Got rot? Blossom end rot is a common issue that affects tomato plants – along with peppers, eggplant, cucumber, squash, and melons to a lesser degree. Yet there are a lot of misconceptions and myths floating around about how to deal with blossom end rot! Add eggshells, use epsom salts, dance a special jig… (Don’t do those things, they won’t work). Instead, read along to learn all about tomato blossom end rot, including what really works to prevent and stop it, and what doesn’t! Then you can sit back and enjoy a bounty of healthy, juicy, rot-free tomatoes this summer.  What is tomato blos ..read more

Welcome to our new orchard space! We just finished installing a DIY drip irrigation system for fruit trees, shrubs, and native pollinator plants, so let’s check it out! This guide will teach you how to install a multi-zone drip irrigation system with automatic valves, backflow prevention, several types of adjustable drip emitters, and more. The coolest part is that this automated drip irrigation system is operated by a solar powered control panel. If any of that sounds complicated, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know with a step-by-step video tutorial, photos, a ..read more

Let’s talk about how to grow artichokes! With their delicious edible heads, beautiful silvery foliage, and stunning unique flower blooms, artichoke plants are definitely worthy of a spot in the garden! Artichokes can be grown as an annual, or as perennials in many zones. This guide will explore everything you need to know to grow artichokes, including ideal growing conditions, popular artichoke varieties, how to start from seed, when and how to harvest artichokes, organic pest control, how to prune and divide artichoke plants, how to prepare and eat them, and more! We grow artichokes to eat as ..read more

Tired of watering your garden by hand, or using other inefficient water methods? Come learn how to install an easy DIY raised bed drip irrigation system instead! This system connects right to a nearby spigot or faucet. It’s simple, straightforward, and will save you tons of time, energy and water! It’s also easily automated with the use of an optional hose timer. This guide will walk you through how to install a simple drip irrigation system for raised garden beds. Video and photos are included. We installed this drip system to irrigate our large grow bag garden, yet it’s perfectly suited ..read more

I’m not gonna lie… the intense, record-breaking rain that we received this winter in California was pretty frustrating at times. Many parts of the state were hit with flooding, sink holes, mudslides, and destructive storm surges. Our home suffered water damage that we’re still in the process of repairing too. On the other hand, it’s fantastic to see our reservoirs full, groundwater recharging… and the hills absolutely covered with wildflowers this spring! So much so, the 2023 California wildflower superbloom was visible from space! We ventured out on a couple day trips in search of wildflowers ..read more

You know that meme that’s like: One day you’re young and hip, and the next you’re like “is that a tufted titmouse at my bird feeder?!” Yeah, that. It’s no secret that we’re quite the bird nerds around here. Our new homestead is an absolute mecca for backyard birding. In fact, we’ve identified 71 different species of birds in our garden so far! That’s in part because our area is fairly rural, but also largely thanks to the measures we’ve taken to make birds feel safe and welcome in our yard. Read along to learn how to create a bird-friendly garden, with tips and best practices to attract birds ..read more

Every spring as I share our garden online, I get numerous comments and questions about the “white spots” on our zucchini plants. What’s on your leaves? Is that a disease? How do you treat that? So, let’s talk about it! If you’ve also noticed white spots on the leaves of your zucchini, squash, or melon plants, don’t fret. Read along to learn about white markings on squash foliage (and other members of the cucurbit plant family) including what causes white spots on zucchini leaves, how to tell the difference between natural leaf patterns vs disease, and how to treat powdery mildew. What causes ..read more

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers blooming, bees a buzzin’, and music fills the air… After a long wet winter here in California, spending time outside with these 130 chill and uplifting tunes is what’s currently filling my soul. I hope you enjoy the new playlist for 2023! Like what you hear? Let us know in the comments! You can find all our other playlists below, or by searching “Homestead & Chill” in Spotify. Other H&C Playlists to Explore: Summer Jams 2022 Mix Homestead & Chill Pilot Playlist (Mix Genre) Spring 2021 Mix Moody Fall Vibes 2021 Reggae & Dub: Good ..read more

Are you wondering if your chick is a female or a male? Well, you won’t really know until they crow… or, lay an egg! Jokes aside, it can sometimes be tough to say if a young chick is going to grow up to be a rooster or hen, yet there are a number of hints and signs that can give you a good clue. Read along to learn about sexing chicks – with 5 ways to tell the difference between male and female chicks, along with a handy reference chart at the end. Sexing Chicks Young female chickens are referred to as pullets and young male chickens are called cockerels. At hatcheries, trained professionals ..read more

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