Read by Matilda Longbottom Listen Now: Dear Gardeners, November is arriving, and for many of us, bringing with it the chill of winter and a time for reflection in the garden. As the days grow shorter, our focus shifts to preparing for the colder months ahead, while also enjoying the last bits…
Food Gardening Magazine • November 2024
Fresh Takes
As the mercury drops and frost etches patterns on fallen leaves overnight, many gardeners in zones 4-6 hang up their trowels for the season. But for those in the know, November isn't the end of the gardening calendar - it's a crucial turning point in the cycle of garden productivity and soil health. The science… READ MORE
In zones 7-8, November isn't just about preparing for dormancy; it's about strategic planting that capitalizes on nature's transitional rhythm. The gradual cooling acts like a starting gun for cool-season crops, signaling them to establish strong root systems before the more challenging winter months. Meanwhile, the still-warm soil provides an ideal nursery for cover crops,… READ MORE
While much of the country is battening down the hatches for winter, these USDA zones 9-10 are gearing up for another round of planting, much like early spring in the cooler zones! So in places like southern Florida, the Texas Gulf Coast, and parts of Arizona and California, November isn't the end of the growing… READ MORE
I have always wondered what's a better deal for my garden: to let it go, or to tidy it up? I haven't gotten into the trend of letting my whole yard go to weeds, but I've many-a-November let it go to the birds and bees. When I was a new gardener, I was always on… READ MORE
I'll never forget the day I stumbled upon a cranberry bush at my local farm. There they were, these vibrant red berries nestled among the leaves, nowhere near the watery bog I'd always associated with cranberry growing. It was a moment that sparked my curiosity and sent me down a rabbit hole of discovery about… READ MORE
I never thought I'd become such a ginger devotee. Only a few years ago, my relationship with this knobby rhizome was limited to the occasional slice of pickled ginger alongside sushi. Is that even real ginger? I don't know, but that all changed when an anthroposophic nurse introduced me to a simple, comforting broth made… READ MORE
A few summers ago, I was knee-deep in cucumbers from my garden. As a pretty seasoned gardener, I thought I had it all figured out. But when I bit into one of my prized cukes, I was hit with an unexpected wave of bitterness. It was disappointing, to say the least. Then, while scrolling through… READ MORE
I never thought I'd become an expert on the best peas to plant, but parenthood has a way of turning you into a specialist in the most unexpected areas. My journey began when I noticed my daughter, who's neurospicy, was struggling with school lunches. She needed something more engaging than just biting into a sandwich… READ MORE
I love basil; it may actually be my favorite thing to grow, and my daughter eats it like lettuce. Beyond the way it tastes with tomatoes or in a salad, I love the way it perfumes my yard and garden all summer long. Every year, I find myself planting more basil than I could ever… READ MORE
If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling while wrestling with a hose, or having a deep conversation with a plant only to be interrupted by a nosy squirrel, then you’re in for a treat with the Garden Giggles Story Collection. READ MORE
Featured Videos
Garlic is my most-favorite herb of all time. I cook with it daily, and when I found out I had a nightshade sensitivity, I almost had a panic attack in the moments it took me to Google whether garlic was a nightshade. It's not—crisis averted. READ MORE
Do you know how to store potatoes? What about carrots and other root crops? Did you know that apples can last up to five months in your basement? There are so many ways to preserve your fall harvest! When you're getting ready to store your winter crops of fruits and vegetables, you're ultimately looking to… READ MORE
In November, I dream of soups and stews, cozy sweaters and yummy Thanksgiving food! Here in the Northeast (5b Hardiness Zone), November signals the end of the outdoor growing months and a big end-of-season clean up. READ MORE
When you come up with a plan for your garden, do you usually have a cuisine in mind? I know that when I plant, I always want to have tomatoes and basil on hand for Caprese salads, pesto, and tomato sauce. Though in reality, because my garden is always so full of fresh juicy vegetables, they sometimes go to waste because I haven't gotten to them in time. I'm sure you know what I mean, frustrating, right? READ MORE
I’m going to warn you, the delectable baked pear recipe you’re about to embark on is not a health food recipe. It might look innocent, but it’s a heavenly dessert. READ MORE
Featured Kits
Discover how to grow a bountiful vegetable garden, from planting your first seed to bringing fresh produce to your table, with our comprehensive guide designed for both novice and experienced gardeners. There's something special about biting into a perfectly ripe tomato, still warm from the sun. Or savoring the satisfying crunch of a freshly picked… READ MORE
Featured Recipes
In my family, Sweet Potato Pecan Crumble is a staple of holiday meals. We don't know who first made it, but it's been passed down for generations. Whoever created it is my personal hero because this sweet potato dish is always a treat to behold! Is it a side? Is it a dessert? Yes and… READ MORE
This Ultimate Berry Crumble is everything you want in an ooey, gooey dessert. It's got fresh berries and buttery crumbles, and it's not too sweet. I first had a taste when a friend made it for a birthday party I attended. I was hooked after the first bite! I've been making the Ultimate Berry Crumble… READ MORE
There’s something so satisfying about rich, warm fruit with crispy, crumbly bits mixed in. With ice cream or on its own, this crumble is bound to become a comfort food favorite on your family menu. READ MORE
You know how they say be careful what you wish for? Well, let me tell you about the summer my little peach tree decided to overachieve, and what led me to this Peach Crumble. I'd planted it a few years back, more as a hopeful experiment than anything else. This year, it exploded with fruit… READ MORE
You know those desserts that make you close your eyes and sigh with pure joy? Well, folks, let me introduce you to my Raspberry Custard Crumble. This little number came into my life on a rainy Tuesday when my daughter declared she was "dying of boredom" (ah, the drama of six-year olds). I figured baking… READ MORE