Jessalyn Krenicki

What Exactly are Spices? In broad terms, both herbs and spices come from plants, but herbs are usually the fresh leaves. On the other hand, spices are typically dried, and they make use of many other parts of the plant- root, stalk, seed or fruit. Both herbs and spices add flavor to the dish, however herbs are more subtle while spices have a much stronger flavor. Plan Your Garden with Planter!...

So begins our series of various garden plans to inspire you! Today, we’re focusing on an assortment plants that we can use for tea. Whether it’s the fruit, leaves, root, flower, or even the seeds themselves, there’s incredible range in the kind of plants that can be used for a wonderful cup of tea! We’ll be focusing on some of the more common plants in this Growing Guide. Harvesting Some plants may taste better dried or fresh, so experiment!...

Is the lovely local canopy shedding its warm colors into your yard? Well, why not use it to your benefit? Putting your leaves to work means you’re returning your trees’ hard work and nutrients back into the ecosystem! Why should I bother? Leaves are free mulch, fertilizer, or insulation all in one! They’re very good at holding water, and full of nutrients. They’re a rich source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and particularly carbon- all gathered over the whole warm season....

This growing guide was planned and written before Hurricane Hillary had formed; our thoughts go out to those impacted in California, Idaho, and Oregon. Please stay safe out there! The climate has been particularly disturbed lately, and it has not only thrown growing seasons into disarray. Storms such as hurricanes are increasing in frequency, and these can cause some serious damage to many parts of your life, including your garden. It’s important to learn how to best recover when Mother Nature decides to throw a wrench (or a tree, or a power line) into your garden....

Tomatoes hold a special place in the hearts of many gardeners. While basic tomato growing practices are well-known, diving into advanced care techniques can elevate your tomato game to new heights. From strategic fruit removal to battling pesky diseases, let’s explore a comprehensive guide that goes beyond the usual and takes your tomato cultivation skills up a notch! Pruning for Vigor Pruning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move. Try pinching off suckers- those side shoots that appear at the junction of the main stem and branches....

Hey there, gardeners! Have you been dealing with nutrient deficiencies in your garden? It’s a common hurdle for gardeners to overcome, but don’t worry- nutrients are something that is very manageable to resolve and maintain. What nutrients are important in the garden? There’s a lot of different nutrients that go into our growing plants, but let’s talk about the essential nutrients your plants need. There are the three macronutrients that plants require in larger quantities, often referred to as N-P-K:...

Many families have both plant babies and fur babies- but sometimes, these two responsibilities can clash. Are you having trouble keeping your pets out of your garden? Between fencing, various additives, or even embracing the chaos, there’s lots of ways to handle such an issue. Read on to see some of our recommendations! Why is Pet-Proofing Necessary? Pet-proofing your garden is crucial to protect the safety and health of your pets....

Are you looking to give your plants an extra boost and achieve that lush, thriving garden you’ve always dreamed of? Well, look no further! Welcome to our guide for anything you might want to put in your dirt; we’re diving into the wonderful world of soil amendments. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these will revolutionize the way you nurture your plants. These special ingredients can fix nutrient deficiencies, soil compaction, alkaline/acidic soils, and the like!...

Are you looking to take a bigger step in gardening? Planting a tree or a shrub can be a long-term commitment, but it can be a great way to expand your gardening horizons. Once planted and mature, though, your new plant (or plants) will offer up harvests for years to come and bring environmental benefits as well. Read on for tips on how to best plant trees and shrubs on your lands!...

Have you noticed that your plants have been struggling in your soil? Maybe when you water your garden, it doesn’t seem to soak in, or your plants leaves seem sad and limp despite the rain? Your garden might be having issues with water drainage! But never fear- What is the main cause of poor soil drainage? Compaction! The weight of machinery, vehicles, garden equipment, and people pushes the particles of soil together tightly, reducing the spaces of air in the soil....