Farming has always been the foundation of human survival, but the methods used to cultivate the land have changed dramatically over time. Modern technology has brought enormous machines, chemical fertilizers, and quick methods of crop production, but the question remains: Does this make the soil healthier, or does it actually weaken it? In truth, only …
Gardening
I recently went to pick some apples from a local farm, and they displayed a beautiful butternut squash harvest. I couldn’t resist: I just had to have a couple to make a savory roasted butternut squash soup. The weather will start to chill soon, and what could be better than a smooth, creamy soup at …
If you are lucky enough to have a bounty of apples, you might be wondering what you can do with them. Sure, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what do you do with the rest of them? You can give some away, but you might still have a lot left over that …
Tomatoes are a crowd favorite in the garden for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. At first glance, growing them seems simple, but for a healthy and abundant harvest, certain care techniques are important. One of the key techniques is pruning, which helps direct the plant’s energy where you want it (growing those ripe, juicy tomatoes!). …
Planting bulbs in late summer to early fall is one of the simplest ways to set your garden up for success. Many varieties begin rooting while the soil is still warm, which helps them establish before frost. By spring, those same bulbs burst into color, rewarding you with flowers just when the garden needs them …
If you love to cook tasty but healthy foods, chances are you use a lot of herbs. Basil, thyme, chives, mint, rosemary, dill, and marjoram are just a few of the main ones used in cooking, and they add flavor to most any recipe. You can buy herbs already dried, but it’s difficult to find …
Chive flowers, like miniature pom-poms waving in the breeze, are the cheerleaders of the herb garden. But are chive flowers edible? Every part of the chive plant is edible, including the cute, round blossoms. You can add fresh chive flowers to your edible flowers list. So… if you’ve been wondering if chive flowers are safe …
Few herbs capture the spirit of summer like basil. Whether you’re snipping it fresh from your garden or picking up a bunch at the market, its bright aroma and flavor can transform even the simplest recipe. From refreshing lemonades to hearty pastas, basil is the ingredient that instantly says summer. To keep these ideas both …
Pink shade perennials are a great way to bring a nice pop of color to your garden in late spring or late summer. From pale pink to bright pink, there are different flowers with different shapes and sizes to consider. If you’re looking for pretty perennials that do well in shady areas, this list is …
Sustainable living is on your radar. You want to be a responsible citizen who takes care of the planet and does what you can to live an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. You recycle. You buy organic foods whenever possible. And you try to combine your errands so you don’t use too much fuel. Maybe you carpool to …