Canning tomatoes is one of the most satisfying parts of summer. They’re versatile, they preserve beautifully, and they become the backbone of so many family favorites: chili, pasta sauce, soups, casseroles, and quick weeknight meals. But tomatoes also sit in a tricky middle ground when it comes to acidity, which means safe canning procedures matter.

We’ve learned that many of these so‑called “weeds” are actually deeply medicinal natives — we’re highlighting a handful of the wild healers you can find right here in our region, how to harvest them responsibly, and the traditional benefits they’ve offered for generations. Here at Rock Pillar Grounds, we use fresh herbs for medicinal tinctures. You can also dry herbs for teas, oils or make salves.

At our farm, we believe in nourishing both body and land with clean, natural choices. You can take practical steps to lower exposure, starting right in your kitchen and home. Reducing contact with plastics supports your family’s wellness and protects the soil, water, and animals that sustain our farm.

You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or endocrine‑disrupting sprays to keep your animals safe. There are gentle, effective, farm‑tested natural options that work beautifully when used correctly.

We all know that ticks & mosquitos can be more than just a nuisance- they can carry diseases. So before you reach for store‑bought bug sprays, let's talk about what’s actually inside them.