Homesteading for everyone
Known as vermicomposting, raising worms specifically for the purpose of harvesting the castings to use as garden fertilizer is both an organic and effective method for giving your vegetables the nutrients they need to thrive. Castings are worm poop – waste – what worms “cast off” as excrement, and to a gardener, it is pure black… [read more]
During the gardening season, you will see it. Gardens are all around, and many are producing wonderfully, tasty treats already. You have heard of a Farmer’s Market, but have you ever been to a Produce Auction? Here are some tips and tricks on how to survive a produce auction. The basic gist is this: the… [read more]
Early spring at the last sign of frost is the perfect time to get your spring garlic in the ground. We use a lot of garlic here, and having fresh, organic garlic year-round is an important ingredient. From pizzas to side dishes to garlic bread and dips, this root vegetable is hard to pass up.… [read more]
Hatching a clutch, or group, of eggs can easily be done under a broody hen. She will rotate the eggs, keep them at the right temperature and take care of the chicks when they hatch. All without any interference from you. Of course, you will need a rooster to do this, as the eggs need… [read more]
I love eating salads. I could eat taco salad for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The problem a lot of people have with salads is that we toss some limp greens on a plate, smother it with a creamy, tasteless dressing and call it “salad”. We need to add variety to that! This taco salad is… [read more]
Are you wondering how to get started with goats on your homestead? Well, you’re not the only one – after chickens, goats are the fastest growing livestock animal in the US today. They’re becoming very popular on homesteads because they’re easy to care for and useful. They don’t require pastures, are easily handled and housed,… [read more]
They are also very useful for food for you and your flock! See why you should grow Russian Mammoth Sunflowers! As you are planning your garden, hidden away, pouring over your stash of newly arrived seed catalogs. You are staring at vegetables, flowers, fruits and all things “seeds”. Don’t even bother to deny it; I… [read more]
I am having a hard time thinking that 2014 is just days, even hours away. Writing out goals for 2014 is even harder, to be honest. I am so not done with 2013!!! But, here are some of our homestead goals this coming year: 1. To put in a composting toilet. I think that there… [read more]
Whew! 2013 sure has been a fun year, hasn’t it? Here’s some of my “very best” posts from this past year to enjoy again! So, please enjoy this Recap of 2013 My premade pancake mix recipe: Canning strawberries for longer term storage Make your own almond extract! Simple and easy! Here’s how to make your… [read more]
The Perfect Pumpkin Pie Making the perfect pumpkin pie begins with a light and flaky crust, and then moves on to the delicious creamy, pumpkiny filling. Bake at the right temps, and you have a golden circle of yumminess that can only be topped by whipped cream! Here’s how to make that perfect pie crust:… [read more]
