As a gardener, you don’t want any food to go to waste. Squash and pumpkin leaves are edible, so maybe you’re wondering if potato leaves are edible, too. Or perhaps you just caught your dog or child trying to eat potato leaves and you’re wondering if it’s okay. The answer is a definite no –…
Chamomile tea is a calming and soothing beverage with a long history of use. It can ease stress, encourage sleep, calm digestive upset, and is even gentle enough for children to enjoy. Chamomile is also a delightful herb to grow in your garden. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) tends to be a low-growing perennial, and German…
Pumpkins are an incredibly fun plant to grow in your garden. They are one of the most celebrated signs of fall and can be used for baking, cooking, carving, and decorating. If you’re thinking about growing pumpkins, their biggest needs are room to spread out, lots of sun and warmth, rich soil, and a long…
Are you one of the people who thinks tomatoes taste best when they’re still warm from growing in the sun? I am. Homegrown tomatoes are a summer garden classic. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a tomato you grew yourself that only travels a short distance from your garden to your kitchen. Of course,…
Oregano is a very popular herb that flavors the food of many different cuisines. If you enjoy cooking Italian, Greek, or Spanish food, this herb is a must to have on hand. The good news is that oregano is very easy to grow and will return to your garden year after year with just a…
Sure, we’re all for calling a spade a spade, but do you know the difference between a spade and a shovel? Many people think they are the same thing. However, there are differences between the two. Picking the wrong tool for the job can cost you time and literal backaches, so it’s importnat to pick…
If you’re new to gardening, or new to planting your own seeds instead of using purchased seedlings, you may be wondering what the difference is between potting soil and seed starting mix. Why does seed starting mix usually cost more? Is seed starting mix really necessary or worth it? And why can’t you just grab…
Eggplant is the star ingredient in baba ganoush and features in many recipes from Italy, Greece, and Middle Eastern countries. It has also experienced a surge of popularity in the U.S., especially in vegetarian dishes. For some reason, eggplant is a vegetable that gardeners don’t always realize they can grow. It’s as easy to add…
Sage has the distinction of being a culinary herb, a medicinal herb, and an ornamental plant. Its botanical name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvare, which means “to heal” or “to save”, a tribute to its health-boosting properties. Frequently used in meat dishes and stuffing, sage actually helps your body break down fats for…
Pets are wonderful, but fleas…not so much. Unfortunately for those of us in warmer climates, fleas can be a nearly year-round nuisance, even with indoor animals. Luckily, many common can help you repel fleas to keep your family safe without resorting to chemical pesticides. As a bonus, most of these plants smell great to humans,…