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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
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.
Sunset Before the Storm
This was the sunset in Northern San Diego County just before Hurricane Hilary arrived. It almost looks painted.
A Mid-Summer Stroll Through the Hanging Gourd Garden
Mid-summer's heat can be brutal on plants in the vegetable garden. To help protect the plants that don't do well in heat, we plant a hanging gourd garden
Garden Hack: Made in the Shade
Don't let late summer heat fry your flowers and vegetables. Here are four easy methods to throw a little shade on your garden and keep it producing into autumn
Mystery Chicken
Walked out to the chicken coop yesterday to be greeted by a tiny black speckled chicken waiting to get in. I have no idea where it came from or what breed it is
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