Dear readers, we are pleased—and a bit stunned—to announce that our “Parade of Planets” post reached nearly 10 million people over the course of the last 10 days. Thank you for taking the time to share this rare astronomical event with your friends, families, and classrooms around the world. Many of you voiced questions, so

Ever catch a fish and want to cook it, but you aren’t sure how? Here are 10 tips for grilling fish. Plus, the perfect (spicy) grilled fish recipe. (See below.) Preparing a meal of freshly caught fish over a hot grill provides primal satisfaction. Searing meat over fire is an ancient cooking technique that gives

Brussels sprouts can be easy to grow. The trick is sowing seeds so that buds will develop after the mid to late summer heat is over. To do this, it’s recommended to plant seedlings around the start of summer so they will mature in the cool weather, ready for fall or early winter harvest. Here

One of the best parts about catching striped bass is there is no need to have an expensive boat or spend hundreds of hours fishing to catch big ones. They are prized game fish that are accessible to everyone, known as “everyman’s fish.” With a few basic angling tools, some essential knowledge, and a little

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation, why not try camping? Camping allows you to reconnect with nature, sleep under the stars—even in the backyard— and helps relax and recharge your mind. The challenge is to keep the cost down while still enjoying an epic adventure. Here are 10 tips for planning your next camping

June’s birthstone is the pearl. Its name comes from the Old French word, “perle” which, oddly, is derived from the Latin word for “leg”—as in “leg-of-lamb.” It is believed that this was a reference to the shape of mollusk shells, where pearls form. Interestingly, pearl is the only birthstone that is not mined from the

Watermelon can be trickier to grow than its close relatives: cucumber and squash. But a combination of warm soil, steady moisture, and proper fertilization can lead to sweet success. Here are some important tips. Getting Started: Two Methods 1) Indoor Preparation & Transplanting Sow two watermelon seeds per pot three weeks before date when soil

Have you ever wondered if the poppy seeds on the bagel you’re eating come from the same poppy flower that produces opium? They actually do, but they have been scrubbed of the milky substance which forms illegal narcotics and therefore are perfectly safe to eat. Don’t be alarmed: The poppy flowers growing in your backyard are a different species! There are 120 varieties of poppies—only one of which you cannot grow in the US. Learn all about poppy flower history, nutrition, folklore, and tips for growing. Read on.

You may already be familiar with threatening browntail moth caterpillars—especially if you live in the northeastern US. Found primarily on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod, the dangers of browntail moth caterpillars are two-fold: They cause skin rashes and also feed on trees to the point of killing them. Due to their seasonal resurgence, this bothersome creature is receiving lots of attention lately. As the weather warms and people begin heading outdoors, browntail moth caterpillars are also emerging from their webs in the trees. For information on when and where to spot them, how to treat a browntail moth rash, and how to prevent your plant life from being destroyed, keep reading.

Think those cute little houses in the backyard are just for birds? Think again! They can be for bees, too. This year, as people become more aware of bee populations declining, bee houses are taking center stage as popular garden decorations. They are charming, valuable habitats for our essential pollinators. After all, we wouldn't be able to live without the bees! Learn how to save the bees simply: Hang a bee house today! Read on.