Growing tomatoes and peppers side by side is one of my favorite summer gardening adventures—nothing beats the thrill of harvesting a basket brimming with ripe, sun-warmed fruit for salsa night! Still, it can feel like a juggling act when tomatoes sprawl and peppers sulk, or when pests swoop in under cover of darkness. I know...
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.
I’m thrilled you’re looking for plants that laugh at triple-digit temperatures! As someone who’s burned my fingers pulling wilted seedlings out of a blistering raised bed, I know how discouraging it is when your garden feels more like an oven than an oasis. In this article, we’ll explore fifteen sun-worshipping plants that hail from blazing...
Growing watermelons is one of my favorite summer adventures—there’s nothing like slicing into a sun-warmed fruit you’ve nurtured from seed to sweet, juicy harvest! But let me tell you, watermelon vines (Citrullus lanatus, native to Africa) can be surprisingly demanding. They’re not invasive, but they do need ample space and care to thrive. Make just...
It’s such a thrill to envision a sprawling patch of plump pumpkins glowing in autumn’s light, but getting there takes more than just planting seeds and hoping for the best! A truly bountiful pumpkin patch thrives on careful planning, consistent care, and a few well-timed interventions. Whether you’re aiming for pie pumpkins or record-breaking giants,...
Growing zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) can be incredibly rewarding—imagine plump, glossy fruits ready for salads, stir-fries, or those irresistible zucchini breads! But it’s such a bummer when your plants struggle, producing few fruits or becoming disease magnets. As someone who’s wrestled with wilted leaves, pollination woes, and voracious squash bugs, I’m excited to share the pitfalls...
Gardening is this incredible dance between patience, knowledge, and a sprinkle of intuition—and sometimes our best intentions trip us up! I’ve certainly been guilty of following a “rule book” that ended up backfiring, like over-mulching or pruning at the wrong moment. It’s such a bummer when your efforts leave plants worse off than when you...
Gardening is one of my greatest joys—there’s nothing quite like watching seedlings unfurl into lush, vibrant specimens! But it can be heartbreaking when a once-healthy plant starts acting up. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, recognizing the early warning signs of stress is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore nine telltale...
Summer’s blazing sun can turn a garden into an oven, leaving tender leaves scorched, blossoms wilted, and even seasoned gardeners scrambling for relief. I know how heartbreaking it is to watch prized plants struggle under relentless heat—especially when you’ve nurtured them all season! With climate patterns shifting, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, so it’s crucial...
There’s nothing quite as gratifying as biting into a fresh ear of homegrown corn—those succulent kernels bursting with sweetness bring pure summertime joy! Yet it’s such a bummer when your corn patch underperforms, with poor pollination, stunted stalks, or pest-riddled ears. I know the frustration of painstakingly nurturing seedlings, only to watch tassels fail to...
Growing homegrown cabbage can be immensely rewarding—there’s nothing like harvesting a firm, juicy head straight from the garden! But it’s such a bummer when your plants shrivel, bolt, or fall prey to pests just as harvest time nears. I know how frustrating it is to invest weeks of care only to watch those promising green...
Gardening with raspberries brings such a thrill—the moment you taste that first juicy, sun-ripened berry, you know your efforts have paid off! Yet it can be a real bummer when canes flop, yields dwindle, or pesky critters raid your patch. I’ve had my fair share of raspberry hiccups—late frosts nipping blossoms, bunnies nibbling tender shoots,...
There’s something so delightful about tasting the first ripe blackberry of the season—sweet, juicy, and sun-warmed straight off the cane! But before you let those vigorous brambles take over your beds, it’s such a bummer when they turn into a relentless tangle that smothers everything around it. I know the thrill of envisioning endless berry...