It’s such a bummer when your once-vibrant houseplants start looking sad in their containers! As a gardener who’s rehomed dozens of greenery companions, I know how frustrating it is to care for your plants diligently—watering on schedule, feeding them nutrients—only to watch them stagnate or wilt. Often, the culprit isn’t pests or lack of light,...
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.
It’s such a bummer when you pour your heart into an organic garden—only to watch seedlings fade, pests swarm, or harvests disappoint. Organic gardening is brimming with passionate advice, but not every tip is rooted in reality. As someone who’s spent years tinkering with compost piles and insectary plantings, I’ve learned that separating fact from...
It’s such a bummer when your once-lush garden bed starts to falter just as summer is peeking around the corner. By the end of May, those cool-season favorites that thrived through chilly mornings can begin to sulk in the heat, bolt prematurely, or become more susceptible to pests and disease. As a gardener who’s watched...
Nothing deflates a gardener’s spirits faster than spotting that telltale white, dusty coating on leaves and stems—powdery mildew can turn vibrant foliage into a fungal mess in no time. I know how disappointing it is to nurture a plant only to see its leaves marred by this common disease. Understanding why powdery mildew takes hold...
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of snacking on sun-warmed cherry tomatoes fresh from your own vines—those bite-sized bursts of sweetness are summer’s ultimate reward! I know how frustrating it can be to plant promising seedlings only to see sparse fruit or split skins instead of the abundant harvest you dreamed of. Cherry tomatoes (Solanum...
Transforming a patch of soil into a thriving olive grove feels like tapping into centuries of Mediterranean tradition, right in your own backyard. I know how daunting it can be to nurture saplings that promise silvery foliage and bountiful fruit—olive trees (Olea europaea) thrive under specific conditions, and missteps can leave you with stunted growth...
Nothing beats the joy of shelling a bowl of fresh, plump peas that you’ve coaxed from your own garden! I know how disappointing it can feel to plant those tiny seeds in hopeful rows, only to watch patchy germination or stunted vines. Peas (Pisum sativum) hail from the cool, rocky slopes of the Near East...
Dreaming of plump, flavorful artichoke buds gracing your dinner table? I know how frustrating it can be to invest time and care only to see your plants bolt too early or yield sparse, inedible blooms. Artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are a Mediterranean treasure, native to the coastal regions of southern Europe and North Africa, and while...
Growing a bountiful spinach patch feels like hitting the jackpot in the vegetable garden! I know how disappointing it can be to thin out weak seedlings or watch your tender greens bolt into flower just as you’re ready to harvest. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) hails from the mountains of Central and Southwestern Asia, and though our...
Growing an abundant lettuce harvest feels like striking green-gold in the garden! I know how frustrating it can be to seed your flats, only to see slow growth or bolting when the weather heats up. With a few simple strategies, you can coax lush heads and tender leaves all season long—and trust me, those crisp...
Garlic is one of my all-time favorite garden staples—versatile in the kitchen and a natural pest deterrent in the garden! Planting the right companions alongside your garlic can boost its health, improve soil balance, and even attract beneficial insects that nest and patrol your beds. Over the years I’ve experimented with dozens of pairings, and...
Growing Anaheim peppers can be such a thrill—those long, mild fruits are perfect for roasting, stuffing, or adding a gentle kick to your favorite salsa! Despite their modest heat, Anaheim peppers pack a flavorful punch, and with a little know-how you can coax your plants into producing a bumper crop. Whether you’re a seasoned pepper...