Skip to content
The words The Gardening Cook in green bubble letters on a transparent background.
  • Home
  • GardensExpand
    • Browse All Garden Topics
    • Cacti
    • Container Gardening
    • Creative Gardening IdeasExpand
      • DIY Garden Projects
    • FlowersExpand
      • Biennials
      • Bulbs
      • Roses
    • Gardening TipsExpand
      • Composting Guide
      • Landscaping
    • Herbs
    • Indoor Plants
    • Outdoor PlantsExpand
      • Botanical Gardens
      • Garden Tours
      • Perennials
    • Succulents
    • Vegetable Gardening
    • WildlifeExpand
      • Birds
      • Bugs
      • Butterflies
  • Recipes
  • Home Ideas
  • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Quotes
  • PrintablesExpand
    • Puzzles
    • Coloring Pages
The words The Gardening Cook in green bubble letters on a transparent background.
  • 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…

    Read More 18 Fun & Easy Pumpkin Craft Ideas for Fall DecorationsContinue

  • 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…

    Read More Crockpot Pumpkin Chili – A Must-Try Autumn RecipeContinue

  • 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…

    Read More Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin with Pecans – A Sweet and Savory Holiday RecipeContinue

  • 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…

    Read More DIY Fall Door Swag Tutorial: A Beautiful Twist on the Classic Autumn WreathContinue

  • 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,…

    Read More DIY Hurricane Candle Holder Centerpiece – Rustic Fall Table Decor IdeaContinue

  • 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…

    Read More Halloween Candy Jar DIY – Easy Terracotta Candy Corn CraftContinue

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 2 Knucklehead pumpkins on a wire reel.

    Knucklehead Pumpkins – Why do Pumpkins Have Warts?

    Knucklehead pumpkins stand out because of their unusual, bumpy skin. This makes them a favorite for fall displays and Halloween decorating. Many people wonder why some pumpkins grow with warts while others stay smooth. The answer depends on both genetics and growing conditions. Some pumpkins, like the knucklehead variety, are bred to develop those wart-like…

    Read More Knucklehead Pumpkins – Why do Pumpkins Have Warts?Continue

  • A collage with pictures of dirty and clean clay pots, showing the process for cleaning. Orange text block reads How to clean terracotta pots.

    How to Clean Clay Pots – Cleaning Terracotta Pots and Planters

    Clay pots are a favorite among gardeners, but they require regular care to maintain their good condition. Learning how to clean clay pots will extend their life, prevent disease, and keep them looking fresh for the next growing season. Over time, minerals, salts, and residue can build up. This can affect both the appearance of…

    Read More How to Clean Clay Pots – Cleaning Terracotta Pots and PlantersContinue

  • Halloween Pumpkin cookies

    Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Face Cookies – Double the Fun!

    These Halloween pumpkin face cookies are the perfect Halloween recipe for your family or neighborhood friends. They have a cute Jack O Lantern pumpkin face and are filled with rich chocolate frosting. Imagine the delight at your Halloween party or when you surprise your trick-or-treaters with some pumpkin Halloween cookies. Just wait for the squeals!…

    Read More Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Face Cookies – Double the Fun!Continue

  • Witches brew Halloween cocktail and spooky props

    Halloween Witches Brew Cocktail – Fruity and Tart Halloween Drink

    Halloween is right around the corner, and that means that it is time for some spooky cocktail recipes. This Halloween witches’ brew cocktail is the perfect way to get your holiday party started. The drink is made from pineapple juice, cranberry juice, Sprite, and coconut rum. It’s fruity and sweet and can be garnished for…

    Read More Halloween Witches Brew Cocktail – Fruity and Tart Halloween DrinkContinue

  • Sautéed Brussels sprouts leaves with bacon in a serving dish with a spoon.

    Brussels Sprouts Leaves Recipe with Bacon Onions & Garlic

    This Brussels sprouts leaves recipe makes a great use of parts of the plant that might end up on a compost pile or in the trash can. The leafy tops of Brussels sprouts plants have a look that is similar to kale and collards. However, they have a much softer texture and milder flavor. The leaves…

    Read More Brussels Sprouts Leaves Recipe with Bacon Onions & GarlicContinue

  • Natural elements home decor.

    Decorating with Greenery for Fall- Natural Autumn Decorating Ideas

    Natural foliage is perfect to use when decorating with greenery for fall.  It’s bold in color, rustic in texture, and gives a calming look to any home decor project. It may appear that there is nothing of interest out there in the garden right now, but to someone looking for items to use for decorating,…

    Read More Decorating with Greenery for Fall- Natural Autumn Decorating IdeasContinue

  • A DIY burlap wreath with a large orange striped bow and cluster of burlap flowers hanging on a front door.

    How to Make a Burlap Wreath – Burlap Flower Wreath Tutorial

    This tutorial shows how to make a burlap wreath with flowers, step by step. The wreath will add a rustic look to your front door that is perfect for fall. This easy, budget-friendly wreath can be made with a few basic supplies in under two hours. It looks store-bought but costs far less to make….

    Read More How to Make a Burlap Wreath – Burlap Flower Wreath TutorialContinue

  • Vegetables for fall gardens

    Vegetables to Plant for Fall – Good Fall Vegetables to Grow

     Planning a vegetable garden doesn’t have to stop when the summer ends. There are plenty of vegetables to plant for fall harvests that thrive in cooler weather and even improve in flavor after a light frost. By choosing the right crops, you can keep your harvest going well beyond the summer season. Fall gardens are…

    Read More Vegetables to Plant for Fall – Good Fall Vegetables to GrowContinue

  • Chinese lantern pods in various colors on a vine.

    Growing Chinese Lantern Plant – How to Grow Physalis Alkekengi

    The Chinese lantern plant is a unique and attractive addition to any fall garden. If you’re new to gardening, you’ll be happy to know that these plants are quite easy to grow.  This hardy perennial is primarily grown for its distinctively shaped and vibrantly colored orange or red pods, which resemble tiny lanterns. These brightly colored…

    Read More Growing Chinese Lantern Plant – How to Grow Physalis AlkekengiContinue

  • Pile of various heirloom pumpkins.

    What are Heirloom Pumpkins? – Uses – Types – Seeds – Decorating

    Heirloom pumpkins are an exciting choice for beginning gardeners. Unlike the typical orange pumpkins that we all love to carve, heirlooms offer a fascinating variety of new pumpkins to choose from. These pumpkins are often prized for their unique shapes, colors, flavors, and historical significance. Keep reading to discover what makes heirloom pumpkins so special….

    Read More What are Heirloom Pumpkins? – Uses – Types – Seeds – DecoratingContinue

  • Stir fry in a bowl on a black background with checked green towel.

    Vegan Thai Peanut Stir Fry Recipe for Meatless Monday

    This Thai peanut stir fry has a great mix of vegetables to add lots of flavor and nutrition to your dinner meal. Team this vegan stir fry with freshly cooked brown rice, flavored with cumin, scallions, and raisins. The meal will tempt even the most meat-loving family member.  This Thai recipe has a nice level…

    Read More Vegan Thai Peanut Stir Fry Recipe for Meatless MondayContinue

Page navigation

Previous PagePrevious 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 49 Next PageNext
Beautiful woman with short brown hair and glasses smiling.

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.

Join me as I cook and garden my way through life.

After all, I am the Gardening Cook!

Some of the links on The Gardening Cook are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2026 The Gardening Cook. All rights reserved.

View the about me page.

Click to see our privacy policy.

  • Home
  • Gardens
    • Browse All Garden Topics
    • Cacti
    • Container Gardening
    • Creative Gardening Ideas
      • DIY Garden Projects
    • Flowers
      • Biennials
      • Bulbs
      • Roses
    • Gardening Tips
      • Composting Guide
      • Landscaping
    • Herbs
    • Indoor Plants
    • Outdoor Plants
      • Botanical Gardens
      • Garden Tours
      • Perennials
    • Succulents
    • Vegetable Gardening
    • Wildlife
      • Birds
      • Bugs
      • Butterflies
  • Recipes
  • Home Ideas
  • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Quotes
  • Printables
    • Puzzles
    • Coloring Pages
Search