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The words The Gardening Cook in green bubble letters on a transparent background.
  • Pumpkin dip baked in a pumpkin bowl. White text reads festive pumpkin dip.

    Mexican Pumpkin Dip Recipe – Serving Dip in a Pumpkin Bowl

    This Mexican pumpkin dip recipe will be the hit of your fall gathering. It is easy to make and is served in a pumpkin bowl. The dip looks great on a party table and is both practical and decorative. The bowl is easy to make. Just scoop out the pumpkin and seeds. Then make the…

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  • Pumpkin covered in sunflowers

    Sunflower Pumpkin – Easy No Carve DIY Thanksgiving Table Decoration

    This no-carve sunflower pumpkin uses the heads of silk sunflowers or any other colorful daisy-like flower to cover the outside of a faux pumpkin. This is a great idea for those of you who do not like the mess of a carved pumpkin. It’s also one that gardeners will love!  Fall is my time of…

    Read More Sunflower Pumpkin – Easy No Carve DIY Thanksgiving Table DecorationContinue

  • Roasted root vegetable medley

    Roasted Root Vegetable Medley – Roasting Vegetables in the Oven

    It’s time for a roasted root vegetable medley. This tasty combination is the perfect fall side dish for your Thanksgiving table. Roasting veggies brings out their natural sweetness and makes it a cinch to serve them to kids who cry out, “I don’t like vegetables!” This recipe combines root vegetables so plentiful this time of the…

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  • Thanksgiving cactus in a copper pot with three stem cuttings to propagate.

    How to Propagate Thanksgiving Cactus in Water or Soil (Schlumbergera truncata)

    It’s easy to propagate Thanksgiving cactus using stem cuttings in soil or water. Schlumbergera truncata roots quickly when given the right light, moisture, and humidity. These steps help you grow healthy new plants for your home this holiday season. Start with firm, healthy cuttings and choose a well-draining soil mix or a clean container of…

    Read More How to Propagate Thanksgiving Cactus in Water or Soil (Schlumbergera truncata)Continue

  • Red crab cactus in flower.

    Schlumbergera Truncata Care: Tips for Growing a Healthy Thanksgiving (Winter) Cactus

    Schlumbergera truncata care is easy when you provide the right light, water, and soil conditions. This winter-blooming houseplant thrives indoors, bringing a splash of color even when snow blankets the garden outside. Also called Thanksgiving cactus, winter cactus, or crab cactus, this succulent plant produces vibrant flowers during the holiday season. Following the practical care…

    Read More Schlumbergera Truncata Care: Tips for Growing a Healthy Thanksgiving (Winter) CactusContinue

  • 3 double chocolate chunk cookies in a pill next to pieces of large chocolate chunks.

    Decadent Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Rich, Fudgy & Irresistible!

    These double chocolate chunk cookies deliver a rich chocolate flavor in every bite. They’re soft-baked and chewy, and simple enough for any home baker to master. This recipe uses dark cocoa powder and real chocolate chunks to create cookies with a deep, fudgy texture. They’re quick to make and bake up perfectly every time. The…

    Read More Decadent Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies – Rich, Fudgy & Irresistible!Continue

  • Yarn, pillows and Halloween cross stitch projects.

    Halloween Cross-Stitch patterns – Crafting Spooky Embroidery Designs

    These Halloween cross-stitch patterns are a great way for those who love to embroider to celebrate the holidays with their craft. Halloween will soon be here, and that means it’s time to decorate for the holiday. One of the most creative ways to decorate is by making a cross-stitch design.  If this is something you…

    Read More Halloween Cross-Stitch patterns – Crafting Spooky Embroidery DesignsContinue

  • Vampire lily, bleeding tooth fungus, Venus fly trap and bat head lily in a collage.

    Halloween Plants – 21 Scary Plants to Set A Spooky Mood

    It’s time for Halloween, which means that we get to enjoy all of the Halloween plants this season has to offer. The list includes black plants, creepy flowers, and even smelly and carnivorous plants! The plants associated with Halloween don’t have pretty flowers or foliage. Instead, these evil plants are dark and dreary. They have…

    Read More Halloween Plants – 21 Scary Plants to Set A Spooky MoodContinue

  • A collage with pictures of drying herbs, freezing herbs, making herb pesto and making herb butter. Green text box reads Preserving fresh herbs.

    How to Preserve Herbs: Easy Ways to Dry, Freeze, and Keep Fresh Flavor All Year

    Knowing how to preserve herbs is the key to keeping your garden’s fresh flavors ready to use during the winter months. With a few simple methods, you can dry, freeze, or store herbs to use in recipes long after harvest. The process is quick, practical, and prevents waste when frost hits. Drying, freezing, or turning…

    Read More How to Preserve Herbs: Easy Ways to Dry, Freeze, and Keep Fresh Flavor All YearContinue

  • A bunwarmer pumpkin, wooden ghost pumpkin, sunflower pumpkin and wine cork pumpkins.

    18 Fun & Easy Pumpkin Craft Ideas for Fall Decorations

    Are you looking for fun ways to decorate for fall? These pumpkin craft ideas are easy to make with basic supplies and deliver impressive results. Many of the projects repurpose household items or call for inexpensive materials, so you can craft without spending a lot. The focus is on decorations you can display quickly for…

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  • Turkey chili with pumpkin puree

    Crockpot Pumpkin Chili – A Must-Try Autumn Recipe

    This crockpot pumpkin chili is an easy, slow-cooker meal that combines turkey, beans, and pumpkin for a hearty, fall dinner. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and then brown the turkey. Add these to the crockpot, stir in beans, pumpkin puree, broth, and spices, and let it cook on low. The slow cooker does the…

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  • This cranberry pecan stuffed pork tenderloin is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight OR a special occasion. thegardeningcook.com

    Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin with Pecans – A Sweet and Savory Holiday Recipe

    Cranberry stuffed pork loin recipe is an easy way to turn a simple cut of meat into a holiday-worthy main dish. Tender pork, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans create a sweet and savory flavor that makes the dish feel special. To make the recipe, you will butterfly a pork loin, fill it with a quick…

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  • Festive autumn front door swag

    DIY Fall Door Swag Tutorial: A Beautiful Twist on the Classic Autumn Wreath

    Creating a fall door swag is a simple way to update your front door for autumn, especially for doors with oval glass centers. This project uses basic craft supplies and minimal tools, making it easy to put together. The DIY tutorial breaks the process into clear steps, from selecting materials to assembling the swag. You…

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  • hurricane lamp centerpiece

    DIY Hurricane Candle Holder Centerpiece – Rustic Fall Table Decor Idea

    Create a DIY hurricane candle holder centerpiece that will add a rustic touch to your fall table. This simple project uses easy-to-find materials and quick steps, making it perfect for beginners or budget-friendly decorating. Layer beans, popcorn, and moss, then position a candle safely inside the glass for a polished look. The steps are straightforward,…

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  • Candy corn holder

    Halloween Candy Jar DIY – Easy Terracotta Candy Corn Craft

    This adorable  Halloween candy jar DIY is easy to make and adds a festive touch to your home. With just a few materials, you can transform a plain terracotta pot and saucer into a candy corn decoration that is perfect for parties or table displays. This tutorial walks you through each step, from painting the…

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  • Trio of colorful Halloween cocktails with garnishes

    20+ Halloween Cocktail Garnishes – Special Effects for Halloween Drinks

    From weird and wonderful Halloween cocktail garnishes to fall-inspired layers, to the use of special effects and color changes, learn how to create show-stopping drinks that will both charm and frighten your guests. The best cocktails for Halloween are those that are made by invoking an eerie mood with special effects. There are lots of…

    Read More 20+ Halloween Cocktail Garnishes – Special Effects for Halloween DrinksContinue

  • Finished clay pot pumpkin

    Terra Cotta Pumpkin – Recycled Clay Pot Pumpkin Candy Dish

    This terra cotta pumpkin looks great as a home decor item and also does double duty as a candy dish.  Using household items to recycle them into crafts is a great idea. Not only does it save money, but helps our environment. Today, we’ll be using an old clay pot to make a fun DIY…

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  • A jar of liquid soap, a bar of soap, flowrs and rolled towels on a counter.

    How to Make Liquid Soap from Bar Soap – Easy DIY

    Learn how to make liquid soap from bar soap with this simple, quick, and cost-effective DIY project. In this eco-friendly guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for how to turn bar soap into liquid soap, how to mix it properly, and ways to store it safely.  If you’re looking to make a liquid soap that has a…

    Read More How to Make Liquid Soap from Bar Soap – Easy DIYContinue

  • Halloween decor projects

    Quick and Easy Halloween DIY projects

    Try one of these cute Halloween DIY projects to dress up your home and yard for the holiday and for fall in general. Halloween is the beginning of the festive season, where people are looking for new ways to decorate their homes.   It’s time to bring the outdoors inside with colorful leaves, pine cones, and…

    Read More Quick and Easy Halloween DIY projectsContinue

  • Scrap wood pumpkins with moss and pine cones

    DIY Scrap Wood Pumpkins – Cute Fall Curb Appeal

    These scrap wood pumpkins are a great way to dress up your front steps for Halloween and fall. This pumpkin DIY project is made from an old mailbox post that was left over when I gave our front mailbox a makeover this summer. Making home decor projects using items that have been recycled is both…

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  • Cocktails for Halloween – Halloween Punch – Witches Brew Drinks & More

    Cocktails for Halloween – Halloween Punch – Witches Brew Drinks & More

    Halloween is right around the corner. Are you looking for some boozy cocktails for Halloween to make for your next Halloween party? These cocktails named after witches are just what you need! After all, who can resist a drink with a name like “witches blood cocktail,” “melted witch martini,” or “white witch cocktail” on Halloween night? For…

    Read More Cocktails for Halloween – Halloween Punch – Witches Brew Drinks & MoreContinue

  • Peanut butter and cream cheese frosting in a blue bowl with a blue striped towel and pink flower.

    Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe

    This peanut butter cream cheese frosting blends tangy cream cheese with rich peanut butter and honey. The recipe comes together in minutes! Lighter than buttercream, it spreads easily. Use it to frost cupcakes, top banana bread, fill sandwich cookies, or even as a dip for fruit. With just four ingredients and a short preparation time,…

    Read More Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy 4-Ingredient RecipeContinue

  • How to Preserve a Pumpkin Carving (and Whole Pumpkins Too)

    How to Preserve a Pumpkin Carving (and Whole Pumpkins Too)

    Carving a pumpkin is one of the most fun ways to celebrate the fall season, but keeping it fresh can be a challenge. Knowing how to preserve a pumpkin carving ensures your jack-o’-lantern stays free from mold or decay for as long as possible. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a carved pumpkin on…

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  • Two pumpkins ready to harvest.

    When to Harvest Pumpkins: Signs, Timing & Storage Tips

    Knowing when to harvest pumpkins is essential for both flavor and storage. Picking pumpkins too early can result in soft, bland fruit, while leaving them on the vine too long increases the risk of rot or frost damage. Understanding the signs of ripeness ensures your pumpkins are ready for cooking, carving,  decoration, or storage. By…

    Read More When to Harvest Pumpkins: Signs, Timing & Storage TipsContinue

  • Two candy corn martinis displayed with an orange plush pumpkin, fall leaf and black wooden coffin.

    Candy Corn Martini Recipe – Halloween Drink with Three Layers

    This candy corn martini recipe takes the flavors of a favorite Halloween candy and infuses them into a Halloween cocktail. By infusing vodka with candy corn, you create a sweet base that is used to make a layered drink. Pineapple juice and cream add the contrasting layers to give you a cocktail that balances sweetness…

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  • Pictures of various part of a watermelon in a collage. Red center text box rewads when is watermelon ripe? The package, tendrils, belly, stem, stripes, and sound when tapped all give clues.

    When Is a Watermelon Ripe? How to Tell When It’s Ready to pick

    When is a watermelon ripe?  Knowing the answer to this question ensures that you enjoy the sweetest, juiciest fruit from your garden. By learning the key signs of watermelon ripeness, you can avoid picking too early or leaving melons on the vine too long, and instead harvest them at peak flavor. Look at the tendrils…

    Read More When Is a Watermelon Ripe? How to Tell When It’s Ready to pickContinue

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HI, I'M CAROL!

I love to garden, cook, and make DIY projects.

I come from a long line of gardeners, and have always loved to experiment with food and recipes.

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  • Home
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