“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…
Growing Food
6 Sustainable Living Tips from the Amish
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 “6 Sustainable Living Tips from the Amish”! Holmes County I discovered the Amish about 25 years ago, when we were trying to get out of…
How to Start Seeds Indoors for Beginners
Why buy plants every year when you can easily learn “How to Grow Plants from Seeds Step-by-Step”! Ramp up your sustainability by growing plants from the seeds you saved last year! I’ve got some great seed starting tips to get you started! You will need: * A tall sturdy shelf, preferably metal. * Seed…
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”! …
Foraging Tips for Beginners
As a beginner, foraging doesn’t have to be a scary or intimidating thing. With a few tools and a bit of advice, you’ll start recognizing what’s safe to forage, how to collect and how to eat! Here’s some “Foraging Tips for Beginners” to get you started! So much delicious, diverse, organic (and did I mention…
How to Get Started with Aquaponics
Aquaponics is one of the fastest growing, home food production methods in the world today! Globally, the aquaponics (and hydroponics) industry is expected to reach $1.98 billion by 2022! It stands to reason, if only because growing food with aquaponics uses just a fraction of the water that standard agriculture does! Want to know more? …
How to Buy Bees: Nucs vs. Packaged
It’s that time of year again! Many beekeepers, new and experienced, will start to look ways to purchase their bees this year. But should you purchase a nuc or packaged bees? I’ll try to answer that question with “Buying Bees: Nuc vs. Packaged”. You can find them for sale all over Craigslist, Facebook and the…