A normal person looks at an egg and thinks “breakfast.” As a homesteader, I look at an egg and think of all the various ways I can use the shells in my garden. I am a huge fan of repurposing common materials around the homestead. I believe that, in doing so, I can not only … Read more
This oxtail soup is a decadent option for a cold winter night, including dumplings to make it a complete, balanced meal.
Native to Europe and Asia, parsnips have been a dinnertime staple in North America since the early 1700s. These tasty root vegetables were used in ancient medicine to relieve toothaches and even achy feet! While parsnips may not be effective for those particular old household remedies, they offer a range of other health benefits and … Read more
Zucchini is just one of the many varieties of squash, and as a summer squash, it grows in a highly prolific manner. A single zucchini plant can yield up to nine pounds of fruit, and doesn’t take up much space in your garden. Furthermore, zucchini is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, making a great addition … Read more
One of the fastest vegetables to mature in your garden, radishes are arguably also one of the easiest. This pungent-tasting veggie is grown by homesteaders all over the country, and is a great addition to any garden, big or small. Radishes were first cultivated in China and Japan, popular as a root crop for both … Read more
Oxtail. It sounds fancy, elegant, and difficult to use in everyday cooking – but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Oxtail, simply the culinary name for the tail of cattle (technically the tail of a steer) typically weighs about three pounds and is skinned and cut into short, usable lengths for cooking. Oxtail not … Read more
If you have ever tasted a homegrown tomato, you likely already know how much more flavorful it is than a store-bought tomato. And it’s not just your imagination playing tricks on you. Homegrown produce does taste better than supermarket produce, and it offers a variety of other advantages as well. 1. They will look different … Read more
Alright, the asparagus seeds grew and the plants are thriving… now what?!
Raising sheep is a fun and rewarding way to add life to your homestead – as well as to expand your bottom line. Sheep don’t require a ton of pasture space, and are docile, good-natured animals for hobby farms. Sheep can serve multiple purposes, including providing wool, meat, or even milk. Consider this guide to … Read more
Kefir and kombucha are all the rage in the natural and holistic health community. They are high in nutrients, as well as sources of rare probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial for both digestion and overall gut health, providing the healthy bacteria necessary to prevent constipation, bloating, and other unpleasant ailments. Probiotics are found in few food … Read more
If you’re a homesteader, growing delicious, healthy crops is likely a top priority for you. However, this can be a challenge if you’re dealing with infertile, uncooperative soil. Adding fertilizer to your garden soil is a great way to increase your yields and to make gardening just a little bit easier. However, knowing the difference … 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
Your work is never done when it comes to the homestead. Spring is no exception. Organization is the most important aspect of being a successful homesteader, so make sure you have a running tally of everything that needs to be completed so you aren’t caught unprepared come May. These are a list of chores that you … Read more
Many pickling recipes call for a head of fresh dill, but this can be very hard to find sometimes! Why not grow your own dill plants? They’re super easy to grow, and are just what you’ll need to get your pickling done right.