Grow It Guide: How to Grow Rhubarb!
This "Grow It Guide" highlights an amazing and often overlooked perennial plant: Rhubarb! Read on for more info on how to grow rhubarb in your home garden along with ideas for harvesting and using it! About Rhubarb Rhubarb is one of those “heritage” plants if...
How to Make a Tomato Cage Hot House
Some like it hot! Some garden veggies that is! Hot crops like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants need a long warm season to produce and ripen their fruit. A lot of larger tomato varieties need an average of 80+ days to start producing harvest-ready fruit. Sweet...
Livestock Care Sheets for Evacuations & Farm Sitters
Use these free, printable Livestock Care Sheets for evacuations or farm sitters to record important care information about your animals and have it ready in case of an emergency! I spent the morning working on a project that I hope I will never have to use! I...
It’s Not Too Late to Plant a Garden!
Fear not! It's not too late to plant a garden! Here are some tips to ensure you can enjoy a great harvest, even with a late start! In late spring and early summer, one of the main things I get asked from my coaching clients and blog readers is the question: “Is...
How to Mark & Track Seeds + Seedlings
Good records and efficient labeling is key to growing your own seedlings! Here are the best methods and tools to mark and track seeds and seedlings! Learning how to properly and efficiently grow your own garden vegetables and plants from seed is one of the best...
The Best Ways to Water Seeds & Seedlings
Learn how to properly water your seeds and seedlings to grow healthier starts for your garden! We have been talking all about seeds lately! Why? Because growing your own vegetables and plants from seeds is like printing your own money! Seriously! It's a...
How to Sow Seeds in Containers
Sowing seeds is fairly straight-forward, but there are some important things to know for more successful germination. Here’s the full scoop on how to sow seeds in trays or containers! For many years, I would head to the nursery each spring and purchase a cart-full of...
All About Seed Starting Containers
There are so many seed starting containers to choose from! Here's the run-down on picking the best option for your seeds and a quick look at how to properly fill the containers with soil before planting. When it comes to starting seeds, one of the first...
2021 Homestead Management Binder
The 2021 Homestead Management Binder is here to keep your homestead life organized! Plus, if you are ready to get your homestead life back on track, I have just the thing for you! Keep reading to find out more! It's baaaaack! And it's bigger and better...
How to Can Whole Cherry Tomatoes (Raw Pack Method)
Looking for a fast and easy canning method for your tomatoes? Here's one of my favorite ways to safely can whole cherry tomatoes! Cherry tomatoes are a staple in our garden! I’ve known many gardeners who thought that cherry tomatoes were only good fresh...
Wonderful Ways to Use Whey!
Don't waste that whey! Let's chat about all the wonderful ways to use whey in your kitchen, your garden and farm! When we started with milk goats several years ago, our main goal was to be able to supply the majority of our own dairy products. While nothing is...
Fall Equinox Celebrations for the Homesteader
The Fall Equinox celebrates the official start of the fall season! Here are 10 Fall Equinox celebrations that are perfect for the homesteader or gardener in us all! Can you sense it? Autumn is in the air! And it’s not just the return of pumpkin spice...
How to Make a DIY Pallet Path
It's easy to create a beautiful and functional garden pathway from pallets! Here's how to create a DIY pallet path, step by step! A few years ago, I set out to transform a bare patch of our property into a beautiful garden area for my perennial plants and medicinal...
July & August 2020 Homestead Happenings!
July & August 2020 - Behind the Scenes! A quick recap of some of our homestead happenings, including how we get creative with food preservation, our barn renovation project and more! August marked our six-month anniversary of moving to the Pacific Northwest...
Soil Drainage: How & Why to Test It!
Did you know that soil drainage can directly effect how successful your garden is? Luckily, it's easy to learn more about your soil by doing an easy at-home soil drainage test! Are you tired of guessing how much and how often to water your plants? Knowing...
DIY River Rock Garden Bed
Raised beds are a wonderful solution for many types of gardening. Here's how to make your own beautiful river rock garden bed using basic supplies you probably already have on hand! Let's talk about how to create river rock raised garden beds! They...
How to Dry Tomato Skins to Make Tomato Powder
Don't throw out the tomato skins when you're canning! You can use them to make a delicious tomato powder to season dishes! Save your skins… your tomato skins, that is! If you are new to canning, I’m gonna tell you something: you gotta skin the tomatoes before you...
How to Ripen Tomatoes Faster on the Vine
Are your green tomatoes slow to ripen? Check out these tricks to ripen tomatoes faster as the end of the season approaches! Each summer, grow an abundance of tomatoes. We grow about 16 tomato plants each year that provide our tomato-based products for the...
Homesteading & Health Insurance
If homesteading is calling your name, there are some things you need to consider before you quit your job & go off grid! Health insurance is an extremely important consideration for any homesteader - here are some options to consider for you and your family....
Zucchini Ravioli (Eat Fresh or Freeze!)
This low-carb, gluten free zucchini ravioli makes a savory meal featuring homegrown ingredients! Best of all, it can be enjoyed fresh or you can freeze it to preserve the harvest for later! “There’s hardly any carbs in that whole thing! But it tastes like...
June 2020: Saving money with local supplies
June 2020 Behind the Scenes: A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including how we save money by using local resources for our new garden! June marked 4 months since we moved from Southwest Idaho to Western Washington....
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious, flavor-packed way to enjoy your homegrown tomatoes all year! Here's how to make your own using your garden grown tomatoes! Tomatoes are a go-to crop in most gardens - whether you have a teeny tiny garden or a huge one! For us,...
Radish Quick Pickles
These radish quick pickles are as tasty as they are beautiful! Best of all, they are easy to make - no canning equipment required! Radishes are one of my favorite garden veggies to grow! They are incredibly versatile, fast growing and happy to grow almost anywhere....
Natural Gardening Solutions Every New Gardener Should Know
I'm sharing the most important natural gardening solutions that every new gardener should know, including effective solutions to manage pests, maintain weeds and build healthy garden soil! Welcome to the wonderful world of natural gardening! I am so...
Garden Tour: Drought Tolerant Garden in California
*Client Garden Tour* Check out my most recent garden installation: a beautiful drought tolerant garden in Southern California, full of pollinator plants and "farmtiques"! Pssst: I’m gonna let you in on a little secret! I absolutely LOVE helping other people make...
Minty Citrus Tea – Perfect for Summer!
This Minty Citrus Tea blend makes a delicious & refreshing iced tea for a warm summer day! Best of all, most of the ingredients can be grown in your own garden! For those of you who don’t know me personally, I come from a very small family. I have one sister,...
April & May 2020: Sheep, Goats & Gardens!
Behind the Scenes: April & May 2020 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including our new goat, sheep, chicken coop and garden spaces! April and May are always crazy busy months on a homestead - but they are even...
February & March 2020: Settling Into Our New Homestead!
Behind the Scenes: February & March 2020 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including some home and property renovations at our new homestead! Well, hello again! It’s been a while since I’ve posted one of our...
How to Grow Store Bought Potatoes
All about how to grow store bought potatoes! Don't let those sprouted potatoes go to waste - here's how to plant them and grow even more potatoes! We've all done it! We've left those potatoes in the back of the cupboard and forgotten them. By the time that we...
How to Move a Homestead: Packing & Moving
Moving is hard. Moving a homestead is even harder! I've got tips and trick to help you with packing and moving your homestead! In February, we moved our homestead 500+ miles from Southwest Idaho to the South Sound area of Washington State! It was… an interesting...
How to Move a Homestead: Moving Animals & Livestock
We learned a lot when we moved our homestead from Idaho to Washington! Today, I'm sharing our experience and our tips and tricks for moving animals and livestock! Moving is hard! Moving a homestead is even harder. In February, we moved our homestead 500+...
How to Make a Seed Starting Soil Mix
A special seed starting soil mix allows your seeds to grow under the best conditions possible! And, it’s easy and affordable to make your own seed starting soil mix at home - here’s how! Why exactly do you need a special seed starting soil mix? I must...
Project Zenstead is Now Rooted Revival!
I am excited to announce that some changes are happening on the blog! These changes will make the blog more useful and applicable for you as you build and grow your garden and homestead! A little background... As a wise man (Tracy Byrd) once said, “the only...
How to Move a Homestead: Choosing a Moving Company
When you're moving your homestead, choosing a moving company can be stressful! Today, we will discuss the different options that are available. Moving is hard. But moving a homestead is even harder! In February, we moved our homestead 500+ miles from Southwest...
How to Move a Homestead: Selling Your Homestead
Selling your homestead and moving can be very stressful! These tips will help ensure that both you and your homestead are prepared for the big move! Moving is hard. But moving a homestead is even harder! In February, we moved our homestead 500+ miles from Southwest...
Home & Homestead Before & After Photo Tour
Over the past 3 years, we've worked hard to create our dream home & homestead in Idaho! Today, I'm sharing all the before & after photos! Now that we are officially moving and leaving our Idaho homestead (all the deets here!), it's time to take a quick moment...
Big News: Our Homestead is Moving!
Yes, you read that correctly: We are packing up our homestead and leaving Idaho! We’ve been at our beautiful little Southwest Idaho homestead for three and half years now (get all the details about our Idaho homestead here). It has been glorious! This is the first...
How to Create a Less Stressful Holiday Season
The holidays can bring joy and cheer to our homes and hearts. Unfortunately, they can also bring a lot of stress! Here are 3 tips to help you create a less stressful holiday season this year! How do the holidays make feel? Are you excited for the merriment and...
Practicing Gratefulness in the Here & Now
If you ever feel frustrated about the scale of your dreams and your inability to make them happen soon enough, this post is for you! Practicing gratefulness in the here and now while we are on our way to "there" may be one of the most important lessons that...
2020 Homestead Management Printable Binder
It's back! The 2020 Homestead Management Printable Binder is completely updated and ready for you to print! Check out how to use it to organize your homestead and then grab your free copy from the Freebie Library! Get ready to make 2020 the best (or at least the most...
October 2019: Savoring the Fall Season
Behind the Scenes: October 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including: prepping our homestead for winter, transitioning to fall eating and savoring the fall season! Slow living during Fall: Fall is...
Prepare your Garden for Winter With These 10 Fall Chores
Do these 10 fall chores to prepare your garden for winter, increase your soil's health, and set your organic garden up for success! The summer garden season has finally come to close! Time to relax and enjoy the bounty of your harvest… almost! But first, we...
Sun-dried Tomato & Garlic Seasoning Mix
This delicious Sun-dried Tomato & Garlic Seasoning Mix is easy to whip up and uses just 4 ingredients! Plus, you can easily make it with ingredients you grow in your own garden! I’m spilling the secret to my signature seasoning mix: Sun-Dried Tomato & Garlic...
September 2019: Our Garden Harvest Yields
Behind the Scenes: September 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including: wrapping up our gardening season and our produce preservation yields! What a busy month! I feel like September just blurred into one...
We’re Doing a “No Spend Month” & You Can Too!
We are declaring October 2019: "No Spend Month"! We are challenging ourselves to save money, reassess our priorities and become more self sufficient! Want to join us? *No Spend October has officially concluded but you can still learn about how to do your...
Make Ahead Freezer Quiche
Make ahead freezer quiche is a delicious way to preserve your farm fresh eggs and summer veggies! It's easy to make and even easier to bake up for a quick and tasty meal! There comes a time in every chicken keepers life when egg overwhelm becomes a very real thing. If...
How to Make Homemade Garlic Powder in 5 Easy Steps
Homemade garlic powder is a delicious way to flavor any dish! It’s super easy to make and can be dried in your oven or food dehydrator! Here’s how to make your own garlic powder! Garlic… Is there anything that it shouldn’t go on?? I’m 100% that person that...
August 2019: Harvest Preservation Tips & Bathroom Renovation
Behind the Scenes: August 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including: how we make harvest season easier, our bathroom renovation, and some surprise chicks! August was a whirlwind! We must have been...
The Fall Garden: Everything You Need to Know
How to plant the perfect fall garden + a free planning worksheet! Don't put your seed packets away just because the crisp fall air has arrived! Fall is a great time to garden! Here's everything you need to know about how, when and what to plant to have a beautiful and...
July 2019: Raising Meat Chickens & Preserving Apricots
Behind the Scenes: July 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including: summer homestead maintenance, preserving the apricot harvest and our experience raising our first batch of meat chickens! Summer is an...
How to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning
Sick of the heat and your air conditioning bill? We gave up air conditioning 3 summers ago and have no plans to go back! Here's how we save money and stay cool without air conditioning! Our house doesn’t have air conditioning. Depending where you...
Our 1 Acre Homestead Layout + FAQ’s
All about our 1 acre homestead in Idaho! Check out our homestead layout and some FAQ's that people commonly ask about our little homestead! Do you ever wish there was a "House Hunters" style show for homesteads? I would tune into that every week! I loooove...
June 2019: Garden Watering System + Homestead Overwhelm
Behind the Scenes: June 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred this month, including: a new garden watering system, a wildlife pond, preserving the early summer harvest, and dealing with overwhelm. June was...
10 Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is the celebration of the longest day of the year. Here are 10 creative ways to celebrate with the whole family! Get out the fairy wings and flower crowns... it's time to celebrate the Summer Solstice! The Summer Solstice, also know as “Midsummer”...
May 2019: My Garden Challenge (It Saved Us $$!)
Behind the Scenes: May 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred on the Zenstead this month! Oops. Sorry ya’ll! It’s already mid-June and I’m just now getting around to talking about everything we did in May! June...
8 Ways We Control Weeds Naturally on the Homestead
Overwhelmed by weeds? They can get out of control quickly, but there are effective, natural ways to control weeds without harming the environment or your soil. Check out some of the ways that we control weeds on our homestead! I’ve been told that Southern Idaho...
How to Make a DIY Garden Cloche + Gardening with Chickens
You can have a gorgeous garden, even with free range chickens! Learn how to make a DIY garden cloche, plus other great ideas to protect your garden plants and keep both your garden and your chickens happy! Creating a garden that both you and your chickens...
April 2019: Spring Homestead Chores & Maintainence
Behind the Scenes: April 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred on the Zenstead this month! Thanks to this homestead lifestyle, Spring is winning over my heart even more than ever before! Spring brings colors and...
The Truth About Growing Your Own Food
Growing your own food is an exciting and wonderful adventure! But there's more to it than just planting a garden. If you want to be successful, you will need to make some lifestyle changes as well! I remember being a new homesteader and wondering what...
How Much Food Can You Grow on Less than an Acre?
A lot of people have asked me "How much food can you grow on less than an acre?" I'm sharing exactly what we produce on our 3/4 acre homestead and what we still buy from the store! Story time ? I was in the grocery store the other day grabbing some butter. I...
How to Create a DIY Stock Tank Pool: The Ultimate Guide
Stock tank pools are all the rage! And it’s easy to see why: they provide a convenient, affordable and low-maintenance way to cool off during hot summer days! Our step-by-step guide will help you create and maintain your own DIY stock tank pool! One hot...
March 2019: Baby Goats & Baby Plants
Behind the Scenes: March 2019 – A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred on the Zenstead this month! Two words to sum up March: BABY GOATS! Our mini-Lamancha doe, Gypsy, gave birth to four healthy baby girls! It was a...
How to Find Free Homestead Supplies Using Craigslist
Homesteading can be expensive and you'll need a lot of supplies! Luckily, there are ways to get free items! Find out how and why we use Craigslist to get tons of free homestead supplies! I feel like our homestead should have a sign that says “Zenstead...
Companion Planting Made Easy: 25 Companion Plant Groupings for Your Vegetable Garden
Interested in using companion plants for your vegetable garden but overwhelmed and not sure where to start? I've made it easy by creating 25 companion plant groupings that are ready for you to use in your vegetable garden this year! Last week, I sent out an...
How to Make a DIY Grow Light System for Seed Starting
Here's how we created a DIY grow light system for indoor seed starting using an old entertainment cabinet! A grow light system lets you grow healthy seedlings anywhere - no natural sunlight needed! From brooder to grow light system for indoor seed starting: Two years...
12 DIY Chick Brooders You Can Build This Weekend!
Chick season is here! Before you bring home your chirping balls of fluff, make sure they have a safe and comfortable home! Chick brooders are easy to build yourself and can range from temporary to permanent and simple to downright fancy! We've used several...
February 2019: Improved Pasture Layout & Garden Planning
Behind the Scenes: February 2019 - A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred on the Zenstead this month! February is always such a strange month! When it starts, everything is frozen or tucked below the occasional blanket of snow. It...
12 Side Hustles We Actually Use to Make Extra Money
Side hustles are a great way to make extra money to improve your homestead, get out of debt and create a nontraditional source of income. Check out 12 side hustles that we have personally done (or are currently doing!) that help us live debt free on our homestead! How...
7 Popular Meat Goat Breeds for your Homestead
Meat goats can be a great addition to your homestead! Learn about 7 popular meat goat breeds and find the best one for your homestead! If you are searching for the perfect meat animal to raise on your homestead, consider goats! Many breeds have excellent...
January 2019: New Barn Addition, Sourcing Free Wood & Better Composting!
Behind the Scenes: January 2019 - A quick recap of some of the homestead happenings that occurred on the Zenstead in January! What we worked on: Why is January such a long month?! It felt like a whole year just rolled into one month! But it allowed us to get...
How to Vacuum Seal Mason Jars for Easy Food Storage
Learn how to easily vacuum seal Mason jars! Vacuum sealing jars of fresh or dried food will protect and keep your food fresher for longer! This morning, I shared a quick tip on Instagram about one of my favorite ways to preserve zucchini: ...
8 Ways We Saved Money on our Homestead Last Year
There are lots of creative ways to save money and reduce your homestead operating costs! Here are some of the ways that we saved money on our homestead in 2018! If you've been homesteading for any amount of time, you've probably come to realize that homesteading isn't...
Seasonal Eating: Free Guide + Cheat Sheets to Get Started!
Seasonal eating is not only better for our earth, it’s also better for our health! It doesn't have to be hard, either! Use our free guide and cheatsheets to get started today! I often wonder if our ancestors would laugh at us as we fumble along in the grocery store,...
Achieve your Homestead Goals this Year + Free Goal Planning Worksheet
Ready to kick off a new year on your homestead? Start by planning your homestead goals and dreams using this free worksheet! Cheers to making it the best year yet! 2018 was an amazing year! And you know what’s even more amazing? Every year that I get to live this way,...
How to Make a Christmas Wreath from Mason Jar Rings
This adorable Christmas wreath is made from Mason jar rings and wash tape! Spoiler alert: it's so easy to make! You only need a few supplies and about half an hour! As a thrifty Millennial homesteader (aka: a broke Millennial homesteader), I try to spend as little...
How to Make a Festive DIY Chili Pepper Garland
This easy-to-make chili pepper garland is a fun way to use extra peppers from your garden harvest! What could be better than decor made from your own garden produce?! Pretty much nothing, in my opinion! Last year was the "year of the pepper" in our garden! We had...
How to use our Homestead Management Binder for 2019
The 2019 Homestead Management Binder is packed with 46 pages of printable sheets to help you organize you homestead! Guys... it's ready! ? And it's only December 2! If that isn't a sign that I've finally got my sh!t together, I don't know what is! For those of you...
How to Save Money on Frozen Fruit & Berries By Freezing it Yourself!
Learn how to freeze fresh fruit and berries to save money, get the freshest fruit possible & enjoy summer's goodness all year long! Smoothies. The single greatest food trend of the 21stcentury, in my opinion. During the warm season, we try not to cook often...
10 Answers to Your Complete Beginner Chicken Questions
Chickens are a great asset to any home or homestead! But if you are new to chickens, you may have some questions you want answered before taking the leap. We have the answers to 10 common beginner chicken questions! Should you get backyard chickens? Yes....
Garden Before & After: How We Transformed our Garden in Less than a Year!
We completely transformed our abandoned and overgrown garden using all-natural, no-till garden practices to create a beautiful and productive garden within a year! I can't believe that we've been at our "new" homestead for almost 2 years now! Part of me is so f-ing...
GMO or Hybrid: What’s the difference?
Home gardeners: Do you know the difference between a GMO and a hybrid? Lately, I've seen a lot of discussion about seeds, especially pertaining to what a GMO is and if it's the same thing as a hybrid. Frankly, I'm glad to see this discussion happening! It's...
How to Stock a Chicken First Aid Kit + A Full List of Supplies
How to assemble a chicken first aid kit! Be prepared and take better care of your flock by having a fully-stocked chicken first aid kit on hand! Chickens are like ninjas in everything they do. If you don't believe me, you can come watch my tiny bantam Cochin rooster...
How to Stock a Goat First Aid Kit
Stocking a goat first aid kit will help you be more prepared for an emergency, illness or injury. Here's what we keep in our goat first aid kit! A couple weeks ago, I posted about the wonderful new method that we discovered to store our (non-refrigerated)...
How to Stock a Goat Kidding Kit + A Full List of Supplies
Kids on the way? Here's how to stock your goat kidding kit and be prepared for kidding season, including a full list of supplies! Kidding season is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking times of the year for any goat owner. Thank goodness we only breed 1...
How to Stock and Store First Aid Kits for Livestock
Having a well-stocked animal first aid kit is a vital part of owning livestock on a homestead. Learn how we stock our kits and why we use buckets to store our supplies! Why it’s important to stock your animal first aid kits before you need them: An essential part of...
How to Make Fire Cider: A Super-Tonic for Cold & Flu Season!
Fire cider is a powerful immune-boosting super tonic that can be easily made by infusing apple cider vinegar! Keep it on hand for colds, flus and other times when your immune system needs extra support! When I tell people about fire cider, I’m pretty sure they...
Blogging about Homesteading: What I’ve Learned after Two Years
Blogging about homesteading wasn't what I expected it to be! After two years, the only thing I know for sure is that I've learned a lot! Two years ago, I hit "publish" on the blog that you are reading today. I was exhilarated and terrified all at the same time!...
My Top Three Picks for High-Quality, Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds
Wondering where to order seeds for your garden? Get the scoop on my three favorite companies for high-quality, non-GMO heirloom seeds! ** I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure Link **...
Valentines for Gardeners & Homesteaders
These free, printable Valentine's Day cards are a perfect way to show your love for that special homesteader or gardener in your life! Sometimes, between all the chores and craziness of homesteading and gardening, you’ve just gotta have a little fun! And Valentine's...
Adding Milk Goats to the Homestead: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Are you considering milk goats for your homestead? Today, I'm sharing my experience and answering the top 10 questions that people ask me about owning goats! Milk goats can be fantastic animals for a homestead! In addition to providing milk and dairy products, goats...
2018 Homestead Management Binder
The Homestead Management Binder is a free printable resource to help you organize and track your homestead happenings! Christmas may be over, but I seriously feel like one of Santa’s elves right now! I have been busy working on updating the Homestead Management...
How to Help your Goats Quickly Recover from a Runny Nose
Goats get colds too! This is how I help my goats recover quickly when they have a runny nose or signs of a cold. Last month, we walked out to the goat pen as usual to do the morning feeding and milking chores. We noticed that one of our goats, our mini lamancha...
Prepare for Winter on the Homestead + Free Checklist!
It's time to prepare for winter on the homestead! We've got a helpful list of chores to get you ready, plus a free checklist so you don't forget anything! If there is one thing that homestead has taught me, it's how to enjoy each season fully. And if it has...
How to Make Eggplant Jerky
Eggplant jerky is a healthy & yummy snack and a great way to use extra eggplants from your garden! And, yes, it actually tastes like real jerky! Jerky... Made from eggplant...That tastes like the real deal. Go ahead and be skeptical. I was too! But...
Ten Delicious Ways to Use Zucchini
Too much zucchini from the garden? Time to get creative! Here are ten quick, easy & delicious ways to use all that zucchini! I’d like to take a moment to talk about an illness that afflicts many households this time of year: Zucchini Overwhelm Are you...
How to Make Dried Herb Soap with Mint, Chamomile & Rosemary
This easy-to-make soap uses a melt-n-pour soap base and dried mint, chamomile and rosemary from the garden! It's flavored with essential oils and smells as good as it looks! I’m working up my courage to make lye-based goat milk soaps. In the meantime, while my freezer...
How to Use Mint for your Chickens
Mint is a great herbal ally for humans, but mint is also great for chickens! It's one of my favorite herbs to grow in the chicken yard - here's why! I have a love-hate relationship with mint. Sometimes, I also have a love-hate relationship with my chickens… like when...
50+ Ways to Make Money from your Homestead
Fifty ideas to make money from your homestead, whether you want to generate a full-time income or a little cash on the side! A lot of homesteaders, whether they live on a backyard farm or a full-sized homestead, want to find a way to make money from their homestead....
Four Tips for Planning Your Best Garden Yet + Free Planning Worksheets
Garden planning can be overwhelming! Use this four-step process and free worksheets to establish your garden's purpose & grow the plants you need most! I've been guilty (a time or two!) of racing head-first into the nursery and buying every plant in sight, only to...
Weeds Are Not the Enemy: 10 Benefits of Weeds
It seems like weeds couldn't possibly serve any beneficial purpose, right? Think again! The benefits of weeds are actually quite impressive! I feel like I have become a weed evangelist lately! No, it’s not like that… 😉 “Weeds” as in the...
How to Make a DIY Chick Brooder from an Old Entertainment Cabinet
From trash to treasure: We upcycled an entertainment cabinet to create a one-of-a-kind DIY chick brooder (with farmhouse flare!) that would meet all of our needs! Do you ever wonder if you have become a crazy chicken person? A great test is to ask yourself “Am I...
Free, Printable To Do Lists for the Homesteader
Time to get stuff done! These free printable to do lists are designed to help us homesteaders to keep track of all our projects, our shopping lists and weekly schedules! I’m always working on about 72,456 projects at once. Sometimes, I’ll even finish one of them!...
How to Keep your Chickens Entertained this Winter
Chicken entertainment may seem a bit crazy, but keeping your chickens entertained over the winter can actually help keep them mentally and physically healthy! Exciting news: the snow has mostly melted! Bad news: As I am writing this, more snow is falling! In...
Winter Chickens Care: Nutrition & Feeding Tips
During the winter, chicken nutrition is important! These 5 easy tips will help ensure your chickens stay nourished and happy this winter! Has winter ended yet?? Apparently not. Which is why I am sharing my best winter chicken care tips in a...
How to Prepare your Chicken Coop for Winter
Preparing your chicken coop for winter is a vital part of keeping your flock healthy and happy over the cold season. Here's how we keep our chicken coops comfy & cozy for our flock! In the high desert of Idaho, we commonly get snow and frigid winter temps....
How to Keep your Chickens Healthy All Winter Long!
These chicken health tips will help keep your flock healthy all winter! Learn how to check your flock for illnesses, avoid frostbite and more! Holy snow! I imagine that if my chickens could choose, they would be pecking around some beach somewhere, terrorizing...
Modern Homesteading: Why I Kissed the Convenient Life Goodbye
I'm a modern homesteader. Here's why I kissed the convenient life goodbye! Alright, time to drop some reality: homesteading (even backyard homesteading) is hard. What?! You mean you already knew that?! Yeah, chances are, that if you have been living this way,...
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural health staple in our house! But did you know that you can easily make your own ACV using apple peels and scraps?! Here's how! Apple season is just starting to come to a close here in the Northwest. It's one of my favorite times...
40+ Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Green Tomatoes
Too many green tomatoes and not sure what to do with them all? These 40+ delicious recipes go way beyond fried green tomatoes and will make the most of your harvest! It’s officially fall and I don’t know about you, but I still have a bunch of green tomatoes...
DIY Herbal Insect Repellent
This DIY insect repellant is made by making a strong mint infusion and combining it with essential oils. It's a gentle option for fighting those bugs this summer! Who has mint that is growing like crazy this time of year? *Raises both hands* Our new fixer upper...
Buying a Homestead Property: Five Questions You Need to Ask First!
Buying a homestead property can be a stressful and chaotic process! Asking yourself these five questions first will help ensure you know exactly what you want... and avoid the mistakes that we made! Buying a house is one of those big, exciting, and stressful life...
Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies (Paleo, Vegan)
These real-food cookies are healthy enough to eat for breakfast! They are packed with protein and healthy fatty acids! Okay, I may have fallen off the planet for a bit in the midst of our move! But, I promise it will be short-lived! In the meantime,...
Five Myths About Backyard Farming That Need to Stop
We are setting the record straight on backyard farming! Have you been falling for any of these myths? 1. You have to be a crunchy, tree-hugging hippie to be a backyard farmer Some people who are “crunchy” choose to grow their own food. In the same manner, some...
85 Awesome Things You Can Sell at Farmer’s Markets (That Aren’t Produce!)
If you are looking for ways to expand your marketing options, or if you don't have enough land to grow extra produce for the market, there are still plenty of options! These 85 non-produce products can make you a stand-out at your farmer's market! Backyard farming is...
Six Things You Need to Know Before Planting Your First Garden
When you start gardening, there's a lot to learn! Here are 8 things I wish I had known before I planted my first garden! You’ve decided to start growing your own food — congratulations! Planting a garden is a huge step towards improving your health and...
7 Legit Reasons Every Lazy Gardener Needs Chickens
Chickens can be a huge benefit for the home gardener! Put them to work doing pest control, compost turning, garden bed prep and more! Let's Talk Chickens. And Why You Need Them. If you are like me, there is a high likelihood that you enjoy being lazy sometimes. I...
What You Need to Know about Seed Terms & Varieties
Do you wonder what all those seed terms and varieties listed on seed packets actually mean? We are breaking it down so that you can choose the perfect seeds for your garden! ** Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you from...
Behind the Scenes: Chicken Coop Tour
I am taking you on a personal tour of my own chicken coop and I am spilling the beans on some of my own chicken coop hacks including solar lighting, temporary brooder boxes, DIY pallet wood nesting boxes and more! I was so inspired by the amazing...
10 Hacks You’ll Want to Steal for your Chicken Coop
Don't settle for a boring chicken coop! These 10 chicken coop hacks will take your coop from drab to fab - and your chickens will love it, too! ? Spring is finally here! Which means it's time for chicks and spring coop cleaning. If you are like me, you may be...
How to Make Smudge Sticks from Garden Fresh Herbs
“So you’re a witch now?” That’s the question I got when I made smudge sticks for the first time! It made me laugh out loud, because that we had just learned that the tiny town we moved to is rumored to have a huge witch population! Weird, but cool! ? Unfortunately, I...
How to Test Soil Texture for a Better Garden
Test the texture of your garden soil using these easy at-home DIY soil texture test! No fancy supplies are needed, and you'll have your results within a few hours! If you want a beautiful garden that will grow you lots of food, you’ve got to start with good...
How to Use Our Homestead Management Binder
Learn how to use a homestead management binder to track the happenings and progress on your homestead! And don't forget to download your copy of our free Homestead Management Binder! Living sustainably is enough of a chore without trying to figure out the bookkeeping...
Five Gardening Mistakes We Made (and how to avoid them!)
Gardening is a constant process of learning from our mistakes. When we first started gardening, I had a serious black thumb! Learn from my gardening mistakes so that you can avoid them! Four years ago (2012), we planted our first garden. It was a disaster. The plants...
Paleo Banana Pancakes with Cinnamon
These paleo banana pancakes are made using only six whole-food ingredients! They are delicious and easy to make! I have a serious question for you all: Does anyone else have to sing that Jack Johnson song every single time they make banana pancakes? Let’s be honest, I...
Rustic Tomato Soup From Canned Diced Tomatoes
This rustic tomato soup is perfect for a chilly day! Made with home-canned diced tomatoes, it packs a kick of spice and has all the flavors of summer! I made soup today because it's a soup kind of day over here. And I think you know exactly what I mean by a...
Homesteading & Freedom: Go Big!
So you want to start homesteading? And you have no idea where to start. There will be a lot of people who give you advice like “start with a small garden and see if you enjoy it”, but let’s be real here. You aren’t going to start with a small garden. You are a modern...
Does Homesteading Save Money?
Today we are tackling everyone's favorite question: "Does homesteading save money?" Plus, I'm sharing 6 principles and practice that will help you adjust your mindset and save more money while homesteading! Yes. And no. But mostly yes. I’m a financial-minded person....
Raising Ducks: 5 Things No One Told Us
Ducks ca be a wonderful poultry breed for your homestead! But raising backyard ducks for the first time has it's surprises - like these 5 surprises we encountered! We have been proud first-time duck parents for just about 3 weeks now. After lots of research, we...