We have found that an electric fence is a vital part in the success of our garden. Previous years have shown us that a wide array of pests will make themselves at home in our garden if it is left wide open. An electric fence does not keep everything out, but it certainly helps! I... Continue Reading →
A Tour Through my Summer Garden
“But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit.”... Continue Reading →
All About Tomato Suckers
Tomato season is just around the corner, ya'll! Soon we'll be carrying in baskets filled to the brim with bright red Romas, huge Beefsteaks, deeply colored Brandywines, and delicious Cherries. There's nothing like a homegrown tomato. We've discussed a lot about tomatoes: How to Plant Tomato Starts, How to Can Tomato Sauce, How to Save... Continue Reading →
How to Grow Pumpkins
Pumpkins can be made into sweet or savory dishes, used as cozy outdoor decorations during autumn, or sold for profit. Growing pumpkins really is very easy. They require very little maintenance, spread like crazy, and typically produce more pumpkins than you can imagine! We've discussed a lot of gardening topics around here. Check these out:... Continue Reading →
How to Properly Water the Garden
The line between under-watering, over-watering, and supplying just enough water to the garden is a very fine one. It can be difficult to know if you're doing it right before the effects become detrimental to your plants. Keeping a garden is one of my favorite summer pastimes, but it's more than just a hobby for... Continue Reading →
Managing the Garden with a Schedule
During my first year of gardening, I found myself very overwhelmed by all the weeding that needed to be done. June and July came, the weeds grew faster than I could keep up with...oh, I was also pregnant and experiencing a lot of hip and back pain. I soon realized that I needed a better... Continue Reading →
My Herb Garden
Spring is in the air here on the Hilltop! I can feel it in my lungs. The sun shines more frequently, flowers emerge from their winter hiding places, calves fill the pastures, and a newness spreads all around us. Oh, how refreshing springtime is for the soul! One of my goals for this year is... Continue Reading →
How to Plant Tomato Starts
Tomatoes are one of my favorite crops to grow in the summer garden. If cared for properly, one plant will supply you with an abundance of fruit! I so enjoy watching the first tiny fruits appear, grow green, and slowly transition to their ripe colors. I've written quite a bit of information about growing tomatoes.... Continue Reading →
Homemade Eggshell Powder
We own a small flock of backyard chickens for laying eggs. And boy, are we ever getting an abundance of eggs during this early spring season! As we learn the in and outs of raising chickens, we also strive to utilize every aspect of them as possible. From Letting Chickens Till Our Garden, to saving... Continue Reading →
Knowing When to Plant a Garden
Spring will be here very soon! As I am writing this, the sun is shining and the next two days will be near 70 degrees F! Times such as these are a breath of fresh air in the midst of many, many gloomy and cold winter days. As spring approaches, it is time to begin... Continue Reading →