Perpetual Learning
Growing a giant pumpkin isn’t just about luck; it’s a calculated dance with nature, especially here in Zone 4b where our growing season is a bit shorter. This year, I managed to grow a pumpkin tipping the scales at nearly 1000 pounds, and I want to share what I learned along the way. Choosing the … Read more
August 15, 2025 There are days when I look around my garden, both the patch of earth outside and the leafy friends inside my home, and I get this overwhelming feeling. It’s a mix of pride and a touch of panic. “I fear I’ve let them gain too much power…” I whisper to myself, usually … Read more
As a gardener, I’ve learned that some of the best things take time. This year, my Hoya, a plant I’ve nurtured for quite a while, finally decided it was ready to show off. Seeing those delicate, star-shaped blooms appear after months, even years, of patient waiting was incredibly rewarding. It reminds me a lot of … Read more
Let’s talk basil. This fragrant herb is a staple in my kitchen, perfect for pesto, caprese salads, and so much more. But like many gardeners, I’ve had my share of basil battles. This year started off with a bang – plump seedlings, vibrant green leaves, the promise of a bountiful harvest. Then, disaster struck. My … Read more
There’s a certain magic that happens when the ingredients for a classic BLT come straight from your own backyard. This year, however, my garden has been a bit of a rollercoaster, thanks to an unusual amount of rain. While the excess moisture made some things flourish, it also presented its own set of challenges, especially … Read more
It’s August 11, 2025, and I’m standing in my backyard, which looks nothing like it did just two years ago. What was once a pretty standard suburban lawn is now a vibrant, buzzing haven for pollinators. This transformation wasn’t overnight, but it’s been one of the most rewarding gardening projects I’ve ever undertaken. When I … Read more
We all have those moments, don’t we? The ones where you step back, look at what you’ve done, and think, “Oh, Elias, what were you thinking?” Well, I had one of those moments this past week in the garden. It wasn’t a disaster, by any means, but it was definitely a mistake. A learning experience, … Read more
Hey everyone, Elias here! This year in the garden, I’ve noticed something fascinating with a few of my tomato plants – a bit of a genetic surprise package. It’s those unexpected twists and turns that make gardening so exciting, right? Today, I want to dive into what might be causing some of those wonderfully weird … Read more
As a gardener, I’ve learned that patience is often rewarded with the most spectacular sights. And for me, nothing beats the arrival of hummingbird season. This year, the first tiny flash of iridescent green zipping past my window on August 9th, 2025, felt like a true gift. It’s a signal that the summer’s hard work … Read more
It’s mid-August here in the Midwest, and my tomato plants are usually bursting with ripe fruit. But this year, I’ve had a few puzzled emails and comments from fellow gardeners asking, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” It’s a frustrating sight when you’ve nurtured those plants from tiny seedlings, only to see the fruit developing … Read more