Rural Sprout

Aside from pumpkins, there’s no more popular fall décor than potted hardy chrysanthemums. Their gorgeous colors shout autumn is here with every jewel- or fire-colored bloom. And with retailers stocking them starting in August, it can be tempting to bring a few home. But smart shoppers will leave those mums where they are and wait for the best time to buy.

Quick pickles are incredibly popular these days. No fussing with canning in a hot kitchen, they take mere minutes to make, and they’re perfect for those who don’t have the space (or want to deal with) a dozen jars of pickles.

Plus, these fast and beginner-friendly pickles offer more crunch and more flavor combinations than your standard canned pickle recipe. Onc...

I know very few gardeners who don’t grow tomatoes. Actually, now that I stop and think of it, I can’t think of anyone I know who gardens, but doesn’t grow tomatoes. Tomatoes are the most commonly grown crop in the world by home gardeners. I think this fact says something about gardeners as a whole because our favorite thing to grow is also one of the most finicky plants i...

Many of my articles are inspired by real-life conversations I have with gardeners, and this one is no different.

I found myself in a … ahem … let’s call it “heated debate” with a gardener who proclaimed loudly, “I don’t see the point of mulching. It’s such a wasteful trend.”

Well, here I go!

I rolled up my sleeves, unloosened my to...

Pickle season is here! And whether you plan on going all out and canning pickles to enjoy even in the winter months, or you’re a fan of quick and easy fridge pickles, you need to give these a try. They’re simple, fast, exceptionally crunchy and take five minutes to make. Get your pickle fix fast!

This is a great recipe to keep on hand for when your garden is cra...