Canning is a great way to preserve the foods you harvest, forage, hunt, or buy. Once you learn how to can, you will be able to keep your pantry stocked all year long. If you sell foods at a farmers’ market or run a community supported agriculture (CSA) program, foods like canned jams and pickles … Read more
Solar power is of great benefit on a homestead – while it’s just plain better for the environment, it also saves a good bit of money and every homesteader wants to have a little more padding in their monthly budget. Some states will even pay you for the clean energy you produce, creating a passive … Read more
It is not always necessary to sterilize jars if you plan to process your recipe for more than 10 minutes for elevations of less than 1000 ft. If you live above the 1000ft elevation, you’ll need to add an extra minute to the process time, for each additional 1000ft of elevation. It is also not … Read more
If you can make it yourself, you probably should. Most people become homesteaders because they want to live a more deliberate, self-reliant life. One of the best ways to become more independent – financially, and from supply chains that could get disrupted unexpectedly, and add things to products that you do not want – is … Read more
So, you’re tired of the hustle and bustle and high prices of city living, and considering a move to the country. Maybe you plan on planting a large garden, buying some livestock, and raising your own food. And those Mother Earth News articles about off-the-grid living have piqued your interest, too. Good for you! Moving … Read more
A gorgeous member of the daisy family, marigolds are herbaceous annual flowers that are easy to grow and even easier to enjoy. Marigold flowers were used by the ancient Romans to signify the start of the new moon cycle, and have historically been used in religious ceremonies as well as for culinary and commercial purposes. … Read more
I am incredibly excited to announce the launch of a new New Life on the Homestead series. This ongoing column is going to be solely devoted to the making of homemade toys and upcycled DIY toys, for the little loved ones in your life. Is there a difference between homemade toys and DIY toys? Oh, … Read more
Cranberry walnut conserve is easy to make at home and preserve for use over the next year. It is also impossible to find in stores. And as a homesteader, you’re all about making as many things by hand that you can and improving the life experiences your family and you have, right? Well, let’s look … Read more
While many novice gardeners or homesteaders may look at growing ornamental gourds as a daunting challenge, these delightful plants are actually quite easy–and enjoyable!–to grow. If you’re interested in growing enough of these colorful beauties to decorate the homestead with this fall, consider the following tips to maximize your harvest. What are these Ornamental Gourds? … Read more
If you are middle-aged and find everything in your life intolerable – your job, your home, your social life – you are not alone. A recent study indicated that people aged 40-59 years old are the least happy and most anxious of any age group. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. If modern … Read more
Many homesteaders swear by Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for a variety of uses. It’s ideal for health, skin care, dietary, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antibiotic and for animal care. It can clean a variety of products and it is an all-around must-have item on any homestead. What Is Apple Cider Vinegar? Apple Cider Vinegar, which is also … Read more
When it came to achieving “the perfect nitrogen to carbon ratio”, I was totally lost. Did it have to be so complicated? Actually, it doesn’t! Here’s all you need to know to start making your own ‘black gold’ in no time!
