Fantastic. I've run Hive Gardeners on this blockchain for about five years now and the reoccuring theme is that gardening is therapy.

Great you got some expert advice. I'd add that mulch is so important to not only help retain water in the soil but also keep bugs and insects and bacteria/microbes happy (after you've aerated and added compost). Covered soil is better soil.

The other thing I'd suggest is a compost or worm tea and use that to water with once a week, adding beneficial microbes to the soil.

I'm sorry you will miss LIly on your birthday. She must be really missing you x