A few years back, I grew two little pumpkins that changed everything about how I look at fall. They weren’t just any pumpkins — they were Sugar Pie Pumpkins, the small, sweet kind that bakers love for their creamy texture and rich flavor. I planted them in our raised hugelkultur beds here in Texas, and five months later, I was turning those homegrown pumpkins into the best Brown Sugar Brandy Pumpkin Pie my family had ever tasted.
Category: gardening
White Mulberry Tree Guide: Edible Berries, Uses, and Growing Tips
When we moved into our home in Texas, we never expected to find a hidden gem in our backyard. It wasn’t until a sunny afternoon in April that we noticed the white mulberries starting to ripen and fall from a mature tree just a few steps away from our door.
How to Grow and Care for Peach Trees in Texas (Beginner’s Guide)
Peach trees have long been a symbol of abundance and health, and their cultivation in Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early settlers. Growing peach trees in Central Texas can be a rewarding endeavor, yielding sweet, juicy fruit right in your backyard.
How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm for Tea, Salves, and Natural Remedies
A Day in the Wildflowers: On a warm July afternoon, Neil and Leon, my curious young sons, found themselves captivated by the enchanting beauty of a wildflower garden. Accompanied by their grandmother, Babuyla, they discovered the Melissa lemon balm, a herb with delicate pink flowers and a sweet, refreshing scent. They loved the stacked shape…
How to Grow Texas Sunflowers + 5 Creative Ways to Use the Seeds
How to Grow and Use Sunflowers We have a neighbor whose front yard is completely covered with massively tall sunflowers, probably because of the latest trend to attract bees, encourage native flower growth, and save money on cutting lawn grass. The neighbor told us we could take as many sunflowers as we want since he…
Pecan Tree Growing Guide: From Seedlings to Harvesting Your Own Pecans
About Pecan Trees: One sunny afternoon, my young son Neil discovered the fascinating world of pecan trees. Our front yard boasts a giant, mature pecan tree that regularly drops green pecan pods. Intrigued by these mysterious nuts, Neil started collecting them in the storage compartment of his push car. Although the nuts were not yet…
Texas Summer Eggs in Purgatory
How to Make “Texas Summer Eggs in Purgatory”: Shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, has been a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is both hearty and versatile, perfect for any meal of the day. Today, we’ll explore a unique twist on this beloved dish:…
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home (Beginner’s Indoor Growing Guide)
Exploring Oyster Mushrooms: On a bright autumn afternoon, while taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, we stumbled upon an unexpected treasure trove of nature. Neil, my curious toddler, was the first to notice them—a cluster of mushrooms sprouting near a tree stump on a neighbor’s lawn. His excitement was palpable as he pointed and…
How to Grow Tomatoes in Texas
My Experience Growing 5 Tomato Varieties in Central Texas: Tomatoes are a garden favorite, especially in Central Texas, where the climate provides ideal conditions for growing a variety of delicious and vibrant tomatoes. I’ve found that these five varieties of tomato do particularly well here. Here’s how to grow these five different tomato varieties, including…
Summer Garden French Quiche Lorraine
A beautiful and joyful celebration of summer, this Quiche Lorraine recipe uses the freshest farm-raised eggs, homegrown tomatoes and zucchini from Reilly Farms. It is a simple, favorite dish among the French who eat this lovely quiche for any meal of the day, but I made it for lunch. You will need 2 hours to…