Fruit, Garden and Home

Better Homes and Gardens launched on this date back in 1922 as Fruit, Garden and Home Magazine, a home and family service publication.    In 1924 the name was changed, to appeal to a wider audience,  to Better Homes and Gardens.

First Issue of Fruit, Garden and Home

June 1923 Issue

First Issue as Better Homes and Gardens

The first issues published as Better Homes and Gardens only had a staff of three and according to the Meredith Publishing timeline cost 10 Cents for a single issue and 35 Cents for a yearly subscription.  The publication was devoted to cooking, eating and dining.   BHG featured winning recipes (with cash prizes) sent in from their many readers and had the Cook's Round Table where readers shared their favorite dishes.

Better Homes and Gardens had a test kitchen built in 1928 that mirrored the look and functionality of the typical American kitchen of the times.

  In 1930 they published their first cookbook, My Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.  This revolutionized cookbooks as it came in a ring binder so that it would lay flat on the countertop and had tabs for easy navigation.

A few additional fun facts about the magazine:

In 1938 an article called "Toss That Salad" appeared in the magazine, introducing tossed green salads to American families.

In 1939 pomegranate seeds made their debut to the public in a recipe for Citrus-Avocado Salad.

Backyard barbecuing was introduced to the readers in 1941.

Victory Gardens sprouted up everywhere in 1943 and BHG began giving recipes for pickling, preserving and canning.

1948 "the first truly new cake in 100 years was featured" - the Chiffon Cake.

BHG was the first to introduce the Microwave to it's readers in 1955.

Famous Foods from Famous Places became a regular feature in 1956 as families began to travel and eat out with some regularity and frequency.

The 1960's saw a rise in Cook-It-Yourself parties with the advent of fondue sets, hibachi grills and hot pots.

The Crock-Pot and self-cleaning ovens furthered the convenience of cooking (and cleaning) in 1971.

The health food movement came to BHG in 1972 with features on granola, bran, yogurts, etc. appealing to the now calorie conscious public.

2005 saw a revamping of the test kitchen providing the newest in technology so that BHG is equipped to lead Americans into the future of cooking and eating.

Today BHG sells over 7.6 million copies a month.

(All facts and dates above are taken from the Better Homes and Garden website.)