Why Rhubarb Leaves are Toxic and What to Do with Them
While many gardeners swoon over rhubarb's ruby-red stalks and dream of homemade pies, this popular perennial comes with a catch that gives some of us pause. Sure, those tart stems …
the compost
Is Cow Manure Fertilizer Safe for Vegetable Gardens?
If you've ever driven through farm country at the right time, you're already somewhat familiar with cow manure fertilizer. That's one of those rare times in life where I think …
A Diary of Gardening Tasks
I'm curious to know what a typical day of gardening tasks looks like for you out in the garden. I've admitted this several times before, but I'm not one of …
Unconnected Thoughts on Gardening
A few weeks ago, in a burst of ambition and historical culture, Randy and I took the kids on a week-long vacation to Washington, D.C. We had a high old …
The Joy of a Minimalist Garden
Is a minimalist garden in your cards? It should be! Minimalism is one of those things we all strive for, but so few of us achieve. My minimalism goes in …
The Do’s and Don’ts of Open Air Composting
Figuratively. There are things you'll want to know before you "figuratively" jump into open-air composting because I'm guessing you don't want to actually do that.
If you've read more than a …
How Does Lettuce Get E. coli and How to Prevent it in a Home Garden
I love lettuce. It's so easy to grow, it's ready to harvest pretty quickly, and the multitude of varieties have so many different qualities. Who can deny the appeal of …
8 Ways Sustainable Gardening Can Have a Positive Impact on Climate Change
You’re probably wondering what you — one person — can do to help. Well, look no further than your current garden, that unused patch of earth in your backyard or …
Spring Prep and Small Steps
The first warm days of March are approaching, and soon I'll be in the garden, tea in hand, surveying the Winter's aftermath. This year, I'm especially excited because my seven-year-old …
How to Use an Indoor Compost Bin That Doesn’t Stink
I have a love/hate relationship with my indoor compost bin. I love that I don’t have to walk out to my compost heap every time I peel a banana or …
