Spring might still be hiding behind winter’s last cold breath, but every gardener knows the real race begins long before the snow melts. There’s something electrifying about cracking open a packet of seeds while the world outside still looks half-asleep. It feels like a secret head start, like you’ve discovered a cheat code the rest…
tomatoes
7 Crops That Should Be Fermented Instead of Stored
Ever opened your pantry, stared at a sack of produce, and thought, “There has got to be a better fate for you than slowly softening into oblivion”? Fermentation is the culinary magic trick that turns humble, soon-to-be-forgotten crops into flavorful powerhouses with longer shelf lives, richer nutrients, and a whole lot more personality. People have…
11 Seeds to Store in Paper Bags This Fall
Fall arrives like a friendly reminder that your garden’s greatest treasures aren’t the blossoms you admired all summer—it’s the seeds hiding inside them. There’s something wildly satisfying about gathering those tiny future-plants and tucking them away like secret investments for spring. Storing seeds in paper bags feels old-school in the best possible way: simple, reliable,…
10 Crops That Attract Mice if Left Uncovered
The moment you leave a crop unattended, mice treat it like an all-you-can-eat buffet with no closing hours. These little opportunists have a talent for sniffing out anything remotely edible, and once they discover your unprotected produce, they’ll invite their entire extended family. What starts as a tiny nibble can turn into a miniature disaster…
5 Tricks to Extend Tomato Harvest Into October
It’s the end of summer, and your tomato plants are still bursting with potential. The sun’s a little weaker, the nights are cooler, and those once-lush vines are starting to look a little tired—but the fruit? Still green, still growing, and still full of promise. You’ve worked too hard to let all those beautiful tomatoes…
12 Plants That Benefit From Extra Compost in Autumn
Autumn isn’t just about cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and crunchy leaves—it’s also one of the most important times to pamper your plants. As temperatures cool and growth slows, your garden quietly prepares for winter. Adding extra compost in fall gives your plants the nutrients they need to tough it out through the cold and burst…
6 Things You Should Never Plant Next to Each Other
Gardens are like neighborhoods—some residents get along perfectly, while others just can’t stop causing drama. A mismatched planting can mean stunted growth, pest parties, or even plants fighting over the same nutrients. Some crops thrive when paired with companions, but others become full-blown rivals if forced to share space. Knowing which plants to keep apart…
The One Plant You Shouldn’t Put Next to Tomatoes – According to Gardeners
Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens, and for good reason. They’re versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to grow. But if you’re planning your garden layout, there’s one important rule to follow. Don’t plant tomatoes next to potatoes. Here we’ll discuss why planting these two next to each other is a big no-no. Why…
Sutton Foster’s Tomato Growing Tips
I just finished reading Sutton Foster’s book, “Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life.” I got it because she’s crocheting on the cover of the book and that’s my go-to craft. It’s also her go-to craft, however she enjoys many other crafts as well. She even mentions gardening in the book. Specifically, she talks about the…
To Prune or Not to Prune? Keeping Tomatoes in Check
To prune or not to prune, that is the question! Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants for a reason. They’re fairly easy to grow, produce an impressive yield, and are available in many interesting varieties. There are many schools of thought when it comes to tomato pruning. So what’s the right…