DIG IN

The latest articles from Chelsea Green and our authors: offering tips and techniques about how you can bring our books to life in your kitchen, backyard, or community.

worms in soil

Soil Is Alive: What Lives In Our Soil?

Ever wonder what worms and centipedes are doing as they crawl through your soil? They’re actually working to improve the soil’s health, which benefits the environment and all living things in the long run. The following is an excerpt from Farming on the Wild Side by Nancy J. Hayden and John P. Hayden. It has been adapted…

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apple slice monsters

Funky Apple Slice Monsters

Scare hunger away with funky apple slice monsters! These easy-to-make snacks are perfect for kids (and kids at heart!) this Halloween and can even add a healthy ‘boo’-st to your blood sugar.  The following is an excerpt from The Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free Family Cookbook by Leah Webb. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Funky Apple Slice…

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mushrooms

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms in a Garage or Yard

Learn how to grow shiitake mushrooms in almost any environment, including your yard and even your garage!

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Sweet Brunch Delights: Doughnut Holes, Breakfast Cake & Fruit with Tahini Yogurt

Looking to elevate your brunch recipes? Treat yourself to this delightful trio that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth & will have guests asking for seconds!

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extend the growing season

How to Extend the Growing Season

Winter may be coming, but that doesn’t mean you should put away those tools just yet! Extend the growing season past the first frost with a few modifications.

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mini-forests

The Magic of Mini-Forests

“Hannah Lewis describes a gift to a despairing world…There may be no single climate solution that has a greater breadth of benefits than mini-forests…[and] can be done by everyone everywhere.”—Paul Hawken, from the foreword Mini-forests are simple to create, satisfying, and can get us closer to improving our climate and future. Read the foreword by Paul…

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pumpkins

Gourdness Gracious! The History of Pumpkins and Gourds

When you think of pumpkins, do you think of Halloween or a sweet dessert? But how did pumpkins become the holiday staple they are today?  Keep reading to learn more about the rich history of this sweet fall edible icon! The following is an excerpt from The Seed Detective by Adam Alexander. It has been adapted…

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arugula

The Endless Arugula Bed

What if we told you that there was a way to extend your growing season and save time & money? The answer is all in arugula. With quick hoops and greenhouse film, you’ll be on your way to harvesting sweet & flavorful arugula in no time.  The following excerpt is from The Resilient Farm and…

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Tips & Tricks for Harvesting and Drying Herbs

Harvesting and drying herbs correctly is crucial for crafting your own medicinal remedies. Here are some tips to get you started!

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pumpkin seeds

Tasty Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds

Wondering what to do with pumpkin seeds? Instead of roasting them, try these alternative ways to prepare & use seeds! Plus a must-try pumpkin granola recipe.

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kale

All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green

Once considered an undesirable vegetable mainly fed to cattle, kale has evolved over the years to become a powerful superfood!

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apples

Out of the Kitchen, Into the Garden: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar isn’t just for the kitchen, it’s also extremely useful in creating amendments for your garden. Before you reach for that bottle in your pantry, if you have an apple tree (or a crab apple tree) use the ground apples to make your own! After your apple cider vinegar is brewed, you’re ready…

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fall picnic

Foraging Up A Fall Picnic: Wild & Fresh Recipes for Fall

You just laid out your blanket & the leaves are turning colors. The only thing that could make your fall picnic even better is if you foraged for the ingredients yourself.

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Basics of Cider Making: Preparing Apple Cider

To make the best cider, you first need an understanding of the processes and the science behind them. Become a cider making expert with help from these tips!

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No-Till Arugula Start to Finish

Growing no-till arugula is a simple way to grow your own food. These greens can be used on pizzas, salads, and as a garnish on almost any dish.

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mushrooms

Brew Outside the Box: Making Mushroom-Infused Beer

For the adventurous brewer infusing mushrooms into brews is a great way to combine the medicinal benefits of fungi with one of the world’s most consumed drinks.

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acorn harvesting

Move Over Squirrels, It’s Acorn Harvesting Time!

These small fruits are a delicious source of nutrients that you can find almost anywhere. Get started on acorn harvesting with help from these simple tips!

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crab apples

The Surprisingly Sweet Secret of Crab Apples

Crab Apples are easy to find, simple to store, and incredibly flavorful. Keep reading to learn more about the unsung heroes of the apple family. 

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squash

What’s In A Name? The Story of Squash

Squash varieties are delicious vegetables that play a vital role in some of our favorite dishes. It has come a long way, with a rich history and an admirable journey toward becoming the successful meal staple it is today.

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Cooking as a Radical Act: Food As Medicine

Cooking as a Radical Act: Food As Medicine

Eating nutritious, real food is the most important step toward a long and healthy life. Embrace your food as medicine without sacrificing flavor for bone health or plant-based diets!

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feeding your flock

Naturally Feeding Your Flock: Feed Poultry With Fresh Greens

Feeding your flock naturally wild wild greens comes with many benefits, from boosting poultry health to saving you money on feed bills.

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garlic growing

Garlic Growing 101: From Seed to Harvest

All hail the mighty garlic clove! Become a master at garlic growing with these simple tips for growing no-till garlic yourself from seed to harvest.

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vermicast bin

Vermicast Structures: Worm Real Estate

Farmers rely on earthworms to create vermicomposting systems to improve seed germination, enhanced seedling growth and increased plant productivity.

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persimmon vinegar

The Promising Persimmon: How to Make Persimmon Vinegar

This bright, yet delicate flavor profile is both sweet and sour – a unique taste that you’ll keep coming back to. This recipe is intended for long, slow fermentation starting at persimmon harvest time in the autumn and continuing into winter.

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root cellar

Building Your Own Root Cellar for the Fall Harvest

Building a root cellar is a great way to keep your harvest fresh through the cold months. With protection from weather and animals, these cellars can be just as good as a regular refrigerator. They can be built into a wall in your basement, dug into the ground, or simply buried.  The following excerpt is…

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