Planning the perfect harvest of sweet potatoes is one of the most rewarding moments in the garden! Native to tropical regions of the Americas, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) form tubers that swell underground while their vines sprawl across your beds. It’s such a bummer when you dig too early and find undersized roots—or wait too...
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.
Planning ahead in August is the secret sauce to a bountiful fall vegetable harvest! As the summer heat begins to wane, your garden is telling you it’s time to shift gears. By taking a few simple steps now—like assessing your soil, selecting the right varieties, and laying out a clear schedule—you’ll be setting the stage...
Dreaming of plucking your own sun‑warmed mangoes straight from the branch is such a tantalizing vision, isn’t it? I know how exciting it is to imagine those golden fruits bursting with tropical sweetness in your backyard! Yet mango trees, native to South Asia’s warm, monsoon‑fed forests, come with unique quirks and requirements you’ll want to...
Watching a cluster of sun‑ripened cherry tomatoes glisten in the morning light is pure garden magic—and I know exactly how thrilling it feels when your vines explode with handfuls of these little flavor bombs! Yet it’s such a bummer when your plants stall out, or flower after flower drops off before setting fruit. Cherry tomatoes,...
Bringing citrus harmony to your garden—planting lemons and oranges side by side—can feel like orchestrating a sweet symphony of flavors and fragrances. I know how exciting it is to dream of plucking sun-kissed fruit off branches that dance together in the breeze! Yet, it’s also daunting: different citrus have subtle needs, and it’s such a...
Artichokes are such a show‑stopper in the garden, with their dramatic silvery foliage and thistle‑like flower heads promising a delicious harvest! Native to the Mediterranean basin, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus thrives in mild climates and, when managed properly, won’t overrun your beds. I know how frustrating it is to eye those promising buds only to...
Asparagus is one of my favorite perennial vegetables—those tender, jade-green spears emerging in spring feel like nature’s own delicacy! Native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, Asparagus officinalis has been cultivated for centuries and, when cared for responsibly, won’t overrun your beds. I know how thrilling it is to anticipate that first harvest, yet...
Perennial vegetables are the unsung heroes of a low‑maintenance, eco‑friendly garden. Once established, these resilient plants return year after year, reducing soil disturbance from annual tilling and fostering rich, biodiverse habitats. I know how tempting it is to sow endless rows of tender annuals, but there’s something deeply satisfying about a garden bed that thrives...
Rhubarb is one of my favorite perennial edibles—those crimson stalks bursting with tart flavor turn every pie or compote into a celebration! Native to the cool highlands of Siberia and parts of Asia, Rheum rhabarbarum isn’t considered invasive in home gardens, but it does demand a bit of thoughtful care to reach its full spectacular...
Growing spinach can be incredibly rewarding—those tender, emerald-green leaves fresh from the garden taste nothing like store-bought! Yet, it’s such a bummer when seedlings falter or mature plants bolt before you’ve barely had a chance to taste your efforts. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) hails from central Asia and isn’t considered invasive in home gardens, but it...
Mustard greens are a delightful spring and fall crop, with peppery leaves that add a zing to salads, sautés, and soups! I know how exciting it can be to sow those vibrant green seeds and dream of a flourishing bed, only to watch seedlings struggle or leaves become riddled with holes. Trust me, I’ve been...
It’s such a thrill to pair Swiss chard and kale in the garden—two powerhouse greens that not only thrive alongside each other but also bring vibrant color and texture to beds and containers! Whether you’re new to leafy brassicas or you’ve wrestled with bolting leaves and hungry slugs before, these tips will help you grow...