Simple, Cheap & Farm-Tested Ways to Keep Canes Upright The first few years we grew raspberries, we didn’t use a trellis at all. And every July it looked like a berry tornado hit our yard—canes flopped over, berries hid in the grass, and picking turned into a thorny treasure hunt. A trellis doesn’t have to …
A Beginner’s Guide to Sweet Berries, Easy Care & Bigger Harvests Every March I start pacing the yard, staring at those thorny raspberry canes like we’re old friends waking up from winter. Some years, they look messy and wild.Some years, I worry I ruined them with my pruning.And every July, they prove me wrong by …
If you’ve ever stood in your backyard (or side yard… or tiny patio) and thought, “I don’t even know where to start,” you are not alone. For years, I thought you needed acreage to grow real food. Turns out — some of my most productive gardens have been the smallest ones. If you’re brand new …
I love the idea of container gardening. The pretty pots on the porch. The pops of color by the back door. The way a few plants can make a house feel like home. But here’s my real life:I get busy. The sun gets hot. And suddenly those sweet little flowers I bought in May are …
Every spring, I play the same game. I drive past those picture-perfect houses with overflowing planters and think, “This is the year my porch is going to look like that.”Then I walk into the garden center, see one gorgeous pot for $24.99, and walk right back out holding… one lonely plant. If you’ve ever felt …
Spring is here, and if you’re lucky enough to have blueberry bushes in your yard, it’s time to give them the love they need to thrive. Blueberries are one of those beautiful plants that reward a little care with delicious, antioxidant-packed berries. Plus, having your own blueberry patch saves you money at the grocery store …
Every winter, I hit the same point — the garden is frozen, everything outside is brown, and I need green in my life. If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing:indoor plants are everywhere. From cozy living rooms with giant leafy plants to simple kitchen herb gardens, people are turning their …
Every winter, I forget how much I rely on my garden for my sanity… until everything outside turns brown, frozen, and lifeless — and I’m itching to grow something again. If you garden at all, you probably know that feeling. Indoor gardening doesn’t replace a summer garden, but it does give you a little green, …
There’s something magical about apple season. The cool breeze, the scent of ripe apples drifting through the orchard, and the chance to fill a basket with your own harvest are fall traditions that never get old. Even better? Apple picking is one of the most frugal fall activities you can do. Compared to expensive pumpkin …
I may have one of the smallest front porches for an old 1850s farmhouse. It’s so narrow, but I still love having one. It still works well enough for the kids to wait for the bus, and of course, I can still decorate for fall and not worry about everything getting ruined in the rain. …
Sunflowers are among my favorite flowers in the home and on the homestead. Who doesn’t feel happier when they see sunflowers? Their bright, cheerful blooms just scream joy. They were one of the first flowers I tried from seed. This year, we planted sunflower seeds in two separate areas. I made a path next to …
Picture this: a vibrant garden bed, lush green bean plants climbing gracefully alongside sturdy tomato vines, all rooted in rich, healthy soil. Now imagine those bean roots glowing (bear with me here) like little superheroes, quietly enriching the soil with nitrogen, making sure those tomatoes thrive like never before. Sounds magical, right? Well, here’s the …
Yellow flowers can turn any garden into a ray of sunshine. Something about their cheerful glow feels uplifting, even on a cloudy day. A few seasons ago, I planted marigolds while experimenting with low-budget gardening, and they became the gold standard in my yard. Whether tackling your first garden bed or sprucing up an already-thriving …
Ants. Ugh, right? Nothing spoils the serene joy of watching hummingbirds at the feeder, and then a whole ant parade marches into your feeder. It’s frustrating, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood there saying, “Seriously? I didn’t put this out for you!” The good news is, you don’t have to lose your mind …
Is your front porch looking a little lackluster? We’ve all been there. But here’s the good news—you don’t need a major overhaul to make it feel fresh and inviting. A few thoughtfully chosen planters with vibrant flowers and greenery can totally transform the vibe! Whether you’ve got a sprawling wraparound porch or a tiny stoop, …
Okay, so I first heard of this garden tool on TikTok! The crazy thing is that it’s been around for 100 years! The power of social media. I felt like every other video on my FYP was Grampa’s weeder. So I figured it must be too good to be true. Then my plants are slowly …
Have you caught the gardening bug but don’t know where to start? There is so much information and so many ideas to try, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why a step-by-step monthly guide will be a huge help. I’ve learned these tips over the years of trying (and occasionally failing) to grow everything from …
One of my favorite spots in our farmhouse is the living room, with its big corner windows, in the summer. I can either put up a Hummingbird feeder or grab hanging plants that Hummingbirds love. Sitting and watching them come with their buzzing wings is fascinating. I’m not sure why I’ve fallen in love with …
Every year, I try to improve my gardening, remembering to take a little bit more time to yield better outcomes. This year, when I opened up the drawer where I keep my garden seeds, green tea, and some recipes, I saw seeds all at the bottom. I decided that folding over last year’s seed packets …
Companion gardening is a garden hack all on its own. Most people consider marigolds near your tomatoes the best companion gardening hack. What if I told you some of the best garden companions aren’t even plants? You can turn kitchen scraps, broken tools, or even household odds and ends into garden game-changers with some creativity. …
Starting a flower garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune. My first attempt involved a patch of dirt, a handful of seeds, and fingers crossed that something would sprout. I just tossed them all around. Some worked, most didn’t. But over time (and with some trial and error), I learned how to grow a beautiful, budget-friendly cut …
Confession time: I’m what you’d call a “lazy gardener.” I see all the beautiful gardens and well-manicured lawns and want that so badly, but I hate weeding. After five minutes in the garden, I want to quit weeding. ( Luckily last year I switched to the black mat tarp!) Here’s the good news—gardening smarter, not …
Companion planting is the best, most consistent thing I’ve done through all these years of gardening. It brings me such joy, and it always turns out pretty well. If you are new to gardening, let me tell you that not everything will go the way you plan. There’s a huge learning curve, but to ease …
Starting a vegetable garden is like trying out a new hobby—you’re excited, a little unsure, and probably Googling things like, “Why won’t my basil grow?” (Quick tip: Basil loves sun, like beach-vacation levels of love.) Creating a small vegetable garden can feel overwhelming if you’re new to gardening. But don’t worry. I’ve got seven easy-to-follow layout ideas …
