Minimalism is a bit of a buzzword these days. It has a lot of different meanings depending on who you ask. I like this description: Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor ...
Growing Poppies for Decorative Seed Pods, Spice, and Beauty
I've been a culinary herb gardener for most of my adult life. For the past few years, though, I've been expanding beyond herbs and mastering the art of growing spices. To me, spices are a bit ...
Carbon to Nitrogen Compost Calculator: Create the Perfect Compost Pile
Do you want to create a perfect compost pile? Well, according to the USDA, the ideal carbon to nitrogen rate for optimal microbial action in a compost pile is between 20:1 and 40:1, with 24:1 being ...
15 Solar Cooking Tips to Help You Cook Better With Sunshine
Many of us are looking for ways to live more eco-friendly these days. Plus, as homesteaders, we're always trying to find ways to reduce our dependence on outside resources. The more we can do ...
American Lamancha Goats: Breed Info, Characteristics, Breeding, and Care
If you are thinking about bringing home a friendly, cooperative, long-milking, and adorable dairy goat, American LaMancha Goats might be the perfect breed for you. Many of us think of the Man of ...
Basic Goat Care Management Responsibilities for New Goat Herd Owners
When you start a goat herd -- whether for milk, meat, fiber, or professional weed control – you'll be bringing home a lot more than just livestock. You're bringing home a whole lot of management ...
Allelopathic Plants: What Are They, The List, and How To (and Not To) Use Them
The first time I heard someone mention allelopathic plants, I thought the speaker said, “holipathic.” I'd done lots of dabbling in holipathic medicine. So, I believed for a minute, we were talking ...
What You Need to Know to Safely Compost Dog Poop
Many countries around the world have started banning the use of plastic grocery bags. Some cities and states in the US are also either already doing it or considering doing it. We all know ...
How to Make Goat Cheese (Chèvre) in Only 6 Steps
I remember the first time I visited a cheese shop in France. An overwhelming variety of aromas just about knocked me over as I walked in the door. The essence of fresh butter, impossible nuttiness, ...