Natural deodorant recipes have a lot in common with commercially manufactured deodorants and antiperspirants, but it is what they don’t have that is most important. The vast majority of store-bought deodorants contain aluminum and other potentially harmful toxins. DIY natural deodorants are our best only option to control sweat and body odor without infusing your … Read more
Corn smut is something most homesteaders hate to see develop in their growing plot. Just about when big juicy ears of sweet corn are ready to harvest and be enjoyed is when the ugly knobby growths appear. Outbreaks of this type of corn disease usually happen when temperatures range from 80F to 92F (26C to … Read more
As a child, you were likely told more than once to avoid eating crabapples. Why? There’s a common misconception that crabapples are toxic. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While crabapples do have a bitter taste and there are small amounts of cyanide in the seeds, they are more than safe to eat. … Read more
Bagworms are tiny little creatures that will not harm you, but can be highly destructive to the trees on your homestead. These non-poisonous worms feed on the leaves of trees and plant foliage – sometimes in massive quantities. Nearly 200 different trees are targeted by bagworms. These parasites are native to North America, but primarily … Read more
Drying flowers to preserve them has been a homesteading tradition going back hundreds of years. The only downfall to the process is all of the patience it requires. There are many reasons to dry flowers to preserve them. The dried flowers can be used in far more than just beautiful homemade wreaths and craft projects. … Read more
A herb spiral is one of the most clever permaculture techniques for utilizing space and allowing plants to work together in the garden. Usually located just outside the kitchen door, a herb spiral provides a menagerie of culinary and medicinal herbs, while saving space and helping with pest management in the garden. Easy to build … Read more
If you’re looking to improve your health and enjoy a tasty meal at the same time, look no further than your own backyard. Burdock is a common herb that many people have growing wild on their properties. It can be quite annoying to encounter when you are walking in the woods, as it has small … Read more
Making your own natural wax melt air fresheners is easy, fun, cheap, and keeps potentially harmful artificial ingredients out of your home. Commercially manufactured wax melts are made with a paraffin wax. There is no need to use such a petroleum-based wax to enjoy both the look and fragrance of wax melts – all natural … Read more
Doomsday crackers, survival rations, survival crackers, whatever you want to call them, these were created during the Cold War era after extensive research by the federal government. These shelf-stable crackers are somewhat like hardtack crackers on steroids. Making and preserving your own crackers will provide a nutrient-rich and inexpensive food source that can be plucked … Read more
Cilantro is an herb that can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is an annual flowering plant that is part of the parsley family. It is said that you either love the flavor of cilantro or you hate it. Those that hate it say it tastes soapy, while those that love it … Read more
Keeping our homesteaders as germ-free as possible helps prevent illness from emerging and spreading. When there is a mess or raw meat and eggs residue in the kitchen, we sometimes feel that plain old soap and hot water just will not get the area disinfected enough. These DIY natural disinfectant wipes will not only remove … Read more
Dill is an herb that is known and used all over the world. When I hear the word dill, I automatically think of pickles. All parts of the plant are edible, but the leaves and seeds are generally used for flavoring food. Dill is grown annually by most gardeners, but is actually a biennial plant. … Read more
Do you love crafting in your free time? Looking for a creative outlet that will provide hours of fun and relaxation? Needle felting can offer just that! This craft may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and instructions it can become an easy, enjoyable activity, for making things such as needle felt … Read more
The concept of a permaculture garden is to provide long-term solutions that maximize outputs and minimize inputs, while cycling energy and resources through the system. This creates closed-loop efficiency within your system and prevents excess waste. In fact, one of permaculture’s most favored sayings is ‘there’s no such thing as waste, just things in the … Read more
Making natural mascara is perhaps the most difficult of creating your own cosmetics from ingredients that are not artificial – and possibly toxic. A lot of trial and error is involved when making anything from scratch, but mascara poses a unique set of problems. The space the mascara must be placed, the eyelashes, is thin, … Read more
As homesteaders, we are always preparing for the next season. Being sure you have enough wood to get you through the winter is a never-ending chore. There are a couple different ways to fell a tree, being a chainsaw or an axe. Whichever method you use to cut down a tree, it can still be … Read more