Epic Gardening

Among all the systems we’ve set up at the Epic Homestead, the rain capture system is hands down my favorite. While the design has changed over time, the idea stays the same: capturing, filtering, and directing rainwater into a holding tank, ready to be pumped wherever it’s needed for irrigation. I’ll admit, it’s not always more affordable than city water, but the self-sufficiency it offers is invaluable. Plus, many cities offer rebate programs, so be sure to explore your options before getting started!

Figs are one of the easiest fruit trees to propagate, and with so many varieties available, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your garden. Simply take a 6-inch cutting, place it in potting mix in a warm spot, and it will almost certainly root. Once established, you can plant your new tree or even graft it onto an existing fig tree for a fun ‘fig fruit salad’ effect. For a full fig pruning guide, check out our video on the Epic Gardening YouTube channel. 📺🌱

I’m growing some ‘weird fruits’ and loving it! Did you know… ..that the entire banana plant is edible, including the leaves, flowers, and even the stem? In some cultures, banana blossoms are used in salads or cooked in various dishes. ..that Jujubes have been cultivated for over 4,000 years? They are often referred to as the “fruit of immortality” in traditional Chinese medicine due to their high nutrient content. ..that the Dragon fruit blooms only at night? Its flowers are often called “moonflowers” or “Queen of the Night” because they are short-lived, typically wilting by sunrise. ..that the Passion fruit is named after the Passion of Christ? The plant’s intricate flowers are thought to symbolize elements of the crucifixion with the petals, tendrils, and other parts representing different aspects of the story.

Sometimes you need to get creative in the garden! 🌱 When two #dragonfruit varieties bloomed on the same night, we had a problem—one wasn’t self-fertile. So, we grabbed a handheld vacuum and a paintbrush to manually cross-pollinate. A few days later, success! The fruit started to swell, proving our DIY pollination worked.

Growing free bean plants from store-bought Lima beans... Also known as “butter beans” for their creamy texture, Lima beans have been cultivated for over 7,000 years. These world-traveling beans thrive in warm climates and are rich in iron, making them a great addition to any meal.

Jujubes aren’t just a candy you grab at the movie theater—they’re also real, edible fruits from the jujube tree, also known as the Chinese date. These trees are not only beautiful but also produce tasty, apple-like fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or dried. Native to China, jujubes have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, making them one of the earliest domesticated trees. The best part? They’re super easy to grow! Jujube trees are drought-tolerant, perfect for anyone who occasionally forgets to water their plants (definitely not me, right?). Just give them full sun and well-draining soil, and they’ll happily reward you with sweet, crunchy fruits. If you’re looking into different varieties, ‘Li’ and ‘Lang’ are popular choices. ‘Li’ produces larger, round fruits, while ‘Lang’ offers smaller, pear-shaped ones. Both are delicious, and after your first bite, you’ll be wondering why you hadn’t discovered them sooner! #garden

If you’re a backyard grower who loves variety over quantity, this fruit-growing method is for you! It’s called Backyard Orchard Culture. By pruning your trees in the summer to keep them manageable, planting them closer together, and selecting varieties that ripen at different times, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of delicious, diverse fruit throughout the season.