Native American varieties encompass a rich tapestry of crops cultivated by indigenous peoples for centuries. These time-tested cultivars include maize (corn), beans, and squash, known as the "Three Sisters." The interplanting of these crops, where corn provides support for beans, and squash shades the ground, exemplifies sustainable agriculture. Native American varieties extend beyond these staples, featuring diverse crops like sunflowers, pumpkins, and peppers, all adapted to regional climates and revered for their cultural significance. These heirloom plants reflect a deep respect for the land and its resources, embodying the wisdom of indigenous agricultural traditions that continue to inspire sustainable gardening practices today.
Hand pollinating corn—it sounds complicated but in reality, it's surprisingly simple. Whether you're looking to improve kernel fill on your sweet corn planting or want to get into seed saving, we're laying out everything you need to know to perform your first hand pollinations.
Sunscald—few things are more frustrating to gardeners than watching a perfectly good tomato get burned just before harvest. But did you know that the varieties most susceptible to sunscald happen to be some of the best-tasting ones? In this week's post we're exploring what causes sunscald and how you can prevent it without sacrificing flavor.
Are green shoulders bad? This week we're flipping the script on this so-called flaw to expose the truth behind green shoulders—what causes them and why they're often a sign of good things to come. Join us as we move beyond appearances to explore the roots of really good tomato flavor.
