Andrew

Hi, I’m Andrew. I grew up on a farm, so growing food has been part of my life for a long time. After Betty and I got married, we started growing and canning on our own land. More recently, when we bought our property, we put in 21 raised garden beds. We grew so much that we were able to can over 100 quart jars of produce. On this site, I write the kind of blog posts I wish I had when we were figuring it out.

Close-up of a small fruit fly with red eyes on a wooden surface.

Homesteading, Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast at Home

April 8, 2026

You set a banana on the counter, and within hours, there they are – a ...

Colorful DIY birdhouses on wooden fence with small bird and garden flowers

Backyard, Bird Feeders, DIY, Gardening, Homesteading

11 Backyard Bird House Ideas That Birds Can’t Resist

April 7, 2026

If you’ve been wanting to invite more birds into your backyard but aren’t sure where ...

Marigold flowers blooming in a backyard garden bed with vibrant orange and red petals in autumn setting

Gardening, Growing Plants, Marigolds, Spring Flowers, Spring Gardening

Grow Gorgeous Marigolds Fast: Easy Tips for a Colorful Garden

April 6, 2026

If there’s one flower that delivers maximum color with minimum fuss, it’s the marigold. Whether ...

DIY bamboo garden trellis for climbing vegetables in raised bed at night

Garden Design, Gardening

12 Easy Garden Trellis Ideas You’ll Want to Copy ASAP

April 3, 2026

If you’ve been scrolling through garden inspiration photos and wondering how to add that same ...

A ripe orange squash growing on a vine among large green leaves, with smaller unripe squash visible in the background in a garden.

Gardening, Homesteading

Grow Squash Successfully: What You Need to Do Before It’s Too Late

April 2, 2026

Squash is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow – but only if ...

A charming flower garden filled with colorful blooms planted along a rustic wooden fence

Backyard, Garden Design, Garden Layout, Gardening

12 Jaw-Dropping Ways to Landscape Along Your Fence

April 1, 2026

Your fence is the backbone of your backyard, but most homeowners treat it like an ...

metal raised garden bed with trellis frame in backyard garden

Gardening, Raised Beds, Raised Garden Beds

The Truth About Metal Raised Garden Beds (Before You Buy One)

March 27, 2026

Metal raised garden beds are everywhere right now. You’ve probably seen them in garden centers, ...

full sun container garden with colorful flowers in large patio pots

Container Gardening, Gardening, Growing In Containers

15 Full Sun Container Plants You’ll Wish You Planted Sooner

March 26, 2026

You’ve got a blazing-hot patio, a sun-drenched front porch, or a balcony that bakes all ...

Healthy leafy greens and fast-growing vegetables for April planting.

Gardening, Seasonal Gardening, Spring Gardening, Vegetables

What to Plant in April (Low-Effort Crops with Big Results)

March 25, 2026

April is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar. The soil is ...

Patio full of plants in pots

Container Gardening, Gardening, Patios

12 Gorgeous Patio Plants That Are Surprisingly Easy to Grow

March 24, 2026

If you’ve been dreaming of turning your outdoor space into something truly beautiful, you’re in ...