Knowing when to cut peonies for the vase will keep the fresh for the longest time possible. We’ve been growing peonies at 8,000 feet in Colorado for several years and they’ve quickly become my favorite flower. Even my kids love checking the peonies and going on evening bloom walks. Peonies are exquisite flowers that bring … Read more
Learning when to plant dahlias will guarantee you get to enjoy these popular and stunning blooms. As a gardener, flower farmer, and homesteader, dahlias are among my favorite flowers. They are beloved my customers and florists, have a long vase life, and come in a wide array of colors and forms (if you’re looking for … Read more
Living off-grid in the wild Colorado mountains is certainly not always the easiest path. It takes nearly an hour to get anywhere. Our driveway is a 3 mile bumpy, off-road adventure in itself. We don’t often go to museums or kid-centric places. And calling in takeout will never be an option. But I hope they … Read more
Do deer eat tomatoes? The short answer is, yes. A hungry deer will eat just about anything. But don’t let that stop you! For the past five years we’ve lived in a very wild mountain location with A LOT of deer pressure (white tail deer to be specific). Despite that, we’ve been able to grow … Read more
You love your chickens and you’re wondering “Can chickens eat tomatoes?” I get it. As a chicken owner, I’m always on the lookout for healthy treats to give my flock, and especially what foods to avoid feeding chickens. The short answer is yes, chickens can technically eat tomatoes. But if you want to get deeper … Read more
If you’re like me, you love your peonies AND your cats. So, of course you’re wondering are peonies poisonous to cats? Maybe you have indoor cats and a nice bouquet of peonies. Or perhaps, like me, you have outdoor cats and a garden full of peonies. Either way, it’s good to know if the peonies … Read more
Can chickens eat pickles? The short answer is yes. Pickles are not toxic to chickens. That said, I’ve learned over my decade of raising chickens that it’s best to give chicken treats in moderation. To help other burgeoning chicken-keepers out there, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide, covering whether chickens can have pickles, the potential … Read more
This time of year is busy, but full of waiting. The greenhouse is filled to the brim. Plants are going in the ground. But harvest still feels a long way off. Matt has an endless list of farm to-dos and I’m maxed out trying to wrangle three kiddos under 5, cook, clean, start seeds, and … Read more
The Colorado Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees are two breeds that share some similarities but also have several key differences. Both breeds are large, powerful dogs bred to protect livestock, but their temperaments, energy levels, and other characteristics set them apart. In this article, we’ll compare the Colorado Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees to help … Read more
We loaded up the kids, filled the truck with supplies, and headed to the southeast corner of Colorado. It was high time K Diamond Ranch (aka my sister’s house!) had a garden. Living in rural America is no doubt beautiful and filled with amazing opportunities. That said, it can also be lonely and inconvenient to … Read more
Gardening with kids is an excellent way to foster a love for nature, teach valuable life skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, getting your children involved in gardening can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Starting an off-grid homestead with young children … Read more
Are dahlias perennials or annuals? Dahlias are generally considered to be tender perennials, meaning their lifespan can vary from an annual to a perennial growth cycle, depending on the hardiness zone they are grown in. Anyone considering growing dahlias will ask this question at some point. The answer is it depends on where you live. … Read more