Homemade Bird Feeders
During the fall and winter, as trees die and snow eventually covers the ground, many birds have a harder time finding their food than during the spring and summer months. But unlike their hibernating woodland counterparts, birds still look for sustenance in the coldest months! A very nice way to help them out a bit, …. Read More
Super-Simple DIY Pest Repellent for the Garden
As you probably know, most commercially available pest-repellants are full of harmful chemicals that you wouldn’t want anywhere near your house, children, or pets, let alone near the garden that you’re growing your food in. Even if you don’t spray chemicals right on the leaves of your plants, spraying them around the perimeter, either to …. Read More
Simple Steps Towards Self-Reliance
If you’re homesteading, you’re probably already pretty self-reliant. But if you’re not and you wish you were, there are still many ways you can become more self-reliant, no matter where you’re living. Every little thing you can do counts, and also will help you assess just how much you rely on “the system” and what …. Read More
The Cost-Effectiveness of Homestead Pigs
A lot of people don’t like pigs because they’re stinky, dirty and loud. But most people won’t object to bacon, ribs or pork chops. And this is a pretty good reason to have pigs, and why most people raise them! Not only are pigs delicious, however, they are also very cost-effective sources of meat, especially …. Read More
How to Make Goat Cheese
Goats are such wonderful homestead animals, for many reasons, but of course, at the top that list is plenty of fresh, raw, delicious goat cheese! Goat cheese is great not only because it is delicious and nutritious, but if you do have goats, you probably also have lots of extra milk. Making your own cheese …. Read More
What to Plant to Attract Bees
Bees are essential for our survival, and they’re dying in record numbers. We need them to pollinate our plants, so as they are dying in record numbers worldwide, it is devastating to think of the effects this might have on life on earth. There’s only so much a single homesteader can do, but as bees …. Read More
Why Your Homestead Needs A Dog
One of the reasons many people want to homestead is to find a safe place to get away from it all, and wait it out if civilization happens to crumble. Of course, even before the proverbial feces hits the fan, there are many reasons to keep a homestead safe. For one, there will always be …. Read More
Are Snakes Good for the Garden?
Snakes get a bad reputation, and that’s unfortunate. Too often, people kill them as soon as they see them. Many types of snakes are entirely harmless to humans, but they can be very good for your garden. In fact, garter snakes, rat snakes, and a number of species can be very beneficial. Let’s look at …. Read More
DIY Mint and Vanilla Extracts
Vanilla and mint extracts are great to have on hand for baking and cooking, especially with the holidays coming up. And what might be especially good news to gardeners with lots of mint to spare, you can actually make your own extracts very easily at home! For mint extract, either peppermint or spearmint, all it …. Read More
Supports for Vertical Gardens (Infographic)
Adding vertical support to your garden can be a great way to maximize space and allow crawling and vining plants to do what they do best. This handy infographic breaks down the types of vertical support and which plants they are best suited for. It was originally published on FamilyFoodGarden.com, along with some gorgeous photographs …. Read More