Planting a Victory Garden 2.0 is a good way to preserve your sanity in a crazy world. Plus, you get vegetables! Victory Gardens were vegetable and fruit gardens that people planted in their yards during World War Two. Not only were Victory Gardens a great way to provide homegrown food, but these gardens were morale boosters during the war. In 2020, the Victory Garden idea was brought back to life when the COVID-19 outbreak forced millions of people worldwide to quarantine and stay at home. Instead of feeling helpless, thousands of people retuned to gardening by starting a Victory Garden 2.0. That's because growing plants and tending a garden provides stress relief, a healthy outdoor activity, and food security. Many people don’t realize that gardening has a history of being a coping tool during times of national crisis. During the first World War more than 100 years ago, the U.S. government encouraged Americans to plant vegetable gardens. (Back then, they were called Liberty … [Read more...] about How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
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Best New Gardening Books for Summer Reading
Summer is the season for gardening, and it’s also the time to read the best new gardening books. There’s something delightful about finding a comfortable spot outdoors and reading a great book. It’s one of the joys that makes summer special. This year we have a bountiful crop of great new gardening books for summer reading. So, pour a cold glass of lemonade, pull up a chair and get lost in the best new gardening books for summer reading. Editor's Note: Home Garden and Homestead is a proud member of the Amazon Associates Program. We earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you click on a link and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting our website! The Urban Garden In cities and towns across America (and the world), urban gardeners grow plants of all kinds in whatever space they have available. The Urban Garden is a book for anyone who gardens in limited space. Authors Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight both have roots in the Washington, DC area, and their new book … [Read more...] about Best New Gardening Books for Summer Reading
Garden Tools for Seniors
Garden tools for seniors and adaptive gardening make it possible to enjoy gardening well into your golden years. Gardeners love their tools, and every gardener has at least one favorite tool they can’t garden without. But what happens when your favorite tool is no longer comfortable to use due to physical issues with your hands? Then what? Many senior gardeners report the older they get, their hands become weaker and less flexible. That's a problem because you need your hands to do literally every task in your garden. In fact, your hands are your most important gardening tools. The good news is when your hands aren’t working the way they always have, you don’t have to give up gardening. But you may have to adapt your gardening practices and use some different tools that make gardening more comfortable. That's what adaptive gardening is all about. It's using the right tools in the right ways to make gardening more comfortable for older and less physically able … [Read more...] about Garden Tools for Seniors
Gifts For Gardeners This Holiday Season
Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let’s face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn’t mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during “the most wonderful time of the year.” It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That’s why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Yard Decor Solar Wind Spinner Wind spinners have been a popular yard decoration for many years. But … [Read more...] about Gifts For Gardeners This Holiday Season
How to Grow and Harvest Garlic
It’s easy to grow and harvest garlic if you follow a few basic steps. Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinct flavor, has been a staple ingredient in culinary traditions across the globe for centuries. To grow and harvest garlic in your garden, start by learning the nuances of the growing process. With a little planning and knowledge, you can cultivate a thriving garlic patch that will reward you with bountiful yields. The Benefits of Garlic There are many reasons to add garlic to your garden. For example, garlic has many medicinal benefits. Garlic has a rich concentration of organosulfur compounds. These compounds, including allicin, have been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In addition, the act of gardening in itself is a gentle form of exercise and an activity that can improve memory and concentration. Keeping track of your plants' needs is a good way to improve your cognitive skills. Plus, being outdoors is good for your overall health, and … [Read more...] about How to Grow and Harvest Garlic