Gardening

You’ve been dreaming of tomatoes since you patiently started the seeds in February. And you’ve been diligent in their care since transplanting them. You watched as green tomato after green …

When mixing up that batch of chocolate chip cookies or making your bacon and eggs for breakfast, hang on to the eggshells. Believe it or not, the benefits of the …

Nothing spoils a summer evening faster than the high-pitched hum of an incoming mosquito. And you know it’s never one; they always bring friends. It only takes a few bites …

If you’re new to growing peas this year, by now, you’re noticing they’re getting pretty tall. And you’re probably scratching your head and thinking, “I wonder if these need a …

Far too often, tarragon is one of those herbs that gets shuffled to the back of your herb collection to be forgotten. But the wise chef knows the power of …

Note: Rural Sprout and the author are not medical experts, nor do we give out medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, we encourage you …

If you want to add a bit of height, texture, and a punch of vivid color to your landscape, there’s one bush I would recommend above all others: the beautyberry …

Container gardening has a lot of great things going for it. As a beginner-friendly introduction to growing fruits and vegetables, getting a container garden set up couldn’t be easier. All …

When it comes to superfoods, the elderberry stands out among its peers, offering an impressive array of health benefits and culinary delights from a tiny little berry. Bursting with antioxidants, …

You could say we have an obsession with compost around here. And why wouldn’t we? It’s the perfect organic soil amendment – nutrient-rich and filled with microbial life – that …

The imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae) is a notorious pest, known by gardeners all over North America. As lovely as they are, seeing the small white butterflies flit about your brassicas …

Can you think of a plant that, upon hearing how low maintenance it is, you just roll your eyes? Because how can it be low maintenance when you’ve managed to …

Nothing announces the arrival of summer better than the first bite into a sun-warmed strawberry. This berry is a summertime staple, from strawberry shortcake to home-canned strawberry jam. Heck, there …

For ages now, there has been a war waged against tomato suckers. Prune ‘em, pinch ‘em, cut ‘em off. That’s what gardeners have been told for generations. So that’s what …

The relationship between a plant and its environment is as old as time. Once a plant is in the ground, its ability to flourish has several limiting factors that go …

Hanging baskets, window boxes, railing planters, and a healthy number of terracotta pots are just the thing to elevate a monotone porch or patio into a heavenly place filled with …

Where I live in zone 5b, the final vestiges of winter are – at long last – behind us. Days past the last frost date, we had some very cool …

Many a gardener, both new and seasoned alike, have been surprised by the discovery of hard bumps running up and down the stem of their tomato plants. You may wonder, …

When I first started gardening in earnest, my learning zeal was as high as the leggy tomatoes I was growing. I was humble enough to know that I didn’t know …

In late spring, around the time the weather starts to be consistently nice – it happens. You’re outside, soaking up the sun, when you feel a tickle on your arm. …

As an overly-protective gardener, I’m equally excited and anxious about my vacation plans for this summer. I’m more than ready for a change of scenery, and the anticipation that comes …

Over the past few years, drought has become a common issue for gardeners everywhere. Locations that rarely had to worry about water issues in the past now deal with water …

Each spring, garden supplies and plants flood local stores. Whether you need seed starting media, a new trowel, or onion sets, you’ve got plenty of options. Among all these goodies, …

What could be better than a beautiful dragonfly zooming about the garden to brighten your day? Well, a flight of dragonflies or a static swarm has been known to top …