Stewart, who is the Chief Gardening Officer at Scotts Miracle-Gro, tells PEOPLE the latest on her flowers and how gardening is her self-care.
By Patrick Trust Published on February 17, 2026
Martha Stewart is a lot of things: entrepreneur, author, lifestyle mogul, and, of course, a legendary green thumb. At 84, Stewart may not have much free time in her busy schedule—which currently includes serving as a special correspondent for the 2026 Winter Olympics—but she always makes time for gardening. Whether she is in her sprawling greenhouses at Bedford, tending to her gardens, or nurturing plants in her home, the “Lifestyle Queen” views the soil as her sanctuary.
Though she has grown “thousands” of plants in her lifetime, there is one specific collection that stands above the rest: her dendrobium orchids. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stewart reveals that these prized blooms aren’t just beautiful—they are a living history, with some specimens having been in her care for over half a century.
A Half-Century of Blooms
“Right now in full bloom are about 30 gigantic dendrobium orchids,” Stewart tells PEOPLE of her current favorite plant. “You would think maybe they’re honeysuckle when you look at them from a distance because they have tiny little pink and white flowers on them.”
The secret to their longevity? It isn’t just luck; it’s a story of preservation and a “green” inheritance. Stewart reveals that many of these orchids date back to her earliest days of gardening, some even pre-dating her move to the iconic Turkey Hill farm in the 1970s.
“I have had some of these plants for more than 50 years,” Stewart says. “I got them from a very famous old greenhouse that was going out of business. I couldn’t bear to see them neglected, so I brought them home. I’ve divided them, repotted them, and nurtured them through every move. They are like old friends.”
These orchids have witnessed Stewart’s entire meteoric rise—from a local caterer in Connecticut to a global household name. They have survived seasons of change, both environmental and personal, standing as a testament to her meticulous care and “never-give-up” attitude toward living things.
Gardening as the Ultimate Self-Care
While the world knows her for her business savvy, Stewart wants people to understand that gardening is her primary form of “me-time.” In an age where self-care often involves expensive spa retreats or digital detoxes, Stewart finds her peace in the dirt.
“Gardening is my self-care,” she explains. “It’s where I go to clear my head. There is something incredibly grounding about the physical work—the digging, the weeding, the planting. You can’t be on your phone when your hands are covered in soil.”
She adds that the ritual of checking on her plants is the first thing she does every morning after her signature green juice. “I go to the greenhouse, I check the humidity, I see what’s blooming. It’s a meditative process. It reminds me that life is cyclical and that with the right nutrients and attention, anything can flourish.”
Martha’s Morning Rituals
- Green Juice: A blend of spinach, celery, cucumber, parsley, and ginger.
- Greenhouse Walkthrough: Checking temperature and moisture levels.
- Horse Care: Visiting her stables to ensure her animals are enriched and healthy.
- Exercise: A daily Pilates or gym session to maintain her “never fall” rule of aging.
The “Chief Gardening Officer” and the Miracle-Gro Connection
Last year, Stewart took on the official title of Chief Gardening Officer at Scotts Miracle-Gro, a role she treats with the same intensity as her board positions. For Stewart, the partnership was a natural fit because she has been using the products in her own gardens for decades.
“People ask me why I turn to Miracle-Gro, and the answer is simple: I want results,” she says with her trademark candor. “I’m a scientist at heart when it comes to my soil. You have to feed your plants. You wouldn’t go a day without eating, and your plants shouldn’t either.”
Stewart specifically credits Miracle-Gro Orchid Potting Mix and their specialized plant foods for keeping her 50-year-old orchids thriving. “Orchids are epiphytes; they don’t grow in regular dirt. They need air, bark, and very specific drainage. Using a coarse blend that allows the roots to breathe is how I’ve kept these dendrobiums alive since the 70s.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Gardeners
Despite her “gigantic” collection, Stewart insists that anyone can start a garden, even in a small city apartment. Her advice for beginners? Start small and don’t be afraid of the work.
“Don’t be overly ambitious on day one because that leads to disappointment,” she warns. “Buy one good plant—maybe a Phalaenopsis orchid or a simple herb pot—and learn its language. Does it need more sun? Is the soil dry? Once you master one, you’ll have the confidence to grow a hundred.”
She also emphasizes the importance of the “inside-out” philosophy. Just as she believes her skincare routine (which includes products from her own Elm Biosciences line) works because of what she puts into her body, she believes a garden’s beauty is a direct reflection of the quality of its soil.
Martha’s Tips for Orchid Success:
- Light: East-facing windows are best; avoid direct, scorching midday sun.
- Temperature: They love a drop in temperature at night (around 55-60°F) to trigger blooming.
- Feeding: “Weekly, weakly”—fertilize with a diluted solution every time you water.
- Air Flow: Orchids hate stagnant air. Use a small fan if your room is too “still.”
Looking Ahead: The 100th Cookbook and Beyond
At 84, Stewart shows no signs of slowing down. Between recording her podcast, launching her 100th cookbook, and appearing alongside Snoop Dogg at the 2026 Winter Olympics, her schedule is packed. Yet, the orchids remain her priority.
“When I come home from a long trip, the first thing I do is check my dendrobiums,” she says. “To see them in full bloom, knowing I’ve cared for them for 50 years… it’s a better feeling than any business deal I’ve ever signed.”
As she prepares to release her latest Gardening Handbook, Stewart hopes to inspire more people to put down their screens and pick up a trowel. After all, if a 50-year-old orchid can continue to bloom with just a little Miracle-Gro and a lot of love, perhaps we all can too.
For more from Martha Stewart, including her full gardening tips and exclusive photos of her Bedford estate, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.