Garden

If you are working on your own compost pile, you’re probably doing so because there is hardly anything better for nourishing the plants in your garden and elsewhere on your property. You also probably already know that your compost pile is actually a tiny ecosystem all its own, one that needs various organisms present in … Read more

Before you read any further, I am not nuts! You will love using this tea… for your plants! That is to say, we are talking about eggshell fertilizer tea. Eggshells are often used for the sharp edges to keep snails out of gardens, but this humble kitchen scrap is worth much more than just a … Read more

As gardeners, we all want to keep our gardens looking great for as long as possible. But for older gardeners, that task can be a little more difficult. Older adults may have difficulty bending down or reaching up, and they may tire easily. In addition, they may be susceptible to health problems such as arthritis … Read more

If you are going to grow a healthy garden, mulch is absolutely essential. Up until this year, I’ve always been hesitant to use wood chips as mulch in the garden. I use a combination of cardboard and hay or straw to keep weeds down, and help the soil retain moisture. Although this has worked well … Read more

Wheat berries are turning into a sensation here lately. People are in love with the things for their combination of excellent nutrition and low calories. But is sprouting them only good for making them more edible? If they sprout, that indicates they are ready to grow. Can you sprout and plant wheat berries to start … Read more

If you’ve been paying any attention to health food circles these past few years, you have probably noticed the next big craze in superfoods: wheat berries. Wheat berries are touted as nutritionally dense, low in calories, and most importantly tasty. But what exactly is a wheat berry? Wheat berries are the whole kernel of wheat, … Read more

Depending on who you ask, goldenrod is either a beautiful, shimmering sight growing in waves across a field, or an unholy menace that chokes out other plants and causes rampant allergies when it blooms, which is often and for a long time. This is certainly one of the more divisive wild plants out there, and … Read more

The humble garden hose is used for a variety of purposes around almost every home in America. But they get a far greater workout on a working homestead, and are commonly used all day long during the hot seasons. The expandable garden hose is fast becoming one of the most popular hoses for the job. … Read more

Even if you are the most conscientious of gardeners, there may come a time when your plants start to die. It can be frustrating and upsetting when this happens, but before you give up on gardening altogether, take a look at some of the most common reasons why plants might die. With a bit of … Read more

There’s nothing like the anticipation of planting your garden and watching everything grow. But you can’t just plant willy-nilly – you have to prepare your garden properly first! Here are a few tips to help get you started. Get Rid of Any Messes, Debris, and Weeds Any gardener will tell you that preparing your garden … Read more

Do you want an eco-friendly garden but don’t have the time or energy to deal with planting and maintaining annual plants? Or maybe you’re just lazy like me. Either way, perennials are the solution for you!  Perennial crops come back year after year with little maintenance, which makes them perfect for those who love gardening … Read more

Bright like daisies, and healthy for the body, Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family which is the name for several daisy-like plants. This charmer blossom is grown mostly in Europe, Western Asia, and other countries with accommodating soil and they are considered to be a key ingredient in herbal teas. Chamomile is popular in the … Read more

Whatever kind of planting and gardening you’re doing around your home, one of the best resources in your arsenal is a large, properly maintained compost pile. Aside from reducing waste, composting allows you to supercharge your plants with tons of nutrition that they desperately need. Plenty of beginning gardeners want to start a compost pile … Read more

If you’re a homesteader, then you know the importance of growing your own food. But what about plants that can help support your local ecosystem? Milkweed is one such plant, and it’s worth growing even if you don’t have a lot of space. Here are a few reasons why milkweed is so important, and why … Read more

When you think of a pumpkin, you probably immediately think of the classic orange variety. But did you know that white pumpkins exist, too? It’s true: that white, pumpkin-looking squash is not some special variety of squash, it’s just a white pumpkin! Sometimes what you see really I what you get, but this begs the … Read more

The beautiful and useful North American wildflower Monarda (Bee Balm) is the perfect addition to any homesteader’s garden. With its daisy-like shape and vibrant colors, and its utility as an herb, this terrific plant is great complement to any herb garden or foundation planting. Bee balm is resilient and beautiful, making it a favorite for … Read more