Figs. While commonly associated with decadent Roman living and the diets of the well-to-do, the ancient fig is actually far less delicate, and far easier to grow than what you’ve probably heard. Originating somewhere in Mesopotamia, the fig has been a delicacy for millennia, serving both as a standalone treat, and a natural sweetener. In fact, some interpretations of the Bible … [Read more...] about Fabulous Fig Facts
Gardening
Pawpaw Picking
Love tropical fruits, but live pretty far outside the tropical zone? Keep an eye out for the good old “Appalachian Banana.” Indigenous to the temperate regions of North America, the pawpaw gained a quite foothold thanks to colonial fans of the fruits. Two such men were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who cultivated pawpaws throughout Virginia; there, you can still find … [Read more...] about Pawpaw Picking
Can-Do Canning
Your garden is producing and your fruit trees have ripened, but you want to save some of the bounty for the cold winter months. How do you go about it? Turns out, the answer for storing produce is an old and simple one--canning. Or more accurately, “jarring”. Read on for how to convert your glass Mason jars into food-saving solutions. What You Need To get started you’ll … [Read more...] about Can-Do Canning
Beetlemania
Do you wake up to skeletonized plants, wondering what could possibly be chewing your leaves down to their literal veins? Notice odd brown patches in your lawn, that no fertilizer can seem to clear? If so, chances are you’ve been beset by the Japanese Beetle. Read on for some tips on identifying and handling these crop-destroying pests. Identification As mentioned, this … [Read more...] about Beetlemania
Food Plot Prep
While it may be a few months from opening day of deer season, experienced hunters know it’s already high time to begin prep. From sighting in one’s bow or rifle to scouting game trails, work in the offseason equates directly to in-season success. For those who hunt on their very own homestead, this is doubly true. A good food plot can exponentially increase one’s chances of … [Read more...] about Food Plot Prep