Because traditional plant advice wasn’t built for all of us.

There’s a lot of plant advice out there—and most of it assumes you water on time, remember what day it is, and don’t spiral the moment a leaf gets crispy.

That’s not how it works for me. And if you’re here, maybe not for you either.

You’re not doing it wrong. You just need a system that works for you.

Some people thrive on routine. Others forget their plants exist until a crispy leaf starts waving for help. Some water too much. Others avoid watering out of fear. Some repot four plants at midnight. Others stare at the soil bag and walk away for three weeks.

Your brain isn’t the problem. The system is.

So I started building better ones.

Here’s how I make plant care work with my brain, not against it:

Smart Plugs + Timers on Grow Lights

Because remembering to flip switches every morning and night? Not a thing. My grow lights come on and off automatically. No guilt, no guessing.

Bold Sharpie Labels

Every nutrient bottle, pest control spray, and supplement I use has clear, bold instructions written right on the bottle. Why? Because I’m not squinting at 6pt font every time I mix something, and I absolutely don’t remember dosages—even for the stuff I use constantly.

Pre-Mixed Water Bottles

I prep water bottles in advance, with nutrients already mixed, so when I’m ready to water—I don’t lose momentum gathering supplies. Grab, go, done.

Tanks for Tiny or Delicate Plants

Humidity tanks help baby plants stay happy without me having to micromanage conditions. They regulate themselves so I don’t have to. They also give me visual feedback, which my brain loves.

Visible, Open Storage

If I can’t see it, I forget I have it. So I store plant supplies in clear bins, open trays, or out on shelves where I’ll actually remember to use them.

Watering Zones = No More Pinballing

One of my group members gave me this tip and it changed everything:
Split your house into watering zones. Instead of bouncing from room to room, I water one zone at a time—sometimes just one a day. It’s calmer, more intentional, and I notice way more when I’m not rushing.

Notes & Labels

Sometimes I’ll write a sticky note on the pot, or jot a care reminder on a tag. Nothing fancy—just enough to keep me from having to rely on memory (which is, frankly, not hired for this job).

Task Stacking During Watering

I use watering time as a check-in. I don’t just pour and leave. I wipe leaves, check for pests, rotate pots, take a deep breath. It becomes a grounding routine—not a chore.

Root-Aware Substrate Choices

I built my soil mixes to match how I water and how different roots grow.
Chronic retains moisture for my distracted weeks. Curate gives climbers structure. Cozy cradles ferns and babies who need consistent hydration. Crumble is rocky and gnat-resistant.

There’s no one-size-fits-all soil. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all plant parent.

Watering Trick for Moss Poles

I use an upside-down water bottle with holes poked in the lid to slowly drip water into the pole over time. It keeps the moss evenly moist without soaking the soil—surface tension does the work for me. It’s low effort, high reward, and honestly kind of magical.

💚 So What’s the Point?

All of this—every product, every trick, every post—isn’t about being “the best plant parent.” It’s about building a care system that actually fits your life and your brain. Less shame. More strategy. Less overwhelm. More support. You’re not lazy. You’re not forgetful. You just haven’t been given the right tools yet.

Want to grow with less guilt and more success?
That’s what Sit A Second is here for. 💚

Making Plant Care Work for Your Brain