July means one thing: it’s time to master the ancient art of not killing your plants with kindness–or neglect. This month, I’m knee-deep in what I call “watering season,” and I’ve learned more about H2O timing than I ever thought possible. READ MORE
Home orchards are blossoming across America as gardeners embrace the joy of growing their own fruit. Whether it’s a single apple tree in the backyard or a mini-plantation of peaches, pears, and plums, the allure of fresh, homegrown fruit has never been stronger. From east to west, home orchards are thriving as gardeners trade trips… READ MORE
The rise of home orchards continues to sweep the nation, with gardeners finding joy in cultivating fresh, local fruit right in their backyards. This year, new varieties are taking the spotlight, combining hardiness, disease resistance, and exceptional flavor to make fruit growing more accessible than ever. Here are the 10 most popular fruit trees home… READ MORE
Welcome to the third installment in our America’s Home Orchards series! This time, we’re taking a delicious turn, creating a week-long meal plan that will inspire you to incorporate fresh fruits into every meal of your day. From breakfast to dessert, this plan celebrates the bounty of home orchards and the joy of eating more… READ MORE
As we step into the warm embrace of July, many of us might think it's too late to start planting. But let me tell you a little secret: July is actually a fantastic time to get your hands dirty and sow some seeds or transplant some seedlings. Sure, the air is thick enough to cut… READ MORE
July in USDA zone 7-8 is when the mercury climbs higher than a cat on a hot tin roof, and the humidity makes you feel like you're wearing a wet wool sweater. But don't let that deter you, intrepid gardeners! While your northern friends might be winding down their planting season, you're just hitting your… READ MORE
Should you really be planting things when you can cook an egg on your patio? The answer is yes! Fear not, my sun-loving friend! While your northern neighbors are harvesting their summer bounty, you're just getting warmed up (pun absolutely intended). July in these zones is not for the faint of heart. You're talking temperatures… READ MORE
Stop being charged with vegetable harassment, leaving your zucchini on your neighbors' doorsteps. Sound familiar? Welcome to the Great Zucchini Glut–a phenomenon so common it’s practically a gardening rite of passage. But what if I told you there’s a way to have just enough zucchini all season long, without triggering that moment when your family… READ MORE
We’re about to embark on a journey through the surprisingly complex world of edible lavender, where your herb garden meets culinary science. The plot twist? Most people have been getting lavender completely wrong. We’re not talking about throwing random purple flowers into cookie dough and hoping for the best. This is actual flavor chemistry, backed… READ MORE
Last weekend at a friend's barbecue, they excitedly showed me their new plot for growing corn. My friend was so excited that I didn't notice until that very moment, at the peak of the afternoon, that her plot was very much shaded. Luckily, another friend chimed in, so I didn't have to be the know-it-all… READ MORE
Maybe you've experienced this before. You're innocently weeding your garden bed, humming whatever song has been stuck in your head for three days, when suddenly you spot them. Mysterious green shoots that look suspiciously onion-esque, sprouting where you definitely didn’t plant any onions. These are volunteer alliums–nature’s way of saying “you’re welcome” in plant form.… READ MORE
Bell peppers aren’t supposed to survive winter. At least, that’s what Big Gardening wants you to believe. But here’s the botanical bombshell that’ll reshape your entire pepper worldview: those “annual” bell peppers are actually perennial plants in disguise, just waiting for someone brave enough to crack the overwintering code. Spoiler alert: You can absolutely overwinter… READ MORE
Herbs offer the perfect entry point into edible gardening—they're forgiving of novice mistakes, generous with their bounty, and connect us to centuries of culinary traditions. Whether you're establishing your first herb garden or looking to expand your collection, our special edition "Herb Gardening Made Easy" issue provides all the guidance you need. The journey begins… READ MORE
There was no small push by our team to delve into the wild world of "garden-to-glass" cocktails. Can you blame them? After all, fennel-infused cocktails are all the rage now, so you can always make fennel simple syrup. For those who love ginger, a ginger simple syrup sounds great too! For these recipes, I went… READ MORE
Flowering fruit trees have an enchanting beauty that captivates nature enthusiasts and admirers alike. Whether you possess an expert's knowledge of these magnificent trees or simply revel in their aesthetic appeal, it's worth taking a moment to celebrate and appreciate their splendor. As we delve into the realm of flowering fruit trees, let's explore a… READ MORE
Are you familiar with using grow bags for vegetables, fruits, or flowers? Grow bags are plastic or fabric-based "bags" made of felt or non-woven fabric, or polypropylene (similar to weed barriers) with flat bottoms and usually reinforced handles built-in. You simply fill them with the same type of soil and amendments you would for a… READ MORE
If you have a beautiful garden that you're proud of, you probably like to show it off. Maybe you invite friends and neighbors to pick from your garden, or have little farm-to-table dinners in your backyard, because why not? For me, I'm still a kid at heart, so I love a good pizza party, and there's nothing better than grilled pizza. READ MORE
If you want a happy garden, you can't really set it and forget it. If you ignore your garden for a few days in mid-summer, especially if you go away on vacation, you might come back to a jungle! And even if you're not skipping a few days of upkeep in the middle of summer, there are lots of mid-summer garden chores that will creep up on you quickly. READ MORE
While it may be easy to just grab a bag salad, premade croutons, and store-bought Caesar dressing, this recipe for your own homemade version will only take you 15 minutes and it’s worth it! Toasting your own croutons and making your own dressing is easy and the resulting salad is a crowd pleaser. READ MORE
Prepare to bow down to the Ice Queen Lettuce Wedge Salad, a dish so magnificent it'll make you want to roll out the red carpet in your dining room. This isn't just any wedge salad – it's the Beyoncé of salads, fierce and fabulous. We start… READ MORE
If you need something to brighten up your day, and you’ve got some time to spare, then why not try making this Roasted Beet, Peach, and Goat Cheese Salad? Not only will you get a vibrant and healthy dish, but you’ll be able to enjoy varying levels of sweetness — that’s hard to resist! Beets… READ MORE
Are you looking for that fancy Asian Chicken Salad you might've eaten before (or always wanted to try) but were too afraid to have it again because of the expense? Guess what? There’s a way you can make this salad for much less! Make no mistake — the taste of Asian Chicken Salad is far… READ MORE
Have you ever tried a Basil-Watermelon Salad? Fresh fruits have always been associated with being healthy and refreshing, so it's no surprise that they have found their way to dining tables all over the world — but did you know that besides its sweet taste and enticing look, this fruit can pair deliciously with more… READ MORE
