When I first started planning my own homestead setup, I quickly realized how easy it is to underestimate the real costs… Starting a homestead sounds simple enough — raise a few chickens, grow some food, maybe build a small coop. But what many beginners don’t realize is how quickly the costs can add up… especially … Read more
Owning chickens is awesome, isn’t it? That is, until you realize they eat like tiny feathered dinosaurs! Whether you have a small backyard flock or you’re slowly turning into the neighborhood “chicken person,” knowing how much feed your birds need can save you money, prevent waste, and help keep your flock healthy. Use this Chicken … Read more
If you’re like me, you might have asked yourself, “Do my chickens have enough space?” — and we are certainly not alone. Too little space leads to stress, pecking, and unhappy birds. Too much space? Not usually a problem… but it can cost you more than necessary. And I don’t know about you, but I … Read more
If you’ve ever stood in your garden center staring at bags of soil wondering “How many do I actually need?” — you’re not alone. I’ve made this mistake myself — buying way too much soil one time and not nearly enough the next. Great news though… A Raised Bed Soil Calculator can take the guesswork … Read more
Fall gardening is advantageous for growing vegetables due to cooler temperatures, which enhance flavor, reduce pest issues, and retain moisture. Ideal crops include leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas. Preparing soil and timing planting relative to frost dates is crucial for success, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh produce well into winter.
Raising chickens for eggs is a rewarding homestead project, offering fresh, nutritious eggs, self-sufficiency, and additional income. Key aspects include selecting breeds, ensuring proper housing, and feeding for optimal egg production. With 4-10 hens, families can enjoy a consistent supply, while an organized coop enhances hen health and productivity.
You can easily create homemade herbal teas from your garden, reaping benefits like freshness, cost savings, and customization. Key herbs include chamomile, mint, and lavender. Proper harvesting and drying enhance flavor. Experimenting with blends offers unique tastes and wellness advantages, making it a rewarding and sustainable endeavor for tea enthusiasts.
To preserve garden tomatoes, homemade tomato sauce canning is an effective method. This process involves cooking tomatoes, adding acidity, and sealing them in sterilized jars, extending shelf life to 12-18 months. Canned sauce can be used in various dishes, saving money and reducing waste while maintaining flavor and nutrients.
It’s officially pumpkin season! Whether you’re baking pumpkin pie, carving jack-o-lanterns, or harvesting pumpkins from your fall garden, don’t throw away those seeds. Making roasted pumpkin seeds is the ultimate way to enjoy the season, and today we’re taking it up a notch with a sweet and savory twist—our glazed pumpkin seed recipe.
How much do beekeepers make? On average, beekeepers in the U.S. can make anywhere from $20,000 to over $60,000 per year, depending on their scale, location and whether it’s a hobby or full time business. There are some commercial beekeepers running hundreds of hives that can even reach six-figure incomes, while small scale hobbyists might earn just enough to cover their beekeeping expenses – and maybe buy a few extra jars of honey for friends.