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.
Tag: gardening
Firethorn (Pyracantha) Shrubs: Growing Tips and Wildlife Benefits
When I was a kid, there was a strange kind of fun plant in the backyard that only children could see. Among the usual grass, trees, and garden beds, there stood a bush full of bright red berries. They looked like tiny ornaments strung up by nature itself. We didn’t know what they were called…
Celeste Fig Tree Care: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Figs
We were visiting Neil and Leon grandparents, lounging around lazily on the background swing, which so happened to be positioned in front of what could only be described as a fig tree worthy of story books.
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…
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…
Crafting Your Own Echinacea Tincture
Echinacea, often known as the purple coneflower, is a powerful medicinal plant cherished for its immune-boosting properties. Making your own echinacea tincture at home allows you to harness these benefits in a natural, sustainable way. Echinacea can help reduce the severity and duration of colds, flu, and other infections. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory…
Chiggers ~ The Bane of Our Existence
How to get Rid of Chiggers and Treat Chigger Bites: Those awfully itchy bites that persist for over a week are probably chigger bites… What Are Chiggers? Chiggers, also known as harvest mites, are tiny pests that can cause significant discomfort for humans and animals alike. Their bites can lead to intense itching and skin…
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