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Health & Wellness
6 Best Iced Tea Varieties Natural Home Garden Editors Picks
Cool off with a glass of refreshing iced tea with the Mother Earth Living Editors' Picks of the best iced tea varieties for summer.
5 Best Natural Shampoos Natural Home Garden Editors Picks
Give your locks the love they deserve with these five best natural shampoos, handpicked by the Mother Earth Living editors.
Throwback Thursday The Year in Natural Home Garden Covers
Our Natural Home & Garden cover shoot process has evolved throughout the year. Read a behind-the-scenes take on our covers.
Gardening Rookie Books and Magazines for Gardeners
The weather outside may be frightful, but it's a delightful time to curl up with a stack of gardening books and begin planning next season's harvest.
5 Best Natural Laundry Detergents Natural Home Garden Editors Picks
Ditch the toxins in conventional laundry products. Keep your clothes clean with the best natural laundry detergent!
5 Best Natural Lip Balms Natural Home Garden Editors Pick
The Mother Earth Living editors pick their top five favorite natural lip balms.
Herb Seed Catalogs Mark the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
As the paper garden catalog is slowly sinking in the west, the Lemon Verbena Lady is searching out herb seed catalogs and websites offering the best seed catalogs and herb seeds of every kind. This is the first installment of several catalog and website postings.
Sodium Excess 7 Ways to Reduce Your Daily Sodium Intake
Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, yet most Americans consume more than the recommended amount. Reduce your sodium intake with these seven simple steps.
Product Review Pickled Figs by Boat Street Pickles
These pickled figs are sweet and slightly tangy, perfect for steak, Portabella mushrooms, cheese or ice cream.
Mom and Son in a 650SquareFoot Homesteaders Cabin The Perfect Amount of Space
Victoria Gazeley considers her revitalized 650-square-foot homesteader's cabin, located on 7 acres of fertile earth in British Columbia, a blessing. "I absolutely love living here," she says.
6 Great Organic Chocolate Bars Mother Earth Living Editors Picks
These six great natural and organic chocolate bars will satisfy your sweet tooth while paying mind to the earth.
Herbs Children Introducing Herbs to your Kids
Learn some simple tricks to introduce your children to herb gardening
Cool Without AC 3 Homes in the South Prove It Can Be Done
These three homes--in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina--use passive cooling techniques to eliminate the need for mechanical air conditioning. Check them out and learn a few tricks for reducing--or eliminating--your AC bills this summer.
My Favorite Tiny House--Built for $28K
Denise Franklin's 280-square-foot cabin in British Columbia provides everything she needs--and more.
Naturally Clean Multipurpose Cleaner
Ditch the sponge and the harsh chemical cleaners for this natural bathroom and kitchen multipurpose scrubbing cleaner.
10 Natural Remedies for Allergies
Discover 10 natural remedies for allergies from author Michelle Schoffro Cook to make the spring allergy season more tolerable.
Green City Garden Girl Canning and Pickling Beets
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares her love for beets and explains how to can and pickle beets so they can be enjoyed year-round.
Guerilla Gardening Growing Vegetables in Downtown Kansas City
The Guerilla Gardener scopes out the site for a guerilla garden in downtown Kansas City.
Guerilla Gardening Planting Herbs in Downtown Kansas City
The Guerilla Gardener plants marigolds, basil, tomatoes and other herbs and plants in downtown Kansas City.
Make Your Own Compost Bin
Making your own compost bin is simple. Compost bins are great for disposing kitchen scraps to make fresh, rich compost for your garden.
Quick Pickling Garlic Lemon Peppercorns Bay Pickles
You can make these pickles with cucumbers or a plethora of other fresh vegetables plucked from your own garden or farmers' market, including summer squash, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, onions and more.
Place a Time Lapse Camera in your Garden
Perhaps the more fitting expression would be, a watched seed never sprouts. But with this clever time lapse camera from Brinno, a great product for this spring, you can see your garden grow from day one until the first snow!
Winterizing Soil Essential for Active Root Growth
David Salman encourages gardeners to fertilize in fall when root growth is most active and winter fertilizing imperative.
Simple Natural 190Proof Air Freshener
It's easy to make your own air freshener spray. You'll avoid chemicals and delight in the fresh smell.
Is Monsanto the Worlds Most Evil Corporation
NaturalNews readers overwhelmingly chose Monsanto as the world's Most Evil Corporation.
Guerilla Gardening Operation Slippery Slope
The Guerilla Gardener clues us in to his next guerilla gardening experiment, lovingly dubbed, "Operation Slippery Slope."
Guerilla Gardening Operation Grand Tomato
The Guerilla Gardener finds that his downtown Kansas City guerilla garden has been vandalized. Find out his next plan of action to keep fresh herbs and vegetables growing in downtown Kansas City.
Guerilla Gardening Operation Slippery Slope Part Three
The Guerilla Gardener continues his mission with Operation Slippery Slope in Kansas City, Missouri.
Guerilla Gardening Operation Slippery Slope Part Two
The Guerilla Gardener continues Operation Slippery Slope in downtown Kansas City.
Naturally Clean Make Your Own Washable Swiffer
Cleaning floors can be a bummer. Brighten up with our two recipes for clean floor success. Learn how to turn old towels into eco-friendly cloth towels for your Swiffer and try our homemade floor cleaner recipe.
Naturally Clean Chemical Safety and Healthy Alternatives
Try our healthier alternatives to household cleaners with toxic ingredients.
Naturally Clean BleachBrightener Substitute
Brighten whites with this bleach substitute.
Naturally Clean How to Get Rid of Closet Moths
The signs of a carpet beetle or moth infestation can be as small as a few holes in a favorite shirt. These herbal repellents and preventative sachets will protect your favorite fabrics.
Naturally Clean All-Purpose Cleaner
Natural, eco-friendly cleaners are great for your family and for the planet. Try our formula for a natural, herbal all-purpose cleaner.
Naturally Clean Money Saving Cleaners
Making your own natural cleaners is a smart option for savvy-savers.
Naturally Clean Wood Cutting Board Care
Half a lemon and coarse salt is all you need to keep wood cutting boards looking their best.
Herbs Children Collecting and Drying Herbs for the Herbal Harvest
Cutting and drying herbs can be a great way for kids to learn about them.
Spring Clean Naturally Recipes for Herbal Cleaners
Follow these recipes for using essential oils and a few simple ingredients to make your own chemical-free cleaning products.
Changing Whole Cityscapes into Gardens Just a Few Steps from Everyones Kitchen
My Mobilegro invention is much more than the next new innovative home gardening product to hit the market.
How To Quick Pickling
Try even more of our favorite, flavorful herb pickling recipes. They only take minutes to make.
A Summertime Favorite French Tarragon Grapefruit Sparkler
This cooling French tarragon-infused drink can help you quickly beat the summer heat.
Spicy Pickled Asparagus Recipe
Instead of eating it all now, learn how to pickle asparagus with this easy Spicy Pickled Asparagus recipe and save some for later in the season! Your future self will thank you.
The Natural Gardener Bio Green Lawn Care
Guest blogger Jenn Leonard shares her experience with natural lawn nutrition service, Bio Green.
Weed Water Wednesday 10 Green Gifts for GardenersAll Under 50
Check out this roundup of 10 favorite sustainable gifts for the gardeners on your list--all under $50!
Pet-Friendly Lawns and Gardens
Popular fertilizers and mulches can be dangerous to our furry family members. Editorial intern Amanda Thompson discusses ways to make sure your lawn and garden are pet-friendly.
The New Issues Are Here
The newest articles of Natural Home are in. See what's inside.
New Year New Cleaning Methods
Matt divulges into his New Year's resolution of using greener cleaners and more natural cleaning methods.
Natural and Homemade Deodorants
Try these natural deodorant alternatives to eliminate body odor without the potential toxins of many commercial products.
Why We Chose Bamboo for the Natural Home Kitchenware
Though used like timber, bamboo is a grass that self-propagates as it spreads underground via a network of rhizomes. A white oak tree takes 120 years to grow to maturity; bamboo takes three-and-a-half to seven years.
Ancient Health at Home Making Tinctures
Making tinctures at home may sound intimidating, but it is as simple as following a simple recipe from a cookbook.
Company-Sponsored Organic Vegetable Gardens Promote Healthy Eating
Minneapolis public relations firm Haberman & Associates wants everyone to enjoy a company-sponsored organic vegetable garden like theirs.
The New Gardeners Hollow Leg Junior
The new Gardener's Hollow Leg Junior, a smaller version of the original Gardener's Hollow Leg, makes picking dinner from the garden easy.
5 Housekeeping Tips from Mother Earth News 1970
These tips mined from the second issue of Mother Earth News, published in 1970, will make your housekeeping more enjoyable and efficient. Mother has always known best.
Gardening Rookie Starting Containers
Don't have the space (or the nerve) to tackle a full-scale garden? Never fear! This gardening rookie finds that a container garden can yield a harvest to rival any in-ground plot.
DIY Easy Homemade Terrariums
One guest blogger recently discovered that you can make homemade terrariums from everyday household items already hanging around the house. Check it out now.
3 Simple Tips to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze
My grandmother taught me everything I need to know about keeping my house clean—without chemicals.
6 Simple Steps to Your Cleanest Windows Ever
Does the huge task of cleaning windows leave you feeling overwhelmed? Follow these six simple steps—using inexpensive materials you already have around the house—to get your windows sparkling and streak-free.
Clean Your Entire Home with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Highlights from the 'Make Your Own Green Cleaners—for Pennies' workshop at the Mother Earth News Fair: How to use vinegar and baking soda to clean just about everything.
How to Clean Your Homes 10 Germiest Places
Keep your family healthy by paying close attention to your home's 10 germiest places.
Greener Homemade Cleaners
Conventional household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that could have adverse effects on your health. Learn how to mix up your own homemade cleaners with these suggestions from Natural Home magazine editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence.
Guide to Homemade Household Cleaners App
Learn more about our new (and free!) Guide to Homemade Household Cleaners resource app. Make your own natural cleaners with this easy guide.
A Summertime Favorite Dill Pickles
Guest blogger, Kathy, loves summer because she gets to enjoy canning pickles, which is one of her favorite pastimes.
Slow Homes 10 Steps to Long-Term Satisfaction
Reacting against the built-for-resale mentality that's destroying our modern homes' liveability, Slow Home Studio offers a path to a more satisfying home.
2011 Predictions The Rise of the Conscious Consumer
Natural products research firm Compass Naturals predicts shoppers will get savvy; rebel against chemicals, over-packaging, GMOs and animal cruelty; and grow more of their own food.
Gardening with a Black Thumb Indoor Rock Gardens
Rock gardens are one way to brighten your house without having to actually grow things.
Get Kids Gardening with Vertical Garden Kits
Mighty Fine Gardens' vertical garden kits provide families with a way to teach their children the value of outdoor time and of making healthy choices with food.
New Mayo Clinic Book Promotes Natural Healing
The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies offers scientific backing to herbal and natural medicine.
Why We Use Bamboo for the Natural Home Kitchenware Line
Natural Home chose bamboo for its kitchenware line because it's both sustainable and beautiful.
Gardening Rookie Maintaining Container Gardens
Once you plant your container garden, the recipe to a happy garden involves water, sunlight, nutrients, pest control—and passion, of course.
Herbal Canning Gardeners Pickling Spice
Try this wonderfully herby and spicy recipe for pickling all of your garden favorites!
Habitus Introduces New Line of Sustainable Tile Material
Made from Tagua, Habitus tiles are natural sustainable and suitable for floors or walls.
Container Gardening Ideas Parisian Pocket Gardens
Create growing space for a small space garden with pocket gardens for posts, chairs, walls and doors.
Good Pizza Parlors in the Seattle Area
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares some of her likes and dislikes of homemade pizza and some of her favorite pizza parlors in the Seattle area.
BTTRs Sustainable Oyster Mushroom Kits Are Now In The Produce Department
Back to the Roots (BTTR) is collecting 20,000 pounds of coffee grounds each week, cultivating them into a rich substrate from which to grow oyster mushrooms and make grow-it-at-home mushroom kits.
Green Artist Spotlight La Chanh Nguyen
La Chanh Nguyen's eco-friendly designs are changing the function common household items. Her process is simple; she deconstructs an object and recreates it with a green purpose and function.
Garden Inspiration Pinterest Finds
Don't let winter get you down! Look ahead to warmer months and find some garden inspiration with these beautiful garden images.
Green Garden Gear M Brace and Gardeners Hollow Leg
Check out these eco-friendly garden products that were designed by Northern California gardeners.
Tough Times Grow Your Own Food
As more Americans tighten their belts to save a penny or two, many are finding they can save money by growing food-producing gardens.
Gardening Rookie Tomato Trouble
One rookie gardener battles seasonal temperature fluctuations and too much rain in the quest to grow the perfect tomato—and realizes she isn't alone.
The Benefits of Neem Oil for the Garden
Not only is neem oil beneficial as a bio-pesticide, but it can actually enrich garden soil. Discover the benefits of neem oil for your garden!
Following Captain Planets advice
Gina takes her first step into sustainable living.
Green Your Life Adventures in Container Gardening
If you can't build your dream garden just yet, container gardening is a great alternative. Check out these tips for homemade fertilizer and soil retention, and learn how to repurpose common plastic containers into handy individual gardens.
Share Your Natural Beauty Tips
Share your favorite fantastic natural beauty tips and DIY treatments with Natural Home magazine. The best tips win a prize!
Spicy Pickled Chard Stems Recipe
This quick Spicy Pickled Chard Stems recipe provides a great way to preserve beautiful rainbow chard stems, embrace root-to-stem cooking, and make use of food that would otherwise go to waste.
Make Your Own Green Cleaners
Make your own all-purpose cleaners, dishwasher detergent and mildew remover with safe, simple ingredients. Ever think you'd be doing dishes with Kool-Aid?
Plop Plop Fizz Fizz Clean with AlkaSeltzer
Alka-Seltzer can give your cleaning routine a little extra fizz. Try it for unclogging drains and cleaning toilets.
Polish Furniture for Pennies
Whip olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice into a cheap, effective polish for wood furniture.
Natural Spring Cleaning Simple Cheap and Healthy
With just three ingredients and two simple steps, you can clear away germs and freshen your home's air to welcome spring.
6 Homemade Cleaner Recipes
Janeen Solberg developed these homemade cleaner recipes more than 10 years ago and still uses them today.
Natural Itching Relief Make a Plantain Anti-Itch Balm
Find itching relief in nature. Narrow-leaved plantain is a common garden weed and also, ironically, a gardener's best friend.
Make Your Own Lavender Laundry Detergent--for Pennies
This DIY washing powder is simple to make, costs just pennies and smells heavenly.
Size Matters Americans Moving to Smaller Homes
The American Institute of Architect's Home Design Trends Survey confirmed what Natural Home predicted in January—Americans are moving to smaller homes.
Americans Move to Smaller Homes
A National Association of Home Builders report and a Better Homes and Gardens survey find that builders and homeowners are moving toward smaller, more energy-efficient homes.
Eco-Candles from Aroma Naturals
While other candle companies are still adding synthetic fragrances to their candles and claiming to be natural, Aroma Naturals candles are made from 100 percent pure plant aromas and natural vegetable waxes (VegePure).
Journey Toward Healthy Hair Verikira Naturals
Verikira Naturals is a Vegan Cosmetics Organization certified-company that pledges never to use synthetic fragrances, animal byproducts and unnecessary chemicals. What more could you ask for in a beauty brand? Oh yea – it donates 10 percent of its Pink Grapefruit Collection proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation all year long.
Transformation Tuesday An Abandoned Detroit Lot Becomes a Thriving Community Garden
A Detroit neighborhood garden demonstrates how citizens can work together to reclaim rundown sections of their cities and benefit their entire community.
The Year in Natural Homes
Our favorite natural homes of 2010 range in size and grandiosity, from a 280-square-foot mountain cottage to an urban warehouse-cum-artists'-loft. Every one of them can teach us a lot about living green.
DIY Natural Air Freshener
Create a homemade sachet to add fresh fragrance in your home every time you vacuum.
Biophilic Design in a Pennsylvania Home
Architect and land planner Helena van Vliet incorporates biophilic design principles into her renovated house to create a home connected to nature.
Natural Home Kitchenware Truly Formaldehyde-Free
Natural Home bamboo kitchen tools are made without formaldehyde or other harmful additives, through a process that eliminates waste.
Natural Home Remedies for the Holiday and Winter Season
Don't let the flu, a cold or any aches, anxieties and pains get the best of you this season. With the season already upon us, here are a few herbs, fruits and foods to consider to help relieve your aches, pains and anxiety.
Canadas ecoENERGY Program to End in 2011
The Canadian government's ecoENERGY program stops giving financial assistance for energy-efficient home improvements.
DIY Shelter-Kit Green Homes Affordable and Doable
For an investment of less than $10,000 and about a week of labor, you could have a custom workshop, barn, garden shed or office.
When Aphids Attack
"Help! My plant is under insect attack - what are they, what will they do to my other plants and how can I attack back?" Find out here!
For Your Garden Three Common Garden Mistakes
Watch out for these three common technique mistakes in your garden this spring.
Cash for Caulkers Home Star Program Offers Rebates for Energy-Efficient Home Improvement
President Obama revealed plans for his new Home Star Program, also known as Cash for Caulkers, which will offer rebates for energy-efficient home renovations such as replacing windows, adding insulation and sealing ducts.
American Vedic A Pioneering Straw-Clay Home in Iowa
Nearly 20 years ago, Robert Laporte began experimenting with building a house using straw and Iowa's excellent clay. In the process, he discovered what makes a home's soul.
Green City Garden Girl What Manure is Best for my Garden
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull explains the different types of manure available for your green garden.
Recreating a Garden Tradition KU Garden
A few jayhawks planted a medicinal garden at the University of Kansas.
Natural Home Remedies for the Treatment of Whooping Cough Pertussis
Can't shake that cough? Clear whooping cough from your life with these natural home remedies for the treatment of whopping cough, also known as pertussis.
Natural Home Remedies for Bee Stings
Bee stings can cause pain and swelling. Treat your bee stings naturally with these home remedies.
Soothe Dry Winter Skin with Avocado
Make a nutritionally rich face mask and a tropical exfoliator to take advantage of all the health benefits of the avocado.
Healthy AllNatural Air Fresheners
Clear your home's air naturally for better health and well being.
Green Your Life Natural Dog Treats Review Bucks Biscuits Gourmet Dog Treats
Buck's Biscuits Gourmet Dog Treats are made with organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, making them the perfect, all-natural dog treat for your furry friend.
Naturally Glowing Skin 101 Part 2 Skin Care Basics
Naturally healthy skin need not be a daunting, complex task. It can be a delightful ritual using natural ingredients found in your own home. The important first step is to simplify your beauty routine. Learn about the five necessities.
Natural Medicine Cabinet Cinnamon for Diabetes Infections and Stomach Problems
Valued for centuries for its fragrance and flavor, cinnamon has a wide variety of medicinal uses. Studies have shown that cinnamon can be useful in lowering blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, fighting infections and treating stomach ailments.
2010 Predictions Smaller Smarter Greener Homes
For part three of our 2010 Predictions series, the experts predict that consumers will demand—and create—healthier, more efficient homes. Cool by us.
Grow a Balcony Herb Garden in the City
Grow a balcony herb garden to reap the many benefits of herbs while living in the city.
Green Your Life Green Book Review Make Your Place Affordable Sustainable Nesting Skills
Whether you're just starting out on the green path or looking for more ways to live sustainably, check out Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs, which teaches simple domestic skills to help you lead a DIY life.
Building Fairy Gardens For Kids
One guest blogger loves building fairy houses for kids and with kids. She never ceases to be amazed at their instinct for this activity. They see things in nature to use and create with that we could never imagine. Check out some fairy garden ideas from the brightest children.
6 Recipes for Homemade Salad Dressings
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares six recipes for homemade salad dressings, including favorites like Ranch, Caesar and Thousand Island.
Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Making your own baby food not only saves you money but allows you control over what's in your baby's food. Get started—and find out just how easy it is—with these homemade baby food recipes.
The Herbal Artist When and How to Harvest Herbs from Garden
Gather herbs for crafting herbal remedies with our expert help. We share basic guidelines for determining the appropriate time of year to harvest each part of a plant and teach you how to harvest herbs from gardens.
Warren Buffet Backs Affordable Green Prefab Homes
Clayton Homes' first green prefab home project, i-house, will feature a plethora of green technologies and innovative designs.
Trend Alert Americans Want Smaller Homes
Americans are turning to smaller, affordable housing. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence looks into this trend.
An Alabama Family Handbuilds a Sweet Small Home From Scraps
Guy and Kay Baker and their three sons spent five years building a small weekend cabin in Alabama from scraps and salvage. When the 1,100-square feet house was complete, they loved it so much they made it their permanent home.
Bedbugs and Small Homes Top Trends of 2010
This year readers were concerned about bedbugs and greenwashing, and everyone wants to know more about smaller homes.
Energy Star Home Program Passes 1 Million Mark
The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program reached a major milestone this week when it qualified its 1 millionth Energy Star home.
Natural Lotion Garden of Eve Hand and Body Lotion
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural lotions from Garden of Eve.
Naturally Color Easter Eggs with Food Dyes
Learn how to naturally color Easter eggs with guest blogger KyLynn Hull's notes on using food dyes.
Natural Home Beauty Tips
Want to be sure about what you're putting on your skin and hair? Save a little money and have a little fun mixing up these DIY beauty treatments. These natural home beauty remedies are made from basic household and kitchen ingredients!
Herbal Travels Spring Blooms in Botanical Gardens
Take a walk around a blooming botanical garden this spring and explore new flower themes, events, workshops and recipes.
It Will Never Rain Roses 6 Spring Gardening Tips
Give yourself a little extra reason to treasure your time in the garden by perusing the gardening articles from our March/April 2013 issue. We teach you how to have your earliest spring garden, give you tips on reducing your gardening resources, show you an unexpected source of nutrition, and much more!
WeeHouse Kit Houses Like Building with Legos
The original weeHouse prefabricated kit house is 435 efficiently designed square feet and comes with everything you need to live well. Need more space? You can snap together two or more of the modules to satisfy your needs.
Creating Space for Alchemy
Guest blogger Elizabeth Richardson considers quality over quantity, slow homes and creating something beautiful.
Gardening with Disabilities Designing a Garden for Accessibility
Getting into the garden for people with disabilities may require careful and creative planning and design to accomodate each person's unique physical needs. Providing safe access is important for physical well-being and enjoying gardening.
Dietary Fat 101
Sort through all the hype over dietary fat with this Fit Fat Guide from Dr. Christopher Mohr.
Aroma Naturals Shines a Little Light On Your Love
David Salman encourages gardeners to fertilize in fall when root growth is most active and winter fertilizing imperative.
New Blueberry Hemp Navitas Power Snacks
Navitas Naturals is adding Blueberry Hemp to their award-winning line of organic Navitas Power Snacks. Blueberry Hemp Navitas Power Snacks provide a diversity of the most nutrient-dense organic superfoods and organic seeds, fruits and nuts.
Nordic Naturals Gives Back to Troops
This holiday season, Nordic Naturals is proud to promote the 'Buy One, Pass it On' campaign, which seeks to provide Ultimate Omega products to veterans and soldiers, both stateside and abroad.
Million Dollar House Developer Taps Small Home Market
In Bethel, New York, a developer that has specialized in large luxury homes is building modest houses to appeal to a younger crowd--more anecdotal evidence that smaller homes are here to stay.
Kitchens Get Bigger Garages Get Smaller 10 MostWanted Features for New Homes
An annual survey of home buyers found that Americans want smaller homes with a focus on casual living and togetherness. From larger kitchens to outdoor living spaces, these 10 features were the most popular. Find out how you can get them, too!
Conference Speakers Say Housing is Key to Individual and Public Health
At the Healthy Homes Conference in Denver, a health care pioneer said healthy housing is as important as diet and exercise in maintaining well being and that access is a social justice issue. The Home Depot Foundation is addressing that.
Survey Green Homes are Still Too Expensive
Americans continue to believe that green homes make a difference--but they need to be more affordable.
Garden Inspiration 3 Beautiful Community Gardens
Join the Lemon Verbena Lady as she visits some community gardens in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia to get you ready for this year's gardening season.
Natural Product Review Hugo Naturals Sea Salt and Sugar Scrub
Reveal fresh, healthy skin with Hugo Naturals Sea Salt and Sugar Scrub in Sea Fennel and Passionflower.
Natural Ant Repellents For Your Home
These home remedies repel ants safely without the use of chemicals or toxins.
Natural Home Remedies for Dandruff
Is your scalp littered with ugly white dandruff flakes? Skip the store-bought, chemical laden shampoos and treat your dandruff at home with these natural remedies.
Natural Headache and Migraine Relief
Have a headache? Instead of reaching for that bottle of ibuprofen, try one of these natural remedies for headache relief: lavender, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, feverfew or willow bark.
Natural Home Remedies for the Treatment of Swimmers Ear
Suffering from the pain of swimmer's ear? Try one of these natural home remedies to treat your case of swimmer's ear.
8 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
With all the wonderful products that walk across our desks here at Natural Home, here are a few that have stood out during the holiday season. Grab these last-minute gifts for your friends, family, or even yourself. And remember: Green is not just for the holidays. Any of these products would be great year round.
Re-Think Your Decor Nightwoods Reincarnated Furniture
Myriah Scruggs and Nadia Yaron, the design duo behind Nightwood, deconstruct abandoned furniture pieces and then reconstruct them into folksy-modern works of art.
Home Remedies for Dark Under-Eye Circles
Tired of looking tired? Try these home remedies for dark under-eye circles.
On the Road Again
Jessica talks about her recent trip to the Washington D.C. Green Festival and other locations the Natural Home crew will be visiting this fall and winter.
WabiSabi Wednesday Simple Natural Cleaning
Your simply imperfect arsenal for getting the whole house clean--naturally.
11 Uses for Salt
Salt can soak up stains, clean pots and pans and exfoliate skin. Check out these and other uses for salt!
Green Your Life Pick Your Own Apples
Now that fall is upon us, try your hand at picking your own apples at a local orchard. Buying local produce is an important step towards greening your life, and picking your own right off the tree is a fun way to do that.
A Green Home Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Flower Bouquets
Instead of flowers, give a homemade token of your friendship and support.
7 Foods for Skin Homemade Beauty Treatments
Natural beauty is as close as the kitchen. Check out these seven foods for skin—as well as some homemade beauty treatments you can make from them.
Photo-Blog Missouri Botanical Garden
Family vacations to natural botanical gardens offer just as much all-ages fun without the hassle of crowds or pollution common at most amusement parks. Visit one of the oldest and largest botanical institutions in the United States: The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. See photos here!
Organic Gardening From Seed to Table in Your Backyard
Organic gardening connects us with the earth and produces good-for-you food.
Green Kitchen Growing a Windowsill Herb Garden
Natural Home editorial intern, Kristin Standley, begins an indoor herb garden on her windowsill for fresh herbs year-round.
Herbal Travels The Chelsea Physic Garden of London
The Lemon Verbena Lady shares her travels to the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, an apothecary herb garden in the heart of London.
USA Todays Top Green Homes Efficient Affordable and Beautiful
As Passive House Institute standards up the ante, USA Today's "Best Green Homes of 2010" list reflects Americans' desire for affordability, efficiency and style.
Check out the Master Gardener Plant Sale for Locally Grown Plants and Herbs
Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Monroe County is hosting the Master Gardener Plant Sale in May. Find out why you won't want to miss it.
Wabi-Sabi Wednesday 7 Inspired Gardens
In a wabi-sabi garden, plants are chosen because they belong in that climate, and they're allowed to strut their stuff if they're considerate of the plants around them. Both plants and guests are encouraged to meander and explore.
Herbal Travels Visiting the Chteau de Villandry and Admiring Kitchen Gardens
Fond memories of an anniversary trip to France and the beautiful Chateau de Villandry inspires the Lemon Verbena Lady to advocate kitchen gardens. Not only do they attract beautiful insects but they also spice up your summer meals.
Planting Herbs in Pots A Garden Anyone Can Grow
Planting herbs in pots is a great way to jump into gardening, and you'll be able to use your harvest every day.
How To Discover Fairies in a Garden
Meet Lydia, a fairy scientist set out to discover the secret world of fairies.
Gardening with a Black Thumb How to Make a Zen Garden
Cost-effective and easy to assemble, zen gardens bring an earthy, grounding energy to a home. Learn how to make a zen garden with these instructions from guest blogger Eileen Troemel.
Aroma Naturals Introduces New Butterx Lip Care
Aroma Naturals is thrilled to introduce its new Butterx Lip Care line of all-natural lip balms packed with nourishing antioxidants, moisturizing nutrients and other natural ingredients.
Photo-Blog Dutch Gardens Flowers
I've had little opportunity to actually test live plants in my tenure with The Herb Companion. So, when DutchGardens.com sent me some of their beautiful tulip and hyacinth varieties, I was excited and impressed! See some results in this photo-blog!
Save Money Recycled Creations for your Garden
Go green this winter to prepare for your spring garden. You can easily create a beautiful garden by reusing normal household items.
Green Victory An Organic Food Garden at the White House
The Obamas plant an organic vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House.
DIY Make Car Fresheners with Tea Infusers
Tired of those cheap cardboard car air fresheners that are ugly and have a fake, overpowering odor? Try this easy solution.
Moisturizing Face Masks for Dry Facial Skin Kahina Antioxidant Mask
As you combat dry facial skin this winter, consider using a moisturizing face mask, such as Kahina Antioxidant Mask, once a week to treat your skin to an extra dose of high-power hydration.
17 Uses for Baking Soda
Good for cleaning home and body, baking soda has many uses, from absorbing odors to keeping hair shiny and carpet fresh.
Small-Space Garden Projects
Although most of us would love a lush landscape or garden, in reality, few of us have the time, space or other resources available to maintain one. Whether you're short on space or short on time, these small space garden
Gardening Rookie A Hot Pepper Harvest
When jalapenos take over, what's a rookie gardener to do? Dry 'em, freeze 'em, smoke 'em, and more.
Home Trends Americans Want Smaller Smarter Homes
Homeowners want energy-efficient features and functional rooms that will expand on small homes' square footage, according to a recent American Institute of Architects report.Homeowners want energy-efficient features and functional rooms that will expand on small homes' square footage, says an American Institute of Architects report.
Herbal Travels Visiting Gardens During My Herbal Vacation
Sit back with your favorite herbal beverage and join the Lemon Verbena Lady as she travels from Canada to Europe and back to the United States visiting gardens and checking items off her herbal bucket list.
Tiny House Subdivision Planned in Oregon
Small house builder Rich Daniels seeks to cluster 100 homes under 400 square feet in a former sawmill.
Blooming Green
This morning in my inbox: Orlando Bloom announced at Wednesday night's Global Green pre-Oscars party that he's building a green, solar-powered home in London. And an RISMedia report stating that despite the downturn in the general housing market, demand for green homes continues to be a hot trend.
Healthful Tailgating Recipes
Don't let the fun of football season leave you fatter! Try these low-fat calories are your next tailgate instead.
Echinacea Seeing a Plant from the Past in a New Light
Learn how one blogger discovers the benefits of a peeving plant from her childhood.
Kid-Friendly Recipes Refreshing Drinks for Summer
Looking for refreshing drinks to serve to your little one? Use herbs to make drinks the whole family will enjoy!
Herbs Children Make Your Own Baby Food With Herbs
Herbs can be used to add flavor to a child's food from a very early age, and can often assist with health worries.
Herbal Roots Zine Giveaway Meet Kristine Brown
Get to know Traditional Community Herbalist Kristine Brown and enter to win a subscription to Herbal Roots Zine, a great resource for teaching kids about herbs!
Historic Home Produces More Energy Than It Consumes
For less than the cost of an SUV, a Michigan couple rehabbed their historic home to include solar panels and a geothermal system. The 110-year-old house now produces more energy than it needs.
Garden Inspiration The Chelsea Flower Show
Bring the designs and ideas of talented gardeners around the world into your own growing space.
Grow Your Own Food Organic Gardening Stays Popular
Natural Home editorial intern Amanda Thompson talks about the benefits her family has seen from keeping a small organic food garden.
5 Ways to Make Gardening with Kids Enjoyable
Gardening with kids doesn't have to be stressful. Here are five simple steps to make gardening with kids more enjoyable.
Herbs in Horto Take a Moonlit Stroll Through the City in a Garden
Lurie Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Chicago during the day, but a secret escape at night.
How To Relieve Your Pets Seasonal Allergies
We aren't the only ones who suffer from seasonal allergies. Try a few of these methods to get your pets back to their energetic, playful selves.
Plants Are Our Allies Ease Irritated Eyes With Flax Seed
Contributer Susan Belsinger shares her experience with severe eye irritation and a low-cost home herbal cure.
Make it Green An Easy Natural Home Air Freshener
Instead of using synthetic scents, try this simple natural trick to make your home smell delicious.
Eco-Decor Delights Hova Designs FabricPot
Hova Design's FabricPots makes indoor gardening easier.
Natural Home Remedies for a Cough
Leave the over-the-counter medications at the store and ease your coughing with these natural remedies.
Natural Home Remedies for Canker Sores
Get rid of canker sores faster by turning to homemade mouth rinses, probiotics and other natural home remedies for canker sores.
Gardening with Disabilities Garden in Raised Beds for Less Stress
Raising the garden height through raised garden beds to meet a person's physical needs allows for a stress- and strain-free gardening experience.
Fairy Gardening Making Mud Pies and More
Discover delightful garden projects for kids. The author of the Fairy House Handbook shows you how to make fabulous fairy creations out of mud.
Herbal Travels Chicago Botanic Garden
I wish you could experience the English Walled Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. Blooming wisteria drapes over rows of trellised classical columns and flowering fruit trees shimmer in the breeze.
Herbal Travels The Herb Gardens of Fulham Palace
During her recent visit to England, our Lemon Verbena Lady explored the historic gardens on the grounds of London's Fulham Palace.
Visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in 2013
The Lemon Verbena Lady has a chance to revisit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 2013, getting a chance to finally see the newly renovated Herb Garden.
Cute Find Wooden Fairy Doors
We found another cute garden decor idea. Check it out!
Herbal Travels New York Botanical Garden
The Lemon Verbena Lady visits New York City and discovers the New York Botanical Garden.
Green Your Life Green Product Review The Woolly Wally Pocket
Turn a boring wall into a vertical garden with The Woolly Wally Pocket. Made of 100% recycled plastic bottles, this hanging planter is the answer for anyone looking for a unique and eco-friendly planter for container gardening.
Made from Shipping Containers and Recycled Steel This Kit Home Has It All
Made from repurposed shipping containers and recycled steel, based on Prius engineering, with a gray water system and a living roof, this Mojave Desert residence and workplace is a prototype for low-cost prefab kit houses everywhere.
Herbal Travels Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
When the Lemon Verbena Lady visited the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens during her NYC vacation she quickly learned that timing is everything when it comes to herbal travels.
Your Fungus Gnats Are Showing
Little gnatty flies smothering your prized houseplants? Learn what they are and how to eradicate them, once and for all.
Certified Green Homes Sell for 30 More in Oregon
Existing homes that are certified as "green" sold for 30 percent more than homes without such a designation, according to an analysis of the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan region released today by Earth Advantage Institute, a nonprofit green building resource. Newly constructed homes with a sustainability certification sold for 8 percent more than non-certified homes. This result continues a four-year trend in which new homes with third-party certification for sustainable construction and energy performance have consistently sold for more than newly constructed homes that had not been certified. The term 'certified home' includes homes that received an Earth Advantage New Homes, ENERGY STAR, or a LEED for Homes designation, or a combined Earth Advantage/ENERGY STAR certification.
Can I Really Build My Own Home
Guest blogger Elizabeth Richardson offers inspiration to anyone wanting to build their own home from salvaged materials.
Deconstruction A Good Way to Find Free Building Materials
Deconstruction, breaking down houses bit-by-bit, is a great way to find free building materials to build small low-cost homes.
USGBC Names the Top LEED Homes and Projects of 2011
The U.S. Green Building Council recognizes the top projects, developers and home builders participating in its LEED program for 2011.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Earning Passive House Certification
The NewenHouse kit home has officially received Passive House certification! The Passive House is also the highest-rated Energy Star home in the state of Wisconsin.
Building Blackbird Studio My Own Tiny Home
Guest blogger Elizabeth Richardson shares her plans for Blackbird Studio, a 333-square-foot she plans to build.
Garden Inspiration Plant a Spiral Garden
Try this fun garden-layout idea for your medicinal herbs this spring.
Homemade Cat Food Feed Kitty Some Spring Herbs
Treat your cat to fresh spring herbs when you whip up this healthy homemade kitty food.
The Importance of Organic Sunscreen
Don't forget to protect your skin this summer! Guest blogger Seleyn DeYarus discusses the importance of organic sunscreen for summertime enjoyment.
Potted Herb Plants The Easy Gift that Keeps on Giving
Personalize your gift giving with a unique herb garden gift. While this time of year conjures images of poinsettias that fade and collect dust long before the holiday festivities are done, a customized herb kit is a meaningful gift that will provide fresh herbs and provide naturally lush décor for many months afterward.
Healthy Living Goals for 2011 Simple Steps
Editorial assistant Susan Melgren shares her healthy living goals for the next year.
Garden Ideas Grow Herbs for Natural Dyes
Herbs can produce a wide variety of natural dyes, and some from useful plants you may already grow!
Green City Garden Girl Garden of UnEaten
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull details her lack of motivation to jump-start her garden this spring, as well as a few things to help with inspiration!
Nepeta Cataria Make Homemade Catnip Toys
Entertain your feline friends with a homemade catnip toy.
Overwintering Scented Geraniums
Here are some tips to help you bring the attractive aroma and classic beauty of scented geraniums indoors.
Product Review Prepara Power Plant Mini
Lucky are we, that now we have several soiless options for growing herbs indoors, and many of them are very effective. The Power Plant Mini, from Prepara, in my opinion, is not among them. Read my review of this hydroponic product ...
The Newest Addition to the Garden Raised Beds
Guest blogger and novice gardener Shelley Moore gets creative when the raised beds she orders for her garden are too deep.
Setting Intentions Starting Our Garden
Guest blogger Elise Roth Edwards and her family plan for spring gardening and growing food.
How to Build a Container Water Garden
Container water gardens are easy to design and maintain, making them a perfect low-cost accessory to your outdoor living spaces. Learn how to make a container water garden!
A Hard-Working Family Wins Our Ultimate Garden Giveaway
Kriste Misiak and her family won our Ultimate Garden Giveaway, receiving farm equipment and tools for all of their farming needs.
Open a Can of Worms
Starting a worm composting system from your kitchen scraps is easy – and what better time to discover the disturbing art, than the Halloween season? Read what you can do with 8,000 red wigglers …
Grow Your Own Garlic
Garlic does best if planted in the late fall and early winter. If you can find a sunny spot with a foot of soil, you can plant garlic.
Gardening Ideas Planning Your Garden 101
The stirrings of spring may make you want to buy every plant or seed in sight, but a little planning can help you create a garden you'll truly enjoy.
Passionate Platter Teaches Kids About Cooking With Herbs
Kids learn about herbs and cooking through a Louisiana woman's "kitchen garden marketplace," Passionate Platter.
Give Gifts that Give Back
The Herb Companion editors have found some gifts that give back to charities that are making a difference.
Guidelines for Guerilla Gardening
Guerilla gardening can be a useful way to save space around the homestead while connecting with your community. Follow these guidelines to be a respectful guerilla gardener.
Gardening with Disabilities Gardening for the Memory Impaired
People with Alzheimer's and other dementias can benefit in many ways from gardening and being in the garden.
Imagine All the Produce The Beginning of Dakota Farms
Guest blogger and novice gardener Shelley Moore documents the beginnings of her family's organic food garden.
Recommendations for a Lazy Gardener
In the wake of some health concerns, the Samurai Sage seeks simple, low maintenance gardening ideas that result in pretty, good-smelling plants.
Bringing the Herb Garden Indoors
Enjoy an herb garden no matter where you live or the time of the year by starting your own indoor garden system. With these starter tools it is simpler than ever.
3 Reasons to Legalize Hemp
Here are three great reasons that hemp cultivation should be legal in the United States: food, health and shelter.
Location Matters as Much as Materials When Building a Green Home
Location near public transportation and walkability are as important as green materials and design in creating a green home, study finds.
Seeing Red
For the past year, I've been chronicling the progress of a green-built home here in Boulder, Colorado, where I live, via this blog and accompanying videos. Watching the project unfold has been enlightening for many reasons, not least of which is the opportunity to see firsthand many of the cool technologies we read about and hear about. Sometimes that entails a little sacrifice.
SolarPowered Homes Sell for More Report Finds
Adding solar panels can increase a home's resale value by as much as $17,000, a new Lawrence Berkeley Lab report finds.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Nearing Completion of the Interior
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse Here Sonya gets ready for a busy week of subcontractors for the NewenHouse kit home. The interior of the home is nearing completion!
The Winter of Our Content
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence looks forward to good, green building news for 2009.
Hemp for Homes
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains how hemp, a renewable resource, can aid in building zero-carbon homes.
EPAs New Green Homes Website Helps Slash Your Energy Bills
A new Environmental Protection Agency website helps homeowners and renters decrease their energy consumption and cut carbon emissions.
Gardening Is for Everyone Learning to Garden with Disabilities
Gardening is for everyone, even those with disabilities who think they are unable to. The problem to overcome is how to adapt and make adjustments so hyou can grow your own organic vegetables and herbs.
Designing Your Container Garden Container Basics
Explore your choices in small-space garden design with tips about types of containers.
Gardening with a Black Thumb Lettuce and Herb Container Gardening
Guest blogger Eileen Troemel shares her first attempt at container gardening.
5 Fun Winter Activities to Get Kids Excited About the Garden
Get your children excited about helping with the garden this year with these five fun activities.
Green Gardening Grow a Salsa Garden
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz makes plans to grow her own tomatoes, onions, peppers and cilantro.
5 Herb Container Garden Favorites
The Herbalista's container garden is planted and almost ready for harvesting. Check out her five favorite herbs to grow in an herb container garden.
Herbal Travels Herbal Peruvian Clinic Botanical Garden
The Lemon Verbena Lady makes a visit to an herbal Peruvian clinic & botanical garden in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Herbal Travels The Cloisters
A visit to The Cloisters medieval museum and gardens in New York City reminds the Lemon Verbena Lady just how close gardens an art are related.
Product Review EasyBloom
For some, the cold winter months may bring many 'a' merry moment. But for the sympathetic gardener, the humbugs start as the plants begin die. Bring your garden indoors this fall with help from your own personal gardening expert – the EasyBloom.
Living Off the Grid Food Tastes Better Sleep is Sweeter Mind is Calmer
Kate and Jeff are building their off-the-grid dream near Taos, New Mexico. As they build themselves a small straw bale house and make do with a few solar panels, they're realizing how little they really need.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Moving In
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes moving into the first NewenHouse and conducting the final duct blaster test and balancing the HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit).
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home A Sustainable Small and SuperInsulated House
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes the super-insulated, sustainable and small NewenHouse kit home she's planning to bring to market in 2012. The prototype, being built in Viroqua Wisconsin, is striving for LEED Platnium and Passive House certifications.
Finding Beauty in the Flaw
Guest blogger Elizabeth Richardson shares how she built her home's front porch from salvaged wood—and how she finds beauty in flawed materials.
Growing Pains Dealing with Overgrown Plants
Guest blogger Jennifer Flaten discovers the pains of dealing with overgrown plants.
Donate Excess Produce to Food Pantries
Practice zero-waste gardening by donating your garden's excess produce to local food pantries or other community organizations.
DeLoach Vineyards Biodynamic Farming and Horn Silica Prep 501
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace introduces a green gardening series on Biodynamic farming based on her trip to DeLoach Vineyards in Sonoma, California. She details the meaning of Biodynamic farming and a field preparation called horn silica 501.
Homemade Herb Dressings
Simple salad dressings provide bursts of herbal flavor to your salad greens.
Make Homemade Cheez-It Crackers
Who needs to make a trip to the grocery store when you can make these tasty cheesy crackers at home?
Super Simple Halfway-Homemade Rosemary Mayonnaise
Simple rosemary mayonnaise makes an exceptional sandwich spread.
Can Toxins in Beauty Products Cause Obesity
Research into the potential causes of obesity doesn't lead exclusively to a poor diet and lack of exercise: Environment and exposure to endocrine disruptors can also play a role in weight gain.
3 Tips for Small-Space Gardening
If you're hoping to grow some of your own food but are short on space, use these three tips for small-space gardening success in containers, on your patio, balcony or roof.
Self Reliant Gardening Tips For Spring
This spring become more self-reliant by planting herbs in pots, building raised garden beds, creating a worm composting bin and making your own fence paint. These gardening tips for spring will have you anticipating sunny days.
Natural Cold Remedies for Kids
Ease the symptoms of the common cold with herbs and other natural treatments.
Prevent Illness Elderberry-Rose Hips Tea
One guest blogger's special, original recipe prevents illness and quickly helps recover from, or completely ward off, colds, flu and other malaise.
Reader Poll Which Culinary Garden Would You Be Interested in Growing
Cast your vote for which culinary garden you'd be most interested in learning how to grow.
Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs
Learn how to make flavored vinegar with tasy herbal, spice, fruit and vegetable combinations.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month Naturally
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson describes how to make homemade ice cream and gives some organic ice cream recipes.
Winter Project How to Make a Plant Terrarium
Grow herbs indoors over the winter months with this simple gardening idea.
National Homebuilder Offers Solar as Standard Feature
One of the nation's largest home developers announces it will offer solar arrays as standard features on new homes in California.
Off the Grid and Constantly Aware
When Paula and Matt learned that running a utility line to their rural Vermont home would cost the same as buying solar panels, they never hesitated. Now they're living the good life, off the grid.
Off-the-Grid Living We Would Never Go Back to Energy Dependence
These seasoned off-the-grid veterans have found that hefty batteries make for a happy home.
Sarah Susanka Unveils Not So Big Showhouse in Libertyville Illinois
For the first time, acclaimed Not So Big House author and architect brings quality-over-quality design to a residential development.
Vision Houses Showcase Green Living in Orlando
Green Builder Media's Vision and ReVision Houses highlight energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality and great new green materials.
Building for the Environment Avoid Unwanted Water Damageand Toxic Mold
Maintaining indoor air quality is important in a healthy home, but poor craftsmanship can lead to water damage and eventually mold issues.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Windowsills for Seedlings
Sonya Newenhouse describes how she uses the southern-facing 17-inch-deep windowsills of her Passive House-certified home to grow seedlings.
Opulent is Out Small and Green is In
Anecdotal evidence from coast to coast indicates that Americans have had enough of granite countertops and whirlpool tubs. They want smaller homes with green finishes instead.
5 Geothermal Homes From the City to the Country And In Between
Geothermal heating and cooling systems rely on the earth's constant underground temperature of 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit to provide comfortable indoor climates. The technology works in any size or style home, in nearly any setting on earth.
Frank Lloyd Wrights Willey House Small Affordable and Green
When Steve Sikora and Lynette Erickson-Sikora restored Frank Lloyd Wright's first small, affordable home, they discovered how green the iconic architect really was.
Minimizing Materials for a Greener Cleaner Home
Think having a green home is out of your price range? Here are some easy, realistic ideas to create an eco-friendly living space that might actually save you money!
Living Large in a Small Home Ecovillage-Style
Guest blogger Sarah Lozanova talks about the advantages of downsizing to a small home as her family moves to Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage.
How to Care for Air Plants
Air plants are perfect low-maintenance option for the home or garden. Learn how to care for air plants with these growing, watering and lighting tips.
Lasagna Gardening for the Herb Gardener
Check out these few easy steps you need to know to start this innovative, non-traditional method to grow organic herbs at home.
Top 10 Reasons to Live in a Tiny Home
Do you dream about living in a tiny, super-efficient home but worry about living with less space? This list of reasons for living could help push you off the fence. Dream big, live small!
Cambridge Energy Alliance
Sustainability starts at home—but it sure does help to have community backing. Natural Home magazine editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence takes a closer look at the Cambridge Energy Alliance, a nonprofit, community-supported program that offers free energy audits and customized plans to make homes and buildings more eco-friendly.
Product Review HerbKitscom
HerbKits.com has an array of products for the newly-competitive indoor herb garden lifestyle. Read my review of how these kits "stack up".
iGarden The Essential Gardening Tunes
Listen to these tunes to get you through tilling or motivate you to grow tomatoes.
Attack of the Killer Tea-Bag
Tea has a whole library of health benefits. But did you realize it can be essential in a clean home? Read about the battle of tea v. dirt and your best plan of attack.
The Garden is In Filling Planting and Learning on Dakota Farms
Guest blogger and novice gardener Shelley Moore plants her vegetable seedlings.
Portulaca Oleracea Growing Garden Purslane
Eating purslane greens provides a rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, boost heart health and lower triglycerides that cause stroke, heart attack, fatty liver and pancreatitis. Green your health with purslane!
10 Tips for a Tiny Balcony
Think your balcony's too tiny to provide food and fun? Check out Apartment Therapy's great tips for making the most of your outdoor space.
Growing Herbs in Texas Seeding for Fall
Try these Texan tips for planting herbs in the fall.
Miss Kale One Girls Bumpy Journey to Becoming an Urban Farmer
Guest blogger Kathleen Gasperini documents her journey to becoming a successful urban farmer in Los Angeles.
7 Tips for Everyday Outdoor Gardening Part 3
In the final installment of my series "7 Tips for Everyday Outdoor Gardening", I help you explore some simple yet effective tips to grow and propagate healthy plants, scare away pests and learn which common plants may be hazardous to your health.
8 Great Micro-Houses
In her new book, Micro-Green: Tiny Houses in Nature, Mimi Zeiger profiles 36 creative, innovative small dwellings that represent a 'new, rich architectural typology.' Here are eight great examples to start fueling your fantasies.
Gardening with Disabilities Gardening for the Visually Impaired
Incorporating bright and vivid colors, a variety of textures and scents as well as soothing sounds make gardening for the visually impaired possible,rewarding, relaxing and safe.
Herbal Travels Loire Valley France
The Lemon Verbena Lady describes her 20th wedding anniversary trip to the Loire Valley in France and shares her search for unusual herbs.
The Herbal Artist Every Herbalist Should Have a Backyard Beehive
Herbalists can benefit greatly from tending a backyard beehive in their garden. Learn why every herbalist should consider keeping bees and how to go about it.
Herbal Travels Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The Lemon Verbena Lady finds a lovely vegetable and herb garden at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden in South Beach, Florida.
Behold the Miracle of the Earth 7 Healthy Living Tips
Peruse our articles about healthy living from the July/August 2013 issue. In this issue we teach you how to enjoy your bountiful garden harvest all year; give you product recommendations to create a healthier, simpler, more self-sufficient home; show you simple solutions for quick breakfasts; discuss the basics of simple and affordable DIY body-care products; and much more!
Mango Ice Cream
This recipe for homemade mango ice cream has the creamy goodness of ice cream and the refreshing taste of sherbet. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Simple Homemade Holiday Sangria
Guest blogger Kim Wallace shares a simple recipe for homemade holiday sangria.
Turning St Patricks Day Candy into Homemade Art
Guest blogger Sarah Lozanova works with her children to turn the heaps of candy they collected at the St. Patrick's Day parade into homemade art projects.
Sustainable Wedding Food Settled
Jessica shares her sustainable wedding food find after locating eco-minded caterers in the Kansas City area.
A Rich Gift Homemade Jelly for Bill and Melinda Gates
When Joan King Salwen is invited to speak with Bill and Melinda Gates about The Power of Half, she learns how valuable homemade gifts can be.
Green Your Life How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs and Croutons
Don't throw away that leftover loaf of bread! Use it to make homemade breadcrumbs and croutons. Waste not, want not!
Green House Hunting
Managing editor Jessica Kellner discussed her early house hunting experience and her hopes to do green remodeling.
House Approves $6 Billion for Home Energy Retrofits
The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, which passed the House on May 5, would provide $6 billion in rebates to homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.
QB1 Living Large in Less Than 90 Square Feet
This tiny kit home—less than 90 square feet—is energy-independent and so well-designed that you'd never miss the space.
Tiny House Floating Guest House in Portland Oregon
This 433-square-foot floating home on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, feels spacious and airy on the inside.
Green Home Tips from HGTVs Carter Oosterhouse
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace chats with HGTV green building expert Carter Oosterhouse about simple ways to green your home.
Throwback Thursday A Lookout Tower Home
A lookout tower home featuring reclaimed materials connects its homeowner with her past, present and future.
Transformation Tuesday Love the Home Youre With
In the down real-estate market, more people are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Use these tips to create a customized home that supports your lifestyle.
VivaTerra Home for the Holidays
Eco luxury brand VivaTerra kicks off Home for the Holidays, a 25-day/25-products half-off shopping spree featuring some of their most popular items from the year.
Hot for This Pod The Sustainsia Work Pod
Sustainsia's compact, green-built work pod could solve my office needs.
Save Money Cut Costs with Herbs
Herbs might not be the first thing that come to mind when you start considering ways to save money, but they actually can be a great help in cutting costs while boosting health, flavor and the general deliciousness of life.
Dollar Meal Dilemma
Matt divulges into who really wins in the end when McDonalds' stock is up and the stock market is down.
DiggersList Brings Discounted Home Improvement Items to New Cities
DiggersList, city-by-city home improvement classifieds, has expanded its website to bring its services to homeowners and contractors across the country.
Mobile Egg House Breaks New Ground
Made from bamboo, wood and grass seed, this tiny house could be our future.
Better Incentives Would Drive EnergyEfficient Home Improvements Study Finds
Homeowners and renters who made five or more energy-efficient improvements found satisfying savings, a new study finds.
Herby Tip De-Ice with Garlic
One Iowa city used herbs as a way to de-ice their dangerous roads.
Gardening With a Black Thumb Landscaping Tips
Guest blogger Eileen Troemel offers landscaping tips for those with a black thumb looking to start a new garden bed, plant a live fence or grow outdoors.
Getting to the Root of the Burdock Plant
The burdock plant has long been that pesky plant that attaches velcro-like pickers to your clothing, but it also has an abundance of health benefits.
Thymus Vulgaris Youll Be Growing Thyme in No Time
You'll be happy with thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in your flower or herb garden border. It's an easy-to-grow herb to use for cooking and herbal remedies.
Gearing Up For Spring Gardening
It's never too early to start thinking about planting your garden for the spring. I know I am already thinking about spring and warm weather. Spring officially starts Sunday, March 20th and it's important to know when it is the right time to purchase your flowers and begin the planting process.
A Green Home Creative Storage
Guest blogger Jaci Kennison explores creative storage solutions to declutter her small space.
Alchemy Architects weeZero A NetZero weeHouse Near Moab Utah
Alchemy Architects builds its first weeZero, or net-zero weeHouse, in the desert near Moab, Utah.
Tiny House miniHome by Sustain Design Studio
The miniHome by Sustain Design Studio puts a modern twist on traditional trailer design.
Gardening With Disabilities Jump-Start Seedlings Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is economical, fun, and easy to do for most anyone. Gardening under lights can be as simple or complex, inexpensive or expensive as you desire. Starts can then be planted outdoors in easily accessed containers or raised beds.
DIY Composting for the Savvy Home Gardener
Keeping your own compost heap is a great way to benefit your garden while saving money. Learn more about DIY composting with guest blogger Rebecca Lynn Crockett.
Easy Herbs to Grow Outdoors
Stop paying high prices for poor-quality herbs at the grocery store. Grow your own instead!
Gardening with a Black Thumb Container Gardening Prep and Cat Grass
Guest blogger Eileen Troemel fulfills her desire to garden while respecting her black thumb by planting some cat grass for the family cat to destroy.
Grow Mushrooms for Better Garden Soil
Grow mushrooms to help improve garden soil.
Handling Nettle Without the Sting
Whether you want it for tea or some other project, handling stinging nettle during harvesting does not have to be painful.
Basil Discovery
One editor discovers mountain basil at her local Farmer's Market.
Love of Gardening Started in the Cradle
Marci O'Brien writes about sharing her love of gardening with her daughter.
Worms Way Launches New Website
The set launch of Worm's Way Group's new website promises improved usability, more speed and exclusive web-based promotions.
Hello Cleveland
Blogging about beginner gardening.
Getting Acquainted
K.C. Compton's introductory blog on What Works ...
Kitchen Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
This spring, I am dreaming of delicious, beefy summer tomatoes. So I planted some; they're taking over my kitchen as we speak. I love fresh, homegrown tomatoes. And I just can't find delicious tomatoes in stores; even the local, organic market. Not to mention, I'm sick of paying for them! In fact, I'm tired of buying
Gardening with Children in the Summertime
What is more fun than digging in the dirt? Or better yet, playing in the mud? Our guest blogger Marguerite Dunne muses about gardening with children and how wonderful it is to introduce them to this fun and beneficial pastime. (There's always something to do in the garden!)
Growing Tarragon in your Garden
Tarragon is one of the most mislabled herbs. This spring, go armed to the nursery with a few tidbits to ensure you're getting the plant you want.
Top 8 Gardening Products for Fall Pt1
It's time for fall gardening, indoor gardening and spring preparation. In preparation, do you know which products to choose and which to lose? Check out my picks for the best autumn gardening products! Part I.
Top 8 Gardening Products For Fall Pt 2
Finally, the Top Four Autumn Gardening Products are revealed! See my top picks of the best items for a fun fall of indoor gardening. Part II.
BIODOME sans Pauly Shore
If you're not tech-savvy, gifts kids'll like are hard to come by. If you don't want to waste your money on some electrical gadget that'll likely be outdated the day after you buy it, check out these fun, garden terrariums. They even come in different themes!
But Its the Pelvic Stool Thrust
If you find your back hurting while gardening, or if it's just too hard on the knees to bend down for weeding, there's a product you need to try out: The Wearable Gardening Stool.
Cleaning Up
Spring landscape clean-up means more compost riches.
Starting Small
I never could have imagined a few months ago, before I started working for The Herb Companion, that I would be contemplating planting my own herb garden.
Build a Rain Garden
Gardening can make a difference! Across the country, people are building rain gardens to filter contaminants and ease overburdened stormwater systems. Here's how to build a rain garden in 10 easy steps.
Editors Choice 5 Great Green Gardens
In Arizona, an intrepid desert gardener harvests rainwater to grow his own food. A Missouri garden writer feeds his soil to feed himself. In Texas, a garden wall encourages community. These are a few of my favorite gardens.
Herbal Travels The Fenton House Garden in England
Take a trip across the pond with the Lemon Verbena Lady to discover a 300-year-old garden.
How to Green a McMansion Tear It Down and Build Two Homes In Its Place
The Reincarnated McMansion Project aims to tear down one inefficient, climate-insensitive suburban house and replace it with two small, green, handcrafted homes.
WabiSabi Wednesday From Shakers to Shibui Feeling Its Influence Through Time
Wabi-sabi has infused Western design for centuries—though its advocates rarely knew it. It's in the plain, efficient homes built by the Shakers, the unsentimental Arts and Crafts style, Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie houses and midcentury furniture.
How to Design With Junk and Work with Reclaimed Materials
Guest blogger Elizabeth Richardson offers advice on how to incorporate reclaimed materials into home design without the end result looking like "junk."
Small Homes The Alligator House in New Orleans
Designed as a shotgun-style house for natural ventilation, the Alligator House was designed and built as part of the rehousing effort in post-Katrina New Orleans.
Salvaged Homes Introduction
Elizabeth Richardson lays out her plan for building her own salvaged home.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Inspiration from the Passive House Conference
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes how and why the Passive House conference inspired her to change the NewenHouse kit home's design to meet Passive House certification.
Gardening with Disabilities Horticultural Therapy
The therapeutics of gardening and gardens have been known since ancient times. Health care professionals acknowledge this and have been putting it to practice for two-hundred years in this country. Horticultural therapy is good for the whole person.
Reader Gardening Advice Growing Thyme
One reader from California asked us about growing thyme. Check out our suggestions for how to get her thyme to flourish in containers and in walkways.
Easy Salad Boxes Growing Lettuce
Growing lettuce and other salad greens is easy when you plant in salad boxes.
10 Tips from Empty Nesters for Downsizing and Living Small
Ed and Joan Kobrinski left a large family home for a smaller, simpler cottage—and they've never looked back. Their tips for downsizing and living in smaller spaces could help make your transition easier.
A Green Home Birdcage Storage
Keep your storage off the floor and decorate your home using birdcages.
Vermont Natural Coatings Gives Tips on Natural Finish Wood
Vermont Natural Coatings, manufacturer of high performance naturally derived whey-based wood finishes, recently introduced new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey, a durable, safe furniture finish with the look and feel of traditional hand rubbed finishes.
2 People in 640 Square Feet We Have More Than Enough
Diana and Tony Varnes are the happiest they've ever been, and they attribute their well being to living in a small home. They have more time for reading, talking and enjoying the outdoors—and their relationship is better than ever.
5 Solutions for Living without Closets From Someone Who Knows
Victoria Gazely lives in a 650-square-foot homesteader's cabin built by a man who didn't need closets. She's found five great ways to stash her stuff without renovating—and her solutions work for anyone who needs to hide a few things.
Benefits of Living in a Tiny Home Time Money Peace of Mind
Ryan Mitchell, founder of TheTinyLife.com, is saving up to pay cash for a 130-square-foot home on wheels in North Carolina. He's seeking perspective, clarity—and a girlfriend who gets it.
My Favorite iPad and Smart Phone Apps Dream Home and Houzz
Home design apps for smart phones and iPads make visualizing your dream home even easier.
Video A Family of Three in 320 Square Feet
After working four jobs to make payments on their larger home, Debra and Gary downsized—to 320 square feet. The family lacks for nothing, and guests are always welcome. 'I've got everything I need,' Debra says. And their $20K house is paid off.
Green Artist Spotlight David Trubridge
International eco-artist David Trubridge designs furniture, lighting and home accessories that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also environmentally responsible.
Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees Live or Artificial
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren weighs the pros and cons of live and artificial trees in her quest for an eco-friendly Christmas tree.
A Green Home The Many Uses of Hemp
Hemp can be made into a wide variety of products, including fashionable, functional clothing.
Really Big and Off the Grid
Michael Funk's 6,000-square-foot off-the-grid home and retreat center on 1,200 acres in the Sierra Nevadas is an heirloom, handbuilt with reverence for the spectacle that surrounds it. He hopes it will inspire every visitor to preserve the paradise.
Museums Smart Home Gets a Green Makeover
Midwest Living designers give the Smart Home at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry a green makeover that features zero-VOC paint, furniture made from recycled steel and reclaimed wood, and other planet-friendly home decor.
Organize Your Kitchen Storage Solutions and Decluttering Tips
Clutter taking over? Organize your kitchen with these decluttering tips and storage solutions.
Herbal Beers Cheers to Fresh Flavor
Beer brewed with herbs is a tasty alternative to traditional malts and hops.
Cool Find Floating Garden
This fish tank is filled with plants like you've never seen before.
Our First Official Garden Harvest Adding Spinach to the Dinner Table
Guest blogger and novice gardener Shelley Moore harvests her first round of fresh spinach from the garden to bring to the dinner table.
The Truffle Shuffle Easy Mint Recipes
Got some mint? Try some of these easy-to-make recipes for smooth, rich, dark chocolate mint truffles and candied mint leaves. You'll never wonder what to do with mint again.
Weekend Project Garden Bench Made from an Old Tire Inner Tube
Get your garden ready for spring by making this sturdy, comfortable outdoor bench from recycled-plastic lumber and an old truck tire inner tube.
Herb Garden Planner Design Your Ideal Garden
Learn about the new Garden Planner we used to design our own office community garden.
Take Control of Aphids with Ladybugs
Ladybugs are a simple, cheap and effective means of destroying an aphid infestation that just won't go away.
NRG Ergonomic Digging Tools Fun and Practical
Mixing ergonomic structure with a functional, innovative design makes the Radius NRG line my favorite gardening tool set on the market. And not to sound too much like a salesman (I don't work on commission) they are now available from The Herb Companion.
Rosemary and Gardenias Everything You Always Wanted to Know
Ever had trouble growing rosemary outdoors, or getting it to survive past winter? Want to learn everything you need to know about growing gardenias? Find answers to the toughest questions and watch your plants return next spring with these simple steps.
7 Tips for Everyday Outdoor Gardening Part 2
Someone in your family always says, "Work smarter, not harder," and that's true. Here are seven smarter - not harder - tips from the second part of my outdoor gardening's easy-do's- and don'ts.
Garden Giveaway Growing Cutting Leaf Celery
Once you have this herb in your garden, you will never be without cutting leaf celery. It's a perfect container plant to grow close by the kitchen door.
Green Your Life Green Product Review growbottles by Potting Shed Creations
If you're looking for a unique container gardening experience, look no further than growbottles from Potting Shed Creations. These self-watering planters are made in the USA from reclaimed restaurant wine bottles, and they're as sustainable as they are stylish.
Adventures in Chickensitting
I've never thought of myself one to carry on the family tradition of farming - but now that I have the opportunity to raise chickens within city limits, I am going to give it a shot! Read about how I'm getting started in urban chicken farming. And please, send me suggestions!
Theres Something Happening Here
A kitchen garden offers many benefits beyond saving money.
Cute Find Herbie Chess Set
We found this cute garden decor and insist you take a look!
Easy Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe
Start decreasing your reliance on store-bought, pre-packaged foods by preserving produce at the peak of the season. Try this easy recipe for homemade sauerkraut and enjoy this season's cabbage crop all year.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Swap out your bottled ranch dressing for this easy and nutritious recipe!
Reader Poll Which Drink Would You Like to Learn How to Make at Home
Readers vote on whether they'd be most interested in learning to make hard cider, apple wine, mulled wine, ginger beer, eggnog or amaretto at home.
Tasty Homemade Granola Recipe
Making granola at home is simple and allows you to customize it to your liking. Experiment with this basic recipe and discover your perfect granola.
Salvia Apiana Growing White Sage
White sage is a large herbaceous perennial shrub native. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and offers many health benefits. Then find natural headache relief with our homemade salve.
Its a Perfect Day to Make Sacred Seed Bread
Sacred Seed Bread delivers the healing power of medicinal seeds in a delicious, homemade loaf.
Spring Cleaning A Fresh Sparkling KitchenNaturally
Some of the nastiest chemicals we bring into our homes are used to clean ovens and drains—and they're not necessary. Learn how to clean your entire kitchen using vinegar, baking soda and a little salt and lemon juice. You'll love the results!
Weekend Project Celebrate Hemp History Week by Making Hemp Soap
Cap off your Hemp History Week celebrations by making hemp soap. Hemp oil contains essential fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids known for their excellent emollient and lubricating properties.
Food Wise Homemade Italian Sausage
Sausage can be healthy if made at home. Try it! It's easy.
Food Wise The Gift of Homemade Food
I make the cookie-of-the-month for my brother-in-law, and he loves it.
Fabric for a Homemade Wedding Dress
Guest blogger Erica Binns travels to Mood Designer Fabrics to find fabric for her homemade wedding dress.
How to Make Your Own Chicken Stock
Good stock is an important base to flavoring a lot of recipes. Learn how to make your own chicken stock at home with these instructions.
Sweet Ideas for a Handmade Valentines Day
Save money and win your sweetie's heart with a beautifully set table and handmade candy hearts this Valentine's Day.
Borax Has Issues You Have Alternatives
Because it could cause eye and skin irritation and harm reproductive systems, the Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding it. Baking soda is a solid, safe alternative.
15 Uses for Olive Oil
From a homemade furniture polish to a skin and hair conditioner, olive oil has many uses around the home. Just check out these 15 uses for olive oil!
Green Your Life Delicious Homemade Salad Dressings
Try one of these three simple but tasty homemade salad dressings the next time you're in the mood for a lighter lunch or dinner.
Green Your Life Make Homemade Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a sandwich staple that you can easily make at home. It takes just minutes to make and you can experiment with new and exciting flavor combinations.
DIY Decorations Orange Holiday Ornaments
These homemade orange ornaments will add bright colors and a citrusy aroma to your tree this year.
How to Make Homemade Candles for your Valentine
Light up your Valentine's Day with all natural, herbal homemade candles.
Herbal Gifts for Mothers Day
Looking for the perfect gesture of appreciation this weekend? Try these homemade Mother's Day gift ideas.
Green Your Life Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
They don't call them the dog days of summer for nothing. Surprise your pup with these easy and delicious homemade frozen treats to keep him cool in the heat.
Green City Garden Girl Recycle Beer Kegs Into Cool Garden Planters
Recycle old kegs into beautiful, functional garden planters—guest blogger KyLynn Hull shows you how!
How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack And Live to Blog About it
When you write for a blog called The Garden Gnome, you tend to get a lot of wacky things many of that make great holiday gifts. Among my favorite is the new book and guide to life, How To Survive a Garden Gnome Attack.
Product Review Creating Custom Garden Spaces
This book is packed with 20 intricate designs, charts, gardening tips and tricks and conventional wisdom passed down through the years.
Passive House Design An Introduction to the Passive House Standard
Architect and Passive House consultant Mark Miller offers an introduction to the Passive House standard, including what makes Passive Houses energy-efficient and how they differ from passive solar homes.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home The Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit and Insulation Installation
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes the HRV (heat recovery ventilation) unit and insulation installation for the NewenHouse Kit Home.
Passive House Design Pushing the Envelope with the Passive House Standard
Follow along as architect Mark Miller takes his energy-efficient design skills to the next level with the Passive House standard.
Atlanta Restaurant Takes Locally-Grown Seriously
A restaurant heads to the rooftops for eco-friendly gardening.
DIY Create a Plant Herbarium
Plant herbariums collect herbal memories all summer long.
Friend or Foe Easy Plant Identification Tools
Guest blogger Jennifer Flaten discovers some easy plant identification tools to help her identify unknown plants in her Wisconsin garden.
Gardening Tips Easy Indoor Compost
Whether you don't have the space for outdoor composting or you just want to get to work on your gardening preparations as soon as possible, this indoor composting method is a simple way to start.
Green Gardening La Plaza Cultural
Learn more about La Plaza Cultural community garden in New York City; create a recycled garden at home.
Grow Fragrant Perennial Flowers
Grow your own fresh supply of fragrant perennial flowers this year to scent your life and use as cut flowers, for crafts, and in natural personal care treatments.
How to Grow Citrus Trees from Seed
Grow your own beautiful houseplants from citrus seeds. Growing citrus trees from seed is easy, fun and, best of all, free.
How To Grow Lavender Plants
This spring, guest blogger Patsy Bell Hobson is expanding her lavender collection to extend the bloom period with different varieties.
Snow Garden Growing Herbs in Winter
The Lemon Verbena Lady shares how snow has helped her winter herb garden grow.
USDA Unveils New Plant Hardiness Zone Map
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating a useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990 with greater accuracy and detail.
Composting with Kids
Help your kids develop their green thumb by teaching them to compost.
Mulch Madness Environmentally Friendly Mulch Options
A good layer of environmentally friendly mulch such as eucalyptus, pine bark or cocoa hulls will discourage weeds, keep soil up to 10 degrees cooler and help prevent plant disease. What's your favorite green mulch?
A Gathering of People Who Love Plants
Herb Society of America meets in Boston June 26-28 to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Keynote speaker Holly Shimizu urges members to advocate for plants.
Honeybee Research The Mighty Caterpillar Defender
Honeybees are the best of friends for blooming fruit trees flowers, and herbs, such as apricot, cherry, members of the daisy family, lavender, oregano and sage. We've known that bees
What is a Localvore
Eating local doesn't have to be limiting or expensive. Learn how to eat local using tips from the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
Plant Problem QA What Are These Brown Spots
One reader asked us to help her diagnose some brown spots she noticed on her basil plant's leaves.
A Beginners Herb Garden
One beginning gardener is growing oregano, basil, cilantro and stevia this spring.
Scent Naturally with PRIMAVERA Organic Airpsrays
PRIMAVERA organic airsprays naturally scent your home using essential oils.
Living Off the Grid Constant Adventure
Liza Fleischer was a suburbanite through and through when she met her husband, Ted, who she says was 'born 100 years too late.' Now they live in a solar- and hydro-powered hand-built home on 160 acres in Vermont—and she loves it.
How Our Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Began
This is the first of a series of blogs about construction of a LEED Platinum-certified home on an organic farm in middle Tennessee.
A Green Home Basket Storage for Small Spaces
Hanging baskets on your walls helps to create storage and still offer decorative design in your home.
A Green Home Use Empty Picture Frames for Organization
Got kitchen clutter? Turn a picture frame into a beautiful, useful storage solution.
Eco-Decor Delights Humble Earth-Friendly Printed Home Accessories
From perpetually sunny Orange Country, California, Humble sells extremely eco-conscious home décor accessories featuring designs that will remind you of summer's past.
Tiny House The Surfshack
Built from a recycled shipping container, the 160-square-foot Surfshack uses folding, moveable panels and smart design to fit all the creature comforts of home into a durable, weather-proof frame, creating a home-away-from-home on the Washington coast for an avid surfer.
A New Home Getting Green
Jessica hunts for eco-friendly and secondhand items to make her new townhome greener. Greening an apartment or home you don't own can be a challenge, but searching for eco-friendly products is fun.
Shopping for Salvaged Home Building Materials
Salvaged products can be attractive components of a new home. Salvaged materials help save resources and money while adding distinctive features. One source of salvaged materials, Habitat Home Stores, also supports housing development for low-income families.
In the News Grow Mushrooms at Home
Back to the Root makes growing mushrooms at home simple and sustainable.
Gardening With a Black Thumb Easy-to-Grow Indoor Plants
Guest blogger Eileen Troemel sets out to find easy-to-grow indoor plants that she can successfully keep alive with a black thumb.
Natural Medicine Cabinet Garlic for Athletes Foot Colds and Cancer
Garlic has been used for centuries to treat colds and infections. Modern research shows that garlic may also be useful in preventing cancer.
This Florida Home Stays Cool Without AC--No Kidding
This home in the Florida Keys stays cool by capturing prevailing breezes and taking advantage of passive cooling techniques such as open, screened walls and a reflective roof.
Wholesome Baby Foods From Your Kitchen
An easy description of making your own baby food from scratch. Create nutritional options for your baby and safe money!
10 Homemade Holiday Gifts
This holiday season, avoid the shopping frenzy and make your own gifts straight from the heart. These homemade holiday gift ideas are fun and should cover nearly everyone on your shopping list.
When I actually BUY something
Great shampoo from Dr. Hauschka.
Mosquito Problems Bring on the Bats
One small brown bat can eat several thousand insects each night. Install a bat house and invite them to feast in your yard.
Try This Out Infusing Spirits at Home
Infusing spirits with your favorite herbs and spices is a fun and easy way to stock your bar for holiday entertaining. They also make the loveliest gift for a cocktail enthusiast!
DIY Homemade Lip Tint
Use nature's own ingredients to add color and moisture to your lips with this homemade lip tint.
Herbal Crafts for Kids Creamsicle Lip Balm
Create a yummy summertime lip balm with your kids.
Green Your Life Soothing Homemade Lip Balm
Leave your lips feeling luscious and quenched with this simple recipe for homemade lip balm.
Green Your Life Homemade Gift Guide for the Holidays
Instead of buying your friends gifts for the holidays this year, save money and lighten your impact on the planet by making homemade gifts. These ideas will get you started.
Green Your Life Homemade Almond Butter
If you're nuts about almonds, try out this simple recipe for making fresh almond butter at home.
Alternatives to Animal Testing More Cruelty-Free Recipes
Stand against animal testing with certified cruelty-free cosmetics and homemade lip balms and lotions.
Herbal Travels Well-Sweep Herb Farm
The Lemon Verbena Lady finds herb garden design inspiration in Port Murray, New Jersey.
Cooking with Green Garlic
Anyone who has ever grown garlic knows how delicious the green tops are in spring salads and perhaps have even tossed a handful into a soup stock. With their heady garlic scent and bright green goodness, these edible green grasses are just the thing for winter weary palates.
Do Aqua Globes Really Work
I'm sure you've seen these nifty little garden tools on TV - the Aqua Globe. Read my review to see what I really think about these As-Seen-On-TV "Wonders."
How to Care for Edible Orchids
Orchids are some of the most beautiful flowers—they're safe around house pets, they come in a multitude of colors and shapes and ... they're edible?! Read more.
Recipe for Gardeners Cooking Asparagus Spears
I know an awful lot about plants. I know precious little about cooking. Could the old adage be true? Does any good relationship have a gardener and a chef?
The Blooper Reel
Last week, we sent you our warmest wishes for the holiday season. This week, I show you a special sneak peek behind the festivity of our holiday video. And let me tell you ... we're crazy.
At My Place Spring Vegetable Gardening
I have to admit it: I'm full of beans when it comes to gardening. I swore that this year, no really, I was only going to grow a few herbs in pots. And then, the seed catalogs came.
Cute Find Handmade Herb Markers
We found this cute garden decor idea and insist you take a look!
Cute Find Herb Cupcake
This herb cupcake is calorie-free and so darn cute!
How Does Your Garden Grow
You've probably seen this product in the endless issues of SkyMall, but let me just tell you, the AeroGarden is every bit as cool as it looks! Also read the history behind, "Mary, Mary quite contrary ..."
Healing Heartburn
Heartburn affects 44 percent of the population, and experts warn that serious side effects are more serious than we consider – potentially cancer. Learn about some treatments from experts that aren't so tough to swallow.
Halloween Decorations Black Garden Plants
With these black flowers in your garden, it's easier to make a spooky bouquet.
5 Tips Keep Deer Out of the Garden
Deer proof your garden with these 5 helpful tips.
In The News Most Home-Packed Lunches Arent Properly Refrigerated
Children's lunches aren't kept cool enough before lunch, leading to the possibility of food-borne illnesses.
Whats Your Favorite Way to Decorate Pumpkins
Try these pumpkin candleholders and tell us about your favorite pumpkin decorations.
Eco-Friendly PopUp Houses Ready to Assemble
The PopUp House from House Port, Inc. embodies the definition of model green home as it utilizes sustainable methods, not only within the structure of the dwelling, but also within the interior of the home.
A Perfect Summertime RetreatBuilt for 22500
Swamp Hut is a complex of four 8-by-12-foot huts surrounding a deck with a fireplace. This an off-the-grid, light-on-the-land summer getaway could easily be replicated in your favorite vacation spot.
A Super Green But Normal Suburban Home in Texas
Dan and Karen Cripes made a few big upfront investments—including solar panels and a geothermal system—when they built their home in Round Rock, Texas. Now they're reaping the rewards with nearly nonexistent utility bills and a home they love.
Free Home Charging Stations The Chevy Volt Just Got Better
In partnership with the Department of Energy, Chevrolet offers free home charging stations to 4,400 owners of its newest electric car, the Volt.
How Energy-Efficient is Your Home Find Out Now
Two new federal programs, the Home Energy Scoring program and the PowerSaver program, make it easier for homeowners to save energy.
Living in a Small Home Making Use of Every Inch
Sayra and Dominic live with their 5-year-old daughter in a charming 550-square-foot home in rural Idaho. There are challenges, but they've found that less really is more. 'It's like living in a fun clubhouse,' Sayra says.
MiniHome Combines Style Affordability and Functionin Less Than 1000 Square Feet
Ranging in size from 528 square feet to 960 square feet, miniHomes are a combination of park model trailer, manufactured home and code-compliant residences that combine modern design with state-of-the-art building technology.
Tiny House Conference to Take Place in North Carolina
The first Tiny House Conference will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 16.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Choosing and Installing Slab Insulation
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes how she and her team insulated under the slab of the NewenHouse prototype home and the importance of air sealing to achieve Passive House certification.
A Green Home The Green Reason for the Season
Guest blogger Jaci Kennison takes time out this holiday season to honor and appreciate the planet.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home FSC-Certified Roof Trusses
Sonya Newenhouse describes the roof truss system and air-tight barrier between the second floor and the roof for the Passive House NewenHouse Kit Home.
A Green Home Green Investing
Put your money where your principals are—supporting eco-conscious living projects. Invest in green companies to make a greater impact on our environment.
DIY Tiki Torches
Make your own tiki torch and fend off mosquitoes at the same time.
A Green Home Decorate Your Walls with Fabric
Hang used fabric on your walls instead of paint or wallpaper.
A Green Home Organize Your Mail with Clips and Belts
When stacks of mail, cards and school pictures start taking over your kitchen table or refrigerator, wage war with this project to keep it all organized and unclutter your life.
Dreams of a Backyard Bedroom
If the heat is getting you down—and out of your comfortable sleeping—take your bedroom outside and let Mother Nature cool you while you slumber.
Eco-Decor Delights Harmony Art Organic Fabrics
Natural Home guest blogger Victoria Klein reviews certified-organic fabrics from Harmony Art.
Eco-Decor Delights MIO Green Design for Everyone
Natural Home guest blogger Victoria Klein reviews green home decor from MIO.
IPad - for a Green Home
An overview on how the IPad and new apps relating to home automation can help you save energy through better control of heating and cooling, lights, window coverings, irrigation and security systems. The leading systems providers each have IPad apps
Organic Table Linens Amenity Placemats
Design your dining room with patterned placemats from Amenity. Made of organic cotton and hemp, these placemats come in a variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your room.
Purse Project Organize a Roomy Bag with Snap Pouches
If you find yourself with a bag that seems to swallow up all of your things, consider adding snap-in coin purses to help you organize.
Tiny House Off-Grid Cabin on Flathead Lake in Montana
Perched atop a cliff overlooking Montana's Flathead Lake, this 830-square-foot off-grid cabin steps lightly on its site so as not to disturb osprey nesting in the surrounding forest.
Tiny House The Keret House
At only 156 square feet and just 4 feet across at its widest, the Keret House in Warsaw, Poland, might just be the skinniest tiny house ever.
National Organize Your Home Office Day 5 Tips
Today's a great day to follow our tips for creating a home office that's easy on you and light on the planet.
Tips for Used-Furniture Shopping
Jessica offers her top tips for shopping for used and antique home furnishings.
Tumbleweed Tiny House Pioneer Offers Nationwide Workshops
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company founder Jay Shafer teaches Americans how to build efficient homes of less than 1,000 square feet.
5 Favorite Handmade Gift Shops
Eschew corporate goods and instead choose handmade gifts for everyone on your list this holiday, using these excellent Etsy shops as a jumping-off point.
3 Favorite Home Remodeling Blogs
These three great design blogs share inspiration to redecorate our homes on a budget—using rescued and reclaimed items.
LEED Platinum Certification Why and How Were Involved
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove explains why she and her husband, John, are aiming for LEED Platinum-certification for their rural Tennessee farmhouse.
Sustainable Tennesee Farmhouse Uses Native Sandstone
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove picks natural, native sandstone to use in her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse that she is building to LEED Platinum standards.
Tiny House The Cube Project
Designed to be a comfortable, modern home with a minimum impact on the environment, the Cube generates its own energy and proves that you don't have to sacrifice creature comforts to live in a small space.
Passive House Design An Introduction to the Passive House Standard Part 2
Architect and Passive House consultant Mark Miller continues his introduction to the Passive House standard.
Holiday Hair Helpers
Perfect Seasonal Styles with Peter Lamas Naturals' "Hold Me" and "Repair Me"
February Is American Heart Month
Take some time to focus on your heart health this month.
Grow Dill Dukat From Seed
Although pickling is the most well known use for dill, don't forget all the wonderful ways to include this herb in your life. Enter for a chance to win dill 'Dukat' seed packets.
Garden Giveaway How To Use Arugula From Your Garden
This garden favorite is great for salads, mesclun mixes, pastas and pizza. Comment for your chance to win a packet of arugula seeds from Renee's Garden.
Grow Fresh Fruit Vegetables and Herbs Indoors
Fresh fruits and veggies can still be grown during the winter; just grow them indoors.
Growing Herbs in Texas Rain Provides Relief
After a drought wreaked havoc on her garden, a little rain perks this gardener and her plants right up.
Growing Herbs in Texas Replant Herb Beds This Fall
Fall is the best time to replant herbs if you're in an area with moderate winter temperatures. Our guest blogger in Texas shares which herbs she planted this fall, including her newest addition Moujean tea (Nashia inaguensis), a lovely, fragrant shrubby herb.
Weed Water Wednesday Start Planning Those Gardens
If you're planning to plant a garden this spring, now is the perfect time to start choosing plants, ordering seeds and making plans.
Weed Water Wednesday A Favorite Desert Garden
Although winter is setting in, that doesn't mean an end to the garden season in desert climates! Get inspired by this beautiful rainwater-harvesting, food-producing desert landscape!
Weed Water Wednesday Fall and Winter Veggie Gardening
Jessica recommends several sources for inspiration to grow vegetables into the fall and winter.
A Cutting-Edge Rain Garden in Kansas City
Kansas City's 18Broadway project is a superb example of how to capture and store rainwater to grow food in the heart of downtown.
Good to Grow
Jessica talks about growing herbs on her townhouse balcony. With rising food prices, growing your own is a great way to save.
Herb Festivals A True Community Event
Ponca City, Oklahoma, gathering draws more than 20,000 visitors.
Cute Find Herbie Ornaments
Looking for a last minute Christmas gift? Look no further! This adorable gift from the garden is inexpensive, easy to make and enriched with sentiment, courtesy of our good friends at Botanical Interests.
Putting the Garden Back in The Garden Gnome
We're still frosting in Kansas but the herbs have gone on sale, and I'm happy to report that even though times are tough I'm keeping our nurseries in business. Chocolate mint, pineapple sage and lemon thyme are just a few of the herbs I've added so far this spring.
Designing Your Garden with Herb Vignettes
When you are overwhelmed by the big picture or aggressive herbs take over, focus on smaller herbal vignettes.
Addicted to the Herb Garden Planner
The Lemon Verbena Lady is not a video game player, but she says designing your garden just got a lot more enjoyable with the Herb Garden Planner.
7 Tips for Everyday Outdoor Gardening Part 1
Save time, money and backache with a few of these tips from the first leg of my series on outdoor gardening's easy do's and don'ts.
5 Tips for Indoor Gardens
Check out these weekly tips for growing healthy, beautiful plants indoors.
Foeniculum Vulgare Try Your Hand at Fennel
Fennel is the perfect herb for the gourmet cook who loves to grow special ingredients. It requires some attention to blanching, mounding soil around the growing basal bulb to keep it white and tender, but is well worth the extra effort.
Gardening with a Black Thumb Joys of an Early Spring
Guest blogger Eileen Troemel shares images of the spring flowers blooming in her garden.
Healthy Green Design How to Make a Terrarium
Terrariums are beautiful in any room setting and they are a great activity to share with children. In honor of Earth Day, build your own!
DIY Compost Tea
If you're an herbie, then chances are you love tea. But did you know that your herbs also enjoy tea? Discover the benefits of compost tea and learn how to use it in your garden.
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Cilantro All Year Long
Say cheers to the health benefits of cilantro.
Homemade or Not Fathers Day Gifts
Celebrate the father figures in your life with these ideas for herbal gifts.
Growing Bay Laurel 2009 Herb of the Year
Sweet Bay is surprisingly easy to grow and offeres wonderfully spicy flavors to your kitchen.
Growing Tips for Herbs Why is My Sage Dying
Keep your sage alive. Check out our growing tips for dying herbs.
Battling the Elements in Your Garden
Inclement weather can really keep you out of your garden. Here are some of the challenges Mother Nature presents us and a couple of tricks you can use to keep her at bay.
Grow Parsley for Your Spring Garden
Germinate your favorite parsley indoors this winter to get a head start on spring gardening. Enter for a chance to win parsley seed packets.
Growing Golden Lime Thyme in your Garden
A new thyme variety at a local farmers' market inspired one blogger's interest in learning about this versatile herb.
Growing Herbs in Texas Early Spring Planting
Although the weather is still chilly, early spring planting has already begun in Texas.
Green Valentines Day Inexpensive Homemade Gifts
Need to save money on Valentine's Day gifts this year? Natural Home editorial assistant Susan Melgren shares six simple ideas for homemade gifts to give your sweetheart.
17 Uses for Lemons
Did you know that lemons can cut grease, brighten laundry and whiten fingernails? Discover these and many more uses for lemons!
20 Health Beauty and Cleaning Uses for Vinegar
Good for cleaning home and body, vinegar has many uses around the house, from cutting grease in the kitchen to softening hair and laundry.
Last Minute Gift Relaxing Sage and Lavender Bath Salts
December 25th is right around the corner. If you're looking for a last-minute gift this holiday season, make these Relaxing Sage and Lavender Bath Salts. This homemade gift is budget-friendly, is quick and easy to make and speaks from the heart.
Garden Giveaway Grow Parsley the Butterfly Magnet
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial, meaning it takes two years to mature and reproduce. Get your chance to grow parsley from seed in your garden by entering our special garden giveawy. Ends April 2, 2012!
Green City Garden Girl How to Reuse Eggshells
Besides composting, eggshells have many great uses both in the garden and in the home. Natural Home guest blogger KyLynn Hull details how to reuse eggshells.
Five Resources to Plan a Great Garden
Use these five excellent resources for help planning a productive, healthy, money-saving vegetable garden this spring.
Grow an Indoor Winter Garden The Best Greens and Herbs
Grow leafy greens and herbs indoors this winter for year-round fresh, inexpensive and organic food.
Natural Drink Review Prometheus Springs Capsaicin-Spiced Elixirs
Prometheus Springs' capsaicin-spiced elixirs pack the spiciness—and health benefits—of capsaicin into six delicious flavors.
Natural Chicken Label Comes Under Scrutiny
Almost a third of chicken sold in the U.S. is injected with salt water, doubling or tripling the product's sodium content. The USDA is considering revising its standards for chicken labeling so these products can't be labeled 'natural.'
Harvesting Rainwater
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove considers rainwater cistern options for harvesting rainwater at her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse that she is building to LEED standards.
Buying Appliances for a LEED-Certified Home
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove narrows down her choices of Energy Star-rated appliances for her LEED-certified home in Tennessee.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Unexpected Green Building Expenses
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove recounts the unexpected expenses she faced while building her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse. Selove is building her green dream home to LEED Platinum standards.
Sustainable Wood Where is the Wood We Want
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove explains why she chose Southern Forest Initiative-certified wood for the framing lumber of her sustainable Tennessee home that she is building to LEED Platinum standards.
Numi Welcomes Warmer Weather with Refreshing Tea Recipes
These refreshing Numi Organic Tea libations are perfect as we look ahead to the warmer months.
Natural Lip Balm Addicted to Lip Balm Red Roses BeesWork
Red Roses by BeesWork is a natural lip balm and natural lip tint that gets its color from the alkanet root and its softness from rosehips and evening primrose oil.
2011 Energy Outlook More Renewables Fewer Imports
U.S. energy consumers will rely more on natural gas and renewables and less on imports in 2011. Coal remains dominant.
Different Uses for Everyday Items Lemon
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson reveals some alternative uses for this citrus fruit.
Making Gnocchi A Pictorial
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull tries her hand at making gnocchi.
4 Unusual Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
To celebrate the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo I'm throwing a party featuring some of the special Mexican herbs growing in my garden. Try these four unusual recipes: Black Bean Salsa with Cilantro, Papadzules, Minto Mojitos and Chocolate Banana Burritos!
76th Annual Educational Conference of the Herb Society of America
A highlighted tour of the 76th annual meeting and Educational Conference of the Herb Society of America.
A Bomb of Cherry Flavor
The health benefits of whole tart cherries are widely documented – improving sleep, fighting off infection and slowing the aging process. Now there's a cherry juice not from concentrate – read about CherryPharm and its benefits…
Bring the Garden Inside with a Terrarium
Believe it or not, terrariums are coming back into style. Learn how to make your own terrarium with these easy steps.
Dung Art for your Yard
Check out this interesting art! Plein air artist Susan Bell transforms manure from her horses into animal sculptures that decompose in your yard.
Growing Campari Tomatoes
Guest blogger and novice gardener Shelley Moore grows Campari tomatoes in her Utah garden.
Growing Herbs in Texas Fall Gardening and Minutina
One herb gardener decides to fill one of her garden beds with spinach, nasturtiums and minutina.
Growing Herbs in Texas Soapwort Plant
Soapwort is growing well for Cynthia Meredith, our guest blogger from Texas.
Growing Herbs in Texas Weedy Crops
With fall rain comes weedy crops. Learn more about Texas rain and it what it's doing to Herb Companion reader, Cynthia Meredith's, garden.
Helping an Herb Companion Friend
A fire ripped through and destroyed the home and garden of an Herb Companion friend, Ester Shouse. Read Ester's story and find out what you can do to help.
Keep Living Trees Safe for the Holidays
Like herbs, evergreen trees have a powerful fragrance, some even with medicinal properties, and with a few simple steps, you can find the perfect tree to keep safe from fire and fresh throughout the holidays.
Recognizing and Harvesting the Bolting Spinach
Recognizing Spinach plants when they bolt and harvesting what is left that is useful.
Waiting to Plant a Spring Garden
Desperately waiting for the arrival of spring? Have patience! Using container herbs will help keep your spirits up during this long winter.
In the News Dallas Woman Promotes Herb Benefits Through the Years
At 92, Lane Furneaux has been working for more than 30 years to educate the people of Dallas on the culinary and health benefits of herbs.
My Generation Start a Community Garden
Retirement from work doesn't mean retiring from having fun in life. Help yourself and others by starting a community garden.
3 Simple Steps to a Sustainable Home
Plant a patio garden, get a more efficient TV and change your light bulbs, suggests eco-designer Sabrina Soto.
10 Herbs for your Kitchen Garden
These are the herbs that I simply have trouble envisioning any kitchen garden living without.
Infuse Ratatouille With French Thyme
Ratatouille is a delicious way to preserve a lot of garden produce fast. Also, comment to win a French thyme seed packet.
In the News Obama To Sign Food Safety Bill
Obama is poised to sign the Food Safety Bill. Learn more about how you can guarantee the safety of your own food.
The Garden Buzz Three Reasons to Love Dandelions
Consider these three ideas before you kill the dandelions in your garden.
Start Thyme Seeds For Your Spring Garden
Thyme is a very useful and decorative herb in the garden and in the kitchen.
Tough Tincture to Swallow
Medicines and extracted herbs can be disgusting, even diluted in water. Luckily, there's a trick for those of us who don't want to grimace every time we try and do something healthy for our bodies! Read more ...
Bitter Wormwood Growing Artemisia Absinthium
Artemisia absinthium, more commonly known as wormwood, is a bitter herb with many medicinal purposes. It is also an attractive plant in the landscape. Learn more about it.
Growing Big Herbs Angelica Borage and Tansy
Ten years ago the Lemon Verbena looked for big herbs that would take up space but still add a punch to the herb garden. Here are the results, ten years later.
Grow Chervil this Spring
Try growing chervil in your garden this spring. Also, enter our latest garden giveawy by leaving us a comment, explaining how you would use the plant.
Growing Dill From Seed
Grow the kind of dill that fits your gardening and dining style. Also, comment to enter our latest garden giveaway!
Giving the White House a Green Thumb
Michelle Obama's new organic White House vegetable garden is the first of its kind since World War II. I spoke with a friend who was at the scene as students from a local elementary school broke ground Friday, which was the first day of spring. Find out what the new "First Herbs of the United States" are.
Gardening With Herbs Near The Sutter Buttes
Kathy Amen was excited to share photos of her home with The Herb Companion. She has been inspired to plant more herbs and build a greenhouse for them out of salvaged windows.
How to Make a Homemade Bug Repellent Spray
Mother Earth Living Editor-in-Chief Jessica Kellner shares how to make a homemade bug-repellent spray.
Natural Lotion EO Everyday Body Lotion
EO's Everyday Body Lotion leaves skin soft and smooth without feeling greasy or oily.
Natural Scar Treatment Derma E Scar Gel
Derma e Scar Gel helps naturally reduce the appearance of old and new scars, stretch marks and minor burns.
Natural Styling Products Onesta Smooth and Shine Thermal Straightening Crme
Onesta Smooth & Shine Thermal Straightening Crème controls frizz and adds shine to straight hair without the use of sulfates, parabens, synthetic colors and dyes.
Organic Beauty and Skin Care Blogs
Looking for more information on natural beauty and organic skin car? Check out these blogs!
Natural Cosmetics Monave Sheer Lip Glaze and Lip Gloss
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural lip glaze and natural lip gloss from mineral makeup company, Monave.
Garden Giveaway Grow Chives From Seed
Chives are a cool-season, cold-tolerant perennial that love full sun and well-drained soil. Get your chance to grow chives from seed in your garden by entering our special garden giveaway. Ends March 7, 2012!
Garden Giveaway Growing Calendula From Seed
Calendula is an easy flower to grow. Plant in full sun flower beds, containers, and vegetable and herb gardens.
Garden Giveaway Its Time for Four OClock Flowers
Four-o'clocks are an old favorite that have been around a long time. There is a reason why they have been in your family garden for generations. Comment for your chance to win four-o'clock seeds, courtesy Renee's Garden.
Healthy Beauty Part 1 Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust
Check out this excerpt from Healthy Beauty: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust by Sam Epstein, MD, to find out more about how to swap out conventional products for healthier, natural alternatives.
Healthy Beauty Part 2 Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust
Check out this excerpt from Healthy Beauty: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust by Sam Epstein, MD, to find out more about how to swap out conventional products for healthier, natural alternatives.
Bringing Home Benziger 2007 Signaterra Three Blocks Red
Mike Benziger, founder and winemaker at Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, California, answers five questions about his 2007 Signaterra Three Blocks Red.
Holiday Decorating Herbal Ornaments
Decorating for the holidays does not have to be complicated. Use our recipes for cinnamon spice and gingerbread cookie ornaments to add simple beauty and fragrance to your home.
Home Remedies for Children Use Garlic Oil to Relieve Ear Infections
Relieve ear infections with this at-home remedy. One young mother takes a crash course in using herbs for this common childhood complaint.
Dress Your Clothes in Natural Fragrances
Roux Maison Detergens are now available in Sweet Tea and Ambrosia.
Off-Grid Earthship Home Powered by Sun and Tulikivi Fireplace
A Tulikivi soapstone fireplace and cook stove complement the off-grid lifestyle of a Montana man and his Earthship home.
3 Amazing Tiny Homes Which Is Your Favorite
Apartment Therapy's annual Small Cool contest, featuring homes of less than 1,000 square feet, is a gold mine for smart ideas that make tiny spaces elegant, graceful and liveable.
A Good Home SuperInsulated Healthy Hacienda in Taos
A graduate student experiences the comfort and efficiency of a superinsulated, passive solar home in Taos.
Cash for Caulkers Part 3 Claim Home Star Rebates for Windows Doors and Skylights
The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, expected to pass this summer, offers rebates for windows, doors, skylights, window films and storm windows and doors.
Experts Weigh In on the Best Remodeling Projects for Resale
Experts say that that bathroom and kitchen remodels--once a sure-fire way to move a home for sale--aren't necessarily the ticket anymore. Creating a house that feels homey and welcoming is most important.
Good Shopping ReNests Favorite Etsy Stores
Re-Nest's list of its favorite Etsy stores makes navigating the handmade goods shopping site easier to navigate.
Homemade Recycled Art Project
Jessica gives an update on her townhouse greening: a recycling center, cardboard art, and upgraded lighting and bathroom fixtures.
Live from the Puyallup Mother Earth News Fair
Jessica reports about all the fun and wonderful information at the Mother Earth News Fair in Puyallup, Washington.
Living Off the Grid Creature Comforts Met by Sun Wind and Forest
Cyndee and Tony love being in control of their own power and never having to worry about rate increases and outages in south-central Colorado. Solar panels, a wind turbine and a wood-fired boiler keep them plenty warm and happy.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Completed
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove shares the lessons she learned building her now completed green home.
A Green Home Clean Out and Donate at Christmas
If you are shopping for the holidays, consider dropping off a box of donations too. Recycling goods to be re-sold is just as important as recycling them into new materials.
A Green Home Make a Green New Years Resolution
Take some pressure off resolutions season by choosing "world improvement" instead of just "self-improvement". Add a green resolution to your list this year.
A Green Home Repurposed Clothing and Accessories
Look at your closet, and your shopping, in a whole new way. Repurpose items you already have, making a dress out of a shirt or a handbag out of men's ties.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Inner-Wall Framing Complete
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes the framing process and how she finds opportunities for borrowed light in the inner walls of the NewenHouse kit home.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Larsen Truss Remote Wall System
Guest blogger Sonya Newenhouse describes building the 12-inch remote Larsen Truss wall, which, combined with the OSB air barrier, will create a 16-inch-thick insulated wall system for the NewenHouse kit home.
Save Energy with Home Automation Apps on the iPad
Guest blogger Mike Samsel provides an overview on how the iPad and new apps relating to home automation can help you save energy through better control of heating and cooling, lights, window coverings, irrigation and security systems.
Natural Mosquito Repellents
Go ahead, play outside. These tips will keep you from being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
A Green Home Pillowcase Pegboard
A pillowcase and foam board are all you need for a simple, cheap and environmentally friendly way to organize notes and lists in this project.
A Green Home Window Light Fixture
Rescue old windows and recycle them into beautiful light fixtures.
Aspen and Birch Tree Headboard
Create the feeling that you are waking up underneath the trees with a headboard made of aspen branches.
Colors of Inspiration Zero-VOC Turquoise Olympic Paint
Guest blogger Kim Wallace finds four shades of turquoise for her living room accent wall from Olympic Paint and Stain's "Colors of Inspiration" paint color swatch booklet, which is filled with 1,200 zero-VOC interior paint colors.
Eco-Decor Delights Etsy Appreciation J Clay Pottery
J Clay Pottery features all your favorite foodie items—mugs and plates to bowls and sake sets—in all-natural clay and nature-inspired colors.
Eco-Decor Delights Etsy Appreciation Michelle Prosek Hand-Carved Fused Art Glass
Handmade from start to finish, Michelle Prosek's jazzy art glass adds an eco-modern element to any room. Find her unique glass art in her Etsy shop.
Eco-Decor Delights Mystic Masala Ayurvedic Aromatherapy
Mystic Masala offers Ayurveda-based candles, soaps, and body products made from sustainable herbs and fair trade methods in Nepal.
EcoDecor Delights Plover Organic Cotton Bedding Kitchen Textiles
Patters and personality galore, Plover Organic's organic cotton bedding and kitchen textiles add just the right amount of spice to your green home decor.
Hanging Out with Hammocks High Teas Karen Young
Hammocks and High Tea designer and founder Karen Young describes the creative process and the steps it takes to create a sustainable home decor line.
Healthy Green Design 5 EcoFriendly Interior Design Products Companies
Guest blogger Stephanie Nickolson shares five of her favorite interior design products companies.
Moving Into The NewenHouse Kit Home(2)
Here Sonya describes moving into the the NewenHouse and conducting the final duct blaster test (reaching an amazing score of .51 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals)and balancing the HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit).
Reclaim Old Doors for Storage
Short on storage? Repurpose a door into a swinging shelf or basket storage system!
Recycled DIY Dog Bed
Build a sustainable dog bed out of recycled T-shirts or newspapers. When placed in a revamped end table, it makes a nice piece of doggie furniture, too.
Tiny House Innermost House An Off-Grid Cabin in California
Innermost House, a 144-square-foot off-grid cabin in Northern California, provides a retreat for Michael Anthony and Diana Lorence to pursue simple living.
Tiny House Sunset Cabin on Ontarios Lake Simcoe
This 275-square-foot cabin on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Ontario provides its owners with a comfortable vantage point for watching sunsets and enjoying nature.
Window Screens as Jewelry Storage
Turn a window screen and picture frame into a perfect storage solution for delicate jewelry pieces.
Switch to Natural Fabric Softener for Safer Laundry
Guest blogger Faith Moser shares five laundry tips (including a homemade natural fabric softener) for cling- and chemical-free clothing.
Transformation Tuesday A DIY Wreath Made of Burnt-Out Lightbulbs
Reuse burnt-out lightbulbs to make this adorable, unique DIY holiday wreath.
Cash for Caulkers Part 1 Home Star Rebates Reimburse Homeowners for Insulation and Air and Duct Sealing
The "Cash for Caulkers" home-retrofitting program, known as the Home Star program, is expected to pass the Senate this summer. The bill offers rebates for 13 different types of retrofits, including insulation and air and duct sealing
10 Ways to Get Organized
Follow these tips to banish clutter and increase your efficiency, from your home office to your garage.
Adobe is PoliticalAnd Vaulted Domed and Gorgeous
Simone Swan built her off-the-grid domed and vaulted home in Presidio, Texas, as a model of how financially and thermally efficient adobe can be. For $50 a square foot, she built a masterpiece. She says you can, too.
In North Carolina A Passive Solar Home Gets Active
Chris Larson's Asheville, North Carolina, home--already a superb example of smart, passive solar design--gets even better with the addition of solar hot water collectors.
Going Solar at Home with Solar Leasing
My home is going nearly 100 percent solar thanks to a local solar leasing program.
Recycled Bottle Chandelier
Use glass bottles or jars over light bulbs to create a beautiful chandelier.
Building the NewenHouse Kit Home Installing a Frost Skirt and Perimeter Insulation Around the Slab
Sonya Newenhouse describes how she and her team insulated the perimeter of her model Passive House slab and installed an EPS foam frost skirt around the slab for cold climate construction.
Beauty Review Thymes
Recently, I discovered Thymes, a very girly company that sells paraben-free body care and home fragrance products. It was love at first sight.
Blending Teas at Home
Combine a variety of teas, as well as non-tea ingredients such as spices, flowers, herbs, and dried fruits, to create personal signature tea blends that you can use both for sipping and for cooking.
Fill Your Home with Fragrant Holiday Decor
Give your living space the smell of Christmas with these fragrant, inexpensive holiday decor ideas and disguise your artificial Christmas tree with homemade pine cone decorations.
Upcycled Art Stylish Eco-Friendly Home Decor Ideas
Add eco-friendly home décor to your space by displaying upcycled art such as vintage fabrics, old t-shirts, magazines and ephemera. Personalize your art with family memorabilia and a unique frame to make a one of a kind eco-friendly creation.
Rumex Acetosa Growing Sour Sorrel
Add sorrel to your kitchen garden to grow a super healthy green for salads, soups and side dishes.
Growing a Lemon Tree at Home
This month, Scarlet Faith shares why growing a lemon tree from a saved seed of a bought lemon is a great winter project.
What To Plant Now Summer Herbs and Vegetables
It's not too late to start or expand your garden this summer! Plant sun-loving herbs, vegetables and flowers for a strong harvest and bright blooms.
Herb Catalogs Ready Set and Plant Those Herbs Part 1
Lemon Verbena Lady is anxious to get planting new herbs in her herb garden. She explores the wonderful world of herb plant catalogs both in print and online in three installments because there is just so much herbal information to pass along!
Having Trouble Sleeping Reduce Light Pollution for a Better Nights Rest
Light pollution can interfere with your body's ability to sleep through the night. Get a better night's sleep by reducing light pollution in your bedroom and getting in sync with natural cycles.
Natural Lotion Review Herbal Choice Maris Hand and Body Lotion
Herbal Choice Mari's vegan, organic, natural hand and body lotions are naturally scented with plant-based oils.
Green Your Life How to Dry and Dehydrate Food
Dehydrated foods are high in nutrients and easy to transport and store, but buying them at the store can be costly. Investing in a food dehydrator can save you money, allowing you to make your own beef jerky, dried fruits and fruit leather at home.
Adventures at the Chelsea Flower Show Part 2
The Lemon Verbena Lady shares more about her experience at the 100th RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a popular flower show in the United Kingdom. Here she discusses which of the Chelsea Flower Show gardens were her favorites.
Great Natural Pet-Care Tips
The best tips for natural pet-care from The Herb Companion's latest E-Book "Natural Pet Care."
Laugh More Hurt Less Study Finds Laughter Increases Pain Tolerance
A new study from the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Oxford finds that 15 minutes of laughter increases pain tolerance.
Natural Hangover Remedy Honey
Overindulged? Treat your hangover headache with one simple natural hangover remedy: honey.
Our Health Editor Says Hello
Amy Mayfield introduces herself to the Herb Companion public.
Sushi Tuna Found to Have High Levels of Mercury
Samples of sushi tuna collected from restaurants and supermarkets around the country were found to have higher than recommended levels of mercury, according to a study from Rutgers University.
The Top 10 Most and Least Obese States in America
New research reveals the least and most obese states in America, with Colorado and West Virginia taking the top and bottom slots.
Elemental Herbology Starter Kits for Clean Skin in2013
Choosing the ideal products for your skin type can get complicated. Take the guesswork out of your beauty routine and get a head start on clean skin in 2013 with Elemental Herbology's NEW Starter Kits.
Natural Shampoo California Baby Swimmers Defense Shampoo and Body Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural shampoo California Baby Swimmer's Defense Shampoo and Body Wash.
Many Natural Cereals Contain GMOs Study Finds
Buying 'natural' cereal could get you a bowl full of GMOs. To keep genetically modified ingredients off your family's table, buy organic.
Student-Built Earth Block Home Brings Natural Cooling to Navajo Reservation
When a group of graduation students began designing a home on the Navajo reservation in southeast Utah, they knew keeping it cool in the desert would be an issue. Their innovative solution—a Windcatcher—is the first of its kind in the area.
Why Japan Will Weather This Disaster
As we watch the devastation's aftermath in Japan, the world will learn valuable lessons from a culture that reveres service to others, deep acceptance and community.
Natural Products Expo West 2009
I'm finishing up the loose ends on my desk before I head off for Southern California (where I hear it's raining) and the amazing world of the 2009 Natural Products ExpoWest.
Green Architecture Connect Your Home to Nature
Guest blogger Bill Hutchins explains the ways in which we are increasingly removed from the deeper rhythms and cycles and flow of our source.
National Physical Activity Plan Encourages Americans to Exercise
To encourage Americans to get the two and a half hours of exercise a week they need, a group of health experts has developed the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, which calls for increased funding for bike paths, physical education programs and fitness facilities.
In The News Is stevia a safe sugar substitute
Stevia is a better alternative to most artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes.
Exercising Outside Makes You Happier
Exercising outside, close to nature, makes you happier than exercising inside, according to a study from the University of Essex.
The Garden Buzz Adding Bog Sage to the Wish List
During her afternoon walk, one blogger stumples upon a breathtaking plant with an ugly name that catches her eye with its unique beauty.
Tending to the Fall Garden Is it too late for fall chores
The Lemon Verbena Lady gets you organized for fall clean up and ready for spring planting. There are lots of herbal seed and plant catalog choices as well.
Garden Giveaway So Many Basils So Little Time
Don't get stuck growing just one kind of basil. Try one of these basils for extra flavor and fragrance.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Takes Advantage of Solar Power and Renewable Energy
Natural Home guest blogger John Patrick explains why he and his wife, guest blogger Rebecca Selove, designed their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse for passive solar gain and a 5.17-kilowatt photovoltaic system. John and Rebecca are building their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse home to LEED Platinum standards.
Heading to the Mother Earth News Fair
The upcoming Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, Mother Earth News Fair promises hundreds of presentations on sustainable, self-reliant living; dozens of animals on display; delicious food; and tons of fun.
Bringing Home Benziger 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County
Mike Benziger, founder and winemaker at Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, California, answers five questions about his 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County.
Cash for Caulkers Part 2 Home Star Rebates for Water Heaters Heating and Cooling Systems
When the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 passes (as expected) this summer, be prepared by learning what to expect when you buy a water heater, heating system, air-source air conditioner or heat pump.
Fannie and Freddie Halt PACE Program
Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will stop accepting loans from the nationwide Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which helps homeowners pay for the cost of energy-efficient retrofits.
Return of the McMansionAlready
The American Institute of Architects' most recent housing trends survey shows housing sizes inching back up again after the first declines in decades. Will people still want smaller houses in better economic times?
Healthy Green Design Floral Designs for the Home
Springtime is here! Floral motifs in interiors are popular—and also a great reminder that the new season has arrived.
Re-Think Your Decor Sustainable Furniture Made from Recycled Street Signs
Artist Boris Bally's edgy, street-smart furniture is made from recycled street signs.
Tree Branch Jewelry Organizer
Turn a tree branch into an ideal storage solution for your jewelry.
Throwback Thursday Hobbit House ReduxA Home for Less than 5000
An amazing, off-the-grid Welsh hobbit house was built in less than four months and for less than $5,000.
Concerned About Electromagnetic Fields Heres What You Can Do to Minimize Risks
There's plenty you can do to protect yourself—inside your home and out—from the potential risks of electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation.
A Green Home Naked Christmas Tree
Get creative with your Christmas tree! Save the forests, skip the plastic greenery and really go green this holiday with a different kind of tree.
The Herb Society of America Celebrates the Season
The Herb Society of America (HSA) was invited by Lake Metroparks Farmpark to decorate a Christmas tree in their main lobby. Learn how they decorated the tree.
Naturally Lower High Blood Pressure with Celery
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center discovered that celery is high in 3-n-butylphthalides, a compound that can naturally lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and blocking stress hormones.
South African Rooibos Tea Added to Frontier Natural Products Cooops Well Earth Ingredients
In its ongoing search for sources of high-quality botanicals, the organic spice experts at Frontier Natural Products Co-op™ recently established a working partnership with tea growers in South Africa.
True Natural Sunscreen Receives NPA Certification
True Natural's Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen line receives Natural Products Association Certification.
Natural Lip Balm Addicted to Lip Balm Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balm
Freelance writer and natural beauty expert Kim Wallace feeds her lip balm addiction with Brew, a new natural lip balm from Skincando Luxe.
Natural Product Review Bubble and Bee Unscented Organic Lip Balm
Bubble and Bee's Unscented Organic Lip Balm provides thick, rich moisture for dry, chapped lips with just three simple ingredients.
Natural Product Review Yes to Carrots Color Balm
Give your lips a hint of color with a tinted lip balm from the Yes to Carrots Color Balm line.
Green Summer Charcoal Barbecue
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren shares tips for greening your summer charcoal barbecue parties.
Natural Shampoo EO Volumizing Rosemary and Mint Natural Shampoo
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural shampoo from EO.
Natural Sunscreen Lavera Baby and Children Sun Milk
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews Lavera Baby and Children Sun Milk.
Natural Body Wash HollyBeths Natural Luxury Rosemary and Clary Sage Body Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews a new foaming natural body wash from HollyBeth's Natural Luxury.
Natural Sunburn Remedies
Soothe sunburned skin with an easy-to-make cold compress, pure aloe vera or other natural sunburn remedies.
Natural Home Remedies for Constipation
Feeling plugged up? Relieve constipation with these natural laxatives and home remedies for constipation.
Unusual Health Want to Stay Healthy Look at a Sick Person
A psychology study at the University of British Columbia found that looking at sick people can trigger our bodies to step up their immune defenses by releasing infection-fighting substances.
NRDC Sues FDA Over Antibacterial Chemicals
The Natural Resources Defense Council has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration to get the government agency to finalize a law banning triclosan and triclocarban, two chemicals commonly found in antibacterial products.
Scented Products Contain Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens
A new study from the University of Washing found that scented products—including those labeled as organic, natural and green—release toxic chemicals that can harm our health.
Antibacterial Foods and Herbs
Foods and herbs with natural antibiotic powers keep our immune systems healthy. Check out these antibacterial foods and antibacterial herbs!
6 Herbal Sedatives to Help You Fall Asleep Naturally
Having trouble falling asleep at night? Combat insomnia with these herbal sleep aids.
Immune Boosters Elderberry Echinacea Garlic and Oregano
The natural world has many treatments for the cold and flu—and some of them might surprise you. Elderberry, Echinacea, green tea, oregano and garlic are my favorite natural remedies for treating and preventing illness.
FDA Declares New Regulations for Sunscreen
Starting in 2012, the FDA will require sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, have a minimum SPF of 15, and remove all references to "waterproof" on their labels.
Herbal Arsenal Ginger for Nausea Menstrual Cramps and Digestion
Ginger is a natural remedy for many stomach ailments: nausea, menstrual cramps, indigestion and more. Ginger also eases tired muscles and may help lower cholestrol.
Double-Duty Perennial Herb Lemon Balm
Lemon balm works hard for you in the kitchen, bath, medicine cabinet and yard and garden.
Companion Planting 11 Herbs to Help Your Garden Grow
Companion planting can help your favorite plants achieve their full potential.
DeLoach Vineyards Stirring Biodynamic Horn Silica Prep 501
DeLoach Vineyards winegrower Eric Pooler explains the camaraderie amongst Biodynamic prep stirrers.
Green City Garden Girl Floating Farmers Market in Seattle
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull explores a new concept in farmer's markets—a floating farmer's market in Seattle's South Lake Union area.
Green City Garden Girl Pacific Northwest Seafood
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull reviews her seafood past along with a couple shellfish recipe from her Pacific Northwest family.
Green City Garden Girl The Art of Razor Clam Digging
Guest blogger KyLynn shares a step-by-step photo gallery of how to clean razor clams.
Grow Mignonette Strawberries From Seed
These tiny, sweet strawberries are hard to find but perfect for any home gardener. Enter for a chance to win strawberry seed packets.
Meatless Monday Try Meatless Month
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull goes without meat for a month. Try her meatless recipes!
Soup Season Carrot Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull kicks off soup season with this simple carrot soup recipe.
Discovering Chinese Lantern Plants Physalis alkekengi
The chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi) is mostly grown for decorative purposes, but it also has a history of medicinal treatments.
Discovering Peanut Butter Fruit Bunchosia argentea
Learn more about the peanut butter fruit that could be a part of your fruit garden.
Encouraging Volunteer Plants in the Herb Garden
Herbs will reseed all over the garden as volunteer plants if you let them.
Garden Giveaway Grow Chervil the Sweet Spring Herb
Grow chervil this spring for a mild gourmet flavor.
Green City Garden Girl Spring Tree Sprouts a Closer Community
A spontaneous idea to erect a "spring tree" brings together a neighborhood and community.
Green City Garden Girl Yard Art
Finding used art can brighten your garden without emptying your pocketbook.
Growing Herbs in Texas Color in the Texas Garden
These plants are less stressed and have begun to bloom now that the weather has finally cooled down.
Growing Herbs in Texas Rainy Update
Well, much to my delight, we had rain this week! Two inches fell yesterday and it's raining lightly now as I write. I couldn't be more pleased. Read more.
Growing Herbs in Texas The Importance of Pruning and Mulch
It is still very hot here in my part of Texas. Day after day the temperature reaches 100 degrees or above with no rain. I was in town this morning and two people stopped me to ask how to keep their plants alive in this weather. Here is my advice.
Growing Luffa Cylindrica Its More Than Just a Sponge
Until this year our newest guest blogger thought loofahs were a sea sponge. Wrong! While visiting California she came across The Luffa Farm in Nipomo, California. Discover what's so great about growing a luffa gourd!
Herbal Tip Recycle Plastic Flatware In Your Garden
A plastic knife will open those weighty bags of potting soil or top soil faster than most pricey garden gadgets.
How To Save Your Seeds
Try saving seed from a few of your garden favorites this year. The number of seeds sold in the seed catalogs decreases every year. Saving seed may save that particular variety from extinction.
Its absolutely ESSENTIAL you read this blog
Essential Oils really are properly named! But do you know all the ways to use them? 19 tips and tricks you can use for an essentially wonderful life.
Support Local Garden Shops
Jessy Rushing explores a fun, locally owned nursery called Diggin' It in Texas.
Tansy Russian Sage and Ladybugs Oh My
Watch for beneficial ladybugs the next time you rid your garden of tansy. The Lemon Verbena Lady shares pictures and a short story about tansy, russian sage and ladybugs in her herb garden.
Angelica Sinensis The Science Behind Dong Quai
Do you understand how herbs work? We profile dong quai (Angelica sinensis), a medicinal Chinese herb with high vitamin and mineral content along with many beneficial phytochemicals.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Gardening Products
A new study from the Ecology Center found traces of lead, cadmium, BPA, phthalates and hazardous flame retardants in gardening products—and that chemicals in hoses leach into water.
Water Your Garden with the Solar-Powered RainPerfect System
The solar powered RainPerfect pump system is a great way to harvest the rain that does fall and recycle it to help your gardens and lawns stay hydrated and rejuvenated.
Weed Water Wednesday Planting Cover Crops
It's not too late to plant cover crops to increase your garden soil's fertility and enhance garden beauty this winter.
Herb Conference in Tennessee Day One
This year, The Herb Society of America's 2010 Educational Conference & Annual Meeting of Members is being held in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee.
Herb Conference in Tennessee The Centennial Art Center
During day two at The Herb Society of America's 2010 Educational Conference & Annual Meeting of Members we stopped for breakfast at the Centennial herb garden.
Sunflowers Suds and Saturday Morning
Saturday morning brings adventures with an overflowing dishwasher, pesky puppy and pretty sunflowers.
The Herbal Artist 3 Annual Herbs for Stress Relief
Reduce stress with these three fabulous annuals. These herbs for stress relief are easy to grow and can help treat other health ailments.
Sage Advice from the Wall Street Journal
That sage (ahem!) advice is from the Wall Street Journal Online, in an article about how small investments in buying seeds can reap large returns in the coming year.
Green City Garden Girl Soup Season Sherried Mushroom Soup
Heavy cream and sherry lend this simple mushroom soup a sophisticated flavor. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy guest blogger KyLynn Hull.
Natural Health Products and Herb Gardening Expo
Herb gardening and natural health products are featured at the annual Expo East in Boston.
Protect Garden From Deer with a Plant Tonic
Looking for a safe but effective way to deter deer from using your garden as their personal buffet? Sprinkle this plant tonic on their favorite garden munchies.
Herbal Travels VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver
The Lemon Verbena Lady visits the VanDusen Botanical Garden's herb garden and finds that it doesn't take a lot of room to have a fragrant and flavorful herb garden.
Homemade Halloween
Got Hosta, Day Lilies or maybe some old records you're not using? Recycle them in these fun, easy-to-make decorations, perfect for a Horrific Halloween!
Growing Tips for Herbs Why Is My Basil Dying
Keep your basil thriving with our helpful growing tips.
Growing Tips for Herbs Why is My Lavender Dying
Keep your lavender thriving with our helpful growing tips.
Growing Tips for Herbs Why Is My Thyme Dying
Our "Herb 911" series is back! With new herbs to cover, get ready to have your questions about dying herbs answered.
Growing Tips for Herbs Why is My Mint Dying
Keep your mint alive. Check out our growing tips for dying herbs.
Growing Tips for Herbs Why is My Rosemary Dying
Keep your rosemary thriving with our helpful growing tips.
Herb Trend Vertical Planters
If you're looking for an indoor garden that keeps animals away and requires little space, the Woolly Pocket is right for you!
Product Review Poo Pourri Spray
Poo-Pourri spray claims it can eliminate stinky bathroom odors. The Garden Gnome finds out if it really works.
DIY Building Terrariums
Terrariums are easy to make and a great way to incorporate nature into any room.
Discover Fall Flowers In Season
Finding herbal blooms as the growing season comes to an end in the mid-Atlantic region.
FAQ Growing Chinese Lantern Plants Physalis alkekengi
The Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi), also known as the winter cherry, enjoys a library of culinary and medicinal benefits. Here are the answers to some of the questions you have asked about growing this incredible species.
Build a Double-Barrel Herb Garden
This weekend project is perfect for the herb gardener with limited space. It gives more surface area for the herbs to spill from, a lot more soil to hold nutrients and water, and root room for all the extra herbs.
Grow Mrs Burns Lemon Heirloom Basil
Discover one of our guest bloggers favorite heirloom seeds, lemon basil. Then learn more about unique heirlooms.
Growing Herbs in Texas Growing Purslane