Anawalt Gardening & Tool Tips
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December 15th, 2024
Marigolds come from Central America, particularly Mexico, where they’ve been cultivated for centuries. They hold cultural significance in festivals like Mexico’s DÃa de los Muertos and India’s Diwali.
They’re incredibly versatile, growing in a wide range of climates and conditions. Â
December 14th, 2024
December 9th, 2024
Originally from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, pothos grows wild in Southeast Asia and Australia. It prefers shady, forested areas where it can climb trees and cover the forest floor. Understanding its natural habitat can help you replicate these conditions at home.
December 8th, 2024
The hammer, one of the first tools in human history and descended from a lowly rock, is now highly specialized and employed in various tasks from construction to crafting to animal care.
December 6th, 2024
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. Its name comes from the Latin words ros (dew) and marinus (sea), meaning “dew of the sea.” Ancient Greeks and Romans considered rosemary a symbol of remembrance, love, and fidelity.
In the kitchen, it’s an essential seasoning for stuffing, roasted potatoes, focaccia, braised vegetables, and more.
December 3rd, 2024
Painting plastic opens a world of creative possibilities. As you unleash your inner Michelangelo, you’re also doing a good deed — like keeping that old, faded plastic lawn furniture out of the landfill.
Fresh paint can revive old patio furniture, upgrade home decor, or add a personality to the models on your shelf.
December 2nd, 2024
Native to China, persimmons have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. The trees were introduced to the United States in the mid-1800s and have since become common in gardens nationwide.
Southern California presents the right blend of sunlight, mild temperatures, and soil fertility.
December 1st, 2024
November 30th, 2024
A bit of epoxy paint can transform your dingy garage floor into a durable, beautiful, and functional foundation for your future man cave.
You’ll have a high-gloss stain-resistant finish that adds value to your home and expands your living space.
November 28th, 2024
Carrots were introduced to Europe by the 12th century but were not widely consumed until the Middle Ages. Other root vegetables, like parsnips, were more popular at the time.
Today, the humble carrot is a key ingredient in almost every salad, veggie platter, and stew. And, of course, it has a starring role in every Bugs Bunny cartoon.
November 26th, 2024
The tulip hails from the cool mountain slopes of Kazakhstan.
It was introduced to the Netherlands in the early 1600s and quickly became a wealth and social status symbol. Tulip Mania followed, involving the speculative buying and selling of tulip bulbs.
As demand grew, so did the prices. People invested heavily in rare tulip varieties.
November 25th, 2024
Straw bales conjure up images of hay rides, old episodes of Hee Haw on YouTube, and livestock at feeding time.
But did you know they’re increasingly popular in urban gardens? No garden plot required! They’re a perfect medium for veggies, herbs, flowers — you name it.
November 17th, 2024
Every garden contains a tomato plant or two, it seems, and many more if you’re a true tomato aficionado willing to venture beyond the standard Beefsteak or Roma.
But did you know tomato plants fare much better with the right company? You see, plants need friends, too!
November 10th, 2024
A dark backyard with deep shadows can feel more menacing than inviting.
But an accent light here and there, a beam to highlight, and a string of fairy lights or two may be all you need to transform your gloomy nighttime garden into a welcoming wonderland.
November 2nd, 2024
Blueberries are a cool weather crop. So perish the thought of cultivating them in your Southern California backyard, right?
Wrong, because in California’s favorable soil and (mostly) temperate conditions, it’s possible to grow almost anything.
October 29th, 2024
Basil made its way to Southern Europe around 2,000 years ago, primarily through trade routes from the East.
The herb thrived in the region’s warm, sunny climate and quickly gained popularity in Mediterranean cuisine.
European settlers introduced basil to America during the age of exploration and colonization.
October 28th, 2024
Green beans are native to Central and South America. 16th-century Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced them to Europe, where they quickly became a staple food.
Today, they feature prominently in stir-fries, salads, casseroles, and other favorite dishes worldwide. It’s hard to imagine Thanksgiving without a green bean dish or two.
October 21st, 2024
The Moors introduced spinach to Spain in the 11th century, and it quickly spread throughout Europe.
Historical records show that spinach was a favorite among royalty and commoners due to its rapid growth and nutritional benefits. Today, it’s a staple in kitchens and cuisines worldwide.