June’s birthstone is the pearl. Its name comes from the Old French word, “perle” which, oddly, is derived from the Latin word for “leg”—as in “leg-of-lamb.” It is believed that this was a reference to the shape of mollusk shells, where pearls form. Interestingly, pearl is the only birthstone that is not mined from the

Watermelon can be trickier to grow than its close relatives: cucumber and squash. But a combination of warm soil, steady moisture, and proper fertilization can lead to sweet success. Here are some important tips. Getting Started: Two Methods 1) Indoor Preparation & Transplanting 2) Direct Seeding Outdoors Water Watermelons require consistent soil moisture for best

Have you ever wondered if the poppy seeds on the bagel you’re eating come from the same poppy flower that produces opium? They actually do, but they have been scrubbed of the milky substance which forms illegal narcotics and therefore are perfectly safe to eat. Don’t be alarmed: The poppy flowers growing in your backyard are a different species! There are 120 varieties of poppies—only one of which you cannot grow in the US. Learn all about poppy flower history, nutrition, folklore, and tips for growing. Read on.

You may already be familiar with threatening browntail moth caterpillars—especially if you live in the northeastern US. Found primarily on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod, the dangers of browntail moth caterpillars are two-fold: They cause skin rashes and also feed on trees to the point of killing them. Due to their seasonal resurgence, this bothersome creature is receiving lots of attention lately. As the weather warms and people begin heading outdoors, browntail moth caterpillars are also emerging from their webs in the trees. For information on when and where to spot them, how to treat a browntail moth rash, and how to prevent your plant life from being destroyed, keep reading.

Think those cute little houses in the backyard are just for birds? Think again! They can be for bees, too. This year, as people become more aware of bee populations declining, bee houses are taking center stage as popular garden decorations. They are charming, valuable habitats for our essential pollinators. After all, we wouldn't be able to live without the bees! Learn how to save the bees simply: Hang a bee house today! Read on.

The traditional May birthstone is emerald. Its name comes from the Greek word for green — a color classically associated with spring and fertility. Likewise, this rare gemstone signifies rebirth, but it also symbolizes: truth, wisdom, and intuition. Learn fascinating facts, folklore, and healing properties believed by ancient cultures around the world! Emerald Folklore Ancient

Love sky events? Mark your calendar for March 13-14 (Thursday night and Friday morning) to catch the Moon turning red during a total lunar eclipse. You won’t need binoculars or telescopes to see it (and unlike an eclipse of the Sun, no eye protection will be needed). Here is everything you need to know about

If you’ve been wondering if nature’s timing is off, you’re not alone! Reports of plants blooming at odd times and migratory birds showing up early or late are becoming more and more common. Climate change has made nature’s documented cycles unreliable, and we can no longer use a standard calendar to plan our gardens. This is why savvy gardeners are turning to "phenology," a practice which is more in-tune with nature and less dependent on set dates. Learn how to read Mother Nature's cues and plant in synch with the environment. Read on.

The diamond is April's birthstone. Its name comes from the Greek word, “adamas,” meaning unconquerable and indestructible. What makes it so special? Learn about its legendary hardness, unmatched sparkle, and mysterious folklore. We explain why ancient Egyptians wore diamonds on their ring fingers and other surprising facts about this rare gem. Read on.

We are excited to announce: Our secret formula for predicting the weather will travel aboard the Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station—set to launch April 6th!