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...
Pad Prik King is a classic Thai stir-fry that perfectly showcases the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Unlike traditional curries, it’s a relatively dry stir-fry, meaning the sauce clings to the ingredients rather than pooling on the plate.The star of Pad Prik King is...
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...
I love making this easy Hoikoro because it’s such a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Traditionally, hoikoro is made with pork and cabbage, but my mom put a little twist on it when she made it with eggplant for the first time.Jeff had...
My healthy coleslaw is fresh, crunchy, and light without feeling boring. The dressing is slightly tangy but balanced, letting the natural flavor of the cabbage and herbs shine. It’s the kind of recipe that works for any season, but I especially love it when I’m...
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...
My Lemon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a perfect example of summer in a bowl: bright, fresh, and full of flavor! I used juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil straight from my husband Jeff’s garden, which made the dish even more tasty. The roasted...
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.
