Composting is an essential component to permaculture and gardening. It is also essential in striving for that goal of sustainability. Rather than throwing away the trimmings from your kitchen vegetables or the leaves and grass clippings in your yard, let’s turn it into a rich nutrient filled soil. We call this compost. What a great … Read more
Think of long lazy days in the South of France, and you will be in the lavender fields of Provence. Stretching as far as the eye can see, these blue purple blooms fill the air with their sweet fragrant scent. This eternal symbol of Provence grows with the dazzling Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop. Fortunately, … Read more
Magpie ducks are among the most beautiful and docile of all domesticated breeds. Even though Magpies are not as highly kept as some other well-known breeds, the keepers who breed them and collect their eggs are highly devoted to preserving these enigmatic poultry birds. Ducks of this breed are multi-purpose birds. They are equally good … Read more
If you ever wanted to grow a vegetable in your garden that would have your friends and family stopping in their tracks, pointing, and exclaiming, “What is that?” then you’ve got to consider growing kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a unique plant that many people don’t include in their cooking – let alone in their garden plans. … Read more
This might just be me complaining, but I feel as though, in my house, I’m always the one that gets stuck unclogging the toilet. I know my husband unclogs his fair share, too, but it’s such a chore that whenever I have to deal with it, I find myself groaning in aggravation. Added to this … Read more
For many people, parsley is nothing more than a garnish that rests off to the side of the dinner plate. For others, parsley is a necessary staple in the kitchen, providing a whole host of flavors and uses for home chefs. I happen to fall into the latter category. Although I wasn’t a huge fan … Read more
The word permaculture was created by one of the founding fathers, Bill Mollison. It is derived from the word permanent and the word agriculture. By combining permanence with agriculture we can create systems that are diverse, sustainable and resilient. Permaculture mustn’t only be viewed as a method of food production, but also be defined in … Read more
Vinegar is one of those staples that I always keep in stock around my house and homestead. I rely heavily on it, using it as an alternative to harsh chemicals and other abrasive agents. Not only can it be used for a large variety of recipes in the kitchen, but it’s also a super miracle … Read more
No-till gardening is a recent trend for homesteaders looking to improve their land instead of depleting it. Traditional farming and gardening tactics reduce soil biology and fertility, leading to successive plantings that are less productive. No-till gardening aims to build soil life and structure while reducing some backbreaking jobs that traditional gardeners deal with regularly. … Read more
Damping off is a plant disease that develops from fungi or bacteria in the soil. Also commonly referred to as “dampening off” this crop disease almost exclusively afflicts only seeds and the newly sprouting plants they yield. Damping off disease typically targets vegetable plants and flowers, not fruit crop seeds. Damping off disease causes the … Read more
Homeschooling can be one of the most rewarding and memory making experiences you will ever share with your children. But, the pressure of being the sole person in charge of the education of your little ones can cause anxiety for homeschooling moms. Exactly what provokes the feelings of anxiety in homeschooling moms varies by individual. … Read more
Beekeeping is a lot of work with wonderful rewards for your labor. There are two types of people who purchase bees: beekeepers and bee “havers.” If you do not care for the honey bees and beehive properly, you will be a haver that actually won’t have bees for very long. This begs the question: how … Read more
What if you could grow a garden that was not only beautiful – but edible, too? One of my major gardening goals for this year was to reduce as many of my “non-purposeful” gardening tasks as possible. Last year, I found myself doing a lot of weeding, mowing, and watering for areas that weren’t really … Read more
What if you could grow a garden that not only provided nourishment, but also required minimal upkeep? What if that garden attracted pollinators, created wildlife habitat, and was beautiful to look at? You would do it in an instant, wouldn’t you? With an edible forest garden, that dream is a reality. What is an edible … Read more
Owning chickens can be a rewarding experience for any homesteader. You can get farm-fresh eggs and healthy meat for the whole family. But, newcomers to the world of homesteading and having livestock, in general, tend to expect an easier process than it turns out to be. Beginner homesteaders tend to start with a garden that … Read more
Having home canned goods to make baby food from is incredibly satisfying. Not only do you have the assurance of knowing exactly what you are feeding baby, canning your own food saves a lot of money as well!