Gardening | Green Living / Veronica Sparks

Pruning Cuts to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes and what to do instead Hasty decisions and a lack of knowledge can have drastic long-term consequences on the health of a tree. Before you resort to topping or lion’s tailing, chances are there’s a better solution. A fundamental aspect of tree care, pruning is both an art and a science. When done correctly, pruning has the power to enhance a tree’s structural integrity, appearance, and overall vitality. But even seasoned arborists can make mistakes that can h

Homesteading Suburbia • May 17, 2023

What is a 'Three Sisters' Garden and Why Should You Have One?

In the realm of sustainable gardening, the ‘Three Sisters’ garden is a brilliant method for growing food that integrates three staple vegetable plants together. This harmonious planting technique offers numerous benefits for your garden and the environment. Let’s delve into the concept of the ‘Three Sisters’ garden, explore its origins, discuss the benefits it brings, and guide you on how to start and maintain your own thriving ‘Three Sisters’ garden. At its core, a ‘Three Sisters’ garden is a

Amazing perennial veggies to plant in your vegetable garden

Perennial vegetable plants are plants that live for more than two growing seasons and continue to produce edible parts year after year. There are a ton of benefits when it comes to perennial vs. annual vegetable gardens: • Low maintenance: Perennial vegetable plants don’t need to be replanted every year. This saves time, effort, and money in the long run. • Sustainability: These plants are more sustainable because they require less water, fertilizer, and other resources over their lifetime. They

How to Spread Compost on Your Lawn - and Why You Need To

Do you want a beautiful and lush lawn this summer? While you may want the benefits of a gorgeous yard, you may not want to enlist the help of a lawn care company due to the harmful chemicals they use (not to mention the high cost of these services). The good news is, there are more natural and organic methods for promoting growth in your lawn. One such method is called “topdressing.” It’s a tried and true method that has been used for generations, and it’s sure to give you the lovely yard you’ve

How to Collect Rainwater (and Why You Need To)

Usable water is sparse at many points throughout the season, making it a costly endeavor to keep a supply of water for growing food and managing your suburban homestead. When you collect rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies, save money on water bills, and contribute to environmental conservation. Did you know that the average monthly cost of residential water has risen by more than 60% in the last decade? With costs continually rising, rainwater is a valuable reso

Charging An Electric Car At Home? This Is What It Will Cost

While gas-powered vehicles are still the dominant best seller in the U.S., as much as 45% of new car sales are predicted to be made up of electric vehicles by 2035. The U.S. government has a more ambitious goal — 50% by 2030 — and has implemented a number of policies and plans aimed at increasing the sales of EVs. While electric vehicles are better for the planet — and, certainly, people are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment — the question remains: Just how much will eco-fr

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Buying Solar Panels

Green living has been on the rise for years, and it has become more affordable than ever before. You may be considering switching to solar energy for your home as a next step. Before you take the plunge, however, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to buying solar panels. What are the benefits of switching to solar power? The most popular benefits of solar energy? You’ll make less of an impact on the environment while saving some money. One other reason that you ma

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