While the warmth of the seasons brings joy, it’s undeniable that flowers in bloom add an extra layer of beauty to our surroundings. For those who have caught the gardening bug but struggle to bring their green thumb to life, I’d like to share a hidden gem worth exploring: petunias. With years of personal experience … Read more
Four years ago, I introduced my first doe to my homestead dairy with Phoebe being the inaugural addition. Her kids had been weaned mere hours prior, leaving her udder impressively swollen by the time I brought her home. As a novice in goat husbandry and milking, I was hesitant to touch her newly engorged udder, … Read more
As I delved into the world of poultry research, it became apparent that there’s a significant disparity between the information available on chicken molting versus duck molting. While chicken molting is relatively well-documented, with most sources agreeing that chickens tend to molt around fall and experience varying degrees of feather loss ranging from hard (significant … Read more
As the growing season winds down in late summer and early fall, many homesteaders face a dilemma: how to keep their gardens productive and healthy during the cooler, darker months ahead. While some gardeners opt to let their beds rest under a blanket of compost and mulch, this approach has its drawbacks – even well-mulched … Read more
As fall arrives on the homestead, I find myself energized by the season’s unique rhythm. The garden’s harvest is winding down, and certain animal routines – like goat milking – slow their pace. Meanwhile, new projects gain momentum, and long-held intentions to tackle various tasks finally come into focus. As an experienced homesteader, you might … Read more
We had barely settled into our rural North Carolina homestead when a surprise snowstorm hit, dumping an astonishing 6 inches of snow overnight. Just as quickly, another storm rolled in, leaving our steeply sloped driveway impassable. Initially, being ‘trapped’ was a novelty, with hot cocoa and snowy adventures galore. However, as the days passed and … Read more
Extending your garden’s growing season doesn’t have to break the bank. Cold frames offer a cost-effective way to cultivate spring greens or fall crops well beyond when exposed plants typically falter. The best part? You can construct them using items you likely already have lying around, eliminating the need for significant upfront investment. Furthermore, cold … Read more
As a gardener, you might have stumbled upon peat moss without fully understanding its origins or benefits. Like many of us, I initially followed online advice and books, incorporating peat into my soil mix without giving much thought to the consequences. Over time, as I gained more experience and observed what worked best for my … Read more
As I recall the paella party I attended during college, the aroma wafting from the massive pan was what truly captivated me. The dish’s sheer scale – think oven-top size – only added to its allure, with an assortment of seafood and meat mingling amidst a bed of yellowish rice. Fresh peas and carrots even … Read more
While the winter months provide a perfect excuse to indulge in indoor activities, I make it a point to focus on self-improvement and skill-building. Rather than get sucked into binge-watching TV shows or trying out expensive hobbies, I opt for free or low-cost alternatives that don’t require any significant investments. This approach not only saves … Read more