HINGHAM, Mass. - BostonChron -- This was my 3^rd time attending MANTS in Baltimore, MD earlier this. It was definitely colder than I have ever seen it. Temperatures were in the 20s with windy chills making it downright blustery. There was even snow on the ground! Even with the weather challenges, it was even bigger and better than last year! If you are in the gardening industry and have never been, you should go. I am just overwhelmed by the many great products and companies represented there.

First on my agenda this year (and every year) was stopping by the booths of those who had partnered with us in 2024. I enjoy being able to chat in person and see what new and exciting things they are offering this year! They were willing to record some great videos that we have been sharing on our Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/foodgardeningnw/). If you haven't been following our Instagram, you should start now. I even faced my fears and posted my very first Instagram Live feed.

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It was then time to be on the lookout for other companies that may appeal to our subscribers. We are often asked about the gardening products we use and recommend. What better place than MANTS to find some new ones? I spoke with representatives at various booths to learn more about their companies and offerings. Be on the lookout for some of the products that we loved being featured in the upcoming weeks and months!

I really enjoy catching up with some of our current partners. TDI Brands and Garden Your Way (https://www.gardenyourway.com/) showcased a variety of great products guaranteed to make your gardening endeavors easier and more breathtaking than ever. CowPots (https://cowpots.com/) are pots that you can plant! Made from composted cow manure, these pots are a great environmental solution that supports healthy soils for gardeners all around the world. SoilMoist (https://www.soilmoist.com/) is safe, non-toxic, and consists of water-storing granules that absorb water, then release the water to the soil when needed and can reduce irrigation frequency by 50% and last 3-5 years in the soil. Power Planter® (https://powerplanter.com/) has introduced us to tools that will make our Spring planting so much easier. They are a third-generation family-owned auger manufacturer that started three decades ago in rural Illinois and is still located there today.

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What a joy it was to be at MANTS this year, and I already can't wait to do it again next year! In the meantime, I will have to keep my eyes peeled for new products in my local nurseries. If you have any interest in learning more about our sponsor program or want to share your product with us, please reach out to me at christy@mequoda.com.