Earlier this week the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released their recent data showing that the United States GDP fell by 0.9% in the second quarter, after declining 1.6% in the first quarter. Generally, two consecutive quarters of a negative GDP growth means that we are officially in a recession, or very rapidly headed into […]
Homesteading
Tromboncino: Homegrown Animal Feed
Grow your own animal feed right on the homestead! Learn the benefits and how to grow tromboncino squash as a dual-purpose crop for man or beast. With purchased animal feeds going up in price and even getting scarce, maybe it’s time seriously to consider growing animal feeds ourselves. But if you’ve done any real thinking […]
How to Start Seeds for the Homestead Garden
Do you know how to start seeds for your garden? Seed starting doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this how-to guide to get started! Is it really necessary to start seeds indoors? Well, no… you can grow food without starting seeds, BUT if you are looking to grow an efficient, sustainable, and highly productive garden, […]
Growing Mangel-Wurzel as a Homestead Feed Crop
Learn how to grow mangel-wurzel beets as a feed crop to slash your livestock feed bill and gain greater self-sufficiency on your homestead! On our farm, the Sow’s Ear, we hate paying for feed so much that we’ve worked out some terrific feed crops we can grow ourselves. They save us money, which is great, […]
8 Benefits of Mulch in the Garden
Many gardeners believe that mulch is reserved for flower beds surrounding the home to increase curb appeal or for someone using the Back to Eden gardening method. In reality, mulch can be an incredible asset to any garden. Let’s talk about what mulch is and the benefits of mulch in the garden. Uses and Benefits of […]
How to Grow Tomatoes from Seed
Learn how to grow tomatoes from seed and get our top tips for large, strong, healthy plants that will bear abundantly all summer long! Tomatoes are one of a homesteader’s favorite plants to grow in the garden! It’s no wonder when one plant is so prolific, heavily bearing one of the quintessential flavors of summer. […]
How to Make Cheddar Cheese
Watch how to make delicious homemade cheddar cheese! This step-by-step cloth-bound cheddar cheese recipe has the traditional flavor you know and love. Unlike many other cheddar cheese recipes, the paste for this cheese is still smooth and moist; it’s perfect for slicing, sandwiches, grating for your favorite recipes, or even just snacking with apples and […]
145+ Homestead Income Ideas for the Small Farm
Looking for some income ideas for your small farm? Ready to grow your homestead into a self-sufficient business? Need a creative spark to help you figure out how to earn some side income and add infrastructure or livestock to your homestead? We have put together the ULTIMATE Homestead Income Ideas Guide! Learn ways to make […]
Backyard Compost: From Start to Finish
You may already know that backyard compost is the most valuable addition to any garden. You may also know that compost changes soil structure in the very best ways, converting your average garden soil into one that’s friable and fertile. Finished compost adds nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making soil nutritionally rich. It acts as a […]
Chicken Breed Egg Colors
Do you know the difference in chicken breed egg colors? Which chickens lay blue eggs? Which ones lay green eggs? In your quest for fresh chicken eggs, you may be wondering which chickens to buy that will give you colored eggs. Maybe you are interested in a heritage breed flock of chickens. Sometimes chicken owners want to […]