Harrowsmith

Harrowsmith is still the reliable go-to for gardeners, weekend carpenters, homesteaders, hobby farmers and urban dwellers with romantic fantasies of country life. Harrowsmith publishes four issues a year in conjunction with the seasons--three print issues and a summer digital exclusive.

Harrowsmith

Your Guide to Sustainable Living Made Simple

The Top 80 • Expert Garden Plant Picks that Will Survive and Thrive

Cabin Stories • In the late spring of 2020, Aurora Debreuil and Adam Gualtieri bought a rundown 1970s-era cabin in the woods. The 20-somethings were new to home ownership, didn’t have a vehicle and were self-described reno rookies. Fast forward three years and the couple has completely replaced a fully-rotten wall, has dozens of DIY home improvement projects under their belt, started their first food garden, moved out of their apartment in the city — and documented it all on YouTube and TikTok. Harrowsmith caught up with Aurora and Adam to learn more about their off-grid adventures.

Get Ready Canada, El Niño is Back • After almost three years under a La Niña pattern, the world will experience a strong El Niño pattern starting in the autumn of 2023. Since the 1950s, there have only been five strong El Niño’s and three very strong El Niño patterns. So, what exactly is El Niño, and what can we expect in the coming months?

Potluck Favourites • By bringing together a variety of dishes prepared by different people, potlucks encourage creativity, cultural exchange, and the joy of trying new flavours. Sharing food is a great way to spend time with friends and family and having a few easy go-to recipes makes it easy to say “yes” to the group meal. These potluck recipes can be made ahead of time and are easy to take with you

turn THIS … into THIS • The best way to store, eat, enjoy and use up all of those carrots

ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC for 2024 • What to look for in the night sky

Fall

Seasonal Weather • Predictions for Fall 2023

September 2023 • September’s flower is the aster. Asters have a daisy-like appearance and come in shades of purple, pink, and white. These flowers represent wisdom, love, faith, and symbolize patience and elegance. Considered a symbol of enchantment, their name, derived from the Greek word for “star,” reflects the shape of their blooms and the radiant beauty they bring to gardens and floral arrangements.

October 2023 • October is bat appreciation month. Bats play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. As natural pest controllers, they consume vast amounts of insects, including agricultural pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. They also pollinate flowers and disperse seeds, aiding in forest regeneration. Additionally, bat guano serves as a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

November 2023 • November is National Entrepreneurship Month celebrating all the hard work and energy that turns an idea or innovation into a profitable business. In Canada, entrepreneurship has increased by more than 50 percent over the last 10 years, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. In 2021 about 20% of the adult population was involved in planning or starting a business.

Winter

Seasonal Weather • Predictions for Winter 2023/2024

December 2023 • Winter Solstice on December 21st is the year’s shortest day in terms of daylight hours. Depending on where you are in Canada, the day could be as short as four hours or as long as eight hours, but regardless of location, this will be the shortest day and longest night across the country.

January 2024 • It’s international creativity month. In our fast-paced modern world, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Thankfully, embracing creative activities offers a valuable pathway to relaxation and stress relief. Whether you sculpt, paint,...