What if you could step into your own backyard and harvest natural remedies for those aches and pains? It may sound too good to be true, but many common garden plants contain powerful compounds that can soothe everything from headaches to sore muscles. Here are 10 natural pain relievers you can easily cultivate at home. … Read more
Sunflowers (Helianthus) are more than just pretty faces basking in the sun. They’re a powerhouse crop, with the U.S. sunflower industry valued at a whopping $418.75 million in 2023 alone.1 But their significance goes far beyond their economic impact. Here are 10 facts about sunflowers that will forever change how you see these flowers. 1. … Read more
Over 154 million Americans carved pumpkins for Halloween in 2023, which was a big jump from the previous year. Now, the demand for these festive gourds is higher than ever.1 But for those who haven’t yet planted their pumpkin patch, is it too late to sow those seeds and still harvest in time for the … Read more
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor water use accounts for 30% of the average American household’s daily water consumption. Up to 50% of this outdoor water is wasted due to inefficient watering methods.1 Many well-intentioned gardeners make common mistakes that not only harm their plants but also contribute to this water waste. Here are … Read more
Want to enjoy your homegrown basil’s flavor and health benefits year-round? It’s easier than you might think, and the method you choose can actually make a surprising difference. Recent research from the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis has revealed that the way you dry basil impacts its nutritional content,1 so you’ll want to get … Read more
Garlic, the pungent and flavorful bulb beloved in kitchens worldwide, is a surprisingly versatile crop, especially when it comes to harvesting. Having a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown garlic throughout the year is achievable with a few clever gardening hacks. While California has etched its position as the leading garlic producer in the US, accounting … Read more
Ever wondered why a watermelon could cost as much as a used car? Well, in Japan, a black jumbo watermelon just sold for a whopping $6,100! That’s right, this isn’t your average grocery store watermelon. It’s a Densuke watermelon, and it just broke records as the priciest watermelon ever sold in Japan, and maybe even … Read more
Native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico, this epiphytic cactus is also known as the zig-zag or ricrac cactus due to its distinctive, wavy stems that resemble a fishbone. In its natural habitat, the fishbone cactus grows on trees, drawing nutrients from the air and surrounding debris. Its stunning, fragrant flowers bloom at night, adding … Read more
Potatoes love the cool weather, and fall is the perfect time to plant them for a head start next season. Fall planting usually starts in late August or early September.1 Planting when the soil is cooler helps the potatoes sprout faster, giving them a jump on the growing season and a potentially bigger harvest next … Read more
Meet bougainvillea: a plant that’s as storied as it is stunning. Native to South America, this vibrant woody vine captivates with its unique “flowers”—which are actually colorful bracts cradling tiny white blooms. Initially mistaken for petals by botanist Philibert Commerçon during a historic French expedition in the 1760s, these bracts hold a fascinating backstory. Named … Read more
