Gardening - Backyard Boss

Where Does Black Pepper Come From? Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Peppercorns

the word pepper spelled in negative in ground black pepper

When it comes to adding some extra spice to your food, nothing really compares to black pepper. After salt, this is probably the most common spice used in the entire world. Black pepper is the result of grinding peppercorns, which are actually berries that come for a vine. It adds a rich and mildly-spiced flavor …

How to Grow Cucumbers: The Complete Guide for Backyard Gardeners

by Helen Lewis

There is absolutely nothing like a crisp, hydrating cucumber on a hot summer day. Nothing like it except for a crisp, hydrating cucumber that you grew in your own garden. Cucumbers are an extremely easy vegetable to care for that grow rapidly in size, outpacing most other vegetables. They not only are delicious, their vines are a gorgeous, …

Guide to Growing Tea at Home for Black, Green, White, and Oolong Tea

by Helen Lewis

I’m about to spill some real tea. Clutch your pearls; here it is: Every tea, whether it is oolong, green, white, or black, comes from one plant—camellia sinensis. What makes them different is how they are harvested and what oxidation process they go through. One plant can supply you with black tea for slow mornings and …

How to Grow Eggplant: Top Tips for Planting Eggplant

by Candace Osmond

Did you know that eggplants aren’t actually vegetables, but berries? Even more, they are actually related to the beloved tomato (which, as you know, isn’t a vegetable either, but a fruit). Vegetables or not, we do know that eggplants are really good for your health, as they are rich in antioxidants, are believed to reduce …

Camellia Sinensis – The Ultimate Guide to Green Tea Plant Seeds

by Helen Lewis

camellia sinensis seed pod and seeds on white background

Tea drinkers, aficionados, connoisseurs, what if I told you there was a way to have a continual supply of fresh, unbelievably delicious tea, steps from your backdoor? I’m not talking about a magical self-refilling tea fountain, although that would be awesome, I’m talking about growing your very own tea tree, a camellia sinensis, from camellia seeds …

Pumpkin Planting Tips: How to Grow a Pumpkin in 2020

by Candace Osmond

Did you know that pumpkins are a wonderful source of vitamin A? They are also rich in antioxidants, are packed with vitamins that are good for your immune system, have low-calorie content and can promote weight loss, and are good for your heart health. Too bad you can’t carve them and make fun Halloween decorations …

How to Plant and Grow Sweet Potatoes in Your Backyard

by Helen Lewis

white purple and orange sweet potatoes in half

This tutorial is for the people who recognize that when a waiter gives you the choice between getting sweet potato fries or regular fries, there is a correct answer. And it is not the one that begins with “regular.” Sweet potatoes, after all, are anything but regular. They are unbelievably delicious, extremely versatile, and packed with nutrients. They …

How to Grow Mint from Seed: Growing Mint Indoors and in Pots

by Helen Lewis

The taste of mint is a breath of fresh air, it reminds us of clean mouths, candy canes during the holidays, and delicious, refreshing beverages. Mint is an awesome herb that we all encounter on a regular basis. If you are like me, though, a regular basis is not enough; I want MORE mint. This is …

How to Grow Basil Indoors from Seed: A Complete Guide

by Helen Lewis

Basil is one of the easiest plants to grow. It isn’t picky and will grow almost anywhere, in anything. Including in a pot in your home! Basil is the perfect indoor container plant. It looks beautiful while growing, spicing up whatever room may host it. It is an excellent addition to so many meals, so having it at your …

Perfect Potatoes: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest at Home

by Helen Lewis

Perhaps you have never thought of “fresh” and “potatoes” in the same sentence. And that’s fair. We often think of potatoes as greasy, thinly sliced chips, french fries covered with oozing cheese, or baked potatoes smothered in sour cream and crispy bacon. As good as those things are—and when I say good I mean mouthwateringly transfixing—they lack …