Lettuce is a fresh leafy green that's a popular addition to summer salads or sandwiches worldwide, and if you're into gardening, it's more than likely you will grow a variant of this plant in your garden. But what do you do if it begins to taste bitter? Lettuce can become bitter from three major causes:…
Pole beans and bush beans share a lot of similarities. After all, both are still types of green beans despite how different their names are. Yet, these two types of beans also have an extensive list of differences that will leave you wondering which one you should be growing. Pole beans grow vertically and can…
You plant your broccoli seeds, you water and nurture your plants waiting for the day of harvest. After all that work and time you notice a problem, your broccoli leaves are turning white. It's discouraging but there is hope for your plants. What causes broccoli leaves to turn white? It's a bit subtle but you'll…
Squash bugs are one of the most common pests you're likely to find on squash plants in your vegetable garden and one of the most difficult to get rid of organically. However, there are many effective solutions to help control the number of squash bugs in your garden even if you can't completely eradicate them.…
If you have pine trees in your garden, you are probably already aware that they can stunt the growth of some plants, and you may be wondering how you can deal with this issue. Growing edible vegetables under a pine tree can be challenging, but it is possible if you choose your plants with care…
Have you ever wondered what edible plants you can grow if you are trying to plant them near walnut trees? Black walnut trees are infamous for putting out a chemical that will kill off many other plants as a way of ensuring its own survival– so you need to choose what to grow near one…
Raising Coturnix quail has been the easiest and most rewarding livestock I've ever raised on my homestead. For years I have raised quail in cages but my desire to give them the best life possible while also getting the most benefit from them has led me to pasture raising my quail. What Are Pasture Raised…
Strawberries are a welcome addition to any garden and are a plant that fits well with many other plants as a companion. However, there are some things that should never be planted near strawberries for a variety of reasons. When I first introduced strawberries to my homestead many years ago I broke quite of a…
Slugs can be real nuisances to gardens. While some slugs in your garden are good for transforming the soil into nutrient-rich fertilizer, too many pose a threat to your plants. There are plenty of chemicals out there that will decrease the slug population in your garden, but many gardeners find that these chemicals are too…
Raspberry bushes are best planted in the spring in a place where they will get plenty of sunshine. They need nutrient rich soil and plenty of hydration during the summer months. Raspberries are a delicious fruit, and fortunately they are one of the easiest types of fruit that you can plant in your own backyard.…
You tenderly raise your seedlings from scratch, but they wither and die. They wither and die every time you try to plant them outside. You planted them in fertile soil and watered them regularly, but they still died. You might ask yourself what you did wrong, and the answer is you never hardened off your…
Soil fertility is key in any sustainable food growing operation. Without proper management, plants will drain the soil of its fertility, leading to reduced productivity and plant health. Most synthetic fertilizers are very harmful for the environment. Thankfully, certain plants can help increase soil fertility. The best plants for increasing soil fertility are those that…
Fungus gnats can multiply by the hundreds quickly, infesting your home quickly despite their short lifespans. The rest of this article will explain what you should do if you find yourself having a fungus gnat problem, or you simply want to prevent one. Fungus gnats can be prevented by watching how much you are watering…
With rising food costs and even occasional food shortages in the store, many people desire to grow at least some of their food. The problem is that many homes are located in areas with strict regulations or very limited space. The solution to these problems is edible landscaping which can create beautiful curb appeal, a…
It can take months, if not years, to create a sufficient amount of traditional compost in compost bins. While it's a wonderful way to create healthy, fertile soil, it's labor-intensive and very time-consuming. Thankfully, there's another, simpler way to improve your soil: the chop and drop system. The chop and drop system in gardening is…
As the earth begins to thaw each spring, many of us are left contemplating what plants to grow in our gardens and around our homes. Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are two popular choices and are often confused. You may be wondering, what exactly is the difference between Bee Balm and Lemon Balm? Bee Balm…
Because they look so similar at certain times during the year, yellow wood sorrel and clover are often confused for one another. While clover is often considered to be a beneficial nitrogen-fixing plant, yellow wood sorrel is a pesky stubborn weed. So what's the difference between them, and how can you tell which you have…
It’s late summer and the last of the warm weather flowers are blooming – so are your allergies. Goldenrod and ragweed are growing side by side along the road and in your backyard. They’re both the same thing, right? Left: Ragweed, Right: Goldenrod Goldenrod and ragweed are two different plants. Goldenrod is a perennial that…
We all know that adding compost is a crucial element of keeping your garden rich and ensuring that your plants are nurtured and have the nutrients to stay healthy. Soil that is high in organic matter can help plants to grow strong, but how do you know how much compost you need? Use the information…
When walking the aisles at your local garden center looking for some compost to put on your garden, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the number of options available. With so many types of compost on the shelves, how do you choose which is right for your plants? One of the most misunderstood--and underutilized--types of…
