Did you know that in the 1960s, the average American housewife spent about 56 hours per week on housework?1 Today, that number has decreased to just 18 hours. While modern conveniences have certainly made homemaking easier and less time-consuming, there’s still value in many of the traditional skills our grandmothers practiced. From cooking from scratch … Read more
Chocolate Mint, a delightful hybrid of peppermint and water mint, is a versatile herb, scientifically known as Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate.’ Did you know that chocolate mint contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties?1 From its role in traditional medicine to its modern applications in the kitchen and garden, … Read more
Epsom salt is often praised for its potential benefits to plants, but the scientific evidence supporting these claims is primarily linked to large-scale farming with identified magnesium deficiencies.1 For home gardens, the effectiveness of Epsom salt is less clear-cut. Here are the potential benefits and limitations of using Epsom salt as well as understanding your … Read more
Growing tomatoes in containers is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, even with limited space. Just like field-grown tomatoes, container tomatoes require specific care and attention to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. According to a study, proper cultivation practices are key for maximizing the nutritional value and health benefits of tomatoes, making … Read more
Tired of worrying about ticks invading your backyard? These tiny pests can carry dangerous diseases, making them a serious threat to both pets and humans. But you could naturally deter these unwelcome guests. Here are powerful plants that not only enhance your landscape’s beauty but also act as a natural shield against ticks. 1. Lavender … Read more
Have you ever been charmed by the vibrant blooms of a butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), its delicate flowers seemingly buzzing with life? It’s a common sight in gardens, promising a haven for beloved pollinators. But this alluring plant isn’t the butterfly haven it appears to be. The butterfly bush, despite its name, might be an … Read more
Did you know that some garden peonies have been known to thrive for over 100 years in the same spot?1 While most garden plants have relatively short lifespans, there are remarkable exceptions that can outlive their human caretakers. Here are 15 extraordinary garden plants renowned for their exceptional longevity offering gardeners a unique opportunity to … Read more
According to the National Gardening Association, 35% of U.S. households now grow food at home or in a community garden, up from 17% just a decade ago.1 As more people embrace gardening, attention is turning to often-neglected shady areas. Even in low-light corners, lush greenery and vibrant blooms can thrive. If you’re looking to transform … Read more
Poison ivy is the bane of many gardeners’ existence. It’s a perennial vine with an oil called urushiol that causes an itchy rash with blisters when it touches your skin.1 You don’t need to resort to harmful chemicals to rid your garden of this pesky vine. Here are 10 effective and eco-friendly ways to remove … Read more
Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing: strawberry season! If you’re lucky enough to have June-bearing strawberry plants in your garden, you’re probably in the midst of a whirlwind 3-6 week harvest season, lasting from mid-June to mid-July.1 But harvesting strawberries isn’t just about plucking them from the vine; there’s a bit … Read more
