Most of us who live in North America were raised to think of earthworms as beneficial garden allies. We were taught that these wiggly weirdos were invaluable for healthy soil, and as food resources ...
How to Make Your Own Powerful Cleaning Products
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your household cleaning products? I approach most cleaning products in the same way that I approach the foods I eat. If my great-grandmother wouldn't have ...
9 Excellent Hot Pepper Plants for Short Seasons or Cold Climates
Cultivating food in cold climates can be incredibly frustrating. The growing season is shorter than in other locales, and weather can be unpredictable. This combination is especially frustrating for ...
Understanding Monoculture and Why It’s Bad
You've undoubtedly driven past farmer's fields at some point in your life. All of those seemingly endless, waving fields of golden wheat or tall stalks of corn were absolutely beautiful, weren't ...
The Complete Guide to Canning Tomatoes
If your garden looks anything like mine right now, you probably have more tomatoes than you know what to do with. Vines are groaning beneath the weight of all those luscious fruits, and we don't want ...
The Essential Guide to Canning Cucumbers
Canning cucumbers to preserve them is both easy and immensely satisfying. Better still, you can flavor them however you like! Growing vegetables takes a huge amount of time and effort. As a result, ...
28 Perfect Lettuce Companion Plants and a Few to Avoid
You've probably noticed that plants thrive best when they have good neighbors. This goes for all life forms, really, but it's especially noticeable in one's garden. My lettuces (Lactuca sativa ...
How to Grow Basil from Cuttings
Basil can be a finicky herb to grow from seed. It can fail if the light or humidity isn't right, or if you speak to it too sternly during the germination process. Fortunately, there's a different way ...
21 of the Best Broccoli Companion Plants
Broccoli is spectacular, isn't it? This tasty veggie is as versatile as it is delicious, and is as gorgeous in stir-fries and soups as it is raw, dipped into your favorite dip. If you're a fan of this ...