Changes Are Coming!
Amma's Urban Homestead is Going Country I am happy to share that my retirement and move to the country is finally in sight! In 2026, I will be retiring and...
When Are Pears Ready To Pick?
Ralph Waldo Emerson observed that, “There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat.” While Mr. Emerson did exaggerate in his assessment...
Pollination: The Sex Life of Plants
Most people probably do not give much thought to the sex life of plants. But, for gardeners and about 90% of all plants, it is of utmost importance! Without proper...
Preparing for Fall Planting
It is hard to we are halfway through summer! Many vegetables can be planted from July through September. Take a look at the planting calendar for ideas. Now is the...
Making Seed Starting Mix
In the heat of a Phoenix summer with above normal high temperatures, fall can seem far away. But fall planting time will be here before we know it! While we...
Coffee Grounds, the Good, the Bad, and the Truth
I like to read journal articles in search of the truth of what I call "garden lore". There are many "facts" floating around that people have passed along so many...
Make gardening easier with a soil sifter!
Native soil here in the desert southwest presents some special challenges. From removing rocks and gravel to combating Bermuda grass, a soil sifter makes preparing garden beds much easier. Soil...
White Flies
Are white flies out of control on your plants? Are you wondering where they came from? Do you need solutions? This time of year, when it's hot and dry, plants...
Dehydrating fruit
When your fruit trees, grape vines, or berries produce a bumper crop, it is time to preserve the harvest. One of the easiest ways to preserve fruit is drying or...
Blossom-End Rot: Myths and Facts
Few things are more disappointing than picking that first ripe tomato only to find a sunken black spot on the bottom! Blossom-end rot (BER) can affect tomatoes, peppers, summer squash,...