You might be tossing paper towels in the trash without a second thought, but did you ever pause to consider their potential utility in you composting bin? The question of whether you can compost paper towels is more nuanced than you might guess. Many of us rely on these disposable wonders for cleaning up spills,…
So you’ve just whipped up a hearty batch of mashed potatoes, and you’re left staring at the pile of peels. If you find yourself wondering if those potato skins could live a second life in your compost bin, you’re not alone. Potato peelings, like other organic matter, have the potential to transform into golden compost,…
As a gardening enthusiast, I often explore different materials that could enrich my compost bin, and pine needles have piqued my interest. Dive into the world of composting and you’ll quickly discover that pine needles, the abundant byproduct of pine trees, are indeed compostable. However, their presence in a compost pile sparks debate due to…
Artichoke plants come from the Mediterranean and aren’t usually seen in home gardens. However, they are relatively easy to grow and are becoming more popular with gardeners as both an edible plant and an beautiful ornamental plant. If you love the taste of tender artichoke hearts, maybe it’s time to try your hand at growing…
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a special type of basil with its own unique properties, fragrance, and flavor. It can be grown as an indoor or outdoor plant, though it thrives best with lots of warmth and sunlight. If you want to grow it outdoors, tulsi is an annual herb, just like sweet basil. It’s…
Have you ever wondered where luffa sponges come from? There’s been a common misconception over the years that this popular type of sponge comes from the ocean, but it actually grows on a plant in the squash family. This means that if you have the right growing conditions, you can grow your own sponges right…
Pollinators are an incredibly important part of the home garden and a vital part of agriculture as a whole. It’s estimated that up to one-third of our food supply is dependent on pollination, so it’s fair to say that pollinator decline directly affects all humans. Bees are one of the most well-known pollinator groups, but…
Electronet fencing is a modern miracle. It makes it faster and easier for homesteaders to pasture animals and is critical for many small-scale regenerative farms and homesteads. Unfortunately, it can also be very difficult to work with. I was tired of struggling with a 160 foot sheep and goat net every day so I devised…
If you want a plant that attracts pollinators to your garden, bee balm is one of the best for the job. It blooms with long stems of lovely flowers for most of the summer and also gives off a delicious herbal fragrance when the leaves are crushed. It’s perfect for a flower garden, herb garden,…
If you’re looking for an easy to grow culinary herb that can survive in shady areas, you need to learn about Japanese mitsuba! You can tuck it into shaded corners of your garden where most other edibles won’t grow and almost forget about it until harvest time. Here’s more about this lovely low maintenance herb…