Ah, the mighty elderberry. Is there a plant more useful in your medicine cabinet? Not only can it not be struck by lightning, but it has been one of the most revered herbs throughout the ages – so much so…
We dewormed our entire herd of 13 goats a couple of days ago, and I still can’t move my arms without wincing! Trying to catch these fleet-footed creatures is exhausting and holding onto the short horns of the youngsters is…
Gardeners must consider several factors before deciding which plants they want to plant. Perhaps the most crucial of these factors is the area’s climate and if it is one in which the plant can thrive! The US Department of Agriculture…
You have probably heard that peat makes a great addition to soil. Humus, of course, is another well-known soil helper. So, peat humus must be something even better – a double-deal, the all-star substrate, right? The short and surprising answer would be – No. Peat…
No matter how many hours you plan on spending outside in your garden, you need the best and most comfortable gardening hat possible. A proper gardening hat can help keep your head and neck protected from the sun, and it…
Do ducks love to eat? Absolutely! They’re avid foragers. But do ducks have teeth? No. At least, not in the same way that you or I do. So, How Do Ducks Eat If They Don’t Have Teeth? A duck’s bill…
Worms serve an amazing, useful purpose in the garden. The burrowing action and feeding habits of an earthworm make the soil rich and enable plants to grow strong and stay healthy. Worms break down compost to produce the nutrients that…
Are homegrown veggies more nutritious? Yes! It comes down to one main reason: The second a vegetable is picked, the nutrient content begins to decrease. Commercially-grown vegetables can spend several weeks in shipping while they travel thousands of miles from…
When people visit our off-grid homestead, one of the questions we often get asked (after they’ve finished admiring the chickens!) is what we do about a toilet! Having the right off-grid toilet system is essential to the harmonious functioning of…
In this series of articles, I will walk you through the seven layers of the forest garden or backyard food forest, explaining the purpose and function of each one and some of the species that can be grown there in a temperate climate. …
Do you want the best multi-fuel homemade pizza oven for your next outdoor pizza party? Then read our latest backyard pizza oven review and comparison! We’re about to compare the brand new Ooni Karu 16 vs Ooni Karu 12 – the Ooni Karu 16’s…
Farm animals of any type can be escape artists, whether it is the goat trying to get out of its yard or the dog who wants to ‘escape’ into your chicken coop. Sturdy fencing can keep this from happening. However…
If your approach to homesteading is along the lines of “Go big or go home,” you might want to consider upping your livestock game to incorporate bison. Sure, they may be the largest mammal in North America, but they’re surprisingly…
The 5 gallon bucket garden offers a uniquely flexible and transportable take on gardening. You don’t actually have to use a 5 gallon bucket – any bucket will do! Bucket gardening is an affordable, easy way for people in any…
Despite the name, a sex link chicken isn’t going to strut around your garden, making come hither eyes at you. They are pretty sexy, as far as chickens go, but the benefits they bring to the homestead are of a…
