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.
When I first decided to build a backyard shed, I got caught up in all the fun stuff—choosing the size, picking out materials, and debating whether I should paint it barn red or soft gray. …
I have a special bond with my ficus. As a matter of fact, it was one of my first bonsais. In fact, many consider the ficus to be the most beginner-friendly type of bonsai you…
I’ve spent enough time staring at my newly seeded lawn, watching the wind whisk away my hard work, to know that planting grass seed isn’t as simple as tossing it onto the soil and hoping…
Building a shed isn’t just about picking the perfect design or deciding how many shelves you need. The foundation—literally the base of your structure—is the unsung hero that keeps everything sturdy, level, and long-lasting. Get…
Repotting bonsai trees is essential in achieving healthy growth and pleasing aesthetics. All too often bonsai tree growth is stunted by repotting, which takes too long or is simply not done at all. However, we…
I’ve always loved evergreen shrubs for their year-round structure, but I used to struggle with the empty spaces between them. Those gaps made my garden look incomplete, like a puzzle missing a few key pieces….
A backyard shed should be a dry, reliable space—not a musty, mold-ridden mess. But moisture loves to creep in, bringing unwanted guests like rot, rust, and mildew. If you’ve ever walked into your shed and…
I’ll admit it—variegated Schefflera is one of my favorite houseplants. With its eye-catching green-and-yellow leaves, this beauty brightens up any space while being surprisingly low-maintenance. But don’t let its easygoing nature fool you. To keep…
If you’re new to bonsai trees and want to take care of your own, you must learn how to water it properly, so here are all the ins and outs according to what we found. …