How House Plants Turned Into Environmental Activism, With Farmer Nick

Urban gardener, plant coach and star of Netflix's Instant Dream Home "Farmer Nick" Nick Cutsumpas combines sustainability, science, and philosophy to coach new plant owners on how to find the right houseplants for their space and help them thrive. We talk to him about his journey and why he thinks having house plants can get you to care more about the planet.

1. Tell us about the work you do as a plant coach, urban gardener, and landscaper. 

I give people the knowledge and confidence they need to create their own sustainable green spaces! This involves designing their interior or exterior space, sourcing the plant material, and planting, installing, and maintaining the gardens. Sometimes I even take clients plant shopping and teach workshops. We have clients all over the country but primarily work in NYC and LA. 

@silver_and_citrine

2. How did you get into gardening and landscaping?

I started gardening in my parent's backyard after college. My mom wanted me to do something around the house before my corporate job started, so she suggested I start a garden - the rest is history from there!

3. You released your book last year, Plant Coach, can you tell us a little bit about the book? 

The book is all about how to become an environmentally responsible plant parent with an ecosystem-first approach. Our homes are living breathing ecosystems, and once we realize that the plants in our spaces are not pieces of furniture, the easier and more intuitive plant care will become. I walk the readers through how to shift this mindset in their plant care routines but also provide eco-friendly plant tips and DIY projects. 

@shelbypine

4. How can we use houseplants to further environmental action outside of the home? 

I honestly didn’t care about the environment before plants came into my life. I used single-use plastic every day and regrettably mocked the Meatless Monday kids in my college dining hall, and everything I bought was new. Environmental issues were simply out of sight and out of mind, and had I continued living a plant-less life I probably would have remained the same.

The plants changed all of that, and I give them full credit for turning me into the produce bag–carrying, electric car–driving, thrift-shopping, vegan-eating, kitchen-composting environmentalist I am today.

Although the transformation didn’t happen overnight, Mother Nature had planted a seed deep in my mind, and an important question began to germinate…

How could I care about the plants that I was growing, but not care about the earth that was home to these beautiful beings?

Plants were the stepping stones, the botanical bridge, that guided me to this more environmentally enlightened state. If this could happen to me, then why couldn’t it happen to others?

It is my theory that if I can convince you to care about the small plant on your desk, you will start caring about the BIG plant we all live on. 

@silver_and_citrine

5. What is the number one tip you'd give to someone starting to care for houseplants? 

Don't develop a strict routine! Care cards are simply suggestions, while daily check-ins with your plant family is a proactive way to get to know your plants better. The more you interact, the more you will learn about their specific signs and preferences.

6. You've partnered with an amazing non-profit organization called Earthjustice for Earth Month, can you tell us a bit more about what Earthjustice does? What are your biggest priorities and action steps? 

Earthjustice is a nonprofit law firm that helps fight for the environment and those most affected by climate change. They're instrumental in changing environmental policy and law and are an incredible team to work with. My giveaway fundraiser brings together for-profit, eco-focused brands I've partnered with in order to help raise donations from my audience. I donate 10% of my sponsored content income to these causes, and it's only right that my brand partners contribute what they can as well.

@silver_and_citrine

7. You're also currently doing a Netflix show titled "Instant Dream Home", are there any eco-friendly landscaping tips you can share? 

Here are my top three eco-friendly landscaping tips:

1. Plant natives! It's great for the local wildlife that depends on them for food 
2. Install rainwater capture! Hooking rain barrels to your gutters will give you more water to hydrate your plants. Houseplants love it too!
3. Avoid and remove invasives! invasive plants will choke out native plant species and become a pain in your garden! Learn which are native and non-native in your area and be proactive about removing invasives at all costs.

@shelbypine