The weather was cold, there was frost on the windowpane, and the sounds of sneezing and coughing could be heard through the house. We were in the throes of a blustery Michigan winter. Now, for anyone who lives in the Midwest you probably know how frigid and wild the winter weather can be. On top … 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
A member of the daisy family, lettuce is an annual plant, and one of the easiest crops to grow in your garden. Not only will you be able to grow exciting varieties that cannot be found in grocery stores, but lettuce also makes a fantastic edging and ornamental plant, adding an extra dimension of color … Read more
In addition to being required for healthy and strong bones and teeth, calcium plays an important role in everything from your nervous system to your muscle control, making it important that you are consuming enough of this mineral. Most people turn to dairy when it comes to their calcium intake, not realizing that there are actually … Read more
Edible landscaping refers to mixing food plants in with your ornamental ones, to create a setting that is not only visually appealing, but productive as well. Examples include: Whether you are completely new to edible landscaping, or already practice the concept but need some inspiration, this guide will teach you all you need to know … Read more
Anyone running a homestead will likely spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen, whether this may be preparing daily meals or preserving a harvest for the winter months. There’s no denying that kitchen work can be time-consuming and tiring, which is why we have put together this list of essential homestead tools, which … Read more
Not only do herbs add so much depth and flavor to dishes, but they also contain more antioxidants than just about every fruit and vegetable out there. From thyme to tarragon, these herbs are not only easy to grow, but they’ll make your food taste better. #1. Basil Basil is a common culinary herb, and … Read more
Raw feeding for cats and dogs is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. With commercial cat food containing everything from indigestible grains to contaminated ingredients to harmful additives, a raw, species-appropriate diet is really the best way forward. Cats are omnivores, which means that they can and should be eating meat. However, not only … Read more
Kefir is a fermented, cultured milk product that is packed with a wide range of probiotics and yeast, similar to yogurt. This guide will teach you all you need to know about making your own delicious kefir milk at home. Kefir has been around for centuries, and while nobody knows exactly how or where it … Read more
by Alina J., and with many thanks to Tara Dodrill for contributing to this guide Homesteaders have long raised flocks of chickens for eggs and meat, but now a growing number of folks are adding ducks to their barnyard as well. Ducks make cute farm pets that are entertaining to watch waddle around, but they … Read more
