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.
I’ll be honest — the first time I planted a Shore Pine, I treated it like every other ornamental tree in my yard. Big mistake. I babied it with extra water, fussed over the soil,…
The first time I picked up a full-grown Brahma hen, I nearly threw my back out. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but only slightly. Up until that moment, I assumed all chickens weighed roughly…
A while back, my gardenia tree looked like it had given up on me. The leaves turned yellow, the buds dropped before blooming, and that sweet fragrance I loved completely disappeared. I remember standing there,…
Some plants stomp into the garden like rockstars demanding a spotlight. Others work quietly in the background, adding structure, texture, and year-round beauty without making a fuss. The Compact Tanyosho Japanese Red Pine falls firmly…
The first time I weaned a baby goat, I thought I was prepared. I had read articles, watched videos, bought the feed, and cleaned the pen like an overachieving contestant on a farming reality show….
I still remember the day I realized my dogwood tree was in trouble. The leaves looked tired, the branches seemed brittle, and the whole tree gave off that quiet “I’m not okay” vibe. It used…
Some plants kick the garden door open like they own the place. Others slip in quietly, pour themselves a cup of tea, and somehow become everyone’s favorite part of the landscape. That’s exactly how I…
When I first started raising chickens, I pictured a peaceful little backyard scene straight out of a storybook. A few hens pecking politely at grain.Fresh eggs in a basket.Maybe a rooster crowing dramatically at sunrise…
A few months ago, my coconut tree stopped looking like the tropical dream I had imagined. The fronds drooped, the green faded, and the whole tree looked tired, like it had been fighting a losing…