Though many of us are likely familiar with the traditional cottage garden style, the cottagecore aesthetic may raise questions. How does one select plants and flowers to cultivate a cottagecore garden? And what exactly makes a good cottagecore flower garden? At its root, the term is often used to refer to spaces that have been inspired by rural life, carefree designs, and biodiversity. In simple terms, cottagecore plants bring this rustic and romantic vision to life. There is a whimsy about this style, yet also a deliberately rustic tone serving as a form of escapism from modern ideas. Though cottagecore…
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Introduction If you’ve ever dreamed of plucking fresh, juicy tomatoes straight from a vine in your kitchen or balcony, you’re not alone. In 2025, soil-free gardening is booming—from hydroponic farms on city rooftops to compact DIY kits in apartments. More people are asking: “Can I really grow tomatoes without soil?” The answer is yes—and it’s easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of growing tomatoes in pots without soil. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, have limited outdoor space, or want to try a new sustainable method, this article will give you…
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Summer is the time to rest, relax, and reconnect with nature. Gardening is the perfect way to do that. But as gardeners know, our favorite hobby that’s meant to help us de-stress can sometimes end up having the opposite effect. The middle of summer is typically when I start to have garden-related stress dreams—pests, deer, and disease haunt my nights. If you’ve ever experienced the same, then there’s a new gardening philosophy that could help you get a better night’s sleep and enjoy your waking hours in the garden, too. Slow gardening is the latest low-maintenance landscaping trend. It’s…
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Introduction If you’ve ever dreamed of walking out your back door and harvesting fresh vegetables for dinner, a raised bed garden might be the perfect place to start. Raised bed vegetable gardening has become increasingly popular among homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and individuals seeking to grow food in a more organized and space-efficient manner. Unlike traditional in-ground gardening, raised beds are simply soil-filled boxes (often wood, stone, or metal) that allow you to control growing conditions. They’re neat, accessible, and productive—even in small yards or patios. For people working with limited space, poor native soil, or mobility challenges, raised beds open…
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Introduction: What Raised Garden Beds Are & Why They’re Perfect for Beginners If you’ve ever wanted to grow your own fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers but weren’t sure where to begin, a raised garden bed might just be your perfect starting point. A raised garden bed is simply a garden box or enclosed area filled with soil that sits above the ground. Instead of digging directly into the ground. Instead of digging directly into your yard’s soil, you’re building your own mini-plot of land that you control from the ground up. For beginner gardeners, this is a dream come true.…
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For the past few years, we’ve been watching the progress of Martha Stewart’s living garden maze in a-maze-ment (sorry). There’s something so appealing about a puzzle that’s been meticulously crafted from hedges, fruit trees, and the like – even if it feels utterly impractical. That said, it doesn’t have to be impractical. There are plenty of ways you can create a labyrinth maze of your own, even in a small contemporary garden, and all without burning a hole in your wallet. It simply takes a little imagination, consideration, and patience; Rome wasn’t built in a day, remember, and Martha’s maze…
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Introduction: Why Material Choice Matters Raised garden beds are one of the most rewarding projects a gardener, DIY enthusiast, or homeowner can take on. They make planting, weeding, and harvesting easier, help control soil quality, and can transform any backyard into a productive and beautiful growing space. But here’s something many people overlook: the materials you use to build your raised beds can directly affect your soil, your plants, and even your health. While it might be tempting to use whatever lumber or leftover materials you have lying around, not all building supplies are safe for a vegetable garden. Some…
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You don’t have to be worried about the economy to want to make the best of your produce and other foods. Preserving food has a centuries-long history and was once the only option to save food prior to refrigeration and other modern long-term storage methods. Today, with economic insecurities rife, using edible plants for pickling, canning, drying, and even alcoholic beverages is becoming both much easier and highly appealing. Preserving vegetables and fruits in such a way ensures a high standard of quality– and it’s also a lot of fun. We have the benefit of modern kitchen tools to make…
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Have you ever stood in your kitchen, a handful of vegetable peels or a used coffee filter in your hand, and felt a tiny pang of guilt as you tossed it into the trash? You know that bag is destined for a landfill, but what’s the alternative? Well, my friend, what if I told you that you’re not holding waste, but the very foundation of your garden’s future? You’re holding the key to richer soil, healthier plants, and a lighter environmental footprint. You’re holding the raw ingredients for what gardeners reverently call “black gold.” Welcome to the wonderful, wiggly, and deeply…
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Introduction: Why Greenhouses Work for Small Spaces Do you dream of harvesting fresh basil on your balcony, growing lettuce in winter, or protecting delicate flowers from sudden frosts—but think a greenhouse is impossible in your tiny space? The good news is you don’t need a sprawling backyard. Small greenhouses are the perfect solution for urban gardeners, apartment dwellers, and homeowners with limited outdoor areas. These compact plant havens are designed to maximize space while extending your growing season. From DIY recycled-window setups to sleek vertical greenhouses, you can create a thriving garden—even in the smallest corner of your home. Benefits…