Bacterial canker is a fast-spreading garden fungal disease that causes crop yields to decrease substantially. Detecting the initial signs of bacterial canker early can help save your plants – and by extension the groceries you are attempting to grow. Stone fruit trees are especially susceptible to bacterial canker. Cherry, apricot, plum, peach trees, and even … Read more
Companion planting is one of the best ways to make use of space and improve the health of your tomatoes. Like good friends, companions to tomatoes boost their productivity and ward away negative energies that affect growth. While some companions keep away pests, others encourage beneficial insects for pollination and their predatory capacities. Equally, some … Read more
Preserving eggs with mineral oil is both an inexpensive and speedy process, but you can only use this old homesteading method when dealing with farm fresh eggs. Because commercial manufacturers of eggs wash the bloom off of the shell and refrigerate them, rubbing mineral oil onto the shell to protect it from air and bacteria, … Read more
The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan quickly made its way onto every homesteader and wanna-be homesteaders bookshelf. Full of inspiration and resources, Madigan does a fantastic job of painting a picture of what your property could be, despite its lack of space. Whether you have one-tenth of an acre or a full acre, Madigan shows … Read more
When you first start gardening, you may ask yourself whether growing organic food is worth it, or if you would be better off sticking to more conventional growing practices. As a consumer, you may ask yourself the same question, wondering whether purchasing organic produce or other food is worth the (substantial) extra cost. However, there … Read more
Jam cake is a classic American cake that I had never heard of until a few weeks ago. All of a sudden I heard jam cake referenced three times in one week and became intrigued enough to search out both its history and a recipe… my family is so glad that I did. Jam cake … Read more
If you have ever raised pigs, you likely know how stubborn these charismatic creatures can be. While their personalities are an absolute delight (and major source of entertainment!) a majority of the time, this tenacious behavior can be a detriment when you’re trying to engage in simple tasks. If you’ve ever tried to pick up … Read more
You aren’t the only one who loves a nice, crisp apple or a fresh plum. Fruit flies love fresh, seasonal produce too, and sometimes they have the nasty habit of making their way into your home or garden before you have a chance to even enjoy your tasty fruit. Fruit flies, (the genus is called … Read more
Eggs are one of the healthiest and most nutritionally complete foods you can eat. They are very versatile and are used in everything from baking to salads to breakfast. As a prepper resource, eggs are one of the great foodstuffs due to their protein and fat content, so they make excellent survival food. Some people … Read more
This recipe makes a very strong, sweet coffee. The preparation method below is with a French press, which is my favorite method of brewing coffee. A French press consists of an outer shell, a carafe which fits into the shell, and a lid with a filter screen plunger attached. The ground coffee is infused into hot … Read more
The plow was one of the most important inventions in the history of agriculture. From the early plows pulled by horses or mules to the mechanical ones now towed by tractors, this one farming implement still plays an essential role in the overall health (and success) of your garden. What Are the Benefits of Plowing? … Read more
Flies are as much of a fixture on any homestead as the chicken coop and a compost pile. Getting rid of flies as well as keeping them and other pesky insects off of your family and livestock becomes an everyday battle once the chill of winter gives way to the warmer temperatures of spring. Making … Read more
Dehydrating is the most expensive way to preserve eggs, but only because the initial investment of a dehydrator will be anywhere from $65 to $175. We own three dehydrating machines now. We upgraded with each purchase, and have not been unhappy with any of the NESCO machines that we own. Having three functioning machines makes … Read more
When we build diverse gardens, we can enjoy the myriad of wildlife that visit the flowers and plants that congregate there. Instead of being mauled by roving bugs, ravaging our crops, diversity in the garden brings natural forms of pest control and increased pollination for higher yields from wildlife such as bats and wild birds. … Read more
Chopping wood with a dull chainsaw does not only make the task far slower and more dangerous, it can also ruin one of your most essential homesteading tools. If your chainsaw is “bucking” during the wood cutting process, it is overdue for a sharpening. Sharpening a chainsaw yourself can save you hundreds to a few … Read more
