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.
Asparagus is a delightful perennial vegetable. It heralds the arrival of spring with its tender, tasty spears. A well-managed asparagus bed can produce delicious harvests for up to 20 years or more. The key to…
If you’ve ever found yourself in the produce aisle, staring at a basket of okra and wondering if it belongs among root vegetables, you’re not alone. The confusion surrounding okra’s classification is more common than…
Gourds are an interesting and useful plant that can be used for many things, from decorations to tools and musical instruments. As fall comes around and the weather gets cooler, many farmers aren’t sure if…
The warm colors of autumn paint the scenery with bright colors, and gardeners can’t wait for harvest time and all the food it brings. Along with pumpkins, squash, and other fall favorites, gourds stand out…
Planting a vegetable garden can be both exciting and rewarding. Nothing compares to the joy of watching seeds sprout. They grow into healthy plants and, in the end, bear tasty fruits or vegetables. But for…
In the world of gardening, one factor that holds the key to success is seed viability. The ability of seeds to germinate and develop into healthy plants marks the foundation for a bountiful harvest. The…
Imagine stepping out into your backyard on a warm spring morning. The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. You feel the earth as you plant zucchini seeds into the ground. Nurturing these…
In the realm of agriculture, it is all about patience and output production. There is an old question about planting plants: will it really reach its full potential if it is picked too soon? It’s…
Imagine strolling through a vibrant autumn farmers’ market, the air filled with the scent of crisp apples and fallen leaves. Your eyes wander over a colorful array of gourds, their unique shapes and patterns captivating…