I enjoy my backyard chickens. They entertain us with their antics, provide great material for the compost bin, eat bugs, plus they provide eggs. I can’t imagine a day without them since they are part of our daily routine. But as every chicken keeper knows, it can be over in a moment if a fox […]
Garden Shed: A Place to Putter
Growing up on a farm, gardening was a way of life. Potatoes were planted on Good Friday, seeds were planted a few weeks later, and tomatoes seedlings went in the ground in mid-May. Mom took charge of the garden and all of us kids were her helpers, following behind carrying tools, dragging hoses, and holding […]
Chickens as Pets: The New Urban Trend?
As a farmer’s daughter turned urbanite, I brought my country ways with me. Living near the center of town on a 1/3 acre urban homestead, it was just a matter of time before chickens made an appearance in the backyard. Sure, there are daily chores, but there are also daily fresh eggs. However, I find […]
Summer Grill Outs: Smoke like a Pro
A smoker is a wonderful piece of equipment. We use it as an extension of our kitchen, and on hot summer evenings, it is a great way to have the cooking take place outside on the patio, rather than heating up the kitchen. For those of you who are not familiar with a smoker, it […]
Preserving the Summer Harvest
Cool morning temperatures, yellowing Honeylocust leaves, plus plants weighted down with vegetables point towards late summer harvest season. A quick pass through my yard revealed ripe tomatoes, several cauliflower, onions, currents, and another round of green beans. Meal planning is easy this time of year given the abundance of fresh produces. Each day means more […]
Making Mead: Liquid Gold in a Bottle
As urban homesteaders, we keep bees; two hives to be precise. Two hives for two people is more than enough honey for a couple to eat. If conditions are right (good nectar flow and ample pollen) we can harvest approximately 90 pounds of honey. Even if we gift honey to friends and family, eat fresh […]