Gardening has been great for my kids. It helps their bodies – maybe they will try that vegetable that they grow on their own. It helps their minds – learning where food comes from and how it grows. And it helps their souls – time outside and the sense of accomplishment that comes when that first seed sprouts!  We have also hit a few hurdles on our journey, so we keep it simple – the attention span of a 6-8 year old is not lengthy enough for some of the more advanced techniques out there. We make it fun – we choose fun things to grow, pick only the best weather to be out in, and have a few ..read more

Hi all!  Sometimes we get questions from folks that want to build raised beds, but aren’t sure how to do so in a sloping space.  It is important that your beds be close to level so that water is evenly distributed.  Your plants will like that part and it does look better this way too! So, we rolled up our sleeves and took a run at the project.  Here’s how we did it and we’re pleased with the results. Hopefully you’ll find this information helpful and if you’ve got tips on how we could have done it better…bring them on in the comments section below!  One of the best par ..read more

You may have noticed lately that the days are getting the tiniest bit longer. The buds on the trees are beginning to swell and the leaves on the tulips and daffodil bulbs are attempting to peek through the mulch. Some heartening signs of spring but the truth is… we are still deeply embedded in winter. The verdant awakening of spring is still on hold. You have probably also noticed that your houseplants are enjoying a bit of a rest as well. Most tropical plants will go through a dormant period when the days are shorter and the air is dryer and cooler. They will be putting new growth on hold un ..read more

I found myself with more personal “me” time this past year and was determined to occupy the “free” time with a new hobby. Enter the world of gardening…oh boy! There’s a lot going on with that word “gardening.” Simple, rewarding, economic, healthy they all said, and yes, while these things are true – there’s so much to this hobby called gardening! Determined never-the-less, I decided to start my “garden” with some “easy” to grow potatoes. Simple, tasty, and inexpensive (btw, groceries are expensive these days!) …who doesn’t love a good spud?! Potatoes must be one of the most enjoyable crops to ..read more

Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!”  In November, we protected our crops from frosts, finished up planting for the year, and made great use of the leaves that fell.   If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, please take a look at November in the Organic Garden. In December, we’ll take advantage of one of the slowest months in the Organic Garden and begin planning for next year.  As always, we welcome your own comments, questions and contributions to help make this an even more useful resource for our readers. In the Garden this Month With a li ..read more

Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!”  In October, we planted bulbs and perennials, as well as mulched and tested our soil. If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, please take a look at October in the Organic Garden. In November, we’ll likely experience our first frost of the season. We will cover crop protection techniques and more. As always, we welcome your own comments, questions and contributions to help make this an even more useful resource for our readers. Managing Frosts Usually our first frost is near the middle of the month. Many of your Fall ..read more

Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, parsnips, rutabagas, and others are a delicious addition to any fall or winter dish. If you’re lucky enough, and have been patient, you’re sure to be rewarded with delicious, nutritious tuber meals this winter! Proper harvesting and storing your fall bounty are key to culinary success. There’s no need to feel overly rushed when it comes to harvesting beets, carrots, and parsnips. These root vegetables are cold hardy and can tolerate autumn frosts. Be aware that any part of the vegetable exposed above soil is susceptible to damage if heavy frosts are for ..read more

Hi everyone, this is Matt from Carrboro. One of my favorite hot sauce brands has been a little difficult to find at stores for the past year and bland table fare at my house just isn’t going to get the job done..  Lightbulb moment…I would take matters into my own hands!  I had a bumper crop of peppers this year and wanted to take a shot at making a fermented hot sauce.   As I was using what I had, this recipe isn’t intended as a clone for the hot sauce with a rooster on the bottle.  But it came out great and I wanted to share with our readers.  Especially right no ..read more

Indoor gardening is kind of a big thing at Fifth Season and we love sharing our knowledge.   This post will help new indoor gardeners understand the space and its potential.  We’ll cover the most frequently asked questions and share our best advice to help you get started.  If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, please feel free to add a question to the comments section below and we’ll do our best to answer it.   Over time, and working together, we can make this a great resource for many aspiring indoor gardeners…Welcome to The Great Indoors! What ..read more

Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!”  In September, we finished planting our Fall garden and discussed the benefits of Cover Crops.   If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, please take a look at September in the Organic Garden. In October, we’ll plant bulbs (edible and flowers) and add some fall color.  It’s also a great time to plant perennials before Winter arrives.  As always, we welcome your own comments, questions and contributions to help make this an even more useful resource for our readers. Edible Bulbs Garlic, shallots and oni ..read more