Where fresh water meets land, the cattail stands tall, its cylindrical seedheads and upright sword-like leaves lightly swaying in the breeze. Cattails are so ubiquitous to water that it’s quite …

As fall moves into winter, chicken keepers face a seasonal shift — their hens are molting, and egg production slows or stops. Our chickens are molting so hard it looks …

Bears on the homestead is a unique problem to have, but a challenging one too. These predators are big, strong, scary, and can be incredibly persistent. If you have bears …

Growing a peck of peppers doesn’t appeal only to guys named Peter. Many gardeners grow these popular nightshades every year. Whether you prefer the cool, juicy crunch of a sweet …

Raising little critters on your homestead can take a lot out of you. Not only does it take money from your pockets to feed them, but you worry about their …

So, you finally discovered the secret to getting your Christmas (or other holiday cactus) to bloom. Do you want to know another secret? You can get it to bloom again …

I’ll bet I know why you’re here. Some well-meaning friend or family member told you your plant wasn’t a Christmas cactus. Or maybe you’ve had a Christmas cactus for ages, …

We’ve had a very warm October this year, so I’ve postponed the task of planting spring bulbs from one Saturday to another until November rolled around.  On the one hand, …

I have been growing (and killing) houseplants for decades, and after years of experience, pothos has become my go-to houseplant. They’re beautiful, lush, easy to get your hands on, even …

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 …

When we think of gardening, leafy greens with vibrant flowers and delectable fruit are usually what come to mind. Most herbaceous plants have the typical care requirements of lots of …

I winced a bit as I watched my partner lower the spinning tines into the soil in our garden. Dark, brown earth immediately turned up behind him as he walked …

Winterizing your garden can be an enjoyable endeavor. Despite the sadness of bidding farewell to the bright colors and lush vegetation of the warmer months, being able to tidy away …

When you think of blooming houseplants, I’ll bet you don’t think of snake plants. Yet, the recently reclassified Sansevieria trifasciata does, in fact, flower. They can bloom, usually once a …

Many years ago, when I first discovered that a surefire way to get free houseplants was to bring some in from the garden, you would have thought I’d hit the …

I wrote this post after many, many years of failing at making sourdough bread and maintaining a sourdough starter. It took me years, tons of research, and experimentation to find …

Hydrangeas are fun, pure and simple. What else can you say about a shrub with blooms that look like cheerleading pompoms? It’s no wonder they’re a summer mainstay in front …

There’s always a certain sadness when the gardening season comes to an end, but don’t despair quite yet – there are still a number of pleasurable chores to get done …

All-purpose potting soil has been around for quite some time. Its invention changed how we garden. It has made growing plants easy and accessible, whether you have a large plot …

We all know that gardening is a labor of love. After all the hard work and the many hours spent planning, planting, watering, and caring for plant life, there is …

As summer fades and autumn takes center stage, big changes start happening in the world of our feathered friends. Some species prepare for migration and take flight, while others get …

Why isn’t my peace lily blooming? It’s the most commonly asked question about this popular beginner’s houseplant. And while Google will throw numerous articles at you with numbered lists suggesting …

When it comes to caring for your lawn, there are two kinds of people. First, there’s the Lawn Warriors. You know the ones. They own every gadget ever created to …

Fall is in the air. The garden is slowing down, and the days and nights are getting cooler. Before you know it, we’ll be reaching for our sweaters. Unfortunately, as …