Perpetual Learning
This time last year, my backyard was mostly lawn. Now, it’s a thriving testament to a year of learning, a little bit of dirt under my fingernails, and a whole lot of joy. My journey into gardening officially began in spring 2024, and I decided to focus on a couple of classics: peppers and tomatoes. … 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 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
Good morning from the garden! It’s August 3rd, 2025, and the air today has that crisp feel that hints at the changing season, even though summer is still in full swing. This morning, my first task was checking on the tomatoes. They’re absolutely loaded with fruit, and I’ve been harvesting a few pounds every other … Read more
As July draws to a close, my garden is bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer. This year, the tomatoes are particularly abundant, and the zucchini seems to be multiplying by the hour! It’s a wonderful problem to have, but it also means it’s time to think about preserving this bounty before it goes to … Read more