Using sound judgment to be more self-reliant.
Since our little crew of duckies has become a big part of our lives, I wanted to formally introduce them and tell a little about their story. We'll also use this page to answer some basic duck questions, and share some duck videos for those who need more duckie time. [Read more…]
There are many ways to extend your growing season. We cover many of the basics in “Protecting Plants from Frost – 12 Ways to Beat the Cold Weather“, but in this post we're focusing on greenhouses. There are a ton of DIY greenhouse options online, but many won't hold up to extended use, or they skip some recommended components (like good ventilation). In this post we're going to give you the information you need to choose the right greenhouse option for you – from cheap mini greenhouses to large hoophouses and earth sheltered greenhouses. We'll talk about greenhouse costs, types of greenhouses, locating your greenhouse and planning for operation. [Read more…]
Cast iron cooking was one of the first back to basics moves I made. I wish I could say it was intentional, but the truth is I fell into it out of circumstance. When my sons were younger, my husband and I led their Cub Scout pack. Over the years of endless camp outs, I learned how to cook in cast iron camping cookware because I wanted my boys to have healthier food than traditional pre-packaged “camp food”. [Read more…]
Maple syrup is a delicious, healthy alternative to refined sugar, and is enjoyed on the table as well as in many recipes. It's simple to make maple syrup in the backyard, though once bitten by the sugaring bug, many go on to expand their operations!
Note: If you're here from the “50 Things You Should Make Instead of Buy” article, we do have a quick and easy homemade maple syrup substitute at the bottom of the page. [Read more…]
Farmers around the world are in crisis, with alarmingly high suicide rates. MinnStar Bank notes, “In recent years, more than half of the U.S. farm households have lost money on their farming operations each year, with an estimated average loss of ($1,325) for 2017. The loss in available household income from the farm operation is compensated for by off-farm household income earned by farm families…” American farmers are killing themselves in record numbers, with suicide rates at twice that of veterans. The problem is global.
[Read more…]
