One of the great joys of gardening is watching your plants develop, and especially if you have planted fruits or vegetables watching your future harvest mature right before your eyes is borderline magical. Sometimes it makes it very difficult to be patient! Every fruit and veggie goes through its own development process after planting, and … Read more
Have you ever stopped to watch your cows hanging out on your pasture? Does it ever look like they are gazing serenely towards the horizon? Maybe they are watching something very intently, altogether. You ever think that maybe they see the world the way we do, and even think about some of the things we … Read more
No matter what kind of livestock species you want to get, making sure you’ve got enough room on your homestead is absolutely critical. Overcrowding your animals is a good way to make their life a living hell, and yours also! But, naturally, you’re going to need a lot more room for larger animals… Cows are … Read more
Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved vegetables enjoy the world over, and certainly the most ubiquitous root vegetable. But as versatile and popular as they are, they can be quite tricky to grow. One of the factors contributing to their reputation as a troublesome veggie is there varying water requirements throughout their … Read more
Every good harvest starts with planting. Squash is a popular and easy-to-grow vegetable with tons of varieties that can be planted in either spring or late summer. They have a reputation as maintenance-intensive veggies that are difficult to grow, but they aren’t as tough as most people make them out to be. One important factor … Read more
Every animal needs a name. Or at least all of the animals living on our homestead or farm need a name! This isn’t just for personality either: smart animals, like cows, can learn their names and might come when called. This can help them bond to you and even help you keep track of important … Read more
Cows are so big and so strong it seems like they can go anywhere they want. But this is only something you’d think at first glance. When you realize that cows are incredibly heavy, you notice that they tend to be surprisingly careful with their movements. They definitely aren’t the all-terrain machines that goats are, … Read more
It has been said that squirrels are merely rats with good publicity, and I for one believe this assertion. I don’t hate them or anything, and they certainly are cute, but when it comes to sheer destructive capability squirrels are right up there with their uglier cousins but they get a pass because of those … Read more
Most livestock animals are raised for multiple purposes. Sheep are no different. Raising sheep means that we get wool, of course, but we also get meat. One of the most popular products we take from sheep is meat from lambs. Lamb and pork happen to be two meats that are sometimes compared in terms of … Read more
If you’ve ever spent time around a lake, or any other sizable body of water, you’ve certainly seen ducks at one point. Maybe you’ve even fed them. Ducks are beautiful waterfowl, and there are many species found all around the world. You are just as likely to see them paddling across the surface of the … Read more
Turkeys are some of the biggest birds around, and the largest domestic fowl kept in North America. Turkeys are impressive birds, alright, and though they were only a hair’s breadth from being made the national bird of the United States they are the symbolic bird and main course at Thanksgiving dinners, their delicious, juicy meat … Read more
For most homesteaders, keeping livestock is either part of the dream, or a necessity. Whether you like the idea of raising animals as a useful hobby or genuinely want to embark on a part or full-time business, there’s a lot to consider before you start making room for your new additions. If you were looking … Read more
Mulch is an essential component of gardening and landscaping, helping to conserve moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and enhance the aesthetics of our outdoor spaces. But mulch, in case you haven’t been paying attention, is getting mighty expensive. When it comes to purchasing pricey mulch, many people try to save some bucks by buying … Read more
Every gardener knows, or soon learns, that the makings of a great harvest are quite literally sown all the way back at the beginning of the season with planting. Planting may never be handled haphazardly if you want your plans to grow quickly, grow big and thrive. Every plant has its own requirements, and learning … Read more
English is my native language, and I find it entirely logical. But for every other non-native speaker on Earth, it is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Full of confusing and contradictory rules, and seemingly non-sensical words, it is baffling! But even if you have spoken English for your whole life there are … Read more
Geese, though not strict herbivores, subsist on a diet of mostly greenery with a few choice fruits and vegetables thrown in from time to time. But, the vegetables that they like they seem to really, really like as any gardener will attest if they have ever endured a flock of traveling geese making a pit … Read more