There’s something so satisfying about making tortillas from scratch — the smell of toasty flour, the soft dough in your hands, and that first warm bite fresh off the skillet. This week, I decided to try making homemade tortillas with a very special sous-chef: my 9-year-old! We snapped some photos along the way, and I’m...

In the fertile embrace of the Puyallup Valley, where the majestic silhouette of Mount Rainier often graces the horizon, the vibrant colors of spring once spoke volumes about the enduring legacy of Van Lierop Bulb Farm. Founded in 1934 by Simon Van Lierop and his wife Beatrice, this farm became a beloved symbol of the...

Dahlias. Just the name conjures up images of vibrant color, intricate petal arrangements, and blooms that can steal the show in any garden. Whether you’re dreaming of dinner-plate sized wonders or charming pompons, knowing when to get your dahlia tubers into the ground is key to unlocking their full summer potential. Patience is a Virtue...

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into your backyard and cutting fresh flowers for your kitchen table, gifts, or even your own roadside stand? Starting a cut flower garden is easier than you think—and whether you have a few pots or a sunny patch of soil, you can grow stunning, vase-worthy blooms at home. In...

Dahlias are one of the most stunning and versatile flowers you can grow, known for their vibrant colors and diverse shapes. But did you know you can start dahlias indoors using a simple method involving wet paper towels? This process, known as pre-sprouting, can give your dahlias a head start, resulting in earlier blooms and...

Spring in the Pacific Northwest isn’t just about cherry blossoms and longer days—it’s also a race against time for gardeners. March is that tricky in-between month where the rain keeps coming, but the soil starts waking up. If you’re gardening in the Greater Seattle area, here’s a hands-on guide to getting the most out of...

Want to start your garden without spending a fortune? Many organizations across the U.S. offer free seeds by mail, making it easy to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs without breaking the bank. Here’s where to get free seeds in 2025! 1. Free Heirloom Seeds 🌿✨ A nonprofit dedicated to preserving biodiversity by distributing free heirloom...

Starting plants from seed is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. You get to watch tiny sprouts turn into full-grown plants, all while saving money compared to buying nursery-grown seedlings. But let’s be real—seed starting can get expensive if you go all out on fancy trays, grow lights, and soil mixes. The good...

When planning your garden, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between perennials and annuals. Each type of plant offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your gardening goals, climate, and how much time you want to invest. Let’s explore the key differences, pros and cons, and how to choose the best plants...

Where to Find Free Seeds and Seed Exchanges in Pierce County 🌱🌻 If you are a gardener in Pierce County and looking for free seeds or seed exchanges in Tacoma Puyallup and the surrounding areas you are in luck. There are several local seed libraries and community-driven initiatives that offer free seeds to help residents...

If you are looking to plant dahlias this year and want to find affordable dahlia bulbs in the Puyallup Tacoma Alderton Orting area there are a few great places to check before resorting to expensive online options. Local Farms and Nurseries One of the best ways to find dahlia bulbs at a good price is...

Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. While traditional seed-starting trays work well, sometimes you can get creative with budget-friendly options. For my latest gardening experiment, I used a clear plastic egg container from Dollar Tree to start basil seeds. I wanted to see how well they would germinate under full sun...