How to Control Aphids in the Garden Naturally

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How to Control Aphids in the Garden Naturally

You stroll through your garden one morning to find that your healthy, thriving plants are covered in tiny green, black, or white specks. They’re aphids! But where did they come from and how did they take over your plants so quickly? More importantly, how can you get rid of them — and keep them from coming back? Aphids are some of the most common and frustrating insect pests that gardeners face. Although they’re frequent garden foes, they’re not invincible. With a few consistent strategies, you’ll be able to manage the damage they do. A few aphids on your plants today can easily turn into dozens in less than a week, and soon your plants may turn yellow and die.

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Best Natural Garden Sprays: Neem Oil and Baking Soda Explained

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Best Natural Garden Sprays: Neem Oil and Baking Soda Explained

If you’re a gardener, you’ve dealt with garden pests before. This is especially true if you have an edible garden. Too many gardeners aim to eliminate pests completely, but this is neither realistic nor good for your local ecosystem. Yet this doesn’t mean that you have to sit back and do nothing when herbivore pests invade your garden and seek to destroy all your hard work. In fact, there are lots of things you can do to minimize the damage from insect pests without reaching for synthetic fungicides or pesticides.

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Mid-Spring Planting: Easy Veggies, Fruits & Flowers for Beginners

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Mid-Spring Planting: Easy Veggies, Fruits & Flowers for Beginners

If you’ve ever turned to magazines, gardening shows, or even your local nursery’s stock to try and plan your spring garden, you’ll know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information – some of it conflicting – you can find out there. This is especially true if you’re new to gardening. As the days become warmer and longer, more people start shopping for plants and gardening supplies. It really is a perfect time to start planning a food and/or aesthetic garden, even if the weather hasn’t quite warmed up enough for you to transplant everything into beds outdoors.

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How Big Food Monopolies Threaten Food Security and Public Health

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How Big Food Monopolies Threaten Food Security and Public Health

In the fall of 2024, over 12 million pounds of meat were recalled because of a potential contamination with listeria, a bacteria that can cause stillbirth as well as serious illness in people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems. In the United States, we’ve gotten used to these kinds of recalls, but we rarely link the prevalence of food-borne illnesses to the monopolies enjoyed by a select number of food companies. Did you know that just four companies --Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef--control 85% of the beef market, and four --Pilgrim's Pride, Tyson (again), Perdue, and Sanderson Farms -- control 60% of the poultry market in the US?

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The Science of Healthy Soil: What Your Spring Garden Needs to Thrive

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The Science of Healthy Soil: What Your Spring Garden Needs to Thrive

If you’ve ever planted a spring garden only to find that it didn’t do as well as it had the year before, chances are high that your soil is the problem. Even if you faithfully add compost to your garden beds and use no-till methods, you may still find that your garden suffers from lackluster growth, or that your vegetables are prone to diseases and pest infestations.

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DIY vs. Pre-Made Garden Beds: Which One Is Best for Your Garden?

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DIY vs. Pre-Made Garden Beds: Which One Is Best for Your Garden?

Raised garden beds are a fantastic way to boost your gardening game, helping you improve soil quality and drainage and ease the strain on your back. But before you start planting fresh veggies and colorful flowers, you've got a big question to answer:

Should you build your own raised bed or buy one pre-made?

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Gardening for Beginners: 15 Simple Tips to Start Your Food Garden with Confidence

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Gardening for Beginners: 15 Simple Tips to Start Your Food Garden with Confidence

Have you been thinking about starting your very first food garden? You’re in good company. More people are starting to grow at least some of their own food. There are many reasons for it, but among them is a growing realization that gardening has physical and mental health benefits, and a desire to have access to fresh, organic food without having to spend a lot for it. Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs is one of the most satisfying ways to eat healthier, save money, and enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and moderate exercise while you’re at it.

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What Plants Grow Best in an Indoor Kratky Hydroponic System?

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What Plants Grow Best in an Indoor Kratky Hydroponic System?

If you’re anything like me, you’re eagerly anticipating the start of the spring planting season. Normally I’m out in the cold tending to the half-frozen plants in my raised beds and unheated greenhouse, but this year I decided to start a Kratky hydroponic growing system indoors in my basement. The Kratky system is one of the best ways to grow indoors during the cold season, and it’s a great method for beginners and for those who don’t have a lot of resources to spend on gardening. With a few simple tools you can grow a lot of food inside your home, garage, or shed, and best of all, you don’t have to deal with most of the problems that gardeners face when growing plants outdoors, including pests and unpredictable weather conditions.

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The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

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The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your physical and mental health, reduce stress, and eat healthier, take a look at your own backyard (or windowsill, deck, or sunny room). Gardening is not just a fun and rewarding hobby—it’s a scientifically proven way to improve your well-being. From boosting immunity to providing essential exercise, growing your own food offers a number of health benefits that make it worth the effort.

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Seed Catalogs and Garden Journals: Your Keys to a Productive Harvest

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Seed Catalogs and Garden Journals: Your Keys to a Productive Harvest

Did you know that winter is a perfect time to begin planning your garden? A healthy, thriving garden begins with a good plan of action. While the ground may be resting, your preparations right now can set the stage for a productive and thriving garden this spring. Being able to achieve an abundant harvest needs well-thought-out plan. Two tools stand out as must-have essentials for every gardener who wants to be able to enjoy fresh-picked produce from early in the growing season until its end: seed catalogs and garden journals.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Winter Indoor Gardening with Hydroponics

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A Beginner’s Guide to Winter Indoor Gardening with Hydroponics

Winter gardening often feels like an uphill battle. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, and freezing temperatures can leave even the most dedicated gardeners feeling limited in their options. Traditional outdoor gardening during the cold season demands careful planning, the right tools, and often a considerable investment in cold-weather infrastructure like greenhouses or row covers. For many growers, it’s just not feasible—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on harvesting fresh, homegrown produce.

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Sustainable Farming with Plant Biostimulants: What You Need to Know

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Sustainable Farming with Plant Biostimulants: What You Need to Know

Plant biostimulants have gained considerable attention in modern agriculture for their ability to enhance plant growth and productivity. As farmers and agricultural experts seek sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, biostimulants are becoming a key component in the quest for higher yields and healthier crops. This article explores the concept of plant biostimulant products, their benefits, and their role in agriculture.

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The Therapeutic Benefits of Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden

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The Therapeutic Benefits of Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden

Gardening is increasingly recognized not just as a hobby but also as a therapeutic practice that can have significant health benefits. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Preventative Medicine Reports, engaging in regular gardening activities encourages physical exercise, promotes mental well-being, and provides opportunities for social interaction—all of which contribute to overall health.

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