Sow Thistle

Sow Thistle Offers Multiple Menu Options

Found almost everywhere, this dandelion look-alike is equally as versatile.

Name: SOW THISTLE
(Sonchus oleraceus and other species)

Sunflower family (Asteraceae) 

DESCRIPTION

Sow thistle is commonly mistaken for dandelion, to which it is related. Sow thistle is an annual weed with a more or less erect stem that grows from 1 to 4 feet tall.

The young plant forms a rosette of large, pinnately divided leaves, which are characterized by their almost-triangular terminal lobe. The young sow thistle is distinguished from dandelion by its tender, bluish-green leaves. The lower leaves on the mature plant are glaucous (dull, grayish-green or blue) and pinnately divided. The upper leaves of the mature plant are more or less entire, and they clasp the stem. When a leaf is torn or the stem is cut, a white sap oozes out.

The sow thistle flower is very similar to a dandelion flower. (Photo: Christopher Nyerges)

Continue reading

Fun Facts About Sunflowers

closeup of a sunflower

Sunflowers are known for evoking a feeling of positivity because of their large, yellow blooms. They stand tall—taller than many other garden blooms—and always seem to perk up our moods. You may already be a fan of these familiar sunny flowers, but did you know that sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall in as little as six months, or how tall the current world-record holder is?

Interesting facts about the amazing sunflowers that you may not have known include: Continue reading

Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas and Tips to Maximize Space in a Small Garden

Let’s face it: everything tastes better when it’s freshly picked.

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to get outside, stay active, and feed your family delicious, nutritious veggies all summer long. It’s an amazing summer hobby that will leave you happier and healthier.

But what do you do if you don’t have a lot of space? Luckily there are ways around that! Growing a beautiful vegetable garden in a small space is possible. I’m going to give you some layout ideas along with some tips for growing a lot of vegetables in not a lot of space.

2vegetable harvest

Continue reading

Easy DIY Hand Sanitizer


See also “Preventing Ticks On You And Your Dog”





Preventing Ticks On You And Your Dog


See also “How To Prune A Young Peach Tree”





Hindsights 2020 Chapter 4


Hindsights 2020 Chapter 3





My Greenhouse Review (Growers Solutions)

See our article on “The Demographics of the American Food Gardener”





How Much Firewood Can You Get From A 45’Log?


See Our Video on “How And Why To Girdle A Tree {Tree Girdling}”





How To Prune A Young Peach Tree


Check out how to “BOOST Your Germination Rate…A Simple Trick!!!”





Comparing Wood Stoves vs Pellet Stoves


Check Out “9 More Tips For Reusing Your Firewood Ash”





9 More Tips For Reusing Your Firewood Ash


Check Out Our Video On “10 Things You Can Do With Firewood Ash”





Hindsights 2020 Chapter 3


See also “Hindsights 2020 Chapter 2”





Heat Your Home With Wood vs Heating Oil


You may also be interested in “Heating Your Home With Wood vs Electric”





Hindsights 2020 Chapter 2


Check out “Hindsights 2020 Chapter 1”





Heating Your Home With Wood vs Electric


See also “The Costs Of Heating Your Home With Wood vs Propane”