Gardening

Early spring homestead garden being prepared in a cool climate

Gardening This post shares how I approach planning and planting a homestead garden in a cooler climate, along with links to the methods I rely on year after year. I am so looking forward to getting out and do some gardening, it’s been a long winter with lots of cold and snow this year. On … Read more

Greenhouse Roofing Options

I consider my greenhouse to be much more than just a structure in my backyard; it’s a crucial environment for cultivating plants year-round. The greenhouse roofing I choose has a significant impact on everything from temperature control to how much light my plants receive. In this post, I’ll explain why selecting the right greenhouse roof … Read more

My Underground Greenhouse

Our Partially Underground Greenhouse Project For years, I’ve dreamed of having a partially underground greenhouse, and now it’s finally happening. This project has been in the planning stages for a long time, and watching it come to life beside our garden has been incredibly rewarding. We chose to build the greenhouse partially underground to help … Read more

Extend Your Vegetable Growing Season

Learn How to Extend Your Growing Season Learning how to extend your vegetable growing season can make the difference between a successful harvest and crops that never fully mature—especially in cooler or northern climates. Where I live, extending the growing season isn’t optional. Without some form of protection, many crops simply wouldn’t make it to … Read more

Vegetable Garden Layout Plans

Vegetable garden layout plan drawn on paper for planting

Vegetable garden layout plans are an important part of successful gardening. Putting your garden plan on paper before you start planting helps you decide what you will grow, where to plant, and how much space you’ll need. A little planning upfront can save time, prevent overcrowding, and lead to healthier plants and better harvests. Planning … Read more

Companion Planting: A Simple Way to Increase Your Garden Harvest

Companion planting in a vegetable garden with tomatoes, basil, marigolds, carrots, and onions growing together

Companion planting can dramatically increase the harvest from your vegetable garden — sometimes in ways that feel almost magical. By planting certain crops together, you can naturally improve plant health, reduce pest problems, and attract beneficial pollinators. Best of all, companion planting allows you to garden without relying on chemical pesticides, making it a perfect … Read more

Learn How to Make Compost for Your Garden

Garden compost pile breaking down organic materials

Do you want to know how to compost, what materials to add to your compost pile, and what kind of bin you need? Learning how to compost is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your garden soil. If you’re growing an organic vegetable garden, compost will quickly become one of the … Read more

Starting Vegetable Garden Seeds

Starting vegetable garden seeds indoors in seed trays

Starting Vegetable Garden Seeds Indoors Starting vegetable seeds indoors is one of the best ways to get a jump on the gardening season—especially if you live in a northern or cooler climate. But when should you actually start your seeds so they’re ready for planting outdoors at the right time? When to Start Vegetable Seeds … Read more