The barn swallow is truly one of nature’s most efficient mosquito hunters, and it’s a bird that can be found in all 50 states. With their striking blue and rust-colored plumage and acrobatic flying skills, barn swallows are not only a joy to watch but also an incredible asset in the battle against pesky mosquitoes....

If you’ve spent any time in a garden center or browsing online for plant care products, you’ve likely come across those vibrant blue synthetic fertilizers. They’re often marketed as a quick and easy way to boost plant growth and increase yields, promising lush, green foliage and abundant blooms with just a few applications. But while...

Caring for houseplants should be simple, but thanks to outdated advice, social media hacks, and persistent gardening folklore, misinformation spreads quickly. Many common houseplant “tips” sound helpful but can actually harm your plants or keep them from thriving. Whether it is adding ice cubes to orchids or watering with leftover coffee, these myths are surprisingly...

There’s something truly satisfying about growing your tomatoes from seeds you’ve saved yourself. Not only does it allow you to preserve your favorite varieties, but it also connects you more deeply to the gardening process. If you’ve enjoyed a particularly delicious or productive tomato variety this season, why not save the seeds and grow them...

Keeping your own flock of chickens is a real treat for a number of reasons. They provide fresh eggs, and hours of entertainment, and their manure can be composted and used in your garden. But not every type of chicken is the same. Some are larger, some are smaller. Some are docile and others can...

Beauty in the garden is not always obvious at first glance. Some of the most valuable plants for biodiversity, soil health, and pollinator support are considered “ugly” because they are wild-looking, scraggly, or lack the big, showy flowers that get all the attention. But appearances can be deceiving. Many of these overlooked plants play critical...

Doomsday prepping used to be a fringe movement that many people regarded as a community of paranoid fanatics. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, people across the country are looking toward preppers for survival advice. One way they stay prepared for possible disaster is by stockpiling emergency seeds. To some, the thought of...

Caring for houseplants can be intimidating, especially if you have a busy schedule or tend to forget about watering. The good news is that some houseplants not only tolerate neglect but actually thrive on it. These low-maintenance beauties are perfect for beginner gardeners, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants greenery without constant attention. Many of...

For many gardeners, seeing mushrooms sprouting across the lawn might spark worry about disease, decay, or poor lawn care. The instinct is often to rake them away, spray chemicals, or dig them up. But the truth is, mushrooms are usually a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem beneath your feet. Far from being a problem,...

Glue traps are a pretty common pest control method that many of us don’t think twice about. But when an animal becomes ensnared in a glue trap, it is a nightmare of unimaginable suffering. These seemingly innocuous household items are designed to catch pests, but the cruel reality is that they often capture innocent creatures...

Pollinator gardens are more popular than ever, and it is no surprise that “pollinator mix” seed packets have exploded in popularity. With cheerful packaging and promises to “save the bees” and “support butterflies,” these mixes seem like an easy, affordable way to create a thriving habitat for wildlife. But here’s the catch: many of these...

It is easy to get swept up in the beauty of glossy garden center displays, where vibrant flowers and lush greenery promise instant curb appeal. But hidden among the tempting plants are species that can wreak havoc on your yard, choke out native plants, and create long-term maintenance nightmares. Many of these invasive or overly...