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.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...
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...
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...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Tomato flowers are self-pollinating, but they still need movement to release pollen. This can come naturally from buzzing bees or wind. However, conditions may not be ideal in various situations that include, gardening indoors or not...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Blossom-end rot is one of the most frustrating issues for gardeners growing tomatoes, peppers, squash, and some other vegetables. It can ruin a significant portion of your harvest, and because the damage often appears after the fruit has...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.When planning a garden, one of the most common questions is whether to grow heirloom or hybrid vegetables.Both have their own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal growing situations. In this blog post, I'll explain what sets the two apart...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to the flowers of another plant, usually by insects, wind, or animals. It only affects the genetic makeup of the seeds and not the fruit in the year that cross...
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.I recently had a frustrating experience in the garden. My tomatillo plant looked healthy, had tons of flowers - both male and female - and yet no fruit.I assumed it would pollinate itself just like my tomatoes do. But after some digging,...
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.
