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,...
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...
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.
