It’s that time of year when the groundhog has retreated back into its burrow, but the temperature tempts us with the possibility of spring. We all know there’s still plenty of snow and cold weather yet to come. On those days, when the world outside is gray and dreary, the walls surrounding us can se...

Even as the meteorologist says another storm will be dumping snow on parts of the Northeast soon, spring is just around the corner. Garden supply and feed stores are putting out seeds, potting soil and trays, and in some of those stores you can hear little peeping sounds. It’s always fun to look at ...

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate a return to gardening than to share its magic with children? It’s not too early to start planning now. Consider dedicating a small piece of the garden this summer as a spot where the kids in your life can experience the magic of gardening firsth...

Beginning with a big breakfast in the morning, food and diet are an integral part of our day. Food can affect our physical and mental health – food can heal. A yummy bit of a favorite dish can brighten any mood. Food is the great equalizer and a wonderful connector! Our differences fade away when we...

Virginia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week will be observed March 6 – 10, just in time for the unpredictable spring storm season. But late winter/early spring weather can negatively affect all of us, so we’re fortunate the Old Dominion State is willing to share some tips with us. Hosted by the VA Depa...

Many families with young children are often faced with the challenge of needing to prepare quick, healthy, tasty meals on a pushed schedule. Add to the task that picky eating behavior is common for many children ages 2 – 5. They may eat only a certain type of food or refuse foods based on texture or...

Okay, taxes aren’t quite as bad as that lyric from the Beatles song , but they can still cause quite a deal of anxiety. This is especially true if you’re filing anything more complicated than a 1040. Those who hobby farm have special considerations to keep in mind prior to the filing deadline (which...

Tomatoes have been on our tables and in our gardens for so long, it’s nearly impossible to think of them as growing in the wild. Once upon a time they did just that. That’s not to say that a typical supermarket tomato or a tasty, red Mortgage Lifter or Big Boy could be enjoyed back then. Tomatoes ha...

We have all had that moment – our beloved pet wants to get up close and personal and then you catch a whiff of their breath. Sometimes it’s too much to bear. Fortunately, we can take this moment to celebrate February as National Pet Dental Health Month. The following comes from the American Veterina...

We pay a lot of attention to the fruits and vegetables and livestock we raise to feed ourselves, but it seems like grains are often put on the back burners of our minds. Take barley, for instance. This versatile crop is a member of the grass family, and it was one of the first cultivated grains, bei...

You know we at Country Culture really enjoy directing your attention to the lesser known holidays and the more fun side of agriculture and horticulture, but sometimes even we don’t understand the timing of certain events. February, for instance, is Elderberry Month. The small, tart and healthy berri...

If you love the idea of making something with your own hands and you delight in the sweetness of something natural, maple sugaring may just be the thing for you. The great news is that indulging in maple sugaring doesn’t have to be a huge enterprise. If you want to give a shot without investing thou...

With winter comes a whole host of extra care that is needed to keep horses safe, healthy and comfortable. Their hooves tend to grow more slowly during this time of year and are less able to adapt to the cold and wet weather and icy, hard ground. It’s the horse owner’s responsibility to make sure the...

Let’s plan for vacation. Vacation?! We just cleared the holiday season, we’re almost into February and 2023 has begun in earnest. Why would we be thinking of vacation already? Everyone needs time away throughout the year, and the beginning of the year is a great time to start. People are filling out...

January 27 is National Have Fun at Work Day, and if that sounds impossible, it’s not. Really! Don’t wait for fun and joy to come to you. Sometimes you have to create it yourself, and that’s okay. We’ve all played games to make tedious or tough activities pass faster. How many bales can you throw in ...