Canning fruit at home is one of the best ways to preserve your haul, whether you bought it at the grocery store or grew it yourself. One of my very favorite canned fruits is pears…. They’re the perfect combination of convenience, sweetness, tenderness, and versatility. They are great right out of the jar and an
The Easiest Way to Can Pears in a Water Bath Read More »
Chickens are like every other domestic animal in some ways. For instance, they depend on us to keep them safe from a variety of threats. Yes, your average chicken is still fairly in touch with the instincts passed down to it by its ancient jungle fowl ancestors, but ask any veteran keeper, and they will
The 20 Most Toxic Plants for Your Chickens Read More »
If you ask me, one of the very best parts about being a homesteader is raising chickens. And lots of other folks agree! In terms of value, chickens are at the top of the pile when it comes to livestock. They are generally easy to care for, cheap, fun, and can keep you stocked up
Top 10 Ugliest Truths About Raising Chickens Read More »
Gardening is a rewarding pastime and an enjoyable hobby, but it can be frustrating if you aren’t getting the returns that you want. Whether you’re growing fruits and veggies, herbs, ornamentals, or anything else, every green thumb looks forward to a bountiful harvest. Sometimes things just go against us, but most of the time, it’s
50 Clever Ways to Skyrocket Your Garden’s Yield Read More »
Raising your own flock from chicks is always an exciting time, but it can be one that is fraught with anxiety if you don’t know what you’re doing. Chicks are really delicate and need lots of support at this young and vulnerable stage of life, and the only life they know for a time will
13 Things You Should Add to Your Chicken Brooder Read More »
Chickens might look small and harmless, but if you think that, that’s only because you’ve never been chased or flogged by them! If your birds are distrustful and aggressive with people, it’s only going to make your life a whole lot harder. When it’s time to do anything from administering medicine to inspecting or cleaning
How to Bond and Become Friends With Your Chickens Read More »
Just because our animals live outside, that doesn’t mean they can cope with extreme temperatures. For goats especially, when temperatures start to climb above 90°F / 32°C, and especially in periods of high humidity, they can start to overheat. Heat stress reduces productivity, makes them more prone to illness, and, in some cases, can even
10 Clever Ways to Keep Goats Cool on a Scorching Day Read More »
Goats are like every other kind of livestock in that they are vulnerable to internal parasites, and worms in particular. Barber pole worm is one of the most well-known and most destructive, but no matter what sort of nasty, gribbly parasites you are dealing with, the end result is always the same if not managed:
Worm Prevention in Goats, and 14 Best Practices to Remember Read More »
Whether you’ve spent countless weeks painstakingly cultivating your own green beans in the garden or you just brought home a bounty from the farmer’s market, you don’t want them to go to waste. If you want to enjoy fresh, delicious green beans all winter, you’ve got to preserve them. I’m here to help with a
12 Reliable Ways to Preserve Green Beans for the Winter Read More »
If you grow your own veggies at home in the garden, you’re probably already used to working hard for most of the year to hopefully get a modest crop when it’s all said and done. Bumper crops, when they do happen, tend to be kind of rare with one exception: zucchinis. I don’t know why,
19 Reliable Ways to Preserve Zucchini for the Winter Read More »
