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The Practical Greenhouse Guide – DIY Greenhouses Done Right

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greenhouse with shade cloth on, attached to building. Pink flowers in foreground

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 – What You Need to Know – Care and Cooking Tips

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Why you should try cast iron cooking, choosing the right cast iron cookware pieces (including cast iron camping cookware), cast iron cooking tips and care of traditional cast iron cookware.

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…]

How to Make Maple Syrup and Maple Syrup Substitute

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Maple tap

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…]

How Do We Save the Farmers – A Common Sense Home Reader Discussion

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How do We Save Our Farmers?

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.
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Best Laying Hens – For Beginners, White Eggs, Brown Eggs

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What are the best laying hens for beginners, white eggs and brown eggs? We'll give a quick overview of laying chickens for best egg production , dual purpose birds, bantams and getting your flock started.

What are the best laying hens? The answer will vary, depending on your needs. First, ask yourself some basic questions: What is your purpose for getting chickens? Do you primarily want a good source of eggs? If so, how many eggs do you want in a week? What egg color do you want? Will your chickens be more like pets than working livestock? Do you want a dual purpose breed so that you get a little meat? [Read more…]

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