Homesteading

Folks who own pet rabbits already know, or should know, that they have a highly specialized diet. They are herbivores, but more than this they need a dietary regimen that is pretty much all hay or grass backed up by some leafy greens and a few other select vegetables. Fruits are plant matter also, and … Read more

If you own a home, or rent one anywhere near a town or city, you’ve probably faced the aggravation of having dogs other than your own poop on your lawn. When their owners don’t clean up after them, it’s enough to make your blood boil. The nerve of some people! This naturally leads to direct … Read more

Is it true that candles never go bad? You often hear it said that candles will last pretty much indefinitely until you burn them up. Other folks claim that candles can “spoil” like food does. Does the type of wax make any difference? Can a candle burn irregularly or expire if it is just too … Read more

If you live anywhere that doesn’t have access to public sewer systems, you’ll need a septic system if you want to enjoy a normal, flushable toilet experience in your home. Septic systems have been around for a long time, and the mechanics by which they work are well understood. Unfortunately not too many septic system … Read more

The word “ranch” evokes a certain kind of feeling. Ranches have long been an iconic symbol of the American West and Southwest, conjuring images of immense and vast open spaces, scenic landscapes, and cowboys herding livestock. But these days you see the word tossed around interchangeably with farm, and the truth is that ranches and … Read more

Air fresheners are a frequent addition to our monthly groceries and, while they aren’t horribly expensive, the purchases do add up significantly. Plus, the scents are often overdone and they never last more than a minute or so. It doesn’t help that there are apparently chemicals in these commonly bought items which affect reproductive development. … Read more

Wood is a reliable source of heat for folks who don’t want to rely on electricity or gas for the purpose, and also works wonderfully as a backup heating method for either of the aforementioned methods. Be it in an open, traditional fireplace or a contemporary wood stove, wood is typically regarded as among the … Read more

Nowadays, there’s a great societal emphasis placed on personal water conservation. For those living in dry climates or rural areas where this resource is scarce- and especially for homesteaders- it’s critical to get as much “value” or use out of your water supply as possible. Though to some folks the idea of reusing water is … Read more

There are a lot of talks these days about homesteading, the resurgence of people wanting to grow their own food, raise their own animals, reduce societal dependence and generally be more self-sufficient. It is undoubtedly appealing. Some even claim to have significantly increased their income as a result of homesteading. But can homesteading be profitable? … Read more

When winter’s chill sets in, you might be left shivering in your own home, even with the furnace roaring. For millions of people around the world with inadequate heating in their homes or apartments, their ovens might be used to help heat up the living space. It’s a convenient way to warm, but is it … Read more

When determining how much water you and your family, or maybe even your animals, will need for a given period of time either when packing for a trip or expedition, or preparing for disaster, gallons is the most commonly used figure. Therefore, it is helpful to calculate your on-hand water storage accordingly. One way to … Read more

Prior to actually getting down to business, some homesteaders have a fanciful idea of what the work will require of them. Scattering a little seed, driving a few fence posts, plucking a couple of perfect veggies from rich, yielding soil. It is an idyllic notion, alright, but one that is far divorced from reality. Work … Read more

I’ll never forget the first time I used a water bath canner by myself… I was feeling pretty smug, going off a few experiences I had when canning tomatoes with my then-boyfriend (now husband). I knew what I was doing. I didn’t need to read and follow the instructions to a T. After all, canning … Read more

Most of us want to live on a homestead in order to get away from the hustle, bustle, and dangers of life that are associated with living in the thick of society. But, it isn’t all fluffy clouds on an impossibly blue sky when you live on a homestead. Homesteads are usually hard-working environments with … Read more

Anyone who depends on wood for primary or supplementary heating knows that the choice of wood is nearly as important as managing the fire itself. Every species of wood has unique properties that make it a better or worse choice than firewood. Birch is certainly beautiful and plentiful, but how does it perform as firewood? … Read more

You work hard to make your home and homestead into a place of refuge, peace, and security. But what happens when a trespasser enters your land, or worse, an intruder breaks into your home? Naturally, that sense of safety you’ve built up over time is going to be shattered. It can be a frightening and … Read more