Gretchen Kruesi

low tunnel

Low Tunnel Tutorial: Winter Growing DIY

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 10, 2024 / Comments Off on Low Tunnel Tutorial: Winter Growing DIY

Want to grow year-round, but a greenhouse feels like a big  investment? The low tunnel is here to help! Low tunnels are less expensive than greenhouses and allow you to adjust & respond to the climate outside the tunnel. When it comes to cost and flexibility, low tunnels are the all-around winners. The following is…

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10 Books to Gift the Homesteader in Your Life

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 9, 2024 / Comments Off on 10 Books to Gift the Homesteader in Your Life

These days, there are a record number of people growing their own food and other crops at home. Whether the homesteader in your life is new to the homesteading lifestyle or a seasoned pro, we’ve got your go-to gifts for anyone who grows everything themselves. In the first edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer,…

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The Search for A Welsh Leek

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 6, 2024 / Comments Off on The Search for A Welsh Leek

How did the modern leek become what it is today? On his quest to save our heritage produce, Adam Alexander (otherwise known as the Indiana Jones of vegetables) unveiled the complex history behind leeks and many other veggies, along with how they made our way to our dinner plates. While on this mission, Adam started…

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wreath

How To Create A Homemade Wreath

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 2, 2024 / Comments Off on How To Create A Homemade Wreath

From clipping the proper branches to tying the right knots, building a wreath takes patience and precision. Create this holiday craft with your family to decorate your home, or spread the joy to others by gifting or selling your homemade wreath. The following is an excerpt from Carving Out a Living on the Land by…

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egg rolls

Turkey Egg Rolls With Vietnamese Dipping Sauce

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 27, 2024 / Comments Off on Turkey Egg Rolls With Vietnamese Dipping Sauce

Looking for a unique way to cook with turkey this holiday season? This gluten-free and kosher recipe for turkey egg rolls is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Serve these easy-to-make appetizers with a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor! The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen…

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wintergreen

Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 25, 2024 / Comments Off on Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant

Have you ever chewed on a piece of gum or used toothpaste and wondered where the minty taste comes from? It’s all in the wintergreen. Wintergreen, a vine that produces flavorful berries, is very easy to grow and harvest in your own garden or greenhouse. It is an unusual and beautiful evergreen groundcover plant that…

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Gift Ideas: 10 Books for the Foodie in Your Life

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 23, 2024 / Comments Off on Gift Ideas: 10 Books for the Foodie in Your Life

Do you love to cook? Does someone close to you love to cook? If you’re struggling with gift ideas for the foodie in your life (or if you’re looking for yourself), look no further! We’ve compiled our top 10 picks for foodies everywhere! Need more gift recommendations for the holiday season? Browse our Holiday Sale and…

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Tired of Turkey? Four Ways to Spice Up Thanksgiving Dinner

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 18, 2024 / Comments Off on Tired of Turkey? Four Ways to Spice Up Thanksgiving Dinner

Want to spice things up for this year’s holiday feast? We’ve got you covered! From delectable pork tenderloin to Spicebush Goose, these recipes will surely delight everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner table, even those passionate turkey traditionalists.   These recipes have been adapted for the web. Roast Pork Tenderloin and Plum Sauce from The Healthy…

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pruning

A Guide to Pruning Protected Crops

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 15, 2024 / Comments Off on A Guide to Pruning Protected Crops

Pruning is essential for keeping protected crops healthy & balanced through the winter months. Keep reading for some helpful tips on pruning greenhouse and hoophouse plants! The following is an excerpt from The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook by Andrew Mefferd. It has been adapted for the web. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2017…

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stocks and broths

The Fundamentals of Stocks and Broths

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 14, 2024 / Comments Off on The Fundamentals of Stocks and Broths

Soup season is finally here! While the weather is getting colder, stocks and broths warm our bellies and fill our souls.  Get started on your own classic stock this winter with help from this culinary insight and advice! The following is an excerpt from Mastering Stocks and Broths by Rachael Mamane. It has been adapted for the…

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keeping seeds organized

Keeping Seeds Organized: Saving & Storing

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 11, 2024 / Comments Off on Keeping Seeds Organized: Saving & Storing

Storing seeds is the key to having a successful growing season. Follow these tips for keeping seeds organized so you’re ready to plant as soon as the time is right!

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seasonal desserts

Seasonal Desserts: Apple Spice Bundt Cake & Pumpkin Pie with Hazelnut Crust

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 5, 2024 / Comments Off on Seasonal Desserts: Apple Spice Bundt Cake & Pumpkin Pie with Hazelnut Crust

Nothing says “fall” quite like a homemade cake or pie! Add a little twist to your apple or pumpkin-flavored seasonal desserts that will have your guests begging for more. Not only are these treats delicious, but they’re healthy as well. The following is an excerpt from The Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free Family Cookbook by Leah Webb.…

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worms in soil

Soil Is Alive: What Lives In Our Soil?

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 4, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 31, 2024 / Comments Off on 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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Sweet Brunch Delights: Doughnut Holes, Breakfast Cake & Fruit with Tahini Yogurt

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 29, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 28, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 24, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 24, 2024 / Comments Off on 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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Tips & Tricks for Harvesting and Drying Herbs

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 21, 2024 / Comments Off on 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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kale

All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 8, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 4, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 30, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 27, 2024 / Comments Off on 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

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 25, 2024 / Comments Off on 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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crab apples

The Surprisingly Sweet Secret of Crab Apples

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 18, 2024 / Comments Off on 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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