I Don’t Care About Spots on My Apples: Understanding Cosmetic Standards for Produce

As consumers we’ve become accustomed to seeing perfect blemish-free fruits and vegetables in grocery stores. However, the reality is that minor cosmetic imperfections are completely natural and do not affect food safety or nutrition. The lyric “I don’t care about spots on my apples” from Counting Crows’ cover of “Big Yellow Taxi” challenges these unrealistic … Read more

black coral elephant ear care

Caring for Stunning Black Coral Elephant Ear Plants The black coral elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’) is an exotic looking plant known for its gigantic, glossy dark purple leaves. With leaves that can grow over 18 inches across, it’s easy to see where this plant gets its common name. Caring for these tropical beauties … Read more

What Do Hosta Seeds Look Like? A Complete Visual Guide

Hostas are popular shade-loving perennials that brighten up gardens with their attractive foliage. While hostas are typically propagated by division, some varieties do produce seeds that can be collected and grown. So what do hosta seeds look like? An Overview of Hosta Seed Characteristics Hosta seeds are quite small, elongated, and flat. They have a … Read more

Chinese Evergreen: The Low-Maintenance Indoor Houseplant Even Beginners Can Grow

Looking for an easy-care houseplant that can handle low light and occasional neglect? Chinese evergreen is the perfect choice even for beginner gardeners. This tough yet beautiful foliage plant adapts readily to indoor growing conditions. With its large glossy leaves splashed in shades of green, silver, white, and red, Chinese evergreen provides eye-catching variety to … Read more

How to Sharpen Felco Pruners for a Clean, Precise Cut

Felco pruners are some of the best hand pruners available, known for their durability, quality blades, and smooth cutting action. But over time, the blades will naturally dull with use, requiring sharpening to restore a precise cut. Sharpening Felco pruners properly helps extend their lifespan while making pruning tasks easier and cleaner. In this guide … Read more