What Are Coconut Aminos? Health Benefits and How to Use

How to Build a Chicken Coop for 20 Chickens?

Gardening

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August 29, 2025

How to Build a Chicken Coop for 20 Chickens?

Building a chicken coop on your own isn’t just affordable, but it is fun and rewarding experience for first time chicken owners.

Though internet is filled with different chicken coop ideas, it’s important that you have a solid plan to build your chicken coop.

Prior planning, which includes assessing available space, choosing the right material and setting boundaries ensures that your chicken stays safe and healthy.

Depending on the weather conditions in your region, you can choose wooden blocks, meta fencing or durable plastic to build chicken coop for 20 chickens.

In this article, am not going to give a overwhelming list of chicken coop design ideas. Instead, I’ll assists you with the planning, preparation and building of a chicken coop.

Based on it, you can labor your creative mind to make a home for flocks.

How to Build a Chicken Coop for 20 Chickens?

Depending on number of chickens your about to raise, start with assessing the space needs.

In short:

Each chicken bird requires about 3–4 sq ft indoors and 8–10 sq ft in an outdoor run, so plan for at least 60–80 sq ft inside and 160–200 sq ft outside.

Choose a well-drained, shaded location, and design the coop with proper ventilation, predator-proofing, nesting boxes (1 per 3–4 hens), and roosting bars.

Use durable materials like treated wood or metal roofing, ensure easy access for cleaning, and include secure fencing around the run to keep the flock safe.

Before proceeding to the construction phase, I’d suggest to plan, prepare and build.

Planning: Space assessment & visualize the design
Prepare: Gather durable material based on the height and size of chicken coop
Build: DIY or take help of a carpenter to build the layout and install the fence

Let’s elaborate each section.

Step:1 Planning Your Chicken Coop

Space Assessment

The first step is determining how much room your 20 chickens will need. Each bird requires at least 3–4 square feet of indoor coop space, meaning your coop should measure around 60–80 square feet.

The outdoor run should provide 8–10 square feet per chicken, so a fenced area of 160–200 square feet is ideal. Adequate space helps prevent stress, disease, and aggressive behavior among your birds.

Check this: 6 Best Ground Cover for Chicken Run

Designing the Layout

When designing, think about the chickens’ daily routine. Include nesting boxes (one for every 3–4 hens), roosting bars at different heights, and an easy-to-clean floor plan.

Position windows or vents for proper airflow while ensuring the coop remains draft-free in colder months.
Doors should be large enough for easy access—both for chickens and for you during cleaning or feeding.
Hangers for feeders and drinkers help keep food and water off the ground, reducing waste and contamination.

Also Read: How to Clean and Disinfect the Chicken Coop?

Height and Size Considerations

A coop should be tall enough for you to enter comfortably. A height of 6–7 feet allows you to move around without bending too much, making maintenance easier.

For the chickens, elevated roosting bars should be placed about 2 feet above the floor with enough spacing to prevent overcrowding.

Remember to allow extra space for storage of feed and supplies if you want a more self-sufficient setup.

How Big of a Coop for 20 Chickens?

When planning a coop for 20 chickens, space is the first thing to get right. Each chicken needs about 3–4 square feet inside the coop, which means you’ll need at least 60–80 square feet of indoor space.

For the outdoor run, allow 8–10 square feet per bird, giving you 160–200 square feet where they can scratch, forage, and roam freely.

A good setup could be a 10×8 ft coop paired with a 16×12 ft run, but going bigger is always better.

More room reduces stress, keeps chickens healthier, and makes cleaning easier for you. Think of it as an investment in both their well-being and your convenience.

Step:2 Preparing for Construction

Choosing Materials

Durability and safety are the top priorities when selecting materials. Treated wood is often the best choice for framing because it resists rot and weather damage.

For the roof, metal sheets or asphalt shingles work well, offering long-lasting protection from rain and heat.

Wire mesh or hardware cloth is crucial for fencing and ventilation—it’s sturdier and more predator-proof than regular chicken wire.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Before starting, gather the necessary tools such as a saw, hammer, drill, tape measure, nails, screws, and hinges.

Stock up on exterior-grade paint or sealant to weatherproof the wood. Having all materials ready beforehand will make the building process smoother and prevent interruptions.

Step:3 Building the Chicken Coop

Constructing the Frame and Walls

Begin with a solid foundation—either concrete blocks, pavers, or a raised wooden base to keep the coop off the ground.

This prevents flooding and deters pests. Build the frame from treated lumber, then add walls, leaving space for doors, windows, and ventilation openings.

Ensure walls are sturdy enough to withstand wind and predators.

Also Read: What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop?

Adding the Roof and Flooring

Install a sloped roof to allow rainwater runoff, preventing leaks and water damage. A metal or shingle roof ensures durability.

For flooring, use plywood covered with linoleum, or hardware cloth beneath bedding to make cleaning easier and reduce rodent access.

Add a thick layer of bedding such as straw, wood shavings, or hemp for comfort and cleanliness.

Installing Doors and Windows

Every coop needs at least one human-sized access door and one smaller chicken door (pop door).

Fit doors with sturdy locks or latches to keep predators out. Add screened windows or vents on opposite walls for cross-ventilation while ensuring openings are covered with hardware cloth.

Fencing the Run

Chickens need outdoor space to forage, dust-bathe, and exercise. Use strong hardware cloth or welded wire fencing around the run, at least 6 feet high, to keep predators like raccoons, foxes, or stray dogs away.

Bury the wire at least 12 inches underground to stop digging animals. If hawks are common in your area, consider adding netting or wire mesh across the top.

A secure run reduces risks and gives your chickens the freedom to roam safely.

Also Read: How to Build Chicken Coop Out of Pallets?

Important things Every Chicken Coop Must Have

Nesting Boxes

Provide around 6–7 nesting boxes for a flock of 20 chickens. Line them with straw or shavings to keep eggs clean and cushioned.

Place the boxes in darker, quieter corners of the coop to encourage hens to lay.

Roosting Bars

Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground. Install sturdy wooden bars about 2 feet above the floor, spaced so each bird has at least 8–10 inches of roosting space.

Avoid metal pipes, as they can get too cold in winter and cause discomfort.

Ventilation and Light

Proper airflow is essential to prevent ammonia buildup from droppings. Add vents near the roofline to keep fresh air circulating without creating drafts at chicken level.

Natural light through windows supports healthy egg production, but artificial lighting can be added in winter to extend laying hours.

Easy Cleaning Features

Design the coop with maintenance in mind. Removable trays under roosting bars, wide doors, and smooth flooring all make cleaning quicker.

Cleanliness prevents parasites, disease, and bad odors, ensuring a healthy environment for your flock.

Also Read: How to Make Chicken Coop Smell Better?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skimping on Space

It’s easy to underestimate how much room chickens really need. A crowded coop doesn’t just look uncomfortable—it causes stress, pecking, and fewer eggs.

When in doubt, go bigger. Your flock will be happier, healthier, and more productive if they aren’t packed in too tightly.

Using Chicken Wire Alone

Chicken wire might look sturdy, but it’s really just good for keeping chickens in—not keeping predators out.

Raccoons, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs can tear through it with ease. Instead, invest in hardware cloth for the run, windows, and vents. It’s tougher, longer-lasting, and gives real protection.

Poor Ventilation

A coop without proper airflow turns into a damp, smelly mess, and that’s bad news for your birds’ lungs.

Good ventilation isn’t the same as drafts—think of it as fresh air moving through the coop without chilling the chickens. Placing vents high up along the roofline usually does the trick.

Difficult-to-Clean Designs

One mistake many first-time builders make is creating a coop that’s tough to clean.

If you can’t easily reach inside to scoop out droppings or change bedding, the coop will quickly become unpleasant for both you and your chickens.

Wide doors, removable trays, and simple layouts save a lot of hassle in the long run.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Rats from a Chicken Coop?

Conclusion

Building a chicken coop for 20 chickens may take some planning and effort, but it’s worth it for the comfort and safety of your flock.

A well-designed coop makes daily care easier and keeps your chickens happy and healthy.

With enough space, the right materials, and smart features, you’ll create a secure home that lasts for years.

In return, your flock will reward you with fresh eggs and a thriving, lively backyard.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

COVID vaccines now approved only for high-risk people : Shots

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August 28, 2025

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COVID vaccines now approved only for high-risk people : Shots

The Food and Drug Administration’s approvals for the latest round of COVID-19 shots restrict the shots to people at higher risk of complications from COVID.

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The Food and Drug Administration approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines Wednesday, but imposed new restrictions on who’s eligible to get them.

The agency is limiting the updated shots to people who are at risk for serious complications because they are 65 or older or have other health problems. Until now, COVID vaccines had been available to anyone 6 months and older regardless of their health.

The decision is expected to make it harder for many people, such as healthy children and healthy younger adults, to get a shot ahead of the expected winter COVID surge. That’s already generating confusion and apprehension that harkens back to the early days of the pandemic, when people often had to frantically search for a shot.

“I’m feeling a little déjà vu,” says Clare Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers. “There’s a lot of anxiety about being able to get the vaccine.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to weigh in soon with influential recommendations on who should get inoculated. But the CDC has already dropped guidelines that call for all healthy children and healthy pregnant women to routinely get vaccinated – a decision many doctors and public health experts say is especially alarming.

Federal health officials say the changes are warranted because most people have so much immunity at this point. They also question the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness – doubts dismissed by most public health experts and contradicted by a large body of scientific evidence.

A sweeping change to COVID vaccine regulation

“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a post about the regulatory actions on X.

Kennedy said the FDA has approved Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for those ages 6 months and older, the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine for those ages 5 and older, and the Novavax vaccine, which uses an older technology, for those ages 12 and older.

“These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors,” Kennedy wrote, adding that the emergency use authorizations for the vaccines that made them available quickly during pandemic had been revoked.

“It’s a welcome but overdue end to a policy,” says David Gortler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “But it is unclear as to why the EUA remained in place at all following full authorization by the FDA and the fact that the COVID emergency officially ended on May 11th 2023 — almost 30 months ago.”

Gortler adds, “Although the CDC very recently stopped publishing how many adults and children are still getting the COVID boosters in 2025, at last count it was around 23 million adults and 9.5 million kids, none of whom should be getting any mRNA covid injections.”

Access to COVID vaccines could be difficult for many

While many people with concerns about the vaccines welcomed the new restrictions, the limitations could limit access and are being denounced by most public health authorities as unwarranted, unscientific and dangerous.

“I’m worried that this puts the entire American population at risk for severe COVID disease and the complications associated with it,” says Dr. Tina Tan of Northwestern University, the president of the Infectious Disease Society of America. “People who are not going to be able to get the vaccine if they want it. And you’re going to see an increase in the number of individuals that are hospitalized or that potentially could die.”

The moves are the latest in a series of steps Kennedy, a long-time and vocal critic of vaccines, has taken to curtail development and availability of vaccines. He’s downplayed the risks of infectious diseases, falsely claimed vaccines are risky, canceled hundreds of millions of dollars of research to develop new mRNA vaccines to protect against future pandemics, replaced a key federal advisory committee with like-minded skeptics, and has threatened to overhaul protections for vaccine makers.

The new restrictions on the updated COVID vaccines, which target the LP.8.1 omicron subvariant, mean insurance may no longer pay for the shots, doctors may balk at stocking and prescribing them, and pharmacists may be unable or unwilling to administer the vaccines.

“The restrictions are not following the science of what these vaccines can and will do,” says Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “This is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Risk factors and worries about protection

The announcement comes after the FDA signaled the new approach in the spring. Kennedy soon after announced plans to drop recommendations for vaccinations for children and pregnant women. The moves prompted outrage among public health experts and fear, confusion and anger among people who still want to get vaccinated.

Still, the list of health problems that would make people eligible for the vaccines is very broad. Qualifying risk factors apparently include weak immune systems, asthma, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle.

The new vaccine rules come as a consensus was emerging among government and independent scientists that routine vaccination may no longer be necessary for some people, such as healthy younger adults and older children because so many have built up strong immunity.

Nevertheless, the moves prompted major medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and independent expert groups like the Vaccine Integrity Project, to issue their own scientific assessments and guidelines. Those continue to recommend the shots for all pregnant people and all very young children, who are as likely as older adults to get seriously ill from COVID.

“I’m worried,” says Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease expert at the University of Colorado who chairs the pediatric association’s committee on infectious diseases. “It’s clear the youngest kids remain at very high risk. So it’s very important to keep recommending the vaccine to those kids.”

Newborn babies face an especially high risk, O’Leary says, because they have little or no immunity. The best way to protect them is to vaccinate women during their pregnancies so they can pass protective antibodies to their fetuses. Pregnant women are themselves at high risk for serious complications as well.

“It’s heartbreaking,” says Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a former CDC vaccine expert. “I honestly believe this will do harm to the American public.”

Adding to the confusion is the fact that although the CDC is no longer recommending the vaccines for healthy pregnant women. The agency and the FDA’s new framework both still list pregnancy as a risk factor.

Trade groups representing insurance companies have said their members plan to continue paying for the shots even though they’re no longer required to in all cases because of the current CDC recommendations. It remains unclear, however, how many individual insurers will still broadly cover the vaccines.

Most people have stopped getting vaccinated and most parents don’t inoculate their kids. But many younger, healthy adults still want a shot because they’re worried about getting sick, missing work, developing long COVID or spreading the virus to vulnerable family members.

“And my feeling is those healthy young adults should have the freedom to discuss this option, to consider it with their health care providers, and even if they don’t have health conditions should have the freedom to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Jesse Goodman, a former FDA vaccine regulator now at Georgetown University.

Many parents also want the choice to vaccinate their otherwise healthy children for the same reasons.

People who are not officially eligible for the vaccines may still be able to get the shots for themselves or their children by getting a doctor’s prescription and paying out of pocket. But that may create insurmountable barriers for many people. The COVID shots can cost $200 or more without insurance, getting a doctor’s appointment can be difficult for vaccination can be difficult..

In addition, many doctors may be hesitant to prescribe the shots beyond the FDA approval, also known as off-label use, and many pharmacists may be unable or uneasy about administering the vaccines because of state restrictions and liability concerns. Nineteen states require pharmacists to follow the CDC’s guidelines, according to the American Pharmacists Association. The rules vary in the remaining states.

Even if pregnant women and others can get vaccinated, many public health experts worry the conflicting recommendations and messages could dissuade many people from trying, exacerbating the already low rates of vaccination.

“We know that when people are confused they don’t act and my concern is that a lot of people who would benefit from COVID vaccination are not going to get it because they are just not sure what they should be doing,” says Dr. Kelly Moore, who heads Immunize.org, an advocacy group.

The changes come as the U.S. is in the midst of yet another summer COVID wave, which has caused a surge of children requiring emergency care at hospitals and is claiming more than 100 lives weekly.

How to Grow Broccoli in Containers

Gardening

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August 28, 2025

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Cultivars to Select

To get the best results when growing broccoli in pots, you’ll want to select cultivars that are compact and fast maturing.

Here are two of our favorite cultivars for container growing. One is a head-forming broccoli, and the other is a sprouting variety.

Di Cicco

True Leaf Market’s ‘Di Cicco’ is exactly what’s growing in my container!

This heirloom cultivar forms heads instead of multiple stalks like ‘Royal Tenderette,’ described below, but it’s quick to mature.

In just 48 to 70 days, you’ll be enjoying crisp crowns.

‘Di Cicco’

Harvest the main head when it’s three to four inches wide for a roasted broccoli soup, like this one from our sister site, Foodal.

And then watch as multiple side shoots grow from the stalk, providing you with even more tasty florets.

You can find seeds in packets of various sizes for ‘Di Cicco’ at True Leaf Market.

Purple Sprouting

Purple sprouting broccoli grows upright and bushy, usually reaching 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Instead of one large central head, it produces a steady supply of slender side shoots with small violet-purple florets.

Purple Sprouting

It is a long-season crop, typically requiring 180 to 220 days from transplant to harvest, or about six to seven months, depending on climate and growing conditions.

You can find seeds for purple sprouting broccoli in a variety of packet sizes available at Eden Brothers.

Royal Tenderette

An excellent choice for containers, the green sprouting variety ‘Royal Tenderette’ produces several three- to four-inch stalks that each produce a floret.

‘Royal Tenderette’

This fast-growing variety matures in just 50 to 60 days from germination and can produce two to three harvests.

You can simply cut a few sweet-tasting florets off for an easy lunchtime side dish for your family and then watch as more stalks grow in 12 to 14 days.

Find packets of 50 seeds or a set of six plants available at Burpee.

Preparing Your Container

Fill your container with soil and add a bit of fertilizer. You can either use:

Potting mix amended with 10-10-10 (NPK) fertilizer, according to the directions on the package.
Well-draining garden soil amended half and half with compost or well-rotted manure.

If you decide to use soil from your garden, don’t use soil that has been previously planted with brassicas as it can harbor disease.

Broccoli likes neutral to slightly acidic soil, so you may wish to conduct a soil test to make sure the pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil should be loose and well-draining to promote healthy root growth.

How to Grow

Broccoli loves cool weather and a full sun location, but hot summer temperatures can cause the plant to bolt.

Because of this, there are two ideal seasons for planting your broccoli: spring and fall.

For a spring planting, you’ll want to start seeds indoors about eight weeks before your average last frost date.

A close up vertical picture of a broccoli floret growing outdoors covered in a light frost, pictured on a soft focus background.

You’ll get a head start if you sow them indoors, but you can also sow directly in containers outdoors, two to three weeks before your average last frost date.

For a fall planting, sow seeds about eight to 10 weeks before your average first frost date.

The plus side of growing in containers during cooler fall weather is that you’ll battle fewer bugs.

What Are Coconut Aminos? Health Benefits and How to Use

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August 28, 2025

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What Are Coconut Aminos? Health Benefits and How to Use

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Jen’s Washington Garden, Filled to Its Brim

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August 28, 2025

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Jen’s Washington Garden, Filled to Its Brim

Hi GPODers!

We’ve watched a lot of gardens evolve over the years, and one that continues to grow and transform beyond the expectations of its limited footprint is that of Jen Titilah in Snoqualmie, Washington (check out her previous two submissions: Jen’s Garden in Washington and A Lot of Garden in a Small Space). Jen’s garden is small, but she sees no limit in its space and manages to squeeze more and more marvelous plants into the landscape—all without making the landscape feel messy or out of control. Today’s update showcases its latest iteration, filled to the brim but layered with style.

I’ve posted here before and am sending the attached photos of my garden taken today. I’ve been gardening in Snoqualmie, Washington, for 20 years on this small property. However, my trees are young and will eventually grow taller. The hydrangeas are in full bloom! We’ve jammed over a thousand plants into this garden. Enjoy!

Regards,

Jen Titilah

Speak of the devil! Yesterday we admired the gorgeous blooms of Gwen’s ‘Samantha’ lilies (check those out here, if you missed it), which I mentioned are the double version of these infamous Stargazer lilies (Lilium ‘Stargazer’, Zones 4–8) that Jen is showcasing today. It’s easy to understand why this vibrant flower is so renowned and why plant breeders would want to expand on it.

As Jen mentioned, she is working with limited space, but she absolutely makes the most of it. This seating area is absolutely surrounded by a gorgeous collection of container plants, and she wisely goes vertical to squeeze in a few more plantings along with a trellis that doubles as garden art.

A view of the opposite side of this small patio, and a brief look at the layers upon layers of fantastic foliage in this compact landscape: Jen utilizes containers wisely to add height to her designs while her younger trees are still maturing.

Even a covered porch is an opportunity for more plants. Rich, shade-loving greenery adds lots of style to this space, with a glorious fern that leaves a little room for sitting.

When your outdoor space is limited, a front yard is no place for an untouched lawn. Jen again showcases her ability to create layers of beauty, while diverse evergreens and colorful foliage allow for low-maintenance interest.

Mind the plants on your entrance! Jen’s entryway is spilling with wonderful foliage, flowers, and berries of a beautiful St. John’s wort (Hypericum × inodorum, Zones 6–9). Two stoic Stonehenge^® yew (Taxus × media ‘SMNTHDC’, Zones 4–7) added that needed height while remaining nice and compact.

One final view of Jen’s stunning front yard! What a feast for the eyes that everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy.

Thank you so much for sharing your small but oh-so-mighty garden with us, Jen! It is incredible the number of plants that you fit into your space while maintaining a level of cohesion and design appeal that prevents it from looking chaotic. Anyone who thinks they don’t have enough space needs to think again.

No matter the size of your space or the number of plants you tend, we love to share gardens of all kinds on Garden Photo of the Day. This blog is only made possible because of generous contributors like Jen, and you can be the next gardener to be featured. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

We want to see YOUR garden!

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here

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SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves, Black, Medium (Pack of 12 Pairs)

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Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Drowning prevention program comes to a halt at the CDC : Shots

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August 27, 2025

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Drowning prevention program comes to a halt at the CDC : Shots

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For the past few years, a small team of health scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had been tasked with answering basic statistical questions like: Who is drowning? Where is it happening — in lakes, rivers, swimming pools? And what works to prevent it?

The team was starting to answer some of those questions when it was put on administrative leave in April, according to two former CDC officials familiar with the program. They requested that NPR not use their names because they fear retaliation from the Trump administration for speaking to the media.

Now, those results may not come to light, since the Trump administration terminated the CDC’s drowning prevention experts this month and has proposed eliminating the program in its fiscal year 2026 budget request.

“If this program saved one life, it would be far more than the total cost of the program,” says Jim Mercy, former director of the Division of Violence Prevention at the CDC, who retired in 2023. “The irony is that these and other programs [at the CDC] were cut under the motivation of creating greater efficiency.”

Drowning kills more than 4,000 people each year in the United States. It’s the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and is one of the top causes of death among children ages 5 to 14. A single drowning costs millions of dollars in terms of medical costs and societal loss, Mercy says.

The CDC’s drowning prevention program was created in response to a spike in drowning deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. “After the pandemic, quite a few organizations came together to drive some possibilities of federally focused work on drowning prevention,” says Lindsay Mondick, director of aquatic strategy and quality practices for the YMCA nationally, and a longtime water safety advocate. “CDC was a natural fit — not only do they do data science, but they also look at intervention strategies and programs.”

Drowning is largely preventable and costs the U.S. economy over $50 billion a year. The CDC’s efforts had been focused in two areas: determining the risk factors around drowning and what works to prevent drownings, to reduce the likelihood that children die from drowning.

The drowning prevention team worked with partners like the YMCA, the Red Cross and the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention to help collect and evaluate data, as well as teach children to swim.

Work with YMCA

The YMCA has a water safety approach it has been using for around a decade. “It’s focused on developing skills for swimming and water competency — skills that keep people safe if they were to have accidents or find themselves in an unpredictable situation,” Mondick says.

Over the past few years, the CDC helped it collect data to figure out what was working. “One of the things we were most excited about with this funding is the YMCA was able to build, I think, what is probably the largest drowning data collection hub,” she says.

As part of the process, the CDC provided funding for free swim lessons for thousands of kids at high risk of drowning. This included children from some minority groups and those on the autism spectrum, who are 160 times more likely than their peers to die from drowning, according to a study from Columbia University.

“For a kid with special sensory needs, not only are their senses being challenged because of just water, but it’s noisy and it’s hot and it’s all the things,” says Jennifer Pewitt, who oversees swim programs for the YMCA in the Dallas metro area.

At one facility, swim instructors received specialized training on connecting with kids on the autism spectrum. When parents heard they were running this program, they came from all over Dallas County. “There is a huge community need,” Pewitt says. “There have been some really awesome stories that have come out of it. And there’s been some misses.”

That’s the learning process, Pewitt says. The whole time, they collected data with guidance from the CDC. “The Y doesn’t employ epidemiologists — that is not a thing,” she says.

The goal was to figure out how to best teach kids at high risk of drowning to swim and reduce their risks around water, and to share those lessons widely. “That’s where the magic happens — if what worked with these kids can be replicated,” Pewitt says. “That was the whole point of it.”

Potential impact

The CDC program employed three health scientists and had a $2 million annual budget, most of which was disbursed to partner organizations.

“It’s a very small program, but very important,” Mercy, formerly with the CDC, says, adding that the program had strong bipartisan support when it started receiving congressional funding a few years ago.

Especially in small towns, cutting off the CDC funding would be a big loss, says Pewitt. “It’s really sad that there isn’t going to be those opportunities for those small Y’s to serve the kids in their communities.”

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment.

27 Fall Garden Ideas to Refresh Your Outdoor Space

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August 27, 2025

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27 Fall Garden Ideas to Refresh Your Outdoor Space

Gardener has got no leave.

Because, gardening is no work, it’s passion.

Even when most plants are preparing for winter by going dormant. You can still plan second gardening season if you’re smart.

There are bunch of flowers, vegetables and herbs that thrive in cool weather.

Low-temperature in the fall makes working outdoors more pleasant, while the season’s unique colors and textures give your garden a warm, inviting glow.

Whether you’re planting, decorating, or simply preparing for next year, fall gardening can keep your landscape lively and productive.

What to Remember While Planning a Fall Garden?

Before diving into specific ideas, here are a few important tips to keep in mind when planning your fall garden:

Know your frost date: Every region has its own first frost date—plan plantings around it for the best results.
Choose cold-hardy varieties: Some vegetables and flowers thrive even as temperatures dip.
Layer colors and textures: Fall is all about richness—think foliage, ornamental grasses, and late bloomers.
Add warmth and comfort: Outdoor spaces feel more inviting with lighting, cozy seating, and fall décor.
Think ahead: Fall prep (like mulching and composting) sets your garden up for spring success.

27 Fall Garden Ideas

1. Plant Cool-Season Vegetables

Cool-season vegetables are the backbone of a productive fall garden. Unlike summer crops that struggle in heat, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce thrive in cooler conditions. Their growth slows slightly, but the flavor improves—greens often become more tender and sweet after a light frost.

Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips thrive in fall, becoming sweeter after frost. Stagger plantings every two weeks for continuous harvests, and pair quick radishes with slower crops for variety.

2. Add Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Ornamental kale and cabbage bring bold, lasting color to the fall garden with their rosette-shaped leaves in shades of purple, white, and green. Unlike summer flowers, they thrive as temperatures drop, often looking more vibrant after frost. Their sculptural forms add drama to beds, borders, and containers.

These hardy plants shine when grouped together or paired with mums and pansies for layered displays. Best of all, they remain attractive well into winter, even after light snow, offering long-lasting beauty with very little maintenance.

3. Create a Chrysanthemum Display

No plant says “fall” quite like chrysanthemums. Available in warm hues of gold, bronze, burgundy, and rust, mums bring instant seasonal cheer to gardens. They’re easy to grow in beds, containers, or even window boxes, making them versatile additions for any space.

Mums shine brightest when planted in groups. Lining a walkway with pots creates a warm, welcoming entrance, while massing them in beds delivers bold blocks of color. For a softer, natural look, mix mums with ornamental grasses and asters to mimic a meadow-like display.

To extend their beauty, keep mums well-watered and remove spent blooms regularly. With just a little care, these fall favorites will reward you with vibrant color that lasts for weeks, brightening the garden well into late autumn.

4. Grow Garlic for Next Year

Planting garlic in fall is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening tasks. All it takes is a few cloves, planted pointy-side up, in well-drained soil about 2 inches deep. Once covered with mulch, they settle in for winter, quietly establishing roots while the garden rests.

Garlic thrives when planted in fall, using the cold dormancy to establish strong roots. By spring, shoots appear, and by early summer, you’ll harvest full, flavorful bulbs. Once cured, they store for months, making fall planting a simple investment with big culinary rewards.

5. Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. These favorites need a cold period to root and prepare for spring blooms. Planting now guarantees a burst of color just as winter fades, filling your garden with early cheer.

Get creative with placement—scatter bulbs for a naturalized look, line walkways for structure, or layer varieties at different depths for a succession of blooms. Mark your planting spots so they’re not forgotten, and by spring you’ll enjoy a vibrant display that rewards your fall effort.

6. Add Pansies and Violas

Few flowers rival pansies and violas for fall resilience. Their cheerful blooms, often marked with unique “faces,” come in endless colors that brighten beds, borders, and containers even as the weather cools. They tolerate light frosts, bounce back after chilly nights, and in some regions, even overwinter to bloom again in spring.

Pairing them with mums, ornamental kale, and cabbage creates a vibrant, textured display that thrives through the season. With minimal care, pansies and violas deliver lasting color and charm, making them a reliable favorite for any fall garden.

7. Refresh Garden Beds with Mulch

Adding a fresh layer of mulch in fall not only makes beds look neat but also protects plants. It insulates roots against temperature swings, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds that might sprout in cooler weather. Organic options like shredded leaves, bark, or straw also enrich soil as they break down.

Mulching is especially helpful for perennials through winter. By stabilizing soil temperatures, it reduces freeze-thaw stress that can push plants out of the ground. A well-mulched garden looks tidy now while setting the stage for healthier growth and easier planting in spring.

8. Grow Cover Crops

Cover crops like clover, rye, and vetch protect your soil once the main growing season ends. They help prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter back into the ground, keeping your garden’s foundation strong over winter.

In spring, you can till or cut them back into the soil, enriching it naturally with nutrients. This simple step improves soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention, setting up your garden for healthier growth next season.

9. Incorporate Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, miscanthus, and switchgrass shine in the fall garden. Their tall plumes catch the golden autumn light and sway beautifully in the breeze, adding movement and texture to beds and borders.

Even after frost, these grasses remain attractive, their dried seed heads offering winter interest. Pairing them with mums or asters creates stunning layered displays that keep your garden lively well into the colder months.

10. Add Pumpkins and Gourds

Pumpkins and gourds aren’t just for Halloween—they’re fantastic natural décor pieces for fall gardens. Their shapes, sizes, and colors add rustic charm when scattered along pathways, clustered on porches, or nestled among flower beds.

Mixing traditional orange pumpkins with white or striped varieties creates visual variety. Combined with hay bales, cornstalks, or autumn flowers, they instantly give your garden a festive seasonal feel.

11. Plant Late-Season Perennials

Late-blooming perennials like asters, sedum, and echinacea ensure your garden doesn’t lose steam when summer flowers fade. These hardy plants provide bursts of color just as other blooms are winding down.

They also serve as vital food sources for pollinators stocking up before winter. Once established, they return year after year with little maintenance, making them both beautiful and practical.

12. Grow Herbs Indoors or Out

Cooler weather is perfect for growing herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives. They thrive in pots outdoors during fall but can also be brought indoors for year-round use.

Having fresh herbs near your kitchen is both convenient and rewarding. Whether you’re seasoning soups or drying them for winter teas, fall herb gardening is an easy way to extend your harvest.

13. Create a Leaf Compost Bin

Autumn leaves are garden gold, and instead of bagging them up, you can turn them into rich compost. A simple bin or wire cage filled with shredded leaves will naturally break down over time.

By spring, you’ll have nutrient-packed leaf mold that improves soil texture and moisture retention. This eco-friendly practice recycles seasonal waste while giving your garden a free fertility boost.

14. Try Raised Bed Planting

Raised beds are especially useful in fall gardening because they drain well and retain warmth, extending the growing season for greens and root vegetables. They also make planting and harvesting easier by reducing the need to bend.

Fall is a good time to build or refresh raised beds. Once prepared with nutrient-rich soil and compost, they’ll be ready to support not only fall crops but also early spring plantings.

15. Add Autumn Containers

Containers are an easy way to refresh your outdoor space with fall flair. Fill them with mums, ornamental kale, trailing ivy, or small pumpkins for instant seasonal charm on porches, patios, or entryways.

Using rustic pots, wooden crates, or even hollowed-out pumpkins makes displays more eye-catching. Grouping different container sizes together creates depth and visual interest that can carry your garden right through to the holidays.

16. Incorporate Fire Pits or Outdoor Heating

A fire pit or outdoor heater turns your garden into a cozy retreat during crisp evenings. It extends the usability of your space, allowing you to enjoy fresh air long after the sun sets.

Surrounding the fire feature with seating, blankets, and lanterns makes it even more inviting. It’s the perfect way to turn your fall garden into a gathering spot for family and friends.

17. Attract Birds with Feeders

Fall is a key season for migratory birds, and setting up feeders helps support them on their journey. Sunflower seeds, millet, and suet blocks attract a wide variety of species to your garden.

In addition to being enjoyable to watch, birds naturally help with pest control by eating insects. A well-stocked feeder and a birdbath will keep your garden lively even as flowers fade.

18. Plant Trees and Shrubs

Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs because cooler weather reduces stress while soil remains warm enough for roots to establish. This gives plants a head start before spring.

Choosing varieties with colorful fall foliage or berries adds beauty now and structure for years to come. With proper watering and mulching, your fall-planted trees and shrubs will settle in quickly.

19. Decorate with Hay Bales and Cornstalks

Hay bales and cornstalks are classic elements of fall décor that bring rustic charm to your garden. They create height, texture, and a festive backdrop for pumpkins or potted mums.

Stacking hay bales at different levels makes displays more dynamic, while tying cornstalks to porch posts or fences adds vertical interest. Together, they create an unmistakable harvest-season atmosphere.

20. Add Pathway Lighting

As days get shorter, lighting becomes both practical and decorative in the fall garden. Solar lanterns, LED pathway lights, or string lights help guide the way and extend evening enjoyment.

Warm-toned lighting highlights seasonal features like pumpkins or ornamental grasses. It also adds a cozy, welcoming glow that makes your garden inviting on crisp autumn nights.

21. Grow Fall-Blooming Camellias

In mild climates, camellias bloom beautifully in late fall and early winter, producing elegant flowers when little else is flowering. Their glossy evergreen foliage adds year-round appeal.

They thrive in partial shade and provide reliable color just as other plants fade. Adding camellias ensures your garden maintains vibrancy long after the growing season ends.

22. Dry Herbs and Flowers

Fall is the ideal time to harvest and dry herbs like rosemary, mint, or lavender. Drying them preserves their fragrance and flavor for use in teas, cooking, or homemade gifts through winter.

Flowers like hydrangeas or statice can also be dried for arrangements and wreaths. These preserved blooms bring a touch of your fall garden indoors long after the season has passed.

23. Install Cold Frames or Row Covers

Cold frames and row covers extend your harvest by protecting plants from frost. They trap warmth during the day and hold it overnight, creating a microclimate for tender crops.

With these simple tools, you can continue growing greens, carrots, or radishes well into late fall. They’re also reusable season after season, making them a smart gardening investment.

24. Use Straw Bale Gardening

Straw bales act as natural raised beds, offering both structure and nutrition for plants. Once conditioned, they’re perfect for growing leafy greens, herbs, and even root vegetables in fall.

As the bales decompose, they enrich the soil and provide mulch for the garden. It’s a creative, low-cost method that doubles as an easy clean-up at the end of the season.

25. Make a Pumpkin Planter

Pumpkins can be transformed into festive planters by hollowing them out and filling them with soil. Add pansies, mums, or succulents for a seasonal centerpiece that looks both fun and elegant.

Once the pumpkin starts to break down, simply compost it. This project adds charm to porches, patios, or garden tables without wasting the pumpkin afterward.

26. Add Cozy Seating Areas

Cool autumn air makes time outdoors even more refreshing, especially with the right seating. Adding benches, Adirondack chairs, or hammocks creates spots to enjoy your fall garden.

Layering cushions, blankets, or outdoor rugs adds comfort and warmth. These touches transform your garden into a relaxing retreat for crisp mornings or golden-hued evenings.

27. Harvest and Preserve the Season’s Bounty

Fall harvests often bring an abundance of apples, squash, and root vegetables. Preserving them through canning, freezing, or drying ensures you’ll enjoy your garden’s rewards all winter long.

Herbs can also be dried, and late-season greens can be blanched and frozen. With a little planning, your fall garden can continue nourishing you long after the season has ended.

Conclusion

Fall gardening goes beyond extending the season—it’s about embracing change and making the most of autumn’s charm.

From cool-season crops and late blooms to pumpkins, cornstalks, and cozy lights, there are countless ways to keep your garden lively.

Blending practical care with creative touches, these 27 ideas ensure a colorful fall and a strong start to spring.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

No Bake Trail Mix Granola Bars

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August 27, 2025

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No Bake Trail Mix Granola Bars – The Real Food Dietitians

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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (+ Recipes)

Health

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August 26, 2025

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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (+ Recipes)

I’ve shared my recipes for homemade herb and spice blends before, and one of my favorites is homemade pumpkin pie spice. It’s simple to make and an easy way to make sure there are fresh spices (and only that) in your blend. You can also adjust the recipe based on your family’s tastes and the way you like to use it.

Pumpkin pie spice is a delicious blend of warming spices that reminds me of the autumn season. Think curled up in the living room with a soft lamp, a good book, and a pumpkin spice latte. Even if PSL isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other delicious ways to use this pumpkin spice.

Origin of an Obsession

Pumpkin pie spice likely originated in Northern America as a variation of the British “mixed spice.” This blend of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg was introduced after the European settlers arrival.

By the mid-20th century, spice companies began premixing pumpkin pie spice. This convenient spice blend led to pumpkin pie spice being used in recipes other than just pie.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice + Recipes

I usually make a double or triple batch of this at the beginning of fall. It stores perfectly in a small mason jar in my cabinet for easy use. Not only does mixing it myself save money, but it lasts a long time. Plus, it tastes a lot fresher than spices that have been sitting on the grocery store shelf for who knows how long. Be sure you’re using quality spices when you mix up a batch and that they still have a strong, fragrant smell.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Homemade pumpkin pie spice is a delicious addition to sweet and savory recipes. Save money and get more flavor with freshly mixed spices.

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Amount Per Serving (0.5 tsp)

Calories 3
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.1g0%

Carbohydrates 0.8g0%

Fiber 0.5g2%

Sugar 0.1g0%

Protein 0.1g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe makes ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons. Feel free to double or triple it!

Pumpkin spice blend is an obvious staple for our homemade pumpkin pie. It’s also great in some unusual recipes such as:

Looking for More? Check Out These “Spicy” Fall Recipes!

If you’re looking for fall-inspired recipes but are done with pumpkin, these recipes are perfect!

Spiced-Up Turmeric Latte with Cinnamon and Chicory – If you’re looking for a soothing coffee drink that doesn’t contain coffee, this is it! I love drinking this latte in the morning and at night since there’s no caffeine to mess with sleep.
Fresh Spiced Apple Cider Recipe – I love cooking this recipe in the fall when we have an abundance of fresh apples. The smell is so delicious and permeates the house!
Spice Cake – Fall is a perfect time for spice cake. Try a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice mixed into the topping of these fruit and nut spice bars.
Applesauce Recipe – A simple recipe consisting of just organic apples and cinnamon. This is a perfect fall treat and can be canned for later use.

How do you use pumpkin pie spice? Do you make your own?

11 of the Best Pink Aster Varieties

Gardening

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August 26, 2025

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10. Wargrave Variety

A. alpinus ‘Wargrave Variety’ is a perennial alpine aster cultivar suitable for growers in Zones 4 to 7.

A close up of light pink flowers with bright yellow centers growing in the garden in filtered sunshine on a soft focus background. — ‘Wargrave Variety’

Flowers resembling daisies consist of sparse lavender-pink rays around prominent gold centers and bloom from late spring to early summer.

With a mature height of between eight and 12 inches tall, each bloom is borne on its own stem, unlike branching, clustered varieties.

This type prefers full sun and average soil that drains well. It is very tolerant of cold, drought, part shade, and poor soil.

11. Wood’s Pink

S. novae-angliae ‘Wood’s Pink,’ a New York native perennial cultivar, is a dwarf type that tops out at 12 to 18 inches tall. It thrives in Zones 4 to 8.

Bloom time is from late summer to early fall, with clusters of semi-double fuchsia rays surrounding vivid gold disks.

‘Wood’s Pink’

This fast-growing variety forms a mounding, bushy habit.

Plant in full sun with moist, rich soil that drains well. This type tolerates clay, drought, excess moisture, salt, and some shade.

Find plants in four-inch pots now available at Walmart.

In the Pink

It’s always fun to add a new plant to the garden, especially when it’s a vigorous, undemanding one with pretty flowers.

But beds, borders, and containers overflowing with pink flowers do more than just brighten up the landscape.

A close up of bright pink China asters growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

They’re an open invitation to a variety of pollinators and hungry backyard birds.

When choosing your flowers, consider dwarf varieties when you want a compact growth habit suitable for small spaces and container gardening.

Large native species are your best bet where there’s room for naturalization, such as along a property perimeter, or in a meadow.

We can’t wait to hear how your new favorites play a role in your garden scheme this year. Please tell us in the comments section below.

To learn more about growing asters in your garden, check out the following guides next: