National Seed Swap Day is a great opportunity to trade seeds, share knowledge, and meet new friends! Beat the winter blues by organizing a get-together on the last Saturday of January (when National Seed Swap Day is traditionally observed). Here are some ideas to get growing! We also share some important information about heirloom seeds

Some farmers are content with milking cows or growing corn and soybeans. But what if you want to try your hand at producing a more unusual crop or agricultural product? We looked far and wide for the weirdest, wildest, and most-trailblazing 21st century options for the nontraditional farmhand. Here’s what we found. Can You Stand

Hey FA readers! When we asked you which fall flavor you loved more: pumpkins or apples, we were pleasantly surprised to hear you say apples! To honor your interest, we contacted an expert to answer your frequently asked questions and to learn about newer varieties like Cosmic Crisp! Read on to learn more about apples

Have you ever had a skin rash after weeding or harvesting in the garden? Some plants and fruits can cause painful dermatitis. We are calling attention to one kind of skin rash here so that you can know how to avoid it. It’s called “Margarita burn” or Phytophotodermatitis (Phyto-photo dermatitis). While it may sound like

Broccoli is a surprisingly complicated vegetable and can be hard to grow. It is one of the top vegetables that our readers said they had difficulty growing—and for good reason! But, if you are up for the challenge, follow our helpful growing guide below! General notes: Planting timing and watering details are very specific. Temperature

Brussels sprouts can be easy to grow. The trick is sowing seeds so that buds will develop after the mid to late summer heat is over. To do this, it’s recommended to plant seedlings around the start of summer so they will mature in the cool weather, ready for fall or early winter harvest. Here

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.