Lydia Noyes

Snake plants are popular houseplants for many reasons. Lovely to look at, easy to keep alive, and slow growing enough to maintain their shape long-term, there’s much to like about …

While orchids are becoming increasingly common in garden centers (and even grocery stores!), an aura of mystery remains around them. Their svelte form and tropical plumage can feel intimidating for …

Breakthroughs in breeding practices have turned the once-elusive orchid into one of the most popular gifted plants. The abundant blooms are surprisingly durable and will last for months. But once …

The end of gardening season can be a time for contemplation and indoor tasks. You may find yourself with more time to focus on the educational aspects of growing plants. …

Clematis, the queen of the vine, makes a statement in every garden it inhabits. The name comes from the Greek word klema, meaning climbing vine. This showy perennial produces giant …

As winter ends, rhubarb is one of the first garden plants to greet us in the spring. This hardy perennial produces tangy stems that are perfect in pies and cobblers …

Gardening at home can be challenging if you lack a lush lawn to transform into a planting space. A yard filled with concrete can pose its challenges for growing food, …

Shopping for gifts for gardeners can be a challenge. After all, one can only have so many potted plants. If you’re seeking some inspiration for gifts that stand out, this …

Your home life is more wasteful than you realize. The average American household consumes more than 900-kilowatt hours every month. Assuming you’re powering your home with coal or petroleum, this …

When it comes to sustainable fertilizer options, flies aren’t quick to come to mind. But the truth is, a black soldier fly composting system is one of the quickest, most …

Few things bring more joy in a late-season garden than harvesting a bounty of bright-hued peppers. This gem of a garden plant is considered low maintenance—there’s rarely much you need …

Keeping houseplants healthy can be a constant challenge. You might think that keeping them indoors means they will remain safe from invading insects, but in reality, many varieties would love …

No one enjoys unexpected houseguests, especially those of the rodent variety. Chilly winter weather makes your home extra inviting for mice escaping the cold, making it a typical time for …

As garden season approaches, it’s time to think through your growing strategy. One of the best ways to get a head start on food and flower production is to learn …

The craft beer movement has caught the world by a storm, and it shows no sign of slowing down. However, the global hops supply is struggling to keep pace, and …

The end of the gardening season comes as a relief to most of us. After months of managing massive daily harvests of zucchini and tomatoes, cooler weather and slower growing …

Finding free food is always a cause for celebration among the homesteading types, and the pawpaw is a prized yet often forgotten option. Considered the largest native North American fruit, …

You’ve pulled a year’s worth of produce from your garden. Now it’s time to give your soil a rest. Today, your goal is to learn how to mulch your garden …

Once the garden gets producing, everything starts coming in at once. Without some initial planning, your countertops will soon become overwhelmed with home-grown bounty. The good news is there are …

Serious gardeners are forever looking for new ways to improve their growing strategy. One time-tested method is adding blood meal to garden soil. Despite this amendment’s off-putting name, it’s an …

When it comes to improving your self-sufficiency, learning how to brew your own beer tops many lists. However, lots of people are put off because they assume mastering homebrew requires …

When it comes to perennial garden plants, lavender often tops the list. This member of the mint family adds fragrance to every flower bed and attracts a variety of beneficial …

Few things taste better than the summer’s first fresh strawberry. Take one bite of a sun-ripened berry, and you’ll never be satisfied with watery commercial varieties again. Fresh strawberries are …

If you’re lucky enough to have an asparagus bed, you’ll benefit from eating home-grown vegetables earlier in the season than almost anyone else. Crisp and tender stalks make this hardy …