Ila Bonczek
Ila has a Bachelor's degree from from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Science. She lives in the Garden State, where she has been growing produce and perennials for 25 years.
Join Ila in the exploration of exciting topics like sustainable living, holistic health, and the cultivation of not just plants, but mind and body as well.
Plantain: One of the World’s Most Useful Plants Is Probably Thriving in Your Driveway
While plantain may not be much to look at, and is usually trampled on, this common weed is worthy of respect and recognition as a multipurpose medicinal, as well as a nutritious wild edible. Learn...
How to Prune Your Tomatoes, and Why
Tomatoes are, without question, the world's favorite fruit. Not only are they commercially produced at an astounding rate of over 400 billion pounds annually, they are also the top choice among home gardeners. Seemingly the...
Embrace Frustration for Transformation
Frustration is a powerful emotion that can lead to regrettable outbursts or seething resentment if you let it; but it doesn’t have to. Understanding this feeling, and learning how to look at it with a...
Salsify: An Old-World Root With Present-Day Appeal
In a world replete with convenient, conventional foods that emphasize bulk over nutrition, many people are seeking healthy alternatives. Oftentimes this means returning to the traditional fare of our ancestors. In the realm of produce,...
RATS! 21 Tips for Tackling These Uninvited Guests in the Garden
If you have any experience with rats, you probably know that they are smart and sneaky. They can also be stubborn pests that are hard to remove once established. For people in rural areas, a...
Cut Food Costs With 10 Impressive Producers for the Home Garden
While the cost of living never seems to go down, you can make a decent dent in your grocery bill by growing some of your own produce. Many common fruits and vegetables are suitable for...
Medlar – The Forgotten Fruit That Deserves an Encore
If you’re unfamiliar with medlar fruit, that’s not surprising. This unusual pome was popular in Medieval times, but fell out of favor as produce preferences turned towards convenience for our fast-paced lives. Small, hard, and...
Learn Efficient and Effective Study Skills to Last a Lifetime
Whether you're a student in high school, college, or already settled on a career path, it’s never too late — or too early — to improve your study skills. Learning to learn efficiently and effectively...
All You Need to Know About Truffles – The Treasured Tuber of the Fungal Kingdom
Neither root nor mushroom, truffles are a fungal delicacy that has been enjoyed for thousands of years for their distinct flavor and intoxicating aroma; yet we only began to understand these mysterious morsels in the...
Understanding the Swastika, and the Benevolent Background of the Western World’s Most Hated Symbol
Since its application on the Nazi flag, the swastika invariably evokes feelings of anger, fear, hatred and disgust among Westerners; yet the overwhelming perception of this symbol in ancient times was diametrically different. Join me...
Beneath the Sea 2025 International Expo
Beneath the Sea is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that supports the recreational diving community, and helps to protect the oceanic ecosystem through education and various events. Last weekend they hosted their annual expo in Secaucus,...
High Vibrational Foods – How to Raise Your Frequency, Naturally
How often do you enjoy high vibrational foods? So many of us are concerned about our diet, yet it seems like we’re all focused on something different — making it difficult to dine out with...