Strawberries are one of the most exciting fruits to grow in a home garden—they’re sweet, fragrant, and incredibly rewarding when you get them just right. But if you’ve ever harvested a batch of tiny berries or struggled with plants that fizzle out mid-season, you’re definitely not alone. I know how frustrating it is to see...
Fruits And Vegetables
Living off grid is a term coined by Nick Rosen, an environmentalist. It’s defined as being independent of systems like utilities and other types of conveniences. Some consider it to be a sort of exile from society, others view it as being a more environmentally positive action, and technically, both are correct.
People who live off grid often have vastly simplified lifestyles. Buying stuff, convenience, and overconsumption take a back seat to more simplistic living. Lots of DIY, self improvement, and producing the things you need yourself.
Living off grid has numerous benefits. Off grid families tend to have a lower environmental footprint due to producing energy from clean tech sources like solar, less consumerism, and producing more food themselves. People who live off grid also experience a ton of personal satisfaction for the work they put in and what they get out.
Living off grid reportedly reduces stress and anxiety and improves health overall. The physical labor involved with off grid living is better for you than sitting at a desk in an office, and the food you grow yourself is often substantially healthier than what you would find in a grocery store.
Families who live off grid don’t just live frugally but can also make a little bit of money at it. Selling extra eggs, produce, and other things can help turn your off grid lifestyle into a net financial positive.
It’s not easy to be a fully off grid individual or family, but there are steps you can take to get you started without cutting off the world and living alone in a remote cabin.
Celery is one of those vegetables that seems easy on paper but can be frustrating to grow if you don’t understand its quirks. If you’ve ever ended up with skinny, bitter stalks or limp little plants instead of the crisp, juicy bunches you were hoping for, you’re not alone. Celery (Apium graveolens), native to the...
Green beans are some of the most satisfying vegetables to grow—fast-growing, productive, and adaptable to a range of garden sizes. But if you want your green bean patch to really thrive, choosing the right companion plants can make a world of difference. Whether you’re trying to repel pests, improve soil health, or just create a...
There’s nothing quite like that first bite into a sun-warmed cherry—sweet, tart, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor! But if you’ve ever tried growing cherry trees and ended up with small, sour, or sparse fruit, you’re not alone. It’s such a bummer when you’ve waited all year for that harvest and it doesn’t live up...
Cilantro is one of those herbs that stirs up strong opinions in the kitchen—but in the garden? It’s a universal winner. Whether you’re growing it for its fragrant leaves or its spicy coriander seeds, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) pulls double duty as a companion plant. It doesn’t just quietly coexist—it actively improves its neighbors’ lives! I...
Parsley is such a powerhouse in the garden. Not only does it make meals sing with freshness, but it’s also a secret ally to many of your favorite vegetables. If you’ve ever struggled with aphids, poor pollination, or bland plantings, parsley can come to the rescue—not just as a garnish but as a brilliant companion...
If you’ve ever grown zucchini, you know how fast those green beauties can go from a dainty blossom to a baseball bat-sized gourd overnight. I’ve definitely been guilty of letting one or two hide under the leaves a little too long—only to discover them when they’re longer than my forearm! It’s such a bummer when...
It’s one of the best moments of summer—stepping out into your garden and plucking a perfectly ripe tomato straight from the vine. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably hovered over your tomato plants trying to figure out if today is the day. Harvesting too early leaves you with lackluster flavor, while waiting too...
Springtime in my garden is all about crisp salad greens and hearty brassicas, so pairing lettuce with cabbage has been a game-changer! These two cool-season crops share similar soil and moisture needs, making them perfect bedmates. I still remember the thrill of harvesting tender butterhead leaves alongside firm, emerald-green cabbage heads in early summer—it felt...
Growing carrots is one of my favorite springtime rituals—those vibrant orange roots dug fresh from the earth can’t be beat! Yet it’s such a bummer when your hopes for long, sweet carrots turn into a patch of puny, forked, or stringy roots. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned gardener, it’s easy to slip up...
Growing peppers can be one of the most rewarding parts of a summer garden—those glossy pods are like little bursts of sunshine! But peppers can be a tad temperamental, and it’s so frustrating when your plants sulk instead of thriving. From planting missteps to skipping crucial care steps, there are plenty of pitfalls that can...
Spring’s cool days are perfect for leafy greens and brassicas, and pairing spinach with broccoli can yield a bountiful harvest when done right! By combining these two favorites in the same bed, you can maximize space, deter pests, and enjoy fresh greens and crunchy florets throughout the season. I still remember the thrill of snipping...