There’s nothing more disappointing than going to pick a yummy squash and instead finding your squash plants in distress, destroyed by some unwelcome bug. But don’t worry: we’re looking at ways to prevent. Plus, how to get rid of these nasty little creatures if they’ve already invaded. See which of these 5 suggestions might make …
Vegetable Gardening
If you have a garden, even a small one, you’re probably growing a couple of tomato plants. When you get it right, they’re such a rewarding fruit (yes, fruit!) to pick and enjoy. Unfortunately, growing tomatoes isn’t always easy. Some are self-inflicted and easily fixable, but others might need a bit more attention. Let’s look …
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 …
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. …
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 …
Cilantro, also called coriander (especially in reference to its seeds), is an annual herb commonly used in Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Most people find the leaves of this polarizing herb to have a citrusy, parsley-like flavor, while others think it soapy and entirely unpalatable. Either way, cilantro makes an excellent companion plant, as …
A 2024 Swiftly survey found that 7 in 10 Americans struggle to afford groceries. Fast forward to 2025, and there is no data to know that people are feeling the pinch of the continually rising cost of food and food shortages on items like chicken eggs. Having a reliable source of fresh produce is becoming …
Growing tomatoes can be tricky and slow, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It can be really easy to learn how to make your tomato plants grow faster than ever before with just a few simple steps. Let’s explore how to accelerate your tomatoes’ growing process so you can enjoy vine-ripened fruits long …
Is there anything that can beat homegrown vegetables? Growing your own vegetables is part fun, but it’s also good for your health. According to the Community Activation for Prevention Study from 2023, people who participated in growing their own food in a community garden increased their fruit and vegetable intake. Community and home gardens provide delicious, fresh ingredients …
I have discovered that garlic is a wonderfully easy and enormously satisfying crop to grow. After planting and mulching my softneck garlic cloves in early November, I mostly ignore that section of the garden until the summer harvest time. And then the fun begins: loosening the soil with a digging fork, giving each stalk a …