How to Preserve Food at Home: Sustainable Methods That Work

a group of boxes with food in them in the snow

Quick Answer: Freezing is the most accessible preservation method. Blanch vegetables briefly in boiling water before freezing to preserve color, texture, and nutrients. Freeze fruit without blanching. Use reusable silicone bags or glass containers to skip the single-use plastic — and properly frozen produce will keep for 8-12 months. Preserving food is honestly one of … Read more

How to Make Your Garden More Drought-Tolerant

pile of green leafed plants

Quick Answer: Healthy soil with good organic matter content holds water dramatically better than depleted soil. Every inch of compost worked into your beds significantly increases the soil’s water-holding… Water is one of the most precious things your garden depends on — and honestly, in a lot of parts of the country right now, it’s … Read more

Native Plants for Your Garden: Why They Matter and How to Choose

a sign in the middle of a field of wildflowers

Quick Answer: Native plants have coevolved with local insects, birds, and other wildlife over thousands of years. Native bees often depend on specific native plant species for pollen and nectar that non-native plants simply can’t provide. Native plants are honestly the smartest eco-friendly garden choice you can make — they need less water, less fertilizer, … Read more

How to Grow Tomatoes Sustainably in Containers

Quick Answer: Determinate or bush varieties stay compact and produce all their fruit in a concentrated period — Patio, Bush Early Girl, and Tumbling Tom are excellent choices. Cherry tomatoes like Sungold, Sweet… When I moved from a house with a real backyard to an apartment with a narrow balcony, I was convinced my tomato-growing … Read more