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.
Raising chickens is like having your own personal supply of morning eggs—fresh, organic, and straight from the source. But, like any pets, chickens need the basics: food, water, shelter, and a bit of love. One…
Let me tell you, growing broccoli feels like working a miracle in the garden. You plant a tiny seed and, in time, you’re rewarded with a crown of green goodness that’s as healthy as it…
Trees are often the unsung heroes of landscaping, quietly transforming any yard or garden into a lush, vibrant oasis. Whether they’re towering oaks, flowering cherries, or evergreen pines, trees provide more than just beauty. They…
There’s no better way to minimize your dependence on central heating this winter than by taking advantage of your home’s fireplace. Assuming you have dry firewood, you can build fires to radiate heat throughout your…
When I first started growing herbs, I imagined my kitchen counter lined with small jars of fresh dill, basil, and thyme—each one plucked from my very own garden. Dill, with its feathery leaves and zesty…
If you’re ready to plant a tamarillo tree, you’re in for a treat. Also known as the “tree tomato,” this tropical beauty delivers striking red, orange, or yellow fruits with a flavor somewhere between a…
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…