Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Indoor growing can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to understanding grow lights. Terms like lumens, PPFD, and wattage confuse almost everyone starting out. But the good news is that you don’t need to be a lighting...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Every fall, trees drop one of the most valuable soil-building materials you can find: leaves. Here is my garden bed after I freshly applied leaves as mulch. Here is my garden bed at the peak of harvest. Living in such a dry climate, I...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Sunflowers are not just beautiful, but they’re also a source of nutritious seeds you can enjoy or replant next season. Saving your own sunflower seeds is simple, cost-effective, and rewarding.In this blog post I will share everything you...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Fried green tomatoes are made from firm, unripe tomatoes that are sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal or flour mixture, and fried until golden and crispy. They’re tangy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, often served as a...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.As the growing season winds down and frost begins to settle in, it can be tempting to take a break and wait for spring. However, giving your garden a little attention before winter arrives can make a big difference in how healthy and...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Winter squash is one of my favorite crops to grow for a few reasons. On top of having great nutritional value and taste, they can also produce substantial yields. Perhaps above all else, winter squash have impressive shelf life that...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. Specifically, it’s a top choice for many gardeners because it even produces well in limited space, stores well through the winter, and offers many complex flavors beyond the...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Freeze drying is an amazing preservation method because it keeps food’s original taste, texture, and nutrients intact while extending its shelf life without refrigeration or additives. It also opens up a world of possibilities for home...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Freeze drying is one of the most advanced and effective ways to preserve food. While the technology has existed for decades in labs and commercial food processing, only recently has it become available for home use.Companies like Harvest...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.If you've been around a while, you know that tomatoes are my favorite crop to grow. In fact, each year I go a little overboard and grow about 30 tomato plants. This is so that I can grow not only my favorite varieties, but also...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.When the season starts winding down and you’re left with firm green tomatoes on the vine, don’t throw them out! Green tomatoes are a surprisingly great substitute for apples in apple pie. In this blog post, I will explain everything you...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned grower, understanding the foundation of plant health - soil - is crucial.Many people use the terms soil and dirt interchangeably, but in gardening and agriculture, they are very different...
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,...
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.
