Read by Matilda Longbottom Listen Now: Dear Gardeners, Welcome to the December 2025 issue of Food Gardening Magazine! Here in the Northeast, December transforms the garden into something magical. Frost-kissed kale sparkles like it's been dusted with powdered sugar, evergreen branches frame the sleeping beds, and the whole landscape feels like it's holding… READ MORE
The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the air, mingling with the hearty scent of roasting squash and the tangy pop of cranberries simmering on the stove. It’s the holiday season in America, a time when tables across the country become colorful canvases of culture, tradition, and love. For centuries, the United States has… READ MORE
The holidays are a magical time when food becomes more than sustenance—it becomes the language of love, tradition, and creativity. Across the country, gardeners are transforming the fruits of their labor into dishes that tell their unique stories. From urban rooftops to sprawling suburban plots, here’s how 12 food gardeners are using their harvest to… READ MORE
The holiday season is a time to indulge in the warmth of family and friends, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to celebrate with fresh, wholesome meals inspired by the bounty of food gardeners across the country. With a little planning, your table can showcase vibrant flavors, seasonal produce, and nourishing dishes that set the… READ MORE
December in zones 4-6 is when the garden is tucked under a blanket of snow, and the only thing growing outside is your collection of wool socks. With average temperatures ranging from a brisk 35°F down to a bone-chilling 0°F (2°C to -18°C), and soil frozen harder than last year's fruitcake, traditional outdoor planting is… READ MORE
While northern friends are completely snowed in, December in zones 7-8 offers a few sneaky opportunities for the dedicated gardener. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F down to 25°F (7°C to -4°C), and soil that's chilly but not permanently frozen, you can still scratch that gardening itch - even if you have to wear our… READ MORE
While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, gardeners in zones 9-10 are still harvesting tomatoes and planting new ones! With average December temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day and rarely dipping below 45°F (7°C) at night, your winter vegetable garden is what most zones would call their… READ MORE
So you’re growing wheat. Maybe you’re a homesteader living your best Little House on the Prairie fantasy, or perhaps you’re a small-scale farmer who got tired of explaining to relatives that yes, regular humans can actually grow wheat. Either way, you’ve probably noticed that wheat has opinions about its neighbors–and those opinions can make the… READ MORE
The secret to lemon tree success? Knowing what your tree needs when it needs it. Think of this as your tree's Google Calendar, except instead of Zoom meetings, it's "prune me" and "feed me" and occasionally "WHY IS IT SNOWING, HUMAN?" Let's break this down month by month,… READ MORE
Like most people, I was once in the camp of those who didn't believe that you could really taste a difference between lettuces, but maybe that's because my two main lettuce food groups were iceberg and romaine. As life moved on, I've had the pleasure of tasting and growing different types of lettuce and can admit that different types of lettuce have unique flavor profiles, from nutty to spicy—and if you let them bolt, quite bitter. READ MORE
I love peas. Peas are like the candy of the garden. Fresh from the pod they are sweet little early spring treats. Or they can be late-season treats when the rest of your garden is finishing up for the season. That’s one of the nice things about peas–they grow relatively quickly and they tolerate cool weather just fine, so you can usually get two plantings in if you want. But what is the best way to plant peas? READ MORE
Strawberries are one of America’s favorite fruits, but did you know their growing seasons vary widely across the country? During a trip from New England to Florida, I discovered this firsthand. As I picked juicy strawberries alongside vibrant oranges in Florida’s sun-drenched groves (dodging fire ants along the way!), I couldn’t help but marvel at… READ MORE
Our new 2026 Garden Planning Calendar is your personalized guide to successful year-round gardening and entertainment, no matter where you grow. I love how a garden can draw you into the rhythm of the seasons – that quiet thrill of planting your first peas in spring, or the satisfaction of pulling in a basket of… READ MORE
Our gardens are a source of so many positive things: nourishment, patience, fulfillment...and of course, literal food. Over the years I've gifted many things that have come from the bounty of my garden that I'd like to share with you so that you can do the same. READ MORE
There are so many tasty edible gift ideas you can make from your garden: hot sauces, jellies, herb blends, salad dressings, teas, you name it! You can infuse vodkas by simply adding herbs and vanilla, and letting them marinate for a few days. READ MORE
In today's fast-paced world of technological advancements, the allure of nostalgia often beckons us back to simpler times. This sentiment is perfectly embodied by heirloom gardening tools, cherished for their enduring quality and timeless functionality. In this article, we'll explore some of the best heirloom gardening tools that have stood the test of time, making… READ MORE
Doesn't the idea of having all the ingredients you need (or at least most of them) for a big holiday dinner sound like fun? No more elbowing around the farmers market at the last minute hoping to find honeynut squash, or buying plastic-packaged herbs for your turkey? That sounds like a fine way to spend… READ MORE
If you’ve never made marshmallows before and you’re about to attempt it for the first time, all I have to say is brace yourself. It’s not difficult, in fact it’s quite simple, as are the ingredients in this recipe. READ MORE
Ham and Cheese Potatoes are a delightful upgrade to the classic Potatoes O'Brien, bringing comfort and indulgence to your table. This hearty dish combines the beloved elements of the original recipe with the added richness of ham and cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. As a chef,… READ MORE
You know those nights when you're staring at leftover chili in the fridge, thinking, "Not again"? Well, I've got a little trick up my sleeve that's been a game-changer in our house: Twice-Baked Chili Potato Casserole. It's pretty simple, really. You take your leftover chili, layer it with mashed potatoes, top it with cheese, and… READ MORE
Looking at my four-year-old daughter, I can’t help but miss being a kid. When the cold becomes too much, all you need to do is roll yourself into a human burrito. You don’t even need to get out of your pajamas! Life is so simple at that… READ MORE
Looking for a breakfast game-changer? Meet the overnight potato frittata – your new morning hero. This isn't just another casserole; it's a cheesy, eggy wonder that'll make you feel like a culinary genius. I know you've been there: It's 7 AM, chaos reigns, but you've got a piping hot frittata ready to go. Magic, right?… READ MORE
Mashed potatoes are the best. There's just something about them that makes them so darn good. Some people say it's the butter, others say it's the salt. But I think we all know the real reason why mashed potatoes are so great: because they're versatile!… READ MORE