A new econometric study has revealed just how costly aggressive immigration enforcement can be to America’s food system – and your bottom line. Researchers examined the aftermath of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Oxnard, California, one of the country’s most productive agricultural regions. What they found is stunning: farm labor in the area...
Pumpkins are one of the highlights of the fall season, bringing festive charm to front porches, dining tables, and holiday celebrations. As soon as autumn arrives, grocery stores fill their entrances with bins of bright orange pumpkins, tempting shoppers to grab one on the way in. While it may seem convenient, buying pumpkins from big-box...
If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your garden while also attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.) is the perfect choice. This native perennial, known for its tall stature and clusters of purple flowers, is a magnet for pollinators. As a gardener, I find Joe-Pye weed to be an essential...
As the gardening season winds down, many gardeners feel the urge to clear their beds and toss out the spent annuals. It feels tidy and satisfying, but removing those “dead” plants too early can actually harm your garden and the wildlife it supports. While annuals have finished blooming, their remaining stems, seeds, and foliage still...
Coffee is an important part of my morning routine. Every day, I wake up and put an unbleached cone-shaped bamboo coffee filter into a pour-over contraption, add my coffee, and do the pour myself. After I’ve had my coffee, I throw the coffee in my compost bin. But can you compost coffee filters? There are...
Plants have long held a deep connection to various religious practices and beliefs across cultures and traditions. From ancient rituals to modern-day ceremonies, plants serve as powerful symbols, representing purity, life, and the divine. Whether used in sacred rituals, as offerings, or as symbols of spiritual truths, these plants carry profound meaning in different religious...
Nothing disrupts a peaceful afternoon in the garden quite like a swarm of wasps. These aggressive insects can make outdoor spaces uncomfortable and even dangerous for those with allergies. But did you know there’s a natural ally in the fight against wasps? The Summer Tanager, a brightly colored bird known for its appetite for wasps...
Walk into any garden center and you will find shelves packed with products labeled as “organic soil boosters,” “natural enhancers,” or “miracle amendments.” They promise bigger blooms, healthier plants, and thriving soil ecosystems, often with the allure of being eco-friendly. The problem? Many of these expensive additives do little or nothing to improve your garden’s...
Walk into any garden center, and you will see bags of fertilizers labeled “organic,” “natural,” or “eco-friendly.” The packaging often features lush vegetables, bright flowers, and earthy tones designed to make you feel like you are choosing the healthiest option for your garden and the planet. But the reality is that many so-called “organic” fertilizers...
There’s something truly satisfying about growing your tomatoes from seeds you’ve saved yourself. Not only does it allow you to preserve your favorite varieties, but it also connects you more deeply to the gardening process. If you’ve enjoyed a particularly delicious or productive tomato variety this season, why not save the seeds and grow them...
For many gardeners, seeing mushrooms sprouting across the lawn might spark worry about disease, decay, or poor lawn care. The instinct is often to rake them away, spray chemicals, or dig them up. But the truth is, mushrooms are usually a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem beneath your feet. Far from being a problem,...
Companion planting is a popular gardening practice that involves planting different crops together to improve growth, repel pests, and maximize space. While it offers numerous benefits, there are also many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Understanding the truth behind these myths can help you make more informed decisions and achieve better results in your garden....
