GARDEN

As homesteaders, we’re always striving to reduce our carbon footprint and upcycle as much as possible. Nothing goes to waste. Whenever possible, we find ways to upcycle things and reuse them to the best of our advantage. This includes food waste and other organic materials in and around the homestead. By composting, we’re taking advantage … Read more

Spend hours pulling weeds, with sweat dripping off your brow, and you might be wondering, “why are weeds so bad for your garden?” Sure, they don’t look all that great – but are they really that harmful? There are some benefits to letting weeds flourish in your garden, but there are also some risks, too. … Read more

Amaranth may not be a staple crop on American homesteads right now, but it should be. This nutrient-rich plant has been used as a dietary staple and natural home remedy base ingredient in many regions of the world for centuries. This beautiful and easy to grow plant that is often classified as both a grain … Read more

Do you love foraging for wild mushrooms? This is quite an enjoyable pastime that is practiced by budding mycologists – people who are passionate about mushrooms – all over the world. There are millions of species of mushrooms growing in the world today. While some are both edible and delicious, sporting myriad health benefits, others … Read more

Thinking about an assassin bug is enough to make your skin crawl. Not only are these pests creepy to look at, but they have the power to conjure up some serious nightmares. Carriers of the serious Chaga disease and fellow bug-killers in their own right, assassin bugs are shrouded with myths and rumors. Ready to … Read more

The saying an onion a day will keep everyone away is understandable, especially when you are in my personal space talking to me. Onions are very healthy veggies that can be started from seeds, sets, and even the rooted bottoms from the ones you’ve picked. Onions are an easy crop to grow due to its … Read more

Gourds are one of the first plants ever cultivated. They were grown not only as a food source, but perhaps primarily to make eating utensils and make portable storage containers for a multitude of items – water in particular. There are multiple different varieties of gourds. Some boast edible young fruit and seeds, others are … Read more

Drip irrigation, sometimes called trickle irrigation, has become popular with many gardeners as an easy way to conserve water without sacrificing plant growth. Drip systems use less water than sprinkler systems and can also help prevent some plant diseases. How hard is it to install a drip irrigation system? The simple steps for installing a … Read more

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make your garden the best one on the block, however, it can quickly get very expensive. Grandma had some great tips and tricks that she used to help keep her garden on budget. Using the tips and tricks that grandma taught me have helped me to … Read more

Have you been wanting to grow fruit on your homestead – but put it off because you thought it was too big of a task for you to handle? Think again. Blackberries are some of the easiest plants you can grow on your homestead or in your backyard, and they’re also some of the most … Read more

The jalapeno pepper can be used for lots of recipes to add a little spice to your dish. Using jalapenos in salsa is perfect for the ones that love the spiciness. Or, if you are like my family, just eating them fresh. I really don’t know how they have any taste buds left, I can’t … Read more

Are you looking for a fruit bush that’s easy for beginners to grow? Gooseberry bushes grow well in most areas, and they’re self-pollinating, so you can plant just one. Learning how to grow gooseberries is excellent for beginners; they’re a forgiving plant. If you live in America, you might not know about gooseberries. They’re not … Read more

They might stain your cutting board every time you chop one open, but there’s no arguing – beets are some of the most nutritious, delicious vegetables you can grow and cook. These root vegetables are cultivated all over the world, and they can be served roasted, raw, pickled, and more. Packed with essential minerals and … Read more

Sweet potatoes are a popular vegetable, especially at holidays. They suggest images of crisp fall days, family meals, and special occasions. Sweet potatoes are an easy vegetable to grow, but they have different needs than many garden vegetables. They are also one of the best yielding vegetables, producing forty to fifty pounds of tubers from … Read more

I have tried to start different types of fruit trees without much success. I mean, I was really getting angry at my inability to do so as I generally have a green thumb. After several failed attempts and then one accidental that worked, I decided I should do some research. The answer is stratifying your … Read more