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Author: Thomas Nelson

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3 min read Herb Gardening

A catnip plant is a type of mint plant similar to catmint that is known for its strong scent and its effect on cats. It has soft, fuzzy green leaves and small, white flowers. The leaves and stems of the plant can be dried and used to make catnip toys, or they can be steeped...

2 min read Backyard Livestock

People keep chickens for a variety of reasons. Some people keep them for eggs, some for meat, some for show, and some for companionship. Chickens can also help with pest control, provide fertilizer for gardens, and even provide entertainment. But chances are, if you’ve landed on this article, you’ve gone outside to collect eggs only...

8 min read Backyard Livestock

People keep backyard chickens for many reasons, such as for fresh eggs, meat, a hobby, pest control, natural fertilizer for their garden, or for companionship. Backyard chicken keeping is an increasingly popular hobby that is experiencing a resurgence. More and more cities are rolling back ordinances that prevent keeping chickens on your property, leading to...

6 min read Flowers And Houseplants

I’m pretty grateful to have a fully fenced-in yard, not just because it keeps wayward critters out, but it gives me an opportunity to show off my gardening skills. Planting flowers along a fence line can add color and texture to an otherwise dull area and can also provide privacy and act as a windbreak....

3 min read Flowers And Houseplants

I love hostas. They’re one of my favorite plants to grow in shady spots, especially on the north-facing sides of my home as a ground cover. They grow nice, dense foliage and send up awesome white flowers in the summer. Knowing how and when to fertilize hostas is an important element in growing this lush,...

3 min read Flowers And Houseplants

As a kid, I remember fondly working with my mom each spring, early on before “winter” really ended, on planting impatient from seed. It’s such a simple process to grow impatiens from seed right at home. In this article, we’ll do a deep dive on how to grow your own impatien seeds and harvest them...

5 min read Backyard Livestock

Raising chickens that lay blue eggs adds a unique and colorful touch to your backyard flock. These stunning eggs can make your egg cartons a little more exciting and bring a smile to anyone who receives them. Not only are blue eggs visually appealing, but the chickens that lay them are often delightful additions to...

3 min read Gardening Tips

Mint is a wonderful and versatile plant with many uses. It’s one of those herbs I will always have in my garden, no matter where I live or what I’m growing. You can use it to make essential oils, teas, and cookies, and even use a leaf or two in a refreshing cocktail. The flowers...

4 min read Flowers And Houseplants

Haworthia is a popular, hardy succulent that grows pointed leaves and is favored because it can take a heck of a lot of neglect and keep on growing. There are more than 70 species of Haworthia succulents, and for the most part, they grow in the same rosette pattern and don’t grow to be very...

5 min read Flowers And Houseplants

African Violets (Saintpaulia) are one of my favorite houseplants due to their long-lasting flowers, fuzzy leaves, and generally low-fuss maintenance. But one of the more common questions I get about this houseplant is about yellowing leaves. Why your African Violet leaves are turning yellow may have a few different answers, but fortunately, it’s not a...

4 min read Backyard Livestock

If you don’t have the space for chickens but want fresh eggs, quail are your next best bet. They make very little noise, especially if you don’t have any quail roosters, they’re small, easy to care for, and can be kept in something as simple as a rabbit hutch. But how many eggs do quail...

4 min read Backyard Livestock

If you’re thinking about purchasing chickens, a big question on your mind is probably ‘how many chickens should I get?’ It’s a good question and one definitely worth exploring thoroughly. These birds are live animals that must be carefully cared for as you would any other pet, and purchasing too many chickens can be as...