I love all of the different tools that I get to use on the homestead, from hand tools to tractors. But of all the tools I use everyday, there is one tool that precedes everything I do around here. Here’s “How to Keep a Farm Journal”. Why is my farm journal my most powerful tool?…
Growing Food
How to Make Infused Honey
Learning how to make infused honey is really very simple and fun! There are so many possibilities to what you can create! An infusion is simply a drink or extract prepared by soaking the leaves or flowers of a plant or herb in a liquid. That’s it! Just like making tea. Infused honey has lots…
How to Attract Beneficial Bugs to the Garden
When I hear people say that organic gardening isn’t possible, I have to scratch my head and wonder how we got so far away from our roots. Organic gardening is all I’ve ever known, primarily because that’s the way my dad taught me. My father always pointed to nature to correct itself and to make…
Ideas to Persuade Your Spouse to Homestead
“You spent HOW MUCH at the feed store?!!! The electric bill is due and we’re behind on other bills!” Ever have this conversation with your partner? That is if you choose to call it a “conversation”….it’s more of a confrontation. I’ve got some “Ideas to Persuade Your Spouse to Homestead”! I have a lot to…
How to Thrive like the Amish During Bad Economic Times
I love the Amish. Why do I love the Amish? Because everything about them screams of sustainability and self-preservation! There is much to learn from these amazing folks, so here’s “How to Thrive like the Amish During Bad Economic Times”! Holmes County I discovered the Amish about 25 years ago, when we were trying to…
How to Start Seeds Indoors for Beginners
Why buy plants every year when you can easily learn “How to Start Seeds Indoors for Beginners”?! I just finished up my order form with White Harvest Seeds for heirloom, non-GMO seeds and I can hardly wait to get planting when they arrive! You will need: * A tall sturdy shelf, preferably metal. *…
5 Ways to Avoid Garden Burnout
As the seed catalogs flood our mailboxes, glorious thoughts of beautifully colored fruits and vegetables surround our minds. We picture ourselves strolling through weedless gardens, as the birds sing, plucking the fruit of our labor, with just a glow of perspiration on our face! Psht. The reality of the garden is much different that the…
Weed-Free Gardening
Is weed-free gardening possible? Without using pesticides and herbicides? Sure it is! While no method can guarantee absolutely no weeds, you can definitely avoid most of the weeds that want to grow in your garden this year! It takes a little forethought before the growing season. You will have to spend some time out in…
How to Grow Garlic Indoors
Who doesn’t LOVE garlic?? Ever wondered how to grow garlic indoors? The beautiful thing about nature is that much of our food can be easily reproduced to create more food! Such is the case with garlic! First things first, let’s understand that while you can grow garlic indoors, the entire head of garlic will not…
How to Start Boxed Plants Inside
You’ve just begun to see them…those boxed plants are showing up everywhere they sell gardening supplies! But, what exactly are you supposed to do with these boxed plants when it’s far too cold to plant outside? By learning “How to Start Boxed Plants Inside”, you get a jump on the gardening season and be ready…
9 Things to Consider Before Getting Livestock
One of the most exciting parts of being sustainable is raising livestock! Raising animals is wonderful and rewarding. However, far too many people bring home livestock before truly counting the cost. So, let’s take a look at “9 Things You Should Consider BEFORE Getting Livestock”. This is an important subject, especially now as Spring arrives. …
How to Raise Baby Chicks for Beginners
Have you ever wanted to raise your own chickens but felt a bit inadequate? Fear no longer, I have “How to Raise Baby Chicks for Beginners” to guide you through, step by step, to insure your success! It happens to me every year. I stroll into Rural King or Tractor Supply, and it’s “Chick Days”! …
