Many new chicken owners take on a small flock of hens, thinking that chicken-keeping is a doddle. But then realize that their newly-introduced poultry is much pickier than they thought! That’s because chickens need a few home comforts to keep…
Howdy, fellow Off-gridders! My name’s Jeff, and I have a vital solar generator question. Do you know one of the trickiest parts of cutting ties with the traditional networks and finally going off-grid? The problem is finding reliable power! How…
If you have dreams of starting a homestead, you are not alone! An ever-expanding legion of people dream of escaping the rat race and building a self-sufficient life. The urge to step away from the corporate world and create a…
April can be a busy month for many gardeners. But of course, what you do in your April garden will depend on where you live. One of the most challenging things for any new gardener is working out what to…
For many years, I only fed my chickens whole or cracked corn. I hoped they were getting all the nutrients needed from the bugs, seeds, fruit, and the surrounding pasture. After a while, however, I noticed my chickens were hardly…
Chicken meat is a healthy and classic family (and farm) staple! But rooster meat has a reputation for being inedible, chewy, bland, and not worth eating. Is that true? Can you eat a rooster? Or not? The confusion between chicken…
Sugar snap peas are delicious! I love eating them raw, steamed, stir-fried, sauteed, or pickled. Homegrown, freshly picked peas are also sweeter than ones you can buy. Not to mention – much fresher and crispier. Luckily, growing sugar snap peas…
Are you thinking about raising a feeder pig (or two – or twelve!) on your farm? If so, you’ll need to know a few feeder pig tips to maximize your luck. And no, a feeder pig isn’t just a pig…
Life on the homestead is tough, and we need the most comfortable work boots that can live up to the task. Work boots that give you blisters or pinch your toes make achieving your goals that bit harder. Unfortunately, many…
Since ancient days, people have burned various plant materials to create aromatic fumes that supposedly repel insects. That is why burning incense is considered a clever way to keep unwanted little flying creatures at bay. Today, we have a wide variety of…
The black bean is commonly native to the Americas and a staple in Mexican, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Black beans are also delicious cold, pureed, or baked! Wouldn’t it be nice to have these versatile legumes thriving in your backyard’s…
Having spent most of my life in the city, I learned on the fly when I moved to my homestead. I managed well with a few horses and a couple of chickens, but I was shockingly unprepared for bottle feeding…
Hummingbirds are some of the tiniest and most beautiful garden creatures you can allure to your home and garden. The first time you see one fluttering along your hedge or wall of flowers – you won’t believe your eyes! Attracting…
Growing jalapeños in pots is much easier than you might think. And it’s a great place to start gardening! If you love the fresh taste of a spicy jalapeño in salsa through the summer, let’s dig into this generally fuss-free…
Much like cherry tomatoes, the gardening season in Ontario is small but sweet. However, a well-organized gardener will find plenty of opportunities to grow abundant produce at home in Ontario. So – which are the best vegetables to grow in Ontario and…