Game From the Garden

There’s something powerful about giving something a second life—especially when that thing once held the deep, ruby richness of Napa Valley red wine.

At Yisrael Farms, we’ve done just that—and more. Over the years, we’ve not only turned reclaimed wine barrels into lush garden beds for ourselves, but we’ve also installed them in backyards, on porches, and in community spaces throughout our neighborhood. These humble barrels have helped families start (or expand) their garden journeys, making good, clean food more accessible—one seed, one harvest, one household at a time.

Summer on our homestead is a vibrant, bustling season, filled with the lush growth of our gardens and the sounds of nature at its peak. The days start early with the cool dawn being the best time to check the coops for eggs, tend to the vegetable plots and orchards, where tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and fruits are quickly ripening under the strong sun.

Black history is soil history. It is the story of hands in the earth, seeds pressed into the palms of the next generation, and the sacred wisdom of regeneration passed down through struggle and resistance. In honor of Black History Month, we uplift five Black agriculturalists—past and present—who have sown the seeds of land sovereignty, soil health, and community resilience. Their work reminds us that the fight for Black liberation is deeply tied to our right to steward and heal the land.

Pruning in general is one of the scariest things for new gardeners.  Cutting a tree to make it grow seems so counterintuitive, however in winter it's the best thing for strong healthy fruit tree growth.  

Holistic Chicken Care: Winter Wellness Tips

Seeds carry more than just the potential for new plants—they hold stories, traditions, and a legacy that connects communities to their past. For centuries, Black and Indigenous communities have used seeds to sustain themselves, celebrate their heritage, and reclaim their identity in the face of displacement and systemic oppression.

As the cool, crisp air of autumn settles in and the leaves change colors, many of us are reminded that gardening isn’t just a spring and summer activity. The fall season is an opportunity to prepare, plan, and plant, ensuring a thriving, bountiful spring.