If you have ever wondered why a neighbor often makes a smoky fire pit every night or lights torches and you are clueless about the reasons – you could be surprised. The common wisdom is that fire and smoke keep pesky…
Winter can be a tricky time for gardening – especially when the frosty weather takes you unawares! Many plants will not survive exposure to cold weather, so what is the best way to keep our treasured plants warm and safe?…
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise with the summer weather, oodles of critters emerge to pester ranchers and their horses. Some of the first pests your horses will notice – are flies. I don’t have to tell you that…
If you butcher farm animals or hunt wild game – then you probably have loads of meat in the freezer. And when you want zesty homemade meatballs, meatloaf, burgers, or breakfast sausage – you need the best meat grinder. But…
Who would have thought our old worn-out car tires could become valuable rubber mulch that neatens gardens while also helping your plants thrive? And – if rubber mulch is so great, why doesn’t everyone use rubber mulch rather than organic…
Welcome to British Columbia, home of the mildest climate in Canada. If you’re new to the province, you might be wondering what that means for you as a gardener. Spoiler: It’s good! With a little careful timing, most vegetables will…
I love my cowboy boots, even though they have such smooth soles that I almost always fall over while wearing them. I used to have a sweet pair of flared jeans that went perfectly with the boots, but sadly, over-indulgence…
Along with the fruits and vegetables you raise in your garden, you also raise livestock that depends upon you for a safe environment. If you love chickens, in particular, you will need to find the best protective shelter for them…
Chokecherry vs chokeberry! What’s the difference? By some cruel (and confusing) twist of fate, we have two similar plants – with nearly identical names! One of these bears edible fruits, while the other can cause toxicity or even death in…
Have you ever approached a house and been captivated by its porch, even if it is not lofty or massive? An attractive front yard porch is the welcome mat of your home – and the gateway into your homestead. Your beautiful front porch…
Mulch can be an essential tool for a healthy garden with robust plants! Mulch can help protect your soil from extreme temperatures, and it can help keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth. All of this can help your…
How can you tell if your duck eggs are fertile? Consider the following advice from our Indian runner ducks! Let me explain. Our Indian runner ducks are laying once again! But, they have a somewhat haphazard approach to egg production….
When the winter season hits, it gets freezing outside – quickly! You need the warmest winter hat to protect you from chilly wind gusts and snow – especially if you are always snow blowing, hiking, or working outdoors. But – what are…
You may or may not be aware of all the DIY heater ideas out there, but there are a few circulating that are worth knowing how to execute in an emergency or just for some extra warmth in a drafty…
Preparing for the winter season is one of the primary tests in establishing a durable homestead. One element of preparation includes protecting your plants. Frost has a way of penetrating the roots of young plants, damaging them, and killing them…
