5 Must-Have Gadgets to Transition Your Garden Into Fall
Fall brings shorter days, cooler nights, and plenty of garden chores. From shredding leaves into free mulch to staying ahead of frost warnings, these five gadgets make autumn transitions smoother and smarter. Discover the tools that save time, protect your plants, and keep your garden thriving well into the season.
REVIEW: Which Smart Thermostat Is Right for You? Ecobee vs. Nest vs. Honeywell
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can save energy, lower bills, and make your home more comfortable—but not all models are created equal. I’ve tested and researched the most popular options, from Ecobee and Nest to Honeywell, Amazon, Meross, and Sensi, to help you find the one that works best for your smart home setup.
How to Preserve Blueberries for Winter
Blueberry season is short, but your harvest doesn’t have to be. With this simple freezing and vacuum sealing method, you can enjoy sweet, juicy berries all winter long—perfect for smoothies, baking, or snacking.
Three Tried-and-True Ways to Store Potatoes
From curing and storing in a cool, dry place to blanching, freezing, and even pressure canning, here are three reliable ways to keep your potatoes fresh and ready to eat all winter long.
Dry Farming Tomatoes: Lessons From a Volunteer Vine
A volunteer grape tomato thriving in the gravel by my carport led me to discover the power of dry farming. Without a drop of water or fertilizer, this resilient little plant mirrors what Oregon State University researchers have found: tomatoes can flourish without irrigation—and often taste even better.
Which Instant Pot Is Right for You? A Gardener’s Guide to the Best Model
I’ve cooked with an Instant Pot for years—soups, stews, rice, quinoa, even homemade yogurt from my garden’s bounty. When I started looking at new models, the choices were overwhelming. So I did the research for you.
Preserve the Harvest: My Must-Have Canning & Freezing Gear for Late Summer
End of summer is my cue to stash every last tomato, bean, and cucumber. These are the exact jars, lids, sealers, and gadgets I use to can, dehydrate, and freeze the garden—fast.
How to Harvest, Cure, and Store Onions for Long-Lasting Flavor
Harvesting onions is just the beginning, curing them properly ensures you’ll enjoy your crop for months. After years of growing Walla Walla sweets, I’ve found a simple greenhouse-frame drying rack that makes the process easy and effective.
Traeger Pro Series Review: Why This Pellet Grill Won My Garden-to-Table Summer
Looking for a no-fuss backyard grill that nails low-and-slow ribs, weeknight chicken, and garden veggies—without flare-ups or lighter fluid? After a few months with the Traeger Pro Series 22, here’s what I’ve learned, what I love, and how it stacks up against Weber, Pit Boss, and gas.
Fall Garden Must-Haves: Why August Is the Time to Start Planting
Fall garden season starts now! Learn why August is the best time to plan and what tools, crops, and tips you’ll need to grow a thriving autumn harvest.
OH NO! Powdery Mildew in my pumpkins, now what?
Noticed white patches on your pumpkin leaves or stems? You’re not alone. Powdery mildew is a common problem, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your plants healthy and productive.
How to Care for Everbearing Strawberries in August and September
Keep those strawberries coming! Learn how to care for everbearing strawberry plants through late summer and early fall with tips on watering, fertilizing, pruning runners, and prepping for cooler weather.
Ditch the Wire: Why I’m Never Going Back to Traditional Tomato Cages
Tired of floppy wire tomato cages? These modular square tomato cages saved my overgrown plants and held strong all season. Here’s why I’m never going back to wire.
August Pumpkin Care: The Best Fertilizer Tips for Big Fall Pumpkins
August is a very important month for growing pumpkins! Learn how to fertilize your pumpkins the right way to boost growth, encourage fruit development, and get a better fall harvest—plus tips on timing, nutrients, and watering.
Banish the Roly-Poly: How to Keep Pill Bugs from Mowing Down Your Seedlings
Roly-polies chewed through my pole-bean row—so I found the fastest, eco-friendly ways to boot them out. Here’s how to protect every tender sprout.
Garden Center Money‑Pits: 11 Plants and Products to Skip (and What to Do Instead)
Before you fill your cart with veggie starts and “specialty” soils, check this list of 11 garden‑center impulse buys that cost more money and cause more headaches than they’re worth. From bolting lettuce transplants to gallon‑size tomatoes already in bloom, I break down why they fail and what to do instead.
The Essential Guide to Hardening Off Plants: How to Successfully Transition from Greenhouse to Garden
Discover the essential steps for successfully transitioning your greenhouse-grown plants outdoors. Learn practical tips, common mistakes, and helpful gadgets to make hardening off effortless!
REVIEW: Tempest Weather System, The best on the market
Thinking about the Tempest weather station? Find out if its precise local weather insights, easy installation, and smart home integrations make it the right choice for your home.
REVIEW: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Discover how upgrading to the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller and Tempest weather station can transform your yard management, save water, and provide accurate local weather insights. Are these smart home investments worth it?
Grow Your Best Tomatoes Ever: Choosing Varieties, Culinary Uses, and Spring Planting Tips
Ready to grow your best tomatoes ever? From selecting flavorful varieties like Roma, Beefsteak, Cherry, and Heirloom, to mastering spring planning techniques, this guide will help you cultivate a thriving tomato garden and enjoy fresh, preserved, or dried tomatoes year-round.