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.
If you’ve ever stumbled upon a tamarillo—also known as the “tree tomato”—you know this little fruit isn’t your typical supermarket staple. Its bold colors and tropical flavor make it a unique treat. But if you’ve…
Tamarillos, also known as tree tomatoes, might not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of growing in your garden, but they’re one of the hidden gems of the plant world….
If you’ve ever walked through a forest after a fresh rainfall, you’ve probably noticed how the ground feels cushioned beneath your feet, soft yet firm. That’s nature’s blanket at work—pine needles. Over the years, I’ve…
We’ve all been there — you walk outside to find that a storm has knocked over a tree in your yard. While it might seem like a hassle at first, a fallen tree can provide…
When I first started taking care of my lawn, I heard a lot about overseeding, but I wasn’t sure if it was the real deal or just another garden trend. Everyone talks about that dream…
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a warm afternoon and noticed tree roots pushing up through your lawn like an unwanted surprise guest, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common problems tree owners…
Gardening in Texas isn’t for the faint-hearted. Between the blistering heat, the sandy soil, and a parade of determined weeds, it sometimes feels like the earth itself is conspiring against a lush, tidy garden. But…
As a tree lover, there’s something undeniably soothing about the shade they provide and the beauty they bring to our landscapes. But if you’ve ever found yourself staring at an otherwise healthy tree with a…
When fall arrives, it’s not just leaves that come tumbling down—oak trees have their own unique contribution to the season: acorns. And let me tell you, “a lot” doesn’t even begin to cover it. A…