After a round of fertilizer, both the fruiting and the “possibly fruiting” lemons are growing new leaves. But I can tell you for sure that in a few weeks those leaves will succumb to the mysterious pests that have plagued our lemons for years. Our Eugenia desperately needs pruning and cacti need repotting. In my heart I will debate once again why I keep doing this to myself.

ALTHOUGH I GREW UP in a family of farmers and plant lovers, it took about eight years before I would bring plants into my own apartment. How this was even possible, eight long years with no green here except for dried moss, I don’t know. But two Christmases ago we got a succulent as a present and it changed everything. Soon I was buying plants like a crazy person, pouring over gardening how-tos, making my own organic fertilizer and pesticides, and crying and rejoicing over plants in equal measure. I’ve learned so much in between. Here are my best lessons so far…