People have been making wine for thousands of years. Long before all the fancy winemaking equipment was invented. And you can make your own craft “vintage” with just a little know-how, and even less equipment. I’ve made several different kinds of wine, and this is true for each one, there are only four ingredients: Fruit,…
You walk out to the garden to pick a tomato only to find that the bottom of that beautiful tomato is rotten. What is it? It is probably Blossom End Rot. But don’t despair, there are several simple methods you can employ to help your tomatoes produce perfect fruit every time. Blossom End Rot is…
Many are entering the world of container gardening now because in most cases, it is much less labor-intensive. However, a poorly designed garden container will have much more labor input than a well-designed one. The EarthBox container gardening system has been around since 1994 and has been implemented all over the world. We will explore…
Gardening can be a difficult job. Planting, fertilizing, cultivating and other jobs can be taxing on any gardener. Thankfully, there are tools available that will make it much easier. One company that makes life easier for many gardeners like myself is the Hoss line of Wheel Hoes and their many attachments. Hoss Tools offers a…
Whether you’re raising chickens in a small backyard or spread over a large acreage, there are some things you need to know before you start your journey. Chickens are relatively easy to keep, but there are a few challenges you will need to overcome. No matter what breed you choose, chickens must be kept in…
Some think a homestead has to be a large piece of property, but a smart homesteader can enjoy all the benefits of the homestead lifestyle without the expense of a large land purchase. For many, starting a small scale homestead is much more attainable, and desirable. Small scale homesteading is a self-reliant way of life…
Caring for small livestock is both a privilege and a responsibility. If you are a chicken owner, there are some essential items you need to have in place that will ease your burden and make both you and your chickens happier. These are essential whether you have 100-Acres or a small backyard. A responsible chicken…
Vertical Gardening has gained in popularity in recent years leaving some to believe it is relatively new. But it’s actually thousands of years old. There is evidence of vertical gardens as far back as 3000 BC. It worked then and it can work for you now. Vertical Gardening allows a gardener to produce vegetables utilizing…
Homesteaders are always looking for new income streams that will allow them to reach a self-sustaining lifestyle that defines homesteading. If that is you, consider raising vegetable seedlings as an additional income source. Anyone can successfully grow their own seedlings without a large investment. Most seeds need three things to germinate: Warmth, Moisture, and Oxygen….
Many people dream of homesteading, yet don’t pursue it because they fear it won’t be self-supporting. But, there are many ways a homestead can be profitable and can supplement or even replace a person’s current income. Common income streams on the homestead include selling eggs, firewood, jams and jellies, and vegetable seedlings. Less traditional sources…
To be an effective Homesteader there are many skills to know. Many of those skills must be performed with specialized tools. Here are some of the more important tools you’ll need to perform just about any task on the homestead. Tools that are unique to Homesteading might include a chainsaw, mulch fork, ATV, calf-pulling chains,…
Homesteading is a lifestyle of doing. There are many skills a homesteader needs to insure the success of their operation. There is always something on the homestead that needs to be repaired, plowed, planted or preserved. The skills to do what needs to be done are varied, and we are not born with them. They…