Picking ripe tomatoes straight off the vine is one of my favorite pastimes. Nothing compares to the flavors, whether I pop them straight into my mouth or make them into a yummy salsa or fresh bruschetta. But getting to that point in the season requires getting one thing right first: good soil. Whether you are …
We are building a new home for our family, and I’m dreaming of a garden at our new place. With so much to do when you build, I’m afraid we won’t have time for a garden this year, and I can’t imagine life without a garden. So, I’ve been reading up on no-work gardening and …
The stunning evergreen leaves and intoxicating aroma of its creamy white flowers make the gardenia a favorite in many gardens throughout the country from early spring until early summer. With their pleasing, glossy, dark green foliage and powerful aromatic flowers, gardenia bushes make the perfect choice for beds near windows, patios, and entryways. The gardenia …
Most of us have had great experiences with butterflies. These delicate, mystical insects capture our attention as they flit from flower to flower, especially in the springtime. But have you ever stopped to wonder: what do butterflies eat? Butterflies need nutrients just like every other living thing in order to survive. So, how do they …
One of the most beautiful sights in the world is a lavender field. The purple flowers sway gently in the breeze, and when you walk through them, your clothes are perfumed with their sweet fragrance. For centuries, lavender has been used for its scent as well as its medicinal properties, and today we’re going to …
Properly spaced tomatoes are not only healthier, but they produce a much larger harvest than those that are overcrowded, as well as those that are spread too widely! Spacing your tomato plants correctly is crucial, and it depends on factors such as the types of tomatoes you plant and how you decide to support them. …
There’s something deeply satisfying about tending to a rose bush and watching its beauty thrive in your yard. It creates an elegant focal point in any garden. But if you want your roses to bloom season after season, a thoughtful approach to pruning is essential. Don’t let those thorns intimidate you. With the right tools …
A stunning backyard flower garden doesn’t just add beauty to your outdoor space—it creates a peaceful retreat and a serious dose of curb appeal. When thoughtfully designed, your garden becomes a natural showcase that neighbors admire and guests can’t stop talking about. The vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and charming landscape elements like fire pits or …
The legume family is a large and diverse group of plants that includes beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts. Legumes are unique because they have the unusual ability to add nutrients to the soil, and as such, they are often referred to as green manure. So, it’s important to learn how to grow legumes, both …
Blackberry leaf tea is a nice herbal remedy for many common ills. There’s nothing like a cozy, warm cup of tea when you’re feeling off or want to proactively add some extra vitamin C and iron to your diet. Packed with antioxidants and bacteria-fighting properties in every leaf, the tea can be a great addition …