Sheep are famous for their woolly coats, but did you know some sheep breeds don’t need shearing? These easy-to-raise breeds can be a great option if you want a small flock of sheep, as it takes the hassle out of…
I need to start with a disclaimer here – I love tree stumps! I’ve never seen the point of going to the trouble and expense of grinding them out when you have so many ways of turning them into a…
Welcome to the world of small corner rock gardens! If you’re struggling for inspiration when adding interest and beauty to a corner of your outdoor space, you’re in the right place. We’ve pulled together a tremendous variety of creative and…
Struggling with the notorious zucchini monster taking over your garden? You’re not the only one! Every year I forget just how vigorous the growth of zucchini plants can be, going from innocent little seedlings to triffid-like monstrosities seemingly overnight! One…
Let’s brainstorm the best ways to hide those ugly utility boxes in our yards. They’re essential but can be real eyesores. Luckily, some creative landscaping can transform them into an attractive part of your yard’s design. Ready to explore some…
Although many aspects must be considered when building a chicken coop, ensuring it is secure against wild animals such as foxes is one of the most important. Roosting chickens are incredibly vulnerable at night, and if a fox gains access…
Although many homesteaders keep a few hens for eggs, the next stage for most homesteaders is to start thinking about rearing chickens for meat. Choosing the right breed of meat chicken is vital to the success of this enterprise. Otherwise,…
With their fabulous horns and shaggy coats, Highland cows are famous worldwide! But while we’ve all seen iconic photos of Highland cows atop windswept Scottish moorlands, what are these beautiful cows used for? Let’s find out! What Are Highland Cows…
For a novice gardener, the topic of fertilizers can be incredibly daunting – why are there so many options to choose from? How do you know which is the best fertilizer to pick? And what happens if you get it…
Have you ever wondered why people keep bantam chickens? After all, why have a half-size chicken when you can have the real thing? Well, it turns out that there are some fabulous advantages to keeping bantam chickens, and they can…
Many backyard chicken owners start out buying point-of-lay hens from a local supplier. It would be easy to assume that point-of-lay means they will lay eggs any day now, but this isn’t always true! So when do chickens start laying…
All seasoned gardeners know you need nutrient-rich soil to grow good garden crops! Providing your plants with the best soil in the vegetable garden is vital to guarantee an abundant harvest. But knowing where to start is tricky if you’re…
One sad fact most homesteaders realize is that commercially reared chickens don’t have a particularly long lifespan. But how long do chickens live if cared for properly in a backyard flock? And how many years will a hen lay eggs…
With its distinctive color pattern resembling an Oreo cookie, the Belted Galloway cow is one of the most instantly recognizable cattle breeds anywhere! This hardy breed of cow is rapidly increasing in popularity for many reasons, and you might be…
When I had a little vegetable plot, I never imagined being in a situation where I’d think about drip irrigation. Those thirty minutes spent watering with a hose every summer evening were calm, relaxing, and therapeutic! But – we also…