Here’s our bulletproof, nearly perfect system after pruning hundreds of shrubs over the years. Hydrangeas are some of the most forgiving shrubs you can grow, but they have one quirk that trips up almost everyone. Timing! Prune at the wrong…
For years, we’ve been told that a perfect, leaf-free lawn is the hallmark of responsible homesteading. But this year, I broke every lawnkeeping rule in the book. I stopped raking my leaves! As a result, my yard is thriving. And…
The cost of running a homestead has been increasing lately. Have you noticed the same? That’s why I’m a massive proponent of permaculture! Permaculture transforms your homestead into a self-sustaining system that produces delicious food each year while requiring less…
Building a backyard food forest means selecting plants that work together across multiple layers. It also means choosing edible perennials and yummy fruit trees that require only minimal maintenance once established. Well, we’ve got all of those angles covered. The…
Hostas are tragically underrated garden plants! They help transform any corner of your yard into stunning focal points with lush architecture and vibrant foliage. How you start your hostas makes all the difference in how quickly you’ll enjoy those gorgeous…
Fall is here. And your pumpkins are everywhere! If you have any extra, don’t let them go to waste. With a bit of creativity and about twenty minutes of work, you can transform those gourds into stunning planters that will…
Looking for chickens that can handle themselves well on pasture? Then let’s brainstorm the 21 mightiest free-range chicken breeds! These aren’t fancy show chickens. These are the survivors. The wanderers. The tough breeds that’ll turn your grass, bugs, and garden…
Bugs need your help! Insect populations have massively plummeted by more than 75% in some areas over the past few decades. And pollinators are disappearing at alarming rates. Remember when you used to drive along highways, and your windshield would…
October always gets me thinking about the spooky side of nature. Most folks spend this time of year worried about ghosts and goblins. Meanwhile, I’m fascinated by the real terrors lurking in bogs, swamps, and greenhouses across the country. Chief…
After nurturing those vines all summer and watching flowers turn to fruit, you’re now staring at a bumper crop that would make any homesteader proud. But nothing kills the joy of a pumpkin harvest faster than watching your hard-won beauties…
Want to grow some delicious fruit that tastes like a tropical vacation but thrives in cold climates? Meet the pawpaw! It’s North America’s largest native fruit with creamy, custard-like flesh. It tastes like a mashup of banana, mango, and melon….
Want to transform your garden into a thriving nocturnal ecosystem? Then it’s time to roll out the red carpet for bats! These incredible flying mammals are nature’s ultimate pest control squad. They hungrily devour thousands of mosquitoes, beetles, and moths…
Tired of dropping $20, $30, or even $50 per shrub at the plant nursery? Here’s a secret that seasoned homesteaders know. The best plants are often free! Whether it’s a knob of ginger, a stem of mint, or a cutting…
Growing blueberries is one of gardening’s most rewarding adventures! Imagine stepping out your back door on a warm July morning and picking handfuls of plump, sweet blueberries for your fluffy, homemade pancakes. This all-in-one blueberry growing guide shows how –…
Who says your garden ends in October? Not us! While other gardeners are hanging up their tools, you can still sow the seeds for the sweetest carrots, crispest lettuce, and most flavorful greens you’ve ever grown. Fall planting unlocks nature’s…
