Alex Jones

Philadelphia

Journalist, Copywriter and Content Strategist at Freelance

🧀 Independent food & ag journalist, author, cheese maven ✍️ Newsletter on cheese, culture & climate: https://t.co/Mg0iazYnlb

Articles

Don't Toss Those Old Coffee Grounds-How Coffee Can Help Your Garden Grow This Summer

1 week ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

If you drink coffee, you probably have a steady supply of coffee grounds on hand-but don't throw them away. Instead, put them to work in your garden, where they can help grow stronger, healthier plants. Here's how and why to use coffee grounds in your garden soil or compost pile. Are Coffee Grounds Beneficial for Plants? Yes, coffee grounds can be beneficial to plants when used in the garden in small amounts.
Can Citrus Peels Really Keep Your Garden Pest-Free? What the Experts Say

2 weeks ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key Points Can you use orange peels in your garden or houseplants to keep pests away? Something about this viral gardening hack making the rounds on TikTok seems a little too good to be true. To find out, we asked the experts if you should really put citrus peels in your garden. Read on to learn whether this technique really works-or if it might do more harm than good. Meet the Expert Can Citrus Peels Control Garden Pests?
We Asked a Farmer How to Pick Out a Ripe Watermelon-This Is What He Said

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaDesign elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design. Key PointsUnlike some other melons, watermelons don’t ripen after they’re picked, so choosing a ripe one at the store is key. A deep yellow field spot on the bottom of the watermelon is a good indicator—though not a guarantee—that it’s ripe. To ensure you’re getting a ripe watermelon, buy it from a trusted local farm that harvests watermelons at peak ripeness.
Save Money This Summer by Investing in Curtains, Blinds or Drapes - CNET

2 weeks ago | cnet.com | Alex Jones

Keeping your home cool during summer isn't always easy. The right window treatment can bring the temperature, and your energy bill, down.
How to Stop Your Basil Plant From Wilting So It Lasts for the Rest of the Summer

2 weeks ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key Points Basil is one of the tastiest herbs in any kitchen garden, but these delicate plants can wilt if they're not receiving the proper care. Here's why basil plants can be susceptible to wilting, plus seven ways to protect your plants and enjoy basil in your garden all summer long. Why Basil Plants Wilt So Easily Basil is a tender herb that's pretty easy to grow with the proper care and conditions. But if the plant isn't getting its needs met, it may wilt or show other signs of distress.
Sticky Plant Leaves? This Tiny Culprit Might Be the Problem - How to Get Rid of It

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Key PointsSticky plant leaves are a sign that insect pests are attacking your plants. This honeydew isn't harmful, but it's a good idea to treat plants for pests right away. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove honeydew or allow it to wear away naturally over time. Sticky plant leaves are something no indoor gardener wants to see on the plants in their collection.
4 Ways Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Telling You It's Not Getting Enough Sun

3 weeks ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Key Points Fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being difficult to grow, and with good reason. If you don't meet this tall, large-leaved plant's growing requirements, its leaves will turn yellow, develop brown spots, or even fall off all at once. Fiddle leaf figs need lots of bright sunlight, and a lack of light is one of the biggest reasons yours might be struggling.
11 Shade-Tolerant Trees That Grow Fast and Add Privacy to Your Backyard

4 weeks ago | thespruce.com | Alex Jones

Fast-growing trees can add character and color to your home's landscape relatively quickly, but those varieties often require full sun to add height so quickly. However, there are plenty of shade-tolerant trees that grow at least moderately quickly, including many native species, flowering trees, and even trees with edible fruits. Here are 11 fast-growing, shade-tolerant trees to consider planting in your yard. Tip Want more gardening tips?
The Best Shade-Loving Trees That Grow Fast and Look Great in Any Yard

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Alex Jones

Fast-growing trees can add character and color to your home's landscape relatively quickly, but those varieties often require full sun to add height so quickly. However, there are plenty of shade-tolerant trees that grow at least moderately quickly, including many native species, flowering trees, and even trees with edible fruits. Here are 11 fast-growing, shade-tolerant trees to consider planting in your yard. TipEven trees that can tolerate shade require at least some direct sun to grow.
A 4-Step Guide to Making the Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries

1 month ago | cnet.com | Alex Jones

No matter the variety you reach for -- curly, crinkle, waffle or wedge -- French fries are best when they're made in an air fryer. You don't need to mess around with a messy deep fryer or an oven that will dry out the fries, but you do need to follow a few simple rules for the absolute best air fryer French fries.