Green beans are a favorite among home gardeners because they’re quick to mature, highly productive, and versatile in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh, sautéed, pickled, or frozen, green beans can provide plentiful harvests from a relatively small space....
Cowboy candy, or candied jalapeños, is a Southern classic that pairs sweet syrup with spicy peppers. While the exact origin is unclear, it likely gained popularity in the American South, particularly in Texas and neighboring states. Ranchers and cowboys appreciated it...
Although blueberries are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow, they can be tricky for gardeners. Unlike other common fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or grapes, blueberries require specific soil conditions and growing care.With proper preparation,...
Hot sauce has been around for centuries, but not all hot sauces are created the same.Some are quick blends of chili peppers and vinegar, while others rely on an ancient technique called lacto-fermentation. This method not only preserves peppers but also transforms...
Saving seeds from your garden is one of the most rewarding ways to bring gardening full circle. It allows you to preserve your favorite varieties, save money, and grow plants that are better adapted to your local growing conditions. That being said, saving your own...
Canning is the classic method for preserving tomatoes, but here’s the catch: to make canning worth the time and effort, you usually need a large harvest all at once.Gathering enough tomatoes, prepping them, sterilizing equipment, and spending hours over a hot stove...
Deadheading is one of those simple garden tasks that can make a big difference.At its core, deadheading means removing spent flowers, buds, or unnecessary growth so plants can use their energy more effectively. In this photo, I am deadheading my tomatoes. I usually...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.I learned from one of my followers (shoutout Alyssa!) that you can sometimes find free seeds at local libraries.I was so intrigued that I checked out three libraries in my area. I found that one library didn’t have a seed program,...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Few flowers are quite as awesome and iconic as sunflowers. Not only do they bring me instant happiness, but they’re also very useful. They can draw in pollinators, produce edible seeds, and beautify the garden. Sunflowers are deeply...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.There’s nothing quite like picking a ripe, juicy tomato from your own garden. Harvesting tomatoes at the right time and handling them properly helps ensure the best flavor and freshness. Whether you grow slicing, cherry, heirloom, or...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.In this blog post I will share the 3 main types of garden containers that I use and recommend. Note that I use many types of containers, but these are my favorite ones!I will also list out the pros and cons of each so that you can...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.If you have ever bitten into a bland supermarket tomato and thought, “This doesn’t taste right,” you're not imagining it. After years of growing tomatoes in my garden, I often find myself thinking about them during the off-season...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Pruning tomato plants correctly can do wonders for your garden. It boosts your harvest, improves airflow around the plant, and helps prevent common diseases like blight and powdery mildew.But before you start snipping away, it’s...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Over the past two decades, solar lights have gone from a novelty to a common garden decoration. Thanks to advancements in solar panel efficiency and LED technology, they’re now a practical, affordable, and eco-friendly option for outdoor...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.A Tomato Hornworm (pictured below) is a large green caterpillar that feeds on tomato plants and later transforms into a moth that lays eggs, continuing the cycle of garden damage. They're one of the most infamous pests for home...
Jeff has a deep passion for gardening. Each year, he cultivates hundreds of pounds of vegetables—along with the occasional fruit—turning his garden into a thriving and productive space. Combined with Kyrié’s cooking, together, they create exciting meals using Jeff’s harvest.
