Tag: gardening
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How to Grow Bananas in the Subtropics: Easy Tips for Lady Finger & Dwarf Cavendish
G’day, fellow garden lovers! If you’re keen to grow your own bananas in the subtropics, you’re in the right place. Not only do homegrown bananas taste better, but they also save you money and add a lush tropical vibe to your garden. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for growing Lady Finger and Dwarf Cavendish… Read more
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Propagating Strawberry Plants
A Guide for Subtropical Gardeners If you’ve ever tasted the sweetness of a fresh, homegrown strawberry, you know how irresistible it can be. But did you know that you can grow more strawberries with ease by propagating your existing plants? Not only is this a budget-friendly way to expand your garden, but it also lets… Read more
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The Egg Shortage Isn’t Changing Our Mind About Chickens
As the egg shortage continues to dominate the headlines, more and more people are considering raising backyard chickens. It’s easy to see why—fresh eggs, a closer connection to nature, and a sense of self-sufficiency are all enticing benefits.Recently, I found myself revisiting the idea of getting chickens. With an old chicken coop already on our… Read more
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2024 Year in Review: Achievements and Challenges on Our 1.75-Acre Homestead
As the year winds down, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the gardening victories, DIY projects, and life lessons we’ve experienced on our 1.75-acre slice of paradise. Despite a few bumps along the way, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the skills we’ve picked up. This year… Read more
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Easy 4 Ingredient Melon Ice Cream
Easy Homemade Rock Melon Ice Cream Recipe (No Ice Cream Maker Needed!) Craving a cool, refreshing treat that’s made with real fruit? You’ve come to the right place! This homemade rock melon ice cream is perfect for those hot summer days when you need something sweet and chilled but don’t want to turn on the… Read more
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Back to Reality: Restoring Our Property After a Long Trip to South Africa
After three weeks away, returning to our property was a mix of excitement and hard work. December took us on a long-awaited trip to South Africa to reconnect with family and friends—a journey we’d been planning for four years. While it was a trip full of unforgettable memories, coming back home meant rolling up our… Read more
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One Year on Our Small Acreage: Reflections, Challenges, and Dreams
I can hardly believe it—we have officially passed the one-year mark on our small acreage! If we’re counting days, we have already gone well beyond that. Some days, it feels like we haven’t accomplished much, but then I look back at old photos and videos, and I’m quickly reminded of just how far we have… Read more
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What is Hügelkultur? My Experience with This Cost-Effective Gardening Method
If you’re like me and just stumbled upon the term hügelkultur, you’re probably thinking, “What on earth is that?” Who knew gardening could be more than just water, sunshine, and soil? I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a lazy researcher—I love learning from YouTube. But is it really lazy when you’re soaking up knowledge from… Read more
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Gardening Lessons Learned: Triumphs, Mistakes, and a Journey Through Clay Soil
There’s something so grounding about connecting with nature—whether it’s walking barefoot, getting your hands dirty, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Gardening has a way of making us feel more in tune with the world around us, doesn’t it?Well, that is, unless you’re in our shoes. Or maybe I should… Read more
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6 Days of Rain: Our Drainage Nightmare
It’s been raining non-stop for six days! Now, you might be thinking, “Well, your tanks must be full and your garden must be thriving—what’s the big deal?” And you’d be right about the full tanks and the well-watered garden, but our situation is far from fun or joyful. The Drainage Problem We Didn’t Prioritize When… Read more