Ep 159: The 3-List Garden Permission Slip. What you’re allowed to quit, ignore, and do badly Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

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The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 159: The 3-List Garden Permission Slip. What you’re allowed to quit, ignore, and do badly

January 11, 2026 • Esther Aitken

Gardening doesn’t always need motivation — sometimes it needs permission.

In this quieter episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther shares a gentle reset for overwhelmed, tired gardeners: three things you’re allowed to quit, three things you’re allowed to ignore, and three things you’re allowed to do badly — without guilt.

Recorded during a heatwave and a low-energy day, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to earn your place in the garden. Showing up imperfectly still counts.

If your garden has started to feel like one more thing, this one’s for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.

And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.
📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com

Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿

🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!

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· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.

Freebies: Grab the

- "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden

- https://stan.store/EstherA

- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.