leaf patterns and low-maintenance nature, Zebra Plants are a beloved choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and ease of care, creating a peaceful and visually appealing environment that helps reduce stress.

Aglaonema Silver Bay (Aglaonema commutatum)

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Aglaonema Silver Bay, a stunning variety of Chinese Evergreen, is prized for its silvery-green leaves speckled with pink or red veins, creating a striking and elegant appearance that enhances any indoor space. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Aglaonema commutatum thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it ideal for indoor gardens, offices, and living rooms. Its attractive foliage not only adds a touch of sophistication but also contributes to a healthier living environment by purifying the air and removing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light requirements can be easily managed. To maintain their vibrant appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and enhance leaf coloration. Pruning any yellow or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s attractive shape and promote new growth, ensuring your Aglaonema Silver Bay remains a beautiful and thriving centerpiece in your indoor garden. With their stunning silvery foliage and air-purifying capabilities, Aglaonema Silver Bay is a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and a sense of tranquility in their living spaces, creating a peaceful and visually appealing environment that helps reduce stress.

Monstera Standleyana (Swiss Cheese Plant)

swiss cheese plant
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Monstera Standleyana, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a vibrant and unique indoor plant admired for its large, perforated leaves that create a striking resemblance to Swiss cheese. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, Monstera Standleyana thrives in environments with high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it perfect for indoor settings such as living rooms, offices, and sunrooms. Its bold foliage not only serves as a focal point in any room but also adds a touch of tropical elegance and intrigue, creating a visually stimulating and stress-relieving atmosphere that enhances the overall ambiance of your home.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light requirements can be easily managed. To maintain their vibrant appearance, it’s essential to provide consistent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and promote the development of new, perforated leaves. Pruning any yellow or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant’s attractive shape and encourage fuller, more lush growth. With their captivating foliage and air-purifying qualities, Monstera Standleyana is a delightful addition to any indoor garden, fostering a serene and visually captivating environment that helps reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.

Peperomia caperata (Ripple Peperomia)

peperomia plant
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Peperomia caperata, commonly known as the Ripple Peperomia, is a charming and compact indoor plant celebrated for its uniquely textured, heart-shaped leaves that feature wavy, rippled edges and striking variegation in shades of green and silver. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Peperomia caperata thrives in environments with bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making it perfect for indoor settings such as desks, shelves, and bathrooms. Its attractive foliage adds a touch of elegance and visual interest to any room, creating a calming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that helps alleviate stress.

These plants are not considered invasive and are well-suited for indoor cultivation, where their specific humidity and light needs can be easily managed. To maintain their beautiful appearance, it’s important to provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can support healthy growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Peperomia caperata also benefits from good air circulation, which can help prevent fungal issues and promote overall plant health. With their stunning, rippled foliage and low-maintenance nature, Peperomia caperata is a beloved choice for indoor gardeners seeking both beauty and tranquility in their living spaces, creating a peaceful and visually appealing environment that helps reduce stress.

Conclusion

Exploring and incorporating unique indoor plant varieties into your home not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces but also contributes to a healthier and more tranquil environment. From the dramatic Alocasia Polly and the fascinating Venus Flytrap to the charming Peperomia caperata and the ethereal Spanish Moss, these twenty plants offer a diverse range of colors, textures, and benefits that can transform any room into a vibrant and stress-free sanctuary. Each plant brings its own unique charm and air-purifying qualities, ensuring that your indoor garden remains both stunning and beneficial for your well-being throughout the year.

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.