David Begay
Editorial byline
David Begay is an editorial byline for Farm to Recipes, with a focus on The Garden Patch, Meet the Maker. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics for Dogs: Which Gut Helpers to Add to Homemade Food, and Why
Understand the difference between prebiotics and probiotics for your dog's gut health and how to incorporate them into homemade diets. Learn which specific 'biotics' can support digestion, immunity, and overall vitality.
Oct 31, 2026 · 5 min read
Matching Organic Amendments to Your Garden's Real Problem: Sandy Soil That Won't Hold Water, or Clay That Won't Let It Go
Sandy soil drains too fast, losing water and nutrients, while clay soil holds water too tightly, suffocating roots. The solution for both is organic matter, but the type must match the soil's specific problem.
Oct 30, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Shop for Regenerative Agriculture: A Practical Guide to Questions, Labels, and Farm Practices
Support regenerative agriculture by asking producers about specific soil and wildlife practices, as there is no single universal "regenerative" label. Your informed grocery choices can help foster healthier ecosystems and farming methods.
Oct 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Liver, Kidney, or Heart? How to Choose and Balance Organ Meats in Homemade Dog Food
Organ meats like liver, kidney, and heart offer significant nutritional benefits for dogs but require careful selection and balancing. Understanding their distinct nutrient profiles and risks, particularly liver's high Vitamin A content, is essential for creating a healthy homemade diet.
Oct 27, 2026 · 5 min read
Three Companion Planting Pairs That Actually Work—and the Pairing to Keep Away From Your Beans
Explore three evidence-based companion planting pairs: the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash) for support and soil health, summer savory with beans for pest deterrence, and marigolds with asparagus to repel soil pests. Understanding their mechanisms helps create a thriving garden.
Oct 26, 2026 · 4 min read
Spinach vs. Collard Greens: How to Safely Serve Leafy Greens to Your Dog
Dogs can safely eat spinach and collard greens when prepared correctly and served in modest amounts. Proper cooking reduces oxalates and softens fibers, making these leafy greens a beneficial supplement to a balanced diet.
Oct 25, 2026 · 4 min read
Chef Chrissy Conklin Returns to BOCES to Lead Culinary Arts at LoGuidice Educational Center
Chef Chrissy Conklin, a BOCES alumna, returns to lead the Culinary Arts program at the LoGuidice Educational Center. She will impart her nearly decade of industry experience, focusing on farm-to-fork practices and real-world kitchen skills to train future chefs.
Oct 25, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Build a Multi-Year Crop Rotation Plan for Your Home Vegetable Garden
Learn how to build a multi-year crop rotation plan for your home vegetable garden by grouping crops by botanical family. Rotating families annually helps starve soil-borne pests and diseases, improving soil fertility and plant health.
Oct 24, 2026 · 6 min read
Alley Cropping, Silvopasture, or Forest Farming: Which Agroforestry System Fits Your Small Property?
Agroforestry offers small-scale farmers and home gardeners three distinct systems: alley cropping, silvopasture, and forest farming. The article guides readers on selecting the best system based on their land's current state and desired yields.
Oct 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Why Companion Planting Works: Three Pest-Control Mechanisms and the Pairings That Use Them
Companion planting deters garden pests through three distinct mechanisms: confusing insects with mixed chemical signals, disrupting their landing and egg-laying behavior, and attracting beneficial insects. Understanding these mechanisms allows gardeners to design more effective, biologically integrated pest control strategies.
Oct 22, 2026 · 4 min read
Heirloom or Hybrid? How to Decide What Belongs in Your Home Garden
Choosing between heirloom and hybrid vegetables for your home garden involves weighing superior flavor and heritage against ease of growth and disease resistance. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize culinary uniqueness and seed saving or predictable, low-maintenance harvests.
Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Organic vs. Biodynamic: What Each Certification Actually Requires of a Farm
Understand the differences between USDA Organic and Demeter Biodynamic certifications, which go beyond simply banning synthetic chemicals. While both ensure organic practices, Biodynamic adds a holistic "farm as organism" philosophy, specific preparations, and biodiversity land reserves.
Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Heirloom Container Gardening: Selecting Varieties and Sizing Pots for Small Spaces
Grow heirloom vegetables in containers by selecting compact, open-pollinated varieties and matching them to the right pot sizes. University extension guidance provides principles for success in small-space gardening.
Oct 17, 2026 · 3 min read
How Mycorrhizal Fungi Feed Your Garden: The Underground Partnership You Can Protect
Mycorrhizal fungi form a vital underground partnership with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water uptake in exchange for plant sugars. Protecting and fostering these native fungi through mindful gardening practices is more effective than relying on commercial inoculants.
Oct 16, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Start a Home Vermicomposting Bin: A Beginner's Guide
Vermicomposting offers a simple and efficient way to transform kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner right in your home. This method of composting uses worms to break down organic waste, requiring little space and inexpensive materials.
Oct 11, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Choose the Right Home Composting Method for Your Space
The best home composting method depends on your living situation, including available space, time commitment, and the type of waste you produce. Understanding the distinct requirements of backyard piles, wormeries, and trench composting helps you choose the most suitable system for your needs.
Oct 10, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Attract Beneficial Insects for a Healthier Vegetable Garden
Attract beneficial insects to your vegetable garden by creating a balanced ecosystem that provides food, shelter, and water. This natural approach manages pests effectively without toxic sprays, fostering a healthier, more resilient garden.
Oct 8, 2026 · 4 min read
A Gardener's Guide to Safely Eating Purslane and Chickweed
Many common garden weeds are nutritious and flavorful. This guide helps you safely identify and harvest purslane and chickweed, turning backyard nuisances into valuable ingredients.
Oct 7, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Map Your Garden's Microclimates for Healthier Plants
Understanding your garden's unique microclimates—localized conditions created by sun, shade, wind, and structures—is key to growing healthier plants. By mapping these zones, you can make informed decisions for strategic planting and garden modification, leading to greater success.
Oct 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Selecting Cover Crops and Mineral Amendments for Advanced Organic Home Gardens
Advanced organic gardening involves integrating cover crops for nitrogen fixation and organic matter, alongside targeted mineral amendments like rock phosphate and greensand, to build soil fertility beyond basic composting.
Sep 29, 2026 · 5 min read