Snail Roll Seed Starting: How to Start Seeds Early Without Trays
February 3, 2026
A snail roll is a strip of moist potting soil rolled into a loose spiral, with seeds sown along the top edge.
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Field Notes
Stories and guides from the life we’re designing on purpose: what’s growing in the garden, what’s cooking in the farm kitchen, life with the animals, and a little of everything in between.
Grape Jelly from Homemade or Store-Bought Juice
January 29, 2026
When grape vines are heavy at the end of summer, I don’t rush to make jelly. I make juice. I cook the
Spring Garden Planning Guide
January 22, 2026
Spring garden planning comes down to a few decisions you make in winter: where you will plant, your zone and last frost
Sourdough Quick Reference + Easy Recipe
January 22, 2026
Sourdough and store-bought bread may look similar, but they are not even close to the same thing. One is built slowly by
When it looks like nothing is happening
January 22, 2026
Bare beds, a still greenhouse, and seed packets opened at the table. A letter about winter garden planning and the work that happens out of sight.
Easy Sourdough Discard English Muffins (No Mixer)
January 18, 2026
If you keep sourdough starter, you know the routine: feed the starter, use what you need, stare at the discard, and decide
Ranunculus 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing These Stunning Spring Flowers
January 18, 2026
Ranunculus might be a funny word, but they grow into some of the most beautiful spring flowers you’ll ever see. Layers of
Blackberry Jam from Frozen Berries
January 14, 2026
Every summer when our blackberry vines are heavy and staining my hands purple, I freeze gallon bags of fruit. I don’t rush
Winter Garden Prep: Killing Grass Without Killing the Soil
January 12, 2026
Let’s talk Winter Garden Prep! This doesn’t look like a flower bed yet. It’s just a patch of grass. But by next
Pay attention to how you talk to yourself
January 9, 2026
Instead of promises she cannot keep, Jules is paying attention to how she talks to herself. A letter about quieter intentions for a new year.
Rustic Chicken & White Bean Skillet
January 8, 2026
This is a back-pocket winter meal. Cozy, grounding, and flexible. Make it thicker and rustic in a skillet, or add more broth
Seeds That Love the Cold (and Why Winter Sowing Works)
January 8, 2026
Winter can feel like a waiting season in the garden—but it’s actually one of the most important times to begin. For some
Country Living Connoisseur
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A letter from our place to yours, every other Thursday. More than 16,000 friends are already reading along.
- Pull Up a ChairA story from our week
- Out in the GardenWhat’s growing and what’s working
- From the Farm KitchenA recipe or a preserving tip
- Tuck It in Your PocketOne idea to carry with you
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