Juan D. Rivera started learning everything he could about plants, farming, livestock, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, he’s earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation farming and renewable technology. He has worked in planning crops for companies and workshops, as an educational consultant and writer.
As an avid gardener, I’ve had my fair share of learning curves. Chives, those hardy little herbs that grace my kitchen windowsill and backyard garden, hold a special place in my heart. They add a…
Composting is one of the best eco-friendly ways to nourish your garden in terms of nutrients. Composting also helps to improve soil moisture and reduce soil diseases. This organic material is made commonly from water,…
When you see a horse, it’s typically standing, right? But when you see one laying down, you may find it a bit novel and worrisome. You may think, “what does it mean when a horse…
Gardening has always been my retreat—a place where I lose track of time and find peace in the rhythm of nature. Over the years, I’ve discovered that each plant has its own quirks, and nasturtiums…
Every time spring rolls around, I can’t wait to get my hands dirty in the garden. One of my favorite crops to grow? Bush beans. They’re reliable, quick to mature, and produce pods faster than…
When I think of summer, my mind instantly fills with images of fresh, juicy watermelon slices, their sweetness perfectly capturing the essence of sunny days and picnics. It’s a fruit that seems to embody all…
Ah, pepper seeds. I still remember the first time I tried growing them. I was excited, imagining my future self plucking fresh, spicy peppers from my backyard garden. But before I even got to that…
When it comes to growing spinach, I’ve often found myself wondering whether it’s worth the extra effort to soak the seeds before planting. Spinach, that leafy green we all love to toss in salads or…
Growing an apricot tree has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my garden. The anticipation of those sweet, sun-ripened fruits kept me going through the growing season. I’ve spent countless hours tending to…