Summer 2023 – That’s a Wrap
Summer 2023 ended as one of the mildest in memory. Temperatures never got to the triple digits and now, on the eve of autumn, it's raining and in the 60s
Summer Ends with Sunflower Seeds
The last of the giant sunflowers fell today, but the birds haven't gotten to it. So we have a cool giant sunflower head full of seeds for next season.
Root Beer Plant (Piper auritum)
A lush Central/South American native Piper auritum has root beer scented leaves and a peppery-licorice flavor. Also known as Mexican pepperleaf or hoja santa
Got a Little Sauced this Weekend
We finally reached peak tomato and spent the weekend processing them. All told we ended up with 120+ pints of tomato and pasta sauce, plus lots of real ketchup.
Chicken Mystery Solved (Sort of)
Turns out the tiny mystery chicken that made itself at home with our flock is a hen and doing her best to earn her keep by laying some adorably tiny eggs.
The best zucchini varieties for home gardens
We grew three different heirloom zucchini varieties and rated them based on space, productivity, and flavor to find the best combo for our home vegetable garden
Vegetable Garden Trials: Carbon Black Heirloom Tomatoes
Two thirds of the way through the growing season, Carbon Black Heirloom Tomatoes have been a standout for the size and quantity of the tomatoes they produce
Recipe: Old Fashioned Ketchup (c. 1915)
Wonder how classic, homemade American ketchup tastes? It tastes like awesome! If you've got a few tomatoes, here's a simple, delicious ketchup recipe from 1915.
Pickled Cherry / Grape Tomatoes Recipe
Got a bumper crop of mini tomatoes and wondering what to do before they go bad? Here's a super simple way to preserve and enjoy your tomatoes all year long
Post Hurricane Tomato Explosion
Tropical Storm Hilary was a bust except for the water. 2" of rain in 12 hrs has our tomatoes bursting like a tourist's pants at an all-you-can-eat Vegas buffet.