Oralia Redmon

I recall feeling apprehensive about trimming my bushes, but one day I made a conscious decision to take control and haven’t looked back since. Not only did I overcome my initial hesitation, but I’ve also discovered the satisfaction that comes with being able to maintain my own landscaping. As I’ve gained more knowledge, I’ve come … Read more

Are you tired of constantly dealing with junk mail and old newspapers? Do you find yourself shredding sensitive documents like bank statements, bills, and credit card statements to protect your privacy? If so, have you ever thought about what happens to the shredded paper after it’s been tossed out? For those who don’t shred these … Read more

Some garden plants have a natural tendency to grow quite large, requiring extra support to prevent stem damage and keep produce off the ground. Any plant that grows taller than two feet is also a prime candidate for staking, as it will protect against harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rainfall. To ensure … Read more

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard the phrase ‘But Mooom! I don’t like what you’re fixing!’ echoing through my household. While it’s understandable that kids can be finicky, it was a lightbulb moment for me when I realized just how much my own eating habits had been influenced by theirs. As I … Read more

I’ve always had a fascination with international cuisine, and lately, my culinary cravings have shifted towards Asian dishes. A thought-provoking post on a homesteading forum caught my attention – an individual from Asia was perplexed by Americans’ tendency to opt for eating out over cooking. He noted that Asian cuisine is quick to prepare, healthy, … Read more

While some may think that cooking for oneself and cooking for a homestead are one and the same, there’s actually a significant distinction between the two. One key difference is the source of our ingredients: instead of relying on grocery stores, homestead cooks often grow their own fruits and vegetables as needed, as well as … Read more

At first, the concept of vinegar extractions struck me as unappealing. The thought of manually extracting liquid from plant material didn’t exactly fill me with excitement. However, I decided not to let my initial reservations hold me back from exploring this idea further and discovering its potential benefits for my homestead. As it turned out, … Read more

While it’s unlikely that your garden starts out with perfectly balanced soil, understanding your soil fertility levels can have a significant impact on plant productivity and health. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by technical terms like alkaline soil and phosphorus deficiencies, we’ve developed a straightforward guide to improving soil fertility without sacrificing budget. Why is Soil … Read more

As I traded in my plush Washington DC office for life on the homestead, I never intended to step foot in an office again. The thought of sitting behind a desk was unbearable, and so I stored all my homesteading supplies in baskets and worked from our dining table. But as time went on and … Read more

As I’m sure many of us can relate, the mention of dandelions often conjures up images of pesky weeds that refuse to budge from our lawns and gardens. But, I’d like to challenge that notion by highlighting the many benefits of incorporating these ‘weeds’ into your outdoor space. For starters, every part of a dandelion … Read more