Oralia Redmon

Growing Swiss chard is an experience every gardener should have, regardless of their skill level. This versatile leafy green rewards growers with a bountiful harvest and minimal maintenance. Its unique flavor profile is reminiscent of spinach but boasts a more earthy tone and comes in a vibrant array of colors to enhance your vegetable patch. … Read more

Last summer, our sow’s sudden onset of limping, favoring her right back leg, had us stumped. The limp progressed to complete immobility, accompanied by a lack of appetite. After weeks of research and treatment attempts, we were at a loss for what was causing the mysterious ailment. We suspected pig arthritis, but despite our efforts, … Read more

While I relish working outdoors on chilly days, there’s one exception: windy weather. The biting gusts can be downright unpleasant, making it difficult to muster the motivation to tackle indoor homesteading tasks. However, when the cold wind forces me inside, I seize the opportunity to tackle a lengthy list of essential and enjoyable homestead chores. … Read more

While chickens may be the most popular poultry choice for homesteads, geese are an often overlooked option that can bring many benefits to a backyard farm. Geese are renowned for their exceptional foraging abilities and friendly demeanor, despite their reputation for being a bit cantankerous. They’re productive birds that can add value to your farm … Read more

As urban or suburban homesteaders, we’re accustomed to making the most of limited space, creatively utilizing every nook and cranny to grow our own food. The thrill lies in thinking vertically, mastering succession planting, and maximizing yields from compact plots. In contrast, rural homesteaders may initially feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of their gardens. … Read more

When it comes to raising livestock, a sturdy farm fence is an absolute necessity. Not only does it serve as a barrier to contain animals and keep predators at bay, but it also adds a touch of rustic charm to your homestead, giving it a well-manicured and contained appearance. However, building a fence that stands … Read more

The experience of cultivating a large vegetable garden for the first time was nothing short of overwhelming. The sheer volume of produce, particularly cucumbers, left me hauling laundry baskets full of them throughout the summer days. While it’s true that cucumbers are predominantly made up of water, the quantity was still staggering – thousands of … Read more

While it’s common to hear that keeping pigs and chickens together is a recipe for disaster, this isn’t always the case. In fact, many farmers successfully raise these animals side by side without any adverse effects. However, there are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to house them together. With proper planning and … Read more

When it comes to choosing the right plants for your garden, there are several considerations and care requirements that need to be taken into account. My personal experience with Lily of the Valley serves as a great example. I had previously grown this beautiful plant in acidic clay soil, in full sun at my old … Read more

While garden arches serve various purposes, their most obvious functions are providing support for climbing plants like squash and legumes, creating a visually stunning focal point with roses or other flowering vines, and transforming an ordinary gate or bench into a whimsical feature. Regardless of your motivation for adding a garden arch to your outdoor … Read more