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 used to think math was simple. Two plus two equals four. Ten minus three equals seven. Easy. Clean. Predictable. Then I bought chickens. That’s when I discovered the laws of the universe bend inside…
Hydroponics has completely changed the way I think about growing plants. Instead of relying on a traditional garden bed filled with soil, I can grow plants with water, nutrients, light, and a little bit of…
I’ll admit it: when I first heard that coffee grounds could help succulents grow, I was skeptical. I love my morning coffee, but I wasn’t convinced my plants needed a share of the pot. Still,…
I’ve always had a soft spot for ornamental grasses. They bring movement, texture, and a little wildness to a garden without asking for the constant attention that some flowering plants demand. Porcupine Grass (Miscanthus sinensis…
There’s something about a Nest Spruce that makes a garden feel a little more settled. Its low, rounded shape doesn’t demand attention like a towering tree, but it quietly fills a space with year-round greenery….
If I had to pick a favorite plant for my garden’s vertical spaces, it would be the climbing hydrangea—no contest! These beauties are the wallflowers of the plant world in the best way possible. They…
Mulching has always been one of those tasks I didn’t realize could make such a big difference in my garden until I really dove into it. If you’re like me, always hunting for eco-friendly, low-maintenance…
There’s something magical about the soothing sound of running water, whether it’s a gentle pond bubbling along or a majestic waterfall cascading over rocks. But when it comes to keeping those waters flowing smoothly, the…
When it comes to container gardening, one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that keeping your plants hydrated can feel like a constant battle. Whether the sun’s baking your pots or the wind’s drying…