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I love to go through garlic by the truckload. I find ways to include it in just about any and every savory recipe I use. I love garlic in all cuisines from Italian to Asian, to Indian. One of my favorite things to make is roasted garlic. I love, love, love it! It is so delicious. There are so many reasons why people grow their own food these days – from saving money on groceries to knowing exactly what goes into your body when you eat something. But one thing everyone agrees on is that homegrown produce tastes better than …

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Gardens are a beautiful thing, after all that is what this magazine blog is all about.  However, have you ever stopped to think about the true meaning of the word, Garden?  That is what we are here to talk about today.  The fundamental basics of a true garden. A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, […]

Winter is tough on plants, which are often exposed to hard wind, rain, and freezing temperatures, not to mention snow. Luckily, there are ways to protect the plants in your garden and yard from frost. When the temperature drops to freezing, or 32 degrees, frost damage can be minimal and only affect a leaf or two. But if the temperature continues to drop, plant cells will freeze, and nonhardy plants will die. Of course, the best way to protect your garden from frost is to only grow plants that can withstand the frost. Ask a qualified local nurseryman what plants are …

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Whether you live where it rains or where it pours, there’s a great, easy way you can conserve water for garden use. Where I live (Calif.) that’s a very big deal, as we Californians head into a third consecutive drought year. Rain “harvesting” isn’t a new concept, but let’s just say this oldie is a goodie. Collecting Water – photo by Prem Anand Whether you use a wine barrel to collect rainfall from your rooftop or recycle wastewater from household sinks, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines, you’re doing your water bill and the planet well. It’s as simple as setting …

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Many people in the world are apartment dwellers.  Living in larger cities such as Los Angeles or New York City is it virtually impossible to not live in an apartment.  So, even though you may live in an apartment, like I did for the majority of my adult life so far, doesn’t mean you don’t care to garden or want a beautiful outdoor living space. So here is a great video I found on tips for growing a porch or balcony garden.  The key is utilizing pots and planters, the proper plants, and figuring out what is right for your environment and …

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Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably quite familiar with the magazine, Better Homes and Gardens.  After all, Better Homes and Gardens is the fourth most popular selling magazine in all of the United States!  The incredibly popular magazine focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining. The magazine was founded in 1922 and is published once a month by the Meredith Corporation. The Meredith Corporation publishes a number of books on home economics and gardening under the BH&G brand, the best known of which is the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, colloquially known as the “Red Plaid” book. …

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Believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to prune fruit trees. According to certified arborist Michael Farmer, who resides in Sacramento, Calif., pruning fruit trees in the early spring allows wounds to heal, and also allows you to see the buds to avoid. Fruit tree pruning is beneficial in that it promotes fruit tree health, disease management, and better fruit yield. In addition, fruit tree pruning helps control the size and shape of your tree. There are three types of fruit tree pruning, and each is conducted according to the type of tree in question. The Central-Leader SystemApple, …

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Have you ever gone into a garden center and seen those beautiful hanging baskets that are filled to overflowing with beautiful blooms.  I’m sure you have, and I am sure that you have seen the price tag on them. These beautiful baskets can run you up to a hundred dollars, sometimes more and if you are lucky, you will probably end up spending about thirty or forty dollars on the basket. For new gardeners, those hanging baskets can be a little overwhelming.  On one hand, everyone would love to have a hanging basket or two, or three, but for many, …

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