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.
Gardening has always felt like a form of cooking to me—preparation is everything. Just like how marinating meat or soaking beans can make or break a dish, the steps you take before planting can set…
Why, oh why, do those cute (but VERY pesky) squirrels keep damaging your lovely potted flowers? You worked so hard to grow and nurture your flower pots. But nature does indeed come with the need…
Soaking geranium seeds—what a tiny task, yet it has the power to make you question your entire gardening strategy. I’ve been down that rabbit hole myself. One minute you’re confidently preparing your seeds, and the…
I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit staring at bare patches in my lawn, wondering where I went wrong. Like many home gardeners, I’ve discovered firsthand that quality grass seed is the foundation…
Increasing the pressure of water in a garden hose allows you to get the job done more efficiently. Whether you are watering your garden or washing your car, it’s easier to use high pressure if…
Milkweed is one of those plants that’s always been on my gardening wish list. Its unique ability to support monarch butterflies and add a touch of wild beauty to the garden makes it irresistible. But…
A lawn mower is an essential tool for gardening. It should be well-performing and have high-end build quality. All lawn mower brands are not good. I have listed some lawn mower brands to avoid. They…
Grass clippings—those small, seemingly insignificant remnants of your lawn mowing session—might just be the garden goldmine you didn’t know you were sitting on. If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent more time than you care…
When I started composting kitchen scraps, I never thought twice about tossing in my used coffee grounds and crushed eggshells. It felt good to cut down on waste—but what surprised me was how my garden…