Battling Frost: How I Extended My Growing Season Without a High Tunnel
Midnight frost frolics and makeshift frost cloth: a recipe for extending your growing season without breaking the bank.
Latest from the homestead
Fire-Starting in Wet Weather: A West Virginia Homesteader's Hard-Won Wisdom
Getting a fire going on a soggy morning requires more than just a spark – it demands a goodbye to guesswork and a hello to tried-and-true techniques.
Rotating the Water Filter: A Year-Round Solution for Clean Drinking Water
After a year of fighting algae and sediment, I finally figured out a filter rotation that keeps my water clean and safe to drink. Here's how I did it.
Pruning Backyard Fruit Trees in Year One: A Lesson in Patience and Pruning
I over-pruned my apple sapling and now it's trying to kill me. Literally. What did I do wrong and how can you avoid the same mistake?
Starting a Goat Herd on a Shoestring: Lessons from a Rookie Homesteader
Learn from my mistakes and avoid financial ruin when starting your first goat herd. From fencing to feeding, I'll share the hard-won wisdom of a backyard farm in West Virginia.
Squashing the Squash Bug: A Homesteader's Tale of Integrated Pest Management
From chemical warfare to natural solutions, I share my journey of learning to coexist with pests on my backyard farm.
The Sweet Science of Water-Bath Canning Jam: A West Virginia Homesteader's Quest for Perfection
From runny disasters to gel-like masterpieces, I'll share my tried-and-true methods for water-bath canning jam that's perfect every time.
Early Warning Signs: When to Intervene Before a Sick Chicken Spreads the Disease
When a single sick chicken can wipe out your flock, recognizing early warning signs is crucial. Learn from my mistakes and take action to protect your backyard birds.
Savoring the Slow Milk: A Morning Routine for the Modern Homesteader
From machine-milking mishaps to hands-on harmony, I share my journey to a peaceful morning milking routine that nourishes both goats and humans.
A Canning-Tomato Day That Doesn't End in Tears: Lessons from the Kitchen Sink
When a kitchen sink full of tomato skins taught me the hard way about batch sizing, I knew I had to share my canning-tomato day story with you.