As a gardener, I love growing all kinds of vegetables – especially unique ones like spaghetti squash. I love seeing the plant grow, and watching the leaves unfurl and the yellow flowers bloom. Although you can eat unripe spaghetti squash, it’s good to know exactly when you should pick a spaghetti squash to get the...
I grow tomatillos every year for a variety of reasons. They are a great source of flavor and nutrition, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. Tomatillos are also easy to grow and require minimal attention. Additionally, they are often a main ingredient in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. I like to...
Oregano is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region that typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches. It’s a really easy process to harvest oregano, but there are a few best practices to consider. Oregano’s name is derived from the Greek words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy). It has been used for...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
