Nothing spoils a summer evening faster than the high-pitched hum of an incoming mosquito. And you know it’s never one; they always bring friends. It only takes a few bites …
Self-reliance is a very beautiful and practical way of living to strive for, which offers many rewards, mostly beyond the monetary realm. Yet, there are a few intrepid homesteaders out …
If you’re new to growing peas this year, by now, you’re noticing they’re getting pretty tall. And you’re probably scratching your head and thinking, “I wonder if these need a …
Far too often, tarragon is one of those herbs that gets shuffled to the back of your herb collection to be forgotten. But the wise chef knows the power of …
Note: Rural Sprout and the author are not medical experts, nor do we give out medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, we encourage you …
If you want to add a bit of height, texture, and a punch of vivid color to your landscape, there’s one bush I would recommend above all others: the beautyberry …
Container gardening has a lot of great things going for it. As a beginner-friendly introduction to growing fruits and vegetables, getting a container garden set up couldn’t be easier. All …
When it comes to superfoods, the elderberry stands out among its peers, offering an impressive array of health benefits and culinary delights from a tiny little berry. Bursting with antioxidants, …
You could say we have an obsession with compost around here. And why wouldn’t we? It’s the perfect organic soil amendment – nutrient-rich and filled with microbial life – that …
The imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae) is a notorious pest, known by gardeners all over North America. As lovely as they are, seeing the small white butterflies flit about your brassicas …
Can you think of a plant that, upon hearing how low maintenance it is, you just roll your eyes? Because how can it be low maintenance when you’ve managed to …
Nothing announces the arrival of summer better than the first bite into a sun-warmed strawberry. This berry is a summertime staple, from strawberry shortcake to home-canned strawberry jam. Heck, there …
For ages now, there has been a war waged against tomato suckers. Prune ‘em, pinch ‘em, cut ‘em off. That’s what gardeners have been told for generations. So that’s what …
The relationship between a plant and its environment is as old as time. Once a plant is in the ground, its ability to flourish has several limiting factors that go …
If you’ve got chickens, you already know they’re curious little buggers. You’ll often find them where you don’t want them, like in your flower bed or under the neighbor’s bird …
Hanging baskets, window boxes, railing planters, and a healthy number of terracotta pots are just the thing to elevate a monotone porch or patio into a heavenly place filled with …
Where I live in zone 5b, the final vestiges of winter are – at long last – behind us. Days past the last frost date, we had some very cool …
Many a gardener, both new and seasoned alike, have been surprised by the discovery of hard bumps running up and down the stem of their tomato plants. You may wonder, …
When I first started gardening in earnest, my learning zeal was as high as the leggy tomatoes I was growing. I was humble enough to know that I didn’t know …
In late spring, around the time the weather starts to be consistently nice – it happens. You’re outside, soaking up the sun, when you feel a tickle on your arm. …
As an overly-protective gardener, I’m equally excited and anxious about my vacation plans for this summer. I’m more than ready for a change of scenery, and the anticipation that comes …
Over the past few years, drought has become a common issue for gardeners everywhere. Locations that rarely had to worry about water issues in the past now deal with water …
Each spring, garden supplies and plants flood local stores. Whether you need seed starting media, a new trowel, or onion sets, you’ve got plenty of options. Among all these goodies, …
What could be better than a beautiful dragonfly zooming about the garden to brighten your day? Well, a flight of dragonflies or a static swarm has been known to top …