There’s been a lot of hoopla surrounding America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – reenactments, parades, speeches, the Freedom Truck, fireworks – but as the excitement fades, what have we really gained from all the celebrating? I’ve been wrestling with how best to keep patrio...

Rice is enjoyed in just about every corner of the globe. Rice can be a healthy component of a person’s diet and it is especially beneficial for people who cannot enjoy other grains due to dietary intolerances. While many people might think of rice as a side dish to meat or fish, rice is the star of ...

Looking for a colorful, low maintenance plant that attracts pollinators? Consider smooth ironweed ( Vernonia fasciculata , which grows best in Zones 4 - 9)⁠. Tall, lanky and charming, this prairie native looks right at home in any informal garden with its tousled purple flowers.⁠ Its natural habitat...

Dear Paw's Corner: Walking around the farmers market this weekend, I confronted several people who brought their dogs into the market despite clear signage saying pets aren’t allowed. The reason for the sign is that the pavement is HOT! Summer temperatures regularly reach 90º to 100º or more. All th...

Home renovations are a significant part of homeownership. Naturally, people want to make their own personal marks on the homes they buy and ensure that their properties fit their needs and wants. While many renovations add value to a home, some offer more value than others. When allocating dollars t...

The phrase “dog days of summer” refers to the period between July 3 and Aug. 11. The Farmer’s Almanac notes the phrase refers to a period of time when the Sun occupies the same region as Sirius, the Dog Star. However, in many households, the dog days of summer has come to mean the hottest days of su...

Even as summer winds down, there tends to be plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining. Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they’re at their peak. Sweet an...

Join other forward-thinking graziers at the National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC) 2026 “Ultimate Northeast Grazing School,” hosted by John Burns’s Evermore Farms , 8475 Morgan Creek Rd., Lindley, NY, Sept. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For the great value of only $50 for both days, the school fea...

As some Northeast gardens peak in July, growers are trimming plants, pulling spent vegetables, mowing lawns and managing an increasing amount of yard waste. Now is the ideal time to start a compost pile that can help recycle those materials and prepare households for the large influx of leaves that ...