Many new gardeners ask the same question: “How do I start to garden?” With so much information available, gardening can feel intimidating at first, as though there are countless rules and details to master.

The good news? Starting a garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on a few essential elements, anyone can create a thriving first garden space with confidence.

Before planting any seeds, you should familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of gardening. Keeping the following in mind will help you get off to a good start.

Location  Choose the sunniest spot available. Most vegetables and flowers thrive with plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day.

Size  Start small and manageable. A compact garden is easier to care for and helps prevent burnout for new gardeners.

Style  Choose whether to plant in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Each option has its benefits depending on space and soil conditions.

Soil  Invest in quality soil. Rich, organic soil mixed with plenty of aged compost provides the nutrients plants need to grow strong and healthy.

Plants  Select plants that are well-suited to your climate zone and the current season for the best chance of success.

Water  Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Effective drainage is just as important as regular watering.

Protection Think about local wildlife and pests. If needed, plan ahead with fencing, netting, or other protective measures.

Starting a garden is a simple, rewarding way to grow your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers at home. Taking it one step at a time makes the process approachable for beginners. The payoff? Fresh flavors and colorful blooms you nurtured yourself.

Easter is nearly here! If you want to spice up your Easter brunch conversation or add some excitement to your celebration, test your knowledge of these surprising Easter facts with our trivia.

What state is known for hosting the largest Easter egg hunt in the United States?

Answer: Florida, according to Guinness World Records, with 9,753 children and adults searching for a whopping 501,000 eggs on April 1, 2007.

In which century was Easter first celebrated?
Answer: The earliest recorded celebrations come from the 2nd century.

Easter was named after which goddess?
Answer: Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre

What color were the first-ever dyed Easter eggs?
Answer: Red

Which country began the tradition of dyeing Easter eggs?
Answer: Ukraine

How many jelly beans do Americans eat each Easter?
Answer: over 16 billion

Where is the largest Easter parade held?
Answer: New York City

When was the first White House Easter Egg Roll?
Answer: 1878

When were Cadbury Creme Eggs introduced?
Answer: 1963

What do children in the UK traditionally roll down hills at Easter?
Answer: Hard-boiled eggs

Which two countries made the first Easter eggs?
Answer: France and Germany

Who wrote “Easter Parade”?
Answer: Irving Berlin

How tall was the largest chocolate egg?
Answer: Over 34 feet tall

What is the best-selling Easter candy in the U.S.?
Answer: Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs

In what country did the tradition of the Easter Bunny originate?
Answer: Germany

Share these fun Easter trivia questions at your table, pass them along to friends, and most of all, enjoy a joyful and meaningful Easter with the people you love.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when staying healthy means avoiding missed work, school, or important moments with your family. When life is busy and responsibilities are nonstop, getting sick simply isn’t an option.

While it's impossible to completely avoid illness, adopting a few simple, everyday habits can significantly reduce your chances of falling ill and help ward off germs.

Staying healthy year-round doesn’t require drastic changes—just smart, consistent choices. Below are practical ways to protect your health and keep your routine on track.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to remove germs picked up throughout the day. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Regularly clean and disinfect items like phones, keyboards, countertops, doorknobs, and light switches. If someone in your household is sick, disinfect these surfaces multiple times a day to help prevent the spread of illness.

Avoid close contact with sick people. Consider eating separately at work or in public places, wearing a mask in congested or high-risk areas, and increasing airflow by opening windows or using fans. An air purifier can also help reduce airborne germs.

Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue—or use the inside of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands, and wash your hands often if you’re feeling congested.

Prioritizing consistent, restful sleep helps your immune system reset, repair, and build stronger defenses to keep you healthy.

No matter how hectic your life gets, you can take care of your health, stay on track, and enjoy more time feeling great by doing a few easy things every day.

Modern St. Patrick's Day celebrations often involve green attire, catchy slogans, and lively gatherings, yet the holiday transcends beyond mere celebration. At its heart, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint and the lasting impact of his life and mission—one that continues to resonate around the world.

Celebrated every March 17, St. Patrick’s Day marks the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint and has also become a time for Americans of Irish descent to recognize and celebrate their heritage.

Although closely linked to Ireland, St. Patrick was not Irish by birth. He was born in Britain to Roman parents and, at the age of 16, was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping captivity, he later returned to Ireland as a free man with the clear purpose of spreading Christianity throughout the country. His efforts played a major role in transforming Ireland’s religious landscape from paganism to Christianity.

Today, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day extends far beyond the United States. Countries such as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and even Russia observe the holiday with parades, cultural events, and traditional Irish food, making it a truly global celebration.

One of the most well-known traditions is wearing green. Folklore suggests the color makes you invisible to leprechauns—helping you avoid a playful pinch. While the legend has Irish roots, the custom of wearing green to prevent pinching actually originated in America.

Though modern celebrations may look different from those of the past, the spirit of the holiday remains unchanged. Wishing someone a happy St. Patrick’s Day is a simple yet meaningful way to honor Irish culture, history, and the resilience of its people.

Our daily habits quietly shape our heart health. The foods we enjoy, how often we move, the way we rest, and how we care for ourselves all add up over time. Supporting your heart doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive.

Below are simple foods you can enjoy more often to care for your heart and support long-term well-being.

Salmon and tuna - These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy blood pressure and help protect against heart rhythm issues.

Barley - This hearty whole grain is a wonderful swap for rice and works well in soups or stews. Its fiber helps lower cholesterol and supports steady blood sugar levels.

Olive oil - Packed with antioxidants, olive oil helps protect blood vessels and support healthy cholesterol levels. Use it in place of butter or other saturated fats.

Walnuts and almonds - A small daily handful can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries.

Avocados - Avocados offer heart-healthy fats that help lower cholesterol and support overall cardiovascular health.

Sweet potatoes - These naturally sweet spuds have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes and provide fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support heart health.

Dark leafy greens - Greens like spinach, arugula, bok choy, and mustard greens are rich in vitamins and nitrates that support healthy blood flow to the heart.

Black beans - Black beans offer fiber, antioxidants, folate, and magnesium that help support healthy blood pressure.

Edamame - These young soybeans provide plant-based protein and fiber that help lower cholesterol. One cup delivers a hearty dose of heart-supporting nutrients.

Supporting your heart doesn’t require perfection—just small, nourishing choices made consistently. By incorporating more heart-friendly foods into your meals, you are taking simple steps toward better health, one bite at a time.

Are you too busy to fit in a workout? You are not alone. Finding time to exercise can be difficult when you have work, family, and everyday responsibilities—especially if scheduled workouts aren't your thing.

Physical activity does not always need to take the form of a gym session. You don't need to exert yourself for the full 30 to 60 minutes that doctors advise daily. A few minutes here and there spread out throughout the day can be very beneficial.

Here are some easy and stress-free ways to get more exercise every day:

Walk Your Dog  Daily walks are a simple way to stay active while also giving your dog the exercise and stimulation your pet requires. It's good for your health, improves your mood, and keeps your furry friend happy.

Move While You Brush Your Teeth  Turn this daily habit into a mini workout by doing calf raises or gentle squats while brushing your teeth. Just two minutes, twice a day, can lead to stronger legs over time.

Turn Chores Into Exercise  Everyday tasks like vacuuming, washing the car, raking leaves, or mowing the lawn increase your heart rate and burn calories. Housework and yard work count as genuine movement.

Choose the Stairs When You Can  Skip the elevator and opt for the stairs, even if it's just for a floor or two. Climbing stairs elevates your heart rate and strengthens your legs.

Even small amounts of movement make a difference. Those brief bursts of activity add up over the course of your day, and research shows that even short bouts of movement can improve both physical and mental well-being. You don’t need to do it all at once—just keep moving when you can. In the end, any movement is always better than none.