Dirt free and portable. That's how Modern Sprout describes their new hydroponic windowsill planter box. While most hydroponic setups are an unattractive display of plastic bottles, buckets, and tubes, Modern Sprout's version is pretty stylish. And because it automatically waters and feeds your plants for you, it's also perfect for black thumbs. (Not that I have that problem, of course. Ahem.)

Rachael Ray didn't invent it, but she did give a memorable name and widespread popularity to one of the kitchen tools I can't cook without: the garbage bowl. Let's take a moment to appreciate this humble workhorse of the kitchen.

I am not a gardener. As a city dweller with no outdoor space to call my own, I've never been able to dig deep into the soil and grow my own food. So my ears inevitably perk up whenever I hear about gardening products designed for urban cooks. The newest product I've discovered is a self-watering herb planter specifically designed for novice gardeners. More

Looking for an easy, budget-friendly decor idea for your table this Fall? Take a few empty jars, wrap them with twine, and pop in a few plant cuttings! It's a little bit rustic, a little bit romantic. Try eucalyptus or evergreen branches, or even a small gathering of herbs. So pretty! More

Bokashi is a method of composting developed in Japan that uses microbes to decompose food, effectively fermenting it so that it doesn't smell as it is breaking down. Besides lack of smell, another advantage with bokashi is that all food, including meat, fish and dairy, can be composed with this system. Bokashi has gotten a lot of attention in large-scale commercial uses, but what about at home? More

Over the years I've owned many grills and worked in several outdoor spaces, yet one thing remains the same: you always need a place to put stuff, and you don't need to buy the extra expensive grill with all the drawers and cabinets! Instead, check out this DIY project that'll give you all the storage and prep space you need. More

My two favorite flowers are peonies and tulips, so come Spring I can't help splurging a little when they finally show up at the farmer's market. The peonies I bought last week (in a dashing shade of crimson) are still bright and blooming almost seven days later. I'm a notorious black thumb, so while I'd love to have greenery in my apartment at all times of the year, the sad fact is that most greenery doesn't make it very long in my company. So cut flowers, in their fleeting beauty, are my perfect companion. Here are few lovely Spring bouquets to inspire your kitchen and dining table decor: More

Wildflowers in a vase on your table, yes. But wildflowers in your food? Sure! Edible wildflowers pack a powerful nutritional punch, and look amazing when sprinkled over pancakes, salads, poached eggs, pizza—whatever strikes your fancy! Read on for the 10 rules for edible wildflowers.
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Composting kitchen scraps is a great way to reduce waste and produce nutritious food for your plants in the process. Even without outdoor space, you can still compost using an indoor system, or through compost pick-up services available in certain cities. Check out our favorite composting buckets and bins, along with a few tips for making the most of your composter. More

Specialty: Homestead and farm supply store with kitchen supplies, edibles, ornamentals, and animal/pet supplies

Price Range: ($$) Mid-Range

On a weekend getaway to the Santa Cruz Mountains, we stumbled upon this homesteader's paradise and it's the sort of place that makes us consider moving to the area permanently. If you visit, give yourself plenty of time to meander Mountain Feed & Farm Supply's eclectic and colorful maze of buildings, pathways, and gardens. By the time you leave, you'll be armed with the inspiration and tools for such worthy pursuits as canning, beekeeping, beer brewing, and sausage and cheese making. More