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City Cast DC

Let us help you find Mother Nature in this concrete jungle.

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

If you’re buying a $7 tomato from the farmers market thinking “there has to be a better way,” well, there is! Even in the city, you can grow your own food (my 1.5x3 community garden plot can attest). Here’s how to make use of even the tiniest spaces.

Whether you’re designing your community garden plot (

) or a windowsill garden it’s important to plan to get the most out of your space.

 If you are just getting into gardening, I recommend buying already-started plants since they are more likely to survive and will give you a head start. If you really want to grow from seed, consider faster-growing plants like radishes, arugula, and wildflowers.

 Make the most of small spaces by using trellises and fences to grow up. Beans, peas, pickling cucumbers, and tomatoes can all be trained to grow upwards and do well in small spaces.

Fill in the gaps in your garden and plant species 

 next to each other. For example, plant beets under your peppers. They have different growth rates and light needs which means double the crop! You can also plant multiple rounds of fast growing crops like lettuce, leafy greens, radishes, and turnips.

 which can help guide you on what to plant. If you are planting in a small space it is important to focus on high-yield crops that produce all season long. Some of my go-to's are tomatoes, swiss chard, kale, broccoli, beans, and herbs. If you’re working in a really small space, like a window box, focus on plants with shallow roots like herbs, flowers, and spring onions. But have fun with it!

Shopping local means you’ll have access to experts who can give you gardening advice specific to D.C. Here are some of my favorites:

 (Capitol Hill): This plant store focuses more on flowers and houseplants but in spring they sell a good variety of veggies. The staff are also super knowledgeable.

 (Capitol Hill): This is my go-to. The back garden area has a huge array of veggie and flower plants along with compost, mulch, and topsoil.

 (multiple locations): While they don’t have the largest plant selection, they have all your basics and a large selection of seeds, pots, and tools.

 (National Arboretum): This native plant sale happens once a year — March 28 this year. Pick up rare plants and heirloom veggies and chat with the curators and horticulturists from the National Arboretum.

Even in the city, you can grow your own food. Here’s how to make use of even the tiniest spaces, whether you’re designing your community garden plot or a windowsill garden. 

How To Start an Urban Garden In DC

Get to know the natural side of DC: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

DC Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

This Saturday, Sept. 6, the Library of Congress is throwing a party for book lovers: the 25th annual National Book Festival. It’s taking over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) and it’s totally free! 

, Washington City Paper’s Spot LIT columnist, about D.C.'s thriving literary community and the best books by D.C. authors you should know.


This year’s lineup is packed with more than 90 authors, poets, and illustrators, who will be doing everything from intimate readings to big-panel conversations, live read-alouds, and book signings. Fiction fans can look forward to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, history buffs will find Jill Lepore, poetry lovers get Tracy K. Smith, and movie lovers will be delighted to see Geena Davis! Families with kids won’t be left out either — Kwame Alexander and Mac Barnett will be bringing their stories to life. Plus, the festival is designed to be inclusive, with ASL interpreters, live captioning, braille programs, tactile maps, assistive listening devices, and even a quiet room for when you might need a break.

The best way to enjoy the day is to plan ahead. The Library of Congress has 

 you can filter by author or genre, which makes mapping out your must-see events a lot easier. Arriving early is key since the big-name sessions fill quickly. If you’re staying all day, think practically: comfortable shoes, water, and maybe a snack. But food and drinks will also be available inside, so don’t worry about going hungry! And don’t forget all the other extras — Politics & Prose will be on-site selling books for signings, and this year’s festival poster, designed by Louise Fili, is worth snagging as a keepsake.

Between events, you can take a break in the Library Lounge, a curated space designed for reading or relaxing. And if you can’t make it to everything, don’t stress — many sessions will be livestreamed and later posted online so you can catch them afterward.

The festival lasts just one day, but D.C.’s literary scene is buzzing all year. The Inner Loop runs regular readings and even a podcast, while the Writer’s Center in Bethesda offers classes and publishes 

, the country’s oldest poetry journal. Writers looking for a distraction-free space should check out the DC Writers Room, a no-frills, coffee-fueled coworking space.

Bookstores are another gateway into the scene. Politics & Prose is a D.C. institution, while Solid State and Loyalty Books are newer spaces that double as community hubs. Busboys & Poets hosts weekly open mics and author talks, and BloomBars in Columbia Heights brings people a chance to bring storytelling projects to life. 

 where we hear from an expert about D.C.’s best bookstores.

How to Experience the 2025 National Book Festival in DC

 to the D.C. region this summer, and they’re everywhere, much to the annoyance of every single one of us. If you’re feeling triggered wondering how they could be back after we all stomped on so many, well, same, friends. So, here’s what you need to know!

Spotted lanternflies, scientifically known as Lycorma delicatula, are native to Asia. They were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014, and likely arrived on an overseas shipment. They’re planthoppers because they feed on the sap of plants, such as stone fruits, hardwood trees, and grapes. They lay eggs in the fall, and hatch in late spring or early summer. Over four life cycles, their coloring varies from black with white spots, red with white spots, and black-spotted with pinkish-tan wings.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint their exact numbers, sightings have surged. Spotted lanternflies are likely thriving in the area because 

. Transportation by human activity is the most common reason lanternfly populations grow and spread, as adult flies easily enter open car windows or truck beds and lay their eggs on any outdoor surface.

Since they have no natural predators in the U.S., their population is spreading unchecked, and it’s 

. Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of their hosts, which affects their energy source, and their waste produces a fungus that can prevent a tree from growing and slowly kills the plant. But they’re not dangerous to humans or pets.

Experts recommend stomping adult lanternflies whenever you see them. Harsh, but necessary.

If you find an egg mass in your backyard, smash it. Just be sure to scrape the mass into a plastic bag and douse with rubbing alcohol to ensure they’re 

Avoid spraying them with household products because that’s actually more harmful to your pets. Consult a professional if you have a — gulp — major undertaking.

If you have one of the host plants, it’s time to say goodbye. This includes a 

, and they’re known to also feed on lilacs, Virginia creepers, roses, and blueberries.

Before you hit the road, check your cars, trailers, and outdoor items for nests so you’re not contributing to the spread.

For the lanternfly warriors, check out this guide on 

😬 More on lanternfly apocalypse 2025

The invasive spotted lanternfly has returned to the Washington, D.C. region this summer. Here's what you need to know about why it spreads and how you can help stop it.

How to Manage and Stop the Spread of Invasive Lanternflies

Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome is when a healthy tree’s branches suddenly fall. It’s a rare phenomenon whose exact cause is unknown and is typically not fatal. But after an oak tree’s limb dropped in Garfield Park on July 10 and resulted in the death of 

if extreme heat could have been a contributing factor.

Also referred to as “sudden limb failure,” it 

, but wind or storms are not considered a factor. Oak trees with large and heavy branches are prone to the syndrome, and the likelihood increases in older trees. Branches tend to break about 3 feet from the tree trunk and the drop can extend about 12 feet. Once a tree experiences Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome, it will likely experience it again.

The tree whose branch fatally struck Noah was about 100 years old, but 

, according to the Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Division. That tree was taken down that day. The division later identified six trees to be removed because they were deemed dead and no longer growing. DDOT says they will create a 

management plan for trees labeled “poor.”

Thomas Spencer of the Heart of Wood Tree Service in Arlington told Washingtonian that while it’s difficult to determine if sudden limb failure was the cause of Noah’s death, “the stress on the trees lately has been really, really bad in this area 

.” Oak trees are increasingly dying because they’re not accustomed to the rising temperatures and 

The Adirondack Tree Services advised customers to 

 while the hot weather and drought persist. If you have an oak tree in your backyard or on your street, here’s our guide on 

. The Trees for Georgetown group also has some watering tips; they’re also looking for donations to help 

After the tragic death of a woman in D.C., local officials are investigating if extreme heat contributes to Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome.

Does Extreme Heat Cause Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome?

An ancient foraging proverb says, “there are old foragers and there are bold foragers, but there are no old, bold foragers!” There are hundreds of edible plants right under our noses throughout the DMV – but what are they? And how can you distinguish poison-plants from pesto-plants? We 

chatted with the culinary chair of the Mycological Association of Washington

D.C.’s natural pantry has everything from weeds to fruits to mushrooms. 

 is perhaps our most famous pickable treat. The “tropical” fruit lives in wooded areas like Great Falls and throughout Roosevelt Island. The list of weeds you can forage in the area is enormous and filled with great names like chickweed, deadnettle, and mallow. 

can find chanterelles, chicken of the woods, and turkey tail amongst others.

Boil ‘em, Mash ‘em, Stick ‘em in a Stew

The recipe possibilities are endless with foraged foods. The Mycological Association of Washington even 

! Plants like garlic mustard and chickweed can make delicious pesto when combined with oil and herbs. Of course, you can even 

, just don’t get arrested for stealing them from the Tidal Basin.

The DMV’s foraging community is huge! The 

 is a great place to start, especially for those who love mushrooms! There are also 

 groups to help you get the ball rolling, and 

 to teach you the basics. Once you’re an expert, apps like 

 can help decipher which plants are edible all while contributing to biodiversity science!

More DC Foraging Tips 

How To Forage in the DMV

Maryland is renaming the invasive snakehead fish in hopes of getting more people to eat it. The fish arrived in the DMV in 2002 and has been the scourge of our rivers and ecosystems ever since. The snakehead fish will soon be known as the Chesapeake channa.

, spawn multiple times per year, and can breathe air. They can survive outside of water for days at a time and can even “walk” between bodies of water. All this has led to them crowding out other native fish and becoming an overall menace to our ecosystem.

 is to get people to eat them. State senator Jack Bailey says, “If you can’t beat them, eat them.” But who wants to order the snakehead, right? Bailey’s new bill, which became law last month, officially renames the snakehead the “Chesapeake channa” in an effort to drum up customer demand.

While renaming the snakehead can’t hurt, it is unclear whether it will help with demand for the fish. 

 they have no problem selling snakehead, and that it’s actually a supply issue. Because they don’t swim in large schools, snakeheads must be caught individually, which can make them hard to source. So, it seems unlikely that this name change will lead to a surging market for the invasive species, but I’d certainly try it.

Maryland is renaming the invasive snakehead fish in hopes of getting more people to eat it. The snakehead fish will soon be known as the Chesapeake channa.

Maryland Renames Snakehead Fish In Hopes of Increasing Demand

” and we want to keep it that way. One critical piece of this is to water your street trees, especially if you have a young tree outside your house or apartment. The city plants hundreds of trees a year but 

 where you can choose a tree to water and record it, that way others can see what has been watered. The green dots are saplings that need the most care. They also have a “help my tree” option where you can inform the city of any issues your tree might have.

Casey Trees recommends young trees receive 25 gallons of water per week for the first three years while it develops a healthy root system. The best time of day to water is early morning or late evening to avoid heat evaporation. This should be done from early spring until late fall.

Ideally, you would leave a hose trickling on the base of the tree for about 30 minutes. It is important to water slowly, since it will run off if poured too quickly. But, you can also use one of these tree ooze tubes, which you can just fill and forget about.

If you want to take it the extra mile, you can sign up for 

, and they will remind you when it's time to water your tree!

How To Water Your Street Trees

On Monday, April 8, a wide swath of North America will plunge into darkness for a few minutes in mid-afternoon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking out our precious sunlight for a few rare minutes. The next full solar eclipse won’t occur until 2044, in another 20 years.

More than 30 million people live in the “

,” meaning they’ve got a front-row seat to the astronomical event. D.C. is sadly not in the path, but we will 

, when the sun will be 88% covered by the moon.

If the sky is clear, viewers will be able to see a “diamond ring” effect when the moon passes over the sun. You may also feel a drop in temperature, a shift in the wind, and 

. The farther away you are from the path of totality, the less dramatic this effect will be.

Interestingly, colors with shorter wavelengths (green, blue) will appear brighter during the eclipse than those with long wavelengths (red, orange). So wear something green or blue to take advantage of this “

Do not stare at the sun with your bare eyes! There, we said it. Regular sunglasses are not strong enough, so you’ll want to snag a pair of eclipse glasses.

free pair at any D.C, Public Library location

 are also giving away free glasses before the big event. Or you can buy a pair at Staples, Walmart, Wegmans, or REI.

 If you are watching the eclipse from your own backyard, the 

National Air & Space Museum has many suggestions

 for how to make the most of it, from making solar eclipse art to multisensory observation activity guides.

Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

This giant celebration will have many activity stations to view the sun in a variety of safe telescopes, as well as vendors and activities for kids.

This space center in Maryland is the real deal. Activities will include viewings of the sun, an art project, a Sunspotter demonstration, and presentations by solar scientists.

Head to this park in Rosslyn for live music, lawn games, and eclipse viewing stations. They are also giving away free viewing glasses!

The museum will provide safe solar telescopes and projection viewers to help you watch the moon slowly block most of the sun.

Photographing the sun during the total phase of an eclipse is complicated and takes a lot of expensive equipment. However, a partial eclipse shows up nicely on any smartphone or small camera if you do it through a 

pair of eclipse glasses or a pinhole projection

. It is also cool to photograph any eclipse projections that might be happening as a result of nearby shadows!

How To View The Solar Eclipse In DC 

Spring is sprung and everyone is going cherry blossom barmy. But what about their lesser-known, equally beautiful, rosy cousin? The Eastern Redbud can be found throughout D.C. and can satiate your pepto-bismol-colored tree fix without fighting through swarms of tourists and influencers.

Scientifically known as Cercis Canadensis, the Eastern Redbud is an ornamental tree, part of the pea family, native to eastern North America. They grow up to 

with purply-pink flowers, easily mistaken as cherry blossom trees to the untrained eye. They’re 

, meaning flowers bloom directly from the trunk and branches, almost like fungi, creating a unique sci-fi-esque appearance. Like the cherry blossom, their peak bloom is usually early April, though those dates have 

Redbuds can be found in parks and front yards throughout D.C., from Capitol Hill to Rock Creek Park. 

 also boasts 165 Cercis Canadensis spread across their property. If all else fails, head to the National Arboretum.

You can plant Redbuds in your garden! They are well suited to the soil in the DMV and grow quickly. They’re available through local nonprofit Casey Trees’ 

, who even offer $50 back to planters as part of their 

. Once your tree’s at full bloom, the flowers are edible, with a mildly sweet, crisp flavor. You can use the leaves for 

Everyone is going cherry blossom barmy. But what about their lesser-known cousin? The Eastern Redbud can be found throughout D.C. and can satiate your pepto-bismol-colored tree fix.

Meet Cherry Blossoms' Cooler Cousin: The Eastern Redbud

It’s still a little early to start planting outside, but what if you could have an entire farm indoors? 

 in Arlington is not what you imagine when you think of a farm. It's vertical, indoors, and has bizarre plants that taste like roasted garlic, cheese, or oysters. Plus, they’re fighting climate change with all kinds of sustainable techniques.

Area 2 Farms is located in a small warehouse and grows crops on top of one another. In a setup reminiscent of a giant revolving sushi bar, 

eight levels of robotic conveyor belts shuffle plants around

 under different types of light to replicate a plant's natural day cycle. “It may seem a bit futuristic, but we're trying to work with the natural processes, work with what the plant would want,” 

Growing indoors means the farm can avoidchemicals or pesticides that can harm the environment. Additionally, the produce travels less than four miles on average from the farm to the consumer, meaning fewer emissions (plus better-tasting produce 😋).

Just because the farm is robotic doesn’t mean it’s not any work. Farmers are still needed to plant seeds, transplant, and harvest veggies. But the shelves make the work much more ergonomic and easier on the body.

This week, Area 2 Farms is harvesting arugula, microgreens, radishes, herbs, and 

. But throughout spring, they’ll have everything from kale and broccoli to turnips, tomatoes, and even edible flowers. There are still a few spots left in their 

 that starts on March 18 if you want to try them for yourself!

P.S. We were able to tour the farm (and you can, too!) and try some of their crazy-tasting veggies for our podcast. You can 