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WELCOME TO STONE FAMILY FARMSTEAD Quick, Easy Cookies in a Jar Recipes to Give at the Holidays. More Posts from this Category. RECIPES FOR DEHYDRATED POTATOES Place potato slices into a greased 8×8 casserole dish. Pour liquid mixture over the potatoes. Cut butter into small dices and place evenly atop the potatoes. (If you packaged all the ingredients together in one jar, just dump the jar ingredients out, add water,

mix, and

HOW TO MAKE FIG WINE AT HOME {STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS} Summer is the season when many delicious fruits are harvested. Sometimes the windfall more than provides more than enough jam, frozen fruit, fruit leather, and other fruit products until next harvest.A great way to use up all of your extra figs is to learn how to make fig

wine at home.

HOW TO: WATER BATH CANNING TOMATOES Step 10: Place jars into the simmering water in your canner. Water must cover jars by at least 1 inch. Step 11: Adjust heat to medium/high and cover the canner. Wait until the water boils. Step 12: Once water is boiling, set your timer for 1 hour and 25 minutes (same for pint or quart jars). Step 13: Once processing time is finished,

turn off

MAKE THIS SIMPLE ORGANIC BANANA PEEL FERTILIZER FOR A Most plants need a certain amount of these top three macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. While there are TONS of different ways to get nitrogen to your vegetable garden, there are fewer to boost potassium.Banana peels can help with that, MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER! Grind your dried bones to a powder. Measure out a half-cup of powder, and add to a sauce pan. Add 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix well. While stirring, bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat, and allow to cool completely. Pour your QUICK, EASY MASON JAR SOUP RECIPES TO GIVE AT THE HOLIDAYS Here’s a list of some yummy looking choices: Homemade Pasta Fagioli Soup. 5 Bean Vegetarian Soup Mix in a Jar. Ultimate Veggie Soup Mix in a Jar. Friendship Bean Soup Mason Jar Gift. Five Bean Soup Mix in a Jar. Soup in a Jar (peas, lentils, and pasta) Homemade Soup Gifts to Warm the Heart (5 recipes + biscuits) Soup Mixes in a Jar – 6 HOW TO PREPARE SOIL FOR PLANTING AN AWESOME SPRING GARDEN Soil is a delicate balance of minerals, organic matter, soil life, air, and water. Knowing how to prepare soil for planting is a basic skill that every gardener should HOW TO MAKE WORM CASTING TEA TO USE AT ANY GARDEN STAGE {EASY} Making worm casting tea is easy to make and is one of the most mild fertilizers you can use on your garden plants, and to water your seedlings.It is not the least expensive fertilizer you can be using, but it’s high strength enough to nourish your plants every week, and gentle enough to use on even the smallest plants, and even as a worm casting tea foliar spray. STONEFAMILYFARMSTEAD.COM stonefamilyfarmstead.com WELCOME TO STONE FAMILY FARMSTEAD Quick, Easy Cookies in a Jar Recipes to Give at the Holidays. More Posts from this Category. RECIPES FOR DEHYDRATED POTATOES Place potato slices into a greased 8×8 casserole dish. Pour liquid mixture over the potatoes. Cut butter into small dices and place evenly atop the potatoes. (If you packaged all the ingredients together in one jar, just dump the jar ingredients out, add water,

mix, and

wine at home.

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Hi, I’m Kristi! A little about me.For the past 6 years, we have lived on a scant acre in Southern California. I am the wife of the greatest guy ever.also a veteran ex HOW TO: SAFE DELICIOUS PRESSURE CANNED GROUND BEEF Simmer 15 minutes or until hot throughout, all the while stirring so the meat and sauce don’t stick to the pan. Skim off any excess fat. Step 2, Pack the jars: Ladle hot meat into the jars, leaving 1 inch head space. Step 3, Preparing for the canner: Remove air bubbles with

a

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT RAISING A PUPPY The Potty Training Fiasco. Potty training a puppy can be just as hard as it is to potty train a child, and if you lack consistency it can be even worse. Some dogs just don’t quickly grasp the concept of it, which is why we think that starting the training from the minute you bring them in the door of your home is so important. HOW TO USE A NATURAL FLY REPELLENT (OR MORE THAN ONE) IN Another Homemade Fly Repellent Idea. There are a lot of different fly sprays out there on the internet, but because essential oils are generally not great for small animals, I wanted to avoid those. I found a thread on the online forum RabbitsOnline.com which contains a discussion of bunny safe fly sprays. I thought the following recipe from that thread seemed like something that would be HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN FEED FOR LAYERS {17.5%} : NUTRIENT Serving size for each chicken is 1/4 lb., which makes this recipe enough for 112 servings. Non-GMO feed at the time this was written was going for about $1/lb, and this new feed cost was .80/lb, which is a pretty good savings at 20%. This is the way to go CHOOSING THE BEST VEHICLE FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD Running a homestead is extremely rewarding on a number of levels. When you homestead you know you’re enjoying the very best quality home grown food free of all the chemicals, antibiotics and other adulterants increasingly creeping onto the world’s dinner plates. You also know that you’re doing your part in working towards a more sustainable and ecologically sound future. HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE DIY GROW BOX What to do: Line your grow box with the foil, securing all the edges with duct tape. Draw a square in the center of the lid. Use your knife or box cutter to cut out the square. Draw a line from one side of the square to the center of one of the short sides, only as long as the distance of the socket to the round parts of the clamps on the heat TOP 10 THINGS TO BRING HOME WITH YOUR NEW PET RABBIT Pellets, vegetables and timothy hay are great choices to stock up on for your new rabbit. Foods high in fiber and low in protein are recommended. This is especially important for an older rabbit, as high protein can contribute to obesity. Lettuce, broccoli leaves, and collard greens, amongst other vegetables, can be given regularly to

your rabbit.

FAST AND EASY HOT PROCESS GOAT MILK SOAP RECIPE Making soap can feel intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple if you use this hot process goat milk soap recipe.The part that makes most people nervous is working with lye, but once that skill is mastered, it’s easy to make homemade goat milk soap quickly and

easily.

HOW TO MAKE DEHYDRATED BEANS FOR CONVENIENCE FOOD On the Stove (for 1-2lb of dry beans): Drain your soaking beans and add them to your pot. Cover with water about 2 inches above the top of the beans. You can add seasonings to your family’s liking, or just season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cook on low for 2-4

hours.

WELCOME TO STONE FAMILY FARMSTEAD Fast and Easy Hot Process Goat Milk Soap Recipe. How to Make Your Own DIY Soap Without Handling Lye. How To Make Soap For Beginners {Crock

Pot}

RECIPES FOR DEHYDRATED POTATOES Place potato slices into a greased 8×8 casserole dish. Pour liquid mixture over the potatoes. Cut butter into small dices and place evenly atop the potatoes. (If you packaged all the ingredients together in one jar, just dump the jar ingredients out, add water,

mix, and

HOW TO MAKE WORM CASTING TEA TO USE AT ANY GARDEN STAGE {EASY} Making worm casting tea is easy to make and is one of the most mild fertilizers you can use on your garden plants, and to water your seedlings.It is not the least expensive fertilizer you can be using, but it’s high strength enough to nourish your plants every week, and gentle enough to use on even the smallest plants, and even as a worm casting tea foliar spray. HOW TO PREPARE SOIL FOR PLANTING AN AWESOME SPRING GARDENHOW TO PREPARE SOIL FOR VEGETABLE GARDENPREPARE GARDEN SOIL FOR PLANTINGPREPARE THE SOIL FOR PLANTINGPREPARING GARDEN SOIL FOR SPRING PLANTINGPREPARING SOIL FOR PLANTING SHRUBSPLANTING SOIL FOR VEGETABLES Soil is a delicate balance of minerals, organic matter, soil life, air, and water. Knowing how to prepare soil for planting is a basic skill that every gardener should HOW TO: SAFE DELICIOUS PRESSURE CANNED GROUND BEEF Simmer 15 minutes or until hot throughout, all the while stirring so the meat and sauce don’t stick to the pan. Skim off any excess fat. Step 2, Pack the jars: Ladle hot meat into the jars, leaving 1 inch head space. Step 3, Preparing for the canner: Remove air bubbles with

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HOW TO CAN MEAT SAFELY AT HOME How to Can Meat Step-by-Step. Preserve in pint or quart jars. Step 1, Prep the meat: Remove excess fat. If you are canning strongly-flavored game meats, it is recommended by National Center for Home Food Preparation to brine the meat for 1 hour in a solution of 1 Tbsp of salt per quart of water. Remove large bones and cut into 1″ strips,

2

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT RAISING A PUPPY The Potty Training Fiasco. Potty training a puppy can be just as hard as it is to potty train a child, and if you lack consistency it can be even worse. Some dogs just don’t quickly grasp the concept of it, which is why we think that starting the training from the minute you bring them in the door of your home is so important. MAKE YOUR PLANTS GROW FASTER AND GET THAT HARVEST YOU WANT! Tip #2: Provide Your Plants With Nutrients. Each type of plant has a specific set of nutrient needs. Thankfully, all-purpose fertilizers will work great for most any vegetable garden. These fertilizers have an equal amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and can provide plants what they need in a EASY ROOT VEGETABLE STORAGE IDEAS THAT NEED NO ROOT CELLAR These can be stored in sand that is only just moist, not too wet, in a frost free place. Layer the sand and the roots (unwashed, but brushed off) in containers such as barrels, crates, and deep seed trays. Make sure the roots do not touch each other. These vegetables prefer temperatures between 32-40 degrees F, with 90-95% humidity. MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER! Grind your dried bones to a powder. Measure out a half-cup of powder, and add to a sauce pan. Add 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix well. While stirring, bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat, and allow to cool completely. Pour your FAST AND EASY HOT PROCESS GOAT MILK SOAP RECIPE Making soap can feel intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple if you use this hot process goat milk soap recipe.The part that makes most people nervous is working with lye, but once that skill is mastered, it’s easy to make homemade goat milk soap quickly and

easily.

HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE DIY GROW BOX What to do: Line your grow box with the foil, securing all the edges with duct tape. Draw a square in the center of the lid. Use your knife or box cutter to cut out the square. Draw a line from one side of the square to the center of one of the short sides, only as long as the distance of the socket to the round parts of the clamps on the heat HOW TO MAKE FIG WINE AT HOME {STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS} Summer is the season when many delicious fruits are harvested. Sometimes the windfall more than provides more than enough jam, frozen fruit, fruit leather, and other fruit products until next harvest.A great way to use up all of your extra figs is to learn how to make fig

wine at home.

WELCOME TO STONE FAMILY FARMSTEAD Fast and Easy Hot Process Goat Milk Soap Recipe. How to Make Your Own DIY Soap Without Handling Lye. How To Make Soap For Beginners {Crock

Pot}

mix, and

a

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mix, and

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2

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT RAISING A PUPPY The Potty Training Fiasco. Potty training a puppy can be just as hard as it is to potty train a child, and if you lack consistency it can be even worse. Some dogs just don’t quickly grasp the concept of it, which is why we think that starting the training from the minute you bring them in the door of your home is so important. MAKE YOUR PLANTS GROW FASTER AND GET THAT HARVEST YOU WANT! Tip #2: Provide Your Plants With Nutrients. Each type of plant has a specific set of nutrient needs. Thankfully, all-purpose fertilizers will work great for most any vegetable garden. These fertilizers have an equal amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and can provide plants what they need in a EASY ROOT VEGETABLE STORAGE IDEAS THAT NEED NO ROOT CELLAR These can be stored in sand that is only just moist, not too wet, in a frost free place. Layer the sand and the roots (unwashed, but brushed off) in containers such as barrels, crates, and deep seed trays. Make sure the roots do not touch each other. These vegetables prefer temperatures between 32-40 degrees F, with 90-95% humidity. MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER! Grind your dried bones to a powder. Measure out a half-cup of powder, and add to a sauce pan. Add 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix well. While stirring, bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat, and allow to cool completely. Pour your FAST AND EASY HOT PROCESS GOAT MILK SOAP RECIPE Making soap can feel intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple if you use this hot process goat milk soap recipe.The part that makes most people nervous is working with lye, but once that skill is mastered, it’s easy to make homemade goat milk soap quickly and

easily.

wine at home.

WELCOME TO STONE FAMILY FARMSTEAD Fast and Easy Hot Process Goat Milk Soap Recipe. How to Make Your Own DIY Soap Without Handling Lye. How To Make Soap For Beginners {Crock

Pot}

mix, and

a

Pot}

mix, and

a

Pot}

mix, and

2

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT RAISING A PUPPY The Potty Training Fiasco. Potty training a puppy can be just as hard as it is to potty train a child, and if you lack consistency it can be even worse. Some dogs just don’t quickly grasp the concept of it, which is why we think that starting the training from the minute you bring them in the door of your home is so important. MAKE YOUR PLANTS GROW FASTER AND GET THAT HARVEST YOU WANT! Tip #2: Provide Your Plants With Nutrients. Each type of plant has a specific set of nutrient needs. Thankfully, all-purpose fertilizers will work great for most any vegetable garden. These fertilizers have an equal amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and can provide plants what they need in a EASY ROOT VEGETABLE STORAGE IDEAS THAT NEED NO ROOT CELLAR These can be stored in sand that is only just moist, not too wet, in a frost free place. Layer the sand and the roots (unwashed, but brushed off) in containers such as barrels, crates, and deep seed trays. Make sure the roots do not touch each other. These vegetables prefer temperatures between 32-40 degrees F, with 90-95% humidity. MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER! Grind your dried bones to a powder. Measure out a half-cup of powder, and add to a sauce pan. Add 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix well. While stirring, bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat, and allow to cool completely. Pour your FAST AND EASY HOT PROCESS GOAT MILK SOAP RECIPE Making soap can feel intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple if you use this hot process goat milk soap recipe.The part that makes most people nervous is working with lye, but once that skill is mastered, it’s easy to make homemade goat milk soap quickly and

easily.

wine at home.

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QUICK, EASY MASON JAR SOUP RECIPES TO GIVE AT THE HOLIDAYS April 1, 2020 By Kristi Stone

Holidays. It's that time of year where gift-giving is pretty much expected, yet who has all the money to spend (at least) $25 per person for a decent gift? While I know it's early to be thinking about the holidays, I've already started working on our holiday gifts. From crocheted super hero ornaments to cookie mix in a jar, I'm determined to be armed with inexpensive handmade gifts for our friends and family in 2020! This week, I'm adding some mason jar soup recipes to the lineup!We used to receive more food gifts than we do nowadays. They've been replaced largely with gift cards for … QUICK, EASY COOKIES IN A JAR RECIPES TO GIVE AT THE HOLIDAYS April 1, 2020 By Kristi Stone

The holidays are a long way away, but for those of us who are planning to forego buying some or all our gifts for a handmade holiday this year, it's never too early to get started with making gifts. The gift of cookies in a jar is as easy to make as it is a delicious gift to give!Food gifts seem to be out of style for the most part, having been replaced with more expensive, generic-type gifts. We've forgotten how much people appreciate "homemade" and what a blessing food gifts can be to those who love to cook or eat. Cookie mix in a jar is a particularly fun gift for children … KEEPING YOUR HOMESTEAD COSTS LOW March 9, 2020 By Kristi Stone

Homesteading is becoming more and more popular as people look to live more sustainably. Depending on the size of your property and the set up you have chosen to go with, the options are plentiful when it comes to providing for yourself and living a more sustainable life. Image Credit: Pexels CC0 License It goes without saying that you need to make sure that all the equipment you use is kept up to date and functional to make sure you are getting the most out of it to help you get the job done. The more you have to replace something the less sustainable it becomes and in turn, the more … HOW TO MAKE THE MOST DELICIOUS HOMEMADE VANILLA EASY March 1, 2020 By Kristi Stone

6 Comments

We homesteaders love to be self-sufficient, don't we? And when we can save money at the same time, that's the perfect combination! Making homemade vanilla extract is one of the best ways to save money and learn a new skill that can be used with other things like herbs and even fruit!Photo credit: Canva.comI have been making my own vanilla extract for a good 10 years. It tastes wonderful and believe it or not, it really is economical. It feels like a large investment at first, but when we break it down, you'll see that it's cheaper than store bought. This makes it perfect for the … MAKE THE COMPOST AWESOME WITH YOUR BACKYARD CHICKENS January 20, 2020 By Kristi Stone

8 Comments

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!” My ears perk up at the annoying sound, and my eyes that would much prefer to stay shut, blink open knowing that soon my backyard chickens will be singing their egg song and waking up a small portion of suburbia. I immediately grab whatever mobile device is close at hand and check my email and Facebook--my brain’s daily breakfast. Once my brain has been fed and I’ve realized all that’s on my to-do list for the day, I drag myself out of bed, hoping that I can accomplish something—anything--from my to-do list.Photo credit: Canva.comThis article was written in early … HELP! MY CAT HAS MATTED FUR! (HOW TO HELP) January 13, 2020 By Kristi Stone

18 Comments

If you have a cat with long hair, for some, it's inevitable that they might get mats in their fur. From the time your long-haired cat is younger to the time she is old, grooming will be necessary. If your cat has matted fur now, follow the instructions in this article to relieve your cat from this issue.Photo credit: Canva.comWe used to have a fantastic cat named Storm. We had her since 1996, for almost as long as we have lived in this county. She was a beloved friend and awesome mouser, and we really loved our old girl. She was a very healthy cat--I believe it's probably because she … HOW TO BECOME MORE ORGANIZED ON THE HOMESTEAD January 6, 2020 By Kristi Stone

4 Comments

Overwhelmed by all you have to do in your home and on the homestead? Getting organized can be easy if you just take control. It's not always easy to change your identity from one that is out of control to one that is, so you need a plan. Here's a plan you can try for how to become more organized on the homestead.Photo credit: Canva.comLet's face it--keeping a homestead is busy work! There is planting, harvesting, preserving, feeding, milking, doctoring, raking, digging...and that's only the outdoor stuff. Who has time for the indoor stuff? You can--you'll just need to do what you did … WHY FARMING HAS TO WORK FOR US December 23, 2019 By Kristi Stone

22 Comments

There's no going back now. We've moved our family and 18 years of accumulated items on our .18 of an acre to live on our new one acre hobby farm. We've planted trees, built gardens, added animals to the farmstead, and accumulated more items to make the life we chose for ourselves--the life we believe God has blessed us with--possible. There's no going back now.Photo credit: Canva.comThere's no "It's ok, I'll get it from the store," anymore. Not that we won't buy things from the store until we no longer need them, but we need to get to the place where we either no longer need them, or … 4 WAYS TO CREATE A ZEN GARDEN December 20, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Creating your very own zen garden is an ideal way to reduce stress, improve your focus, and enjoy a better sense of wellbeing. This post will help you to learn more about zen gardens and creating your own so that you can reap the benefits. image Zen gardens, also sometimes called Japanese rock gardens, appeal to those who like to rake sand and enjoy rock gardens. A zen garden is not the right style of garden for everybody, but it can be a fantastic way to enjoy your space better if you find this sort of thing relaxing. Zen gardens emphasize the principles of … FARM ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT: A WELL-OILED MACHINE December 15, 2019 By Kristi Stone

16 Comments

Running a farm can be overwhelming--even if it is a small, 1 acre hobby farm. There is so much to do, so much that we can't forget. A farm calls for a plan for farm organization and management.Photo credit: Canva.comI am a big fan of organization, but I wasn't always. There was a time in my life when I felt so out of control that I didn't have any idea where to even start to find peace. I prayed about it. What's funny about prayer is that you think you are praying for one thing, then you get another. This was one of those situations.After praying for more patience in my life, I was … SPROUTING FODDER TO BOOST PROTEIN FOR SMALL LIVESTOCK December 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

17 Comments

As y'all probably have gathered, I am on a quest to learn how to mix my own feed for my animals. Along with the mixing of the feed, however, there are supplements to give. For instance, goats are prone to copper deficiency, so their diet must be supplemented with goat minerals. Laying chickens need a little bit higher protein diet than most chickens that aren't laying, and rabbits need hay to be the bulk of their diet, but they also have other nutritional needs depending on what type of hay you feed them. Sprouting fodder for extra nutrition is a great way to supplement protein for small … RABBIT GI STASIS: HOW TO GET THINGS MOVING AGAIN EASILY December 3, 2019 By Kristi Stone

5 Comments

If you’ve ever gone out to your rabbit hutch only to find your sweet bunny’s food dish full and hutch tray empty? It's a good chance that your rabbit's not pooping, and it's time to keep a watchful eye on her to evaluate whether or not she is suffering from GI stasis.Photo credit: CanvaKeeping our rabbits GI system in tip-top shape is dependent on us feeding proper food, in the right amounts. In addition to the pellets you add to her feeder, you can give her fresh fruits and veggies. I have a free downloadable list of safe foods and instructions for feeding them at the bottom of this … KITCHEN DESIGN IDEAS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY HOMESTEAD November 25, 2019 By Kristi Stone

It’s safe to say that the kitchen is the nucleus of a homestead. The importance of having a functioning, ultra efficient cooking area can’t be stressed enough, especially for a group of people who enjoy living on fresh and organic produce. A lot of homesteaders take pride in having that do-it-yourself attitude. They carry a certain spunk that stems from years and years of experience, supplying them with the necessary knowledge and tools for home improvement.Photo: pixabayPutting two and two together, homesteads have the makings of a beautiful, fully functional kitchen, ready to whip … COMMERCIAL VS. HOME MIXED FEED: HELPFUL ANSWERS FOR YOU November 18, 2019 By Kristi Stone

8 Comments

Are you like me? Do you struggle with giving your animals commercial feed? Are you concerned about nutrients with home mixed feed? Commercial feeds are so cheap and easy. They are the perfect no-brainer option for the busy homesteader, but are they meeting the needs of your farm? I’m finding that they are meeting our needs less and less, which means it's time to look into home mixed feed.Photo credit: Canva.comOur Nigerian Dwarf goats are not on commercial feed of any kind. They eat alfalfa hay, water, and goat minerals, unless they are lactating. I am looking into whether or not … HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE LAYER FEED November 11, 2019 By Kristi Stone

29 Comments

Each morning I head out to the chicken coop as my five girls wait in anticipation for breakfast. They know what's coming. "It's the new stuff!" they shout. (Ok, not really.) They are excited to see me scooping just the right amount of protein-packed, non-GMO homemade layer feed for each of them. I head inside the coop, pour the day's sustenance into the metal hanging dispenser, and it's a feeding frenzy!A few years ago, I began studying up on how to formulate chicken feed for my girls. I created a barebones framework for my feed, which I shared here with you before. But I wasn't … HOW TO MAKE ARNICA MONTANA BALM FOR PAIN November 4, 2019 By Kristi Stone

11 Comments

I am a huge sissy when it comes to pain. The older I get the more pain there seems to be. As an aspiring herbalist, I am always looking for a proper way to deal with all of the issues that I encounter. I have formulated an arnica balm for topical use on my aches and muscle pains.In my studies, I have found quite a few herbal alternatives to over-the-counter medications. Colds, coughs, flus, urinary tract infections, minor cuts and abrasions, upset stomach, and other nasties have all been covered. My last "holdout" is pain relief because the truth is, I am afraid of experiencing … HOMESTEADER’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE November 3, 2019 By Kristi Stone

2 Comments

The holidays are just around the corner, and for some reason, they always surprise us (well, most of us, anyway)! In this holiday gift guide, I've curated some fun gift ideas for the homesteader in your life who is into canning and preserving or gardening that they will LOVE. You'll be a Christmas gift-giving super hero!For those of you notoriously caught by suprise by the holidays and need some quick ideas for your homestead-minded friends and family, I got you. I must admit to you that I don't own many of these items, but you bet if someone bought one of them … THANKFUL: A PHOTO JOURNEY OF MY BLESSINGS November 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Thanksgiving season is the time to think about and revisit all of the things that we are grateful for that happened throughout the year, and perhaps even this season alone. Even though this is an older post, it is one of my more personal, as is fitting for the season.I am for sure thankful for the most obvious of blessings. These are my husband, who is always here for me. He is a faithful friend, and the best life partner a girl can have. Then there's my children, including my son-in-law--all of them are smart and kind, and are working hard at making it in this world. And lastly, my … EASY SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW TO BECOME AN HERBALIST October 24, 2019 By Kristi Stone

8 Comments

Have you ever wanted been sick and known you needed something, but didn't know what? Did you feel like you had no idea what would help you, but really didn't want to go to the doctor? Have you ever wished you just knew how to make your own herbal remedies? Perhaps learning how to become an herbalist is the answer for you!Photo credit: Canva.comWhen I talk about not going to the doctor, I do not mean to suggest that you can treat just anything at home. Major illnesses and injuries, like cancer or broken bones (amongst many other conditions), need the expertise and resources of a good … YOUR PRECIOUS NEW RABBIT: TOP 10 THINGS TO GET FOR HER October 16, 2019 By Kristi Stone

9 Comments

Every time we bring a new animal home, it's the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. We will now share a relationship with a new small creature. We think of all the possibility of owning and befriending our new rabbit. Our hearts soar at all the prospects of play time, binkies (if we know what they are!), and cuddles.It was such a great day on December 10th, 2011. This day my daughter Abi and I brought Alice and Michelle home. We couldn't have been more happy about welcoming our new bunny friends into the family.It was two days before my birthday and our family was visiting a … HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN FARMING BUSINESS WITHOUT GETTING INTO DEBT October 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Lots of us have dreams about starting our own farming business and enjoying the benefits that it can bring. It allows you to put all of your business skills to the test, be your own boss, set your own hours, and make a profit from something that you love to do. Image credit: Pexels CC0 License Farming is one business that many people dream of going into. However, like all businesses, if you go into it with a lack of funding and no thoughts as to how you are going to finance it, you will not be successful. Some people start their farming business by borrowing the money to get … HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY WINE STEP-BY-STEP October 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Looking for something to do with those few extra pounds of strawberries at the end of summer? Why not capture summer 2018 in a bottle by learning how to make strawberry wine? It's sweet, it's refreshing, and you don't need much to make it if you already have the equipment and supplies.Photo courtesy of Heather Harris at Recipes from the Homestead.If you haven't made wine before, don't worry. Inside of this post is everything you need to make a yummy strawberry wine that you can enjoy in about a month!Equipment Needed to Brew WineThere are quite a few pieces of equipment that … CANNING LOW ACID FOODS: 7 SAFETY RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW September 23, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Home pressure canning is a fabulous way of preserving the bounty from your garden or store, but for some it can feel very scary. Many hear horror stories involving pressure canning and wonder "will I blow up my kitchen?" Some simply just stick with water bath canning, and unfortunately, end up using that method for foods that need to be processed under pressure, putting their families in danger every time they serve their home-canned creations. While there are things that can go wrong with canning low acid foods, learning the basic rules will help you eliminate any issues you might run … MAKE YOUR HOMEMADE HOUSE CLEANER OUT OF THESE 5 FOODS September 16, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Are you concerned about the chemicals in store-bought cleansers and sprays? Have you ever wondered if there are homemade house cleaners you can make at home with items from your kitchen or garden? I got you, my friend. I'm here to help.Image Credit: CanvaIf you are one that is concerned about using chemicals around your children and animals, but are not sure about this "using food to clean your house" idea, stick with me. I think you'll like this. These suggestions will give you the "out" you've been looking for from your "chemical concerns".Why Use Foods to Clean Your … LOVE YOUR PUPPY WITH THESE HELPFUL NEW PUPPY TIPS September 10, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Getting a new puppy might be something which has always been on your bucket list. It can be a great way to add some life and fun to the household and a little puppy can be an amazing way to make friends and feel like a happy family. Here are some new puppy tips that can help. Image When you get a new puppy you will likely want to enroll them in a dog training program and get meeting new dog owner friends right away, but there are some other things you need to do and think about too. Here are our top tips for getting a puppy and making sure that they are well behaved this … HOW TO STORE ROOT VEGETABLES WITH NO ROOT CELLAR September 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

As gardeners, the goal of growing our own food is to achieve good nutrition by providing enough healthy food to put on the table for the family throughout the year. Most crops are preserved by some sort of food preservation method: canning, dehydrating, freezing, etc. However, if you know how to store root vegetables properly, you can cut out a lot of extra work for yourself!Image Credit: CanvaBenefits of Storing Root VegetablesThe benefits for storing root vegetables is obvious–it is a way to preserve what we have worked so hard to grow in our gardens. If you don't grow your … STARTING A HOMESTEAD: 3 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW September 2, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Have you caught the homesteading bug yet? How about the self-reliance bug? If you are any kind of DIY person, you understand how important it is to learn to do more things for yourself. Starting a homestead in the home your presently live in is one powerful way to equip yourself and your family to do more for yourselves, and rely less on the grocery store.Image Credit: CanvaEach homesteader looks different, as do their properties. Some homesteaders live on large acreage and ‘do it all’, while other homesteaders live on rented property which allows them to do only few things. … HOW TO USE MINT LEAVES: 7 EASY NO WASTE STEPS August 28, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Springtime is prime time for harvesting herbs for medicines and teas. The temperate weather allows delicate and not-so delicate herbs to grow abundantly in the garden, and plentiful harvests are sure to follow. Mint plants produce and multiply like crazy and trying to figure out all the ways we can use it can be pretty tricky. Here is my 7-step formula on how to use mint leaves, as well as the rest of the harvested parts of the plant.Image credit: CanvaI love to try to figure out all the different uses for my produce harvests. I've gathered many tips and tricks for a no waste produce … MORE AWESOME TIPS FOR A NO WASTE PRODUCE HARVEST August 26, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Gardening is a lot of work, and throwing some of the harvest even into the compost pile can feel like a waste! Learning the ways we can use all of the harvest can help us put more food on the shelf, feel good about our food production, and get one step closer to a no waste kitchen.Love finding ways to use up every bit of what you harvest from the garden you work so hard on each season? I get you! For some reason, I feel a little bit stingy feeding the compost pile unless I can get one more use out of my precious produce!Of course, this list is not at all exhaustive---that would … HOW TO PRESERVE GRAPES WITH YOUR FREEZER August 21, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Grapes are one of the most fantastic fruits we can grow on our homestead. Not only do they taste amazing right off the vine, you can learn how to preserve grapes by dehydrating, freezing, or making wines and vinegars.While growing grapes might seem like a tricky endeavor, once you have them going, they will produce for you year after year. Your grapevines will provide you tons of fruit to enjoy during the summer. If you learn to preserve them, you can enjoy them throughout the year, too.However, the height of summer isn't always the best time to do our preserving here on Stone … THE BENEFITS OF CREATING YOUR OWN MINI FARM August 15, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Homesteading isn't an easy task; however, the benefits that shortly follow as you commence your creation of a mini farm and gradually move your reliance to the land are plenty. Choosing to live off the grid or perhaps on it but without relying on supermarkets. It's a choice made by a lot of people for an abundance of reasons. Picture by Martin Spiske Many individuals no longer wish to be a part of the consumer crowd that increasingly wants more and more. And others, just want to see if they are capable of living without the need to visit a store with everything readily available. … PREPARING LAND FOR PLANTING YOUR FIRST VEGETABLE GARDEN August 15, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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People that are new to homesteading often get a bit of a shock when they buy a house with some land because they think that it will be all ready to go once they move in. If you’re lucky, the land may be ready for growing but a lot of the time, it isn’t. Your first big challenge is getting that land ready so you can actually start growing some food out there, and that can be a lot harder than people realize. If your land isn't ready for gardening quite yet, here's some information on preparing land for planting that might help. Need Pix Clear The Land First off, you need to … HOMESTEADING: 4 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON A TIGHT BUDGET August 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Everyone starts with the best of intentions when it comes to saving money. Whether you own your own farm or you live in a modest property, the grand scale of the place can, to an extent, determine how much money you spend. Actually, it costs more to heat a more substantial property then it would be a smaller one. But, there are still worthy investments that you can undertake so your homestead saves a lot of money. Here are some ways to save money on a tight budget. Pixabay 4 Great Ways to Save Money on a Tight BudgetSaving money doesn't always mean doing things cheaply. Often, it … PLANNING TO BUY A HORSE? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW August 7, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Adding any new animals to your homestead is a big commitment, but a horse raises a whole range of things to think about. If you have been dreaming of owning a horse since you were a kid now that you have a little land, you may feel like it is the right time to go ahead and turn your dream into a reality. Photo by Kenny Webster on Unsplash However, before you rush out to buy a horse, there are many things to consider to make sure that you are not only making the right decision by purchasing a horse, but also that you pick the right horse for you.The Cost to Buy a HorseCost is … INTRODUCING A SECOND DOG: WHAT TO EXPECT August 6, 2019 By Kristi Stone

If you currently own a dog, there may be a moment when you begin to wonder about introducing a second dog to your happy home. Pixabay // CC0 License After all, you have proven experience now. You’ve raised your dog, found that caring for a dog is compatible with the time you have available, and - of course - you’ve enjoyed all of those wonderful bonding moments with your four-legged friend. You’re confident that you have the space available for a second dog, and your family are keen, so why not double up on the fun? The decision as to whether a second dog is the right choice … ALL THE STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN GERMINATING SEEDS July 19, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Germinating seeds is a tricky business. If you plan on doing it (and being successful), here’s all the stuff you need to know. Wikimedia Commons Always Plant More Seeds Than You NeedNature has a way of disappointing you. You’d like all your seeds to germinate and develop into big, vigorous plants, but that’s rarely how it works in practice. More often than not, you’ll have a hardcore of seeds which refuse to crack according to this article.For this reason, it’s a good idea to plant more seeds than you need. A good chunk of them will fail to crack the outer hull of the … IS IT TIME TO PUT THE HOME BACK IN YOUR HOMESTEAD? July 18, 2019 By Kristi Stone

A homestead is many things to many people. It’s a source of self-reliance and independence. It’s a return to a healthier and more eco-friendly way of living. It’s an opportunity to ensure that your whole family gets to enjoy living on fresh, organic, home-grown produce. It’s a never-ending quest in which you’re always learning new skills and capabilities. Image by NeedPix But… above all else, your homestead is also a home. Yet, when we spend so much time and effort on the more functional aspects of the homestead, the “home” part can often get lost in the shuffle. And when this … KEEPING LIVESTOCK ON YOUR HOMESTEAD : 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW July 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

You may have dreamed of raising animals on your homestead all your life, but the reality of it is often very different than how you imagine it to be. In fact, if you are to do an excellent job of raising animals and make a profit on your homestead, there are some essential things you need to know. Read on to find out what they are. Image link What to feed them The first thing that you need to have a firm grasp of when it comes to raising livestock on your farm is what they will eat. Now, there are many different options to consider here, but it is essential that you get the right … 3 FINANCIAL TIPS FOR FARM OWNERS June 28, 2019 By Kristi Stone

The past few years have been challenging for farm owners, who have been faced with numerous issues that have taken their toll on many farmers’ financial affairs. Farmers have long found themselves facing issues caused by high prices, have experienced difficulties in paying back loans, and the spectre of further interest rate rises - which would make debt repayment all the more complex - continues to loom as we move into the latter half of 2019. Image From: Pixabay (CC0 Licence)While many of the issues farmers are facing are outside of their control (for example, they cannot … PLANNING FOR A NEW PUPPY? HERE IS A LIST FOR YOU June 28, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Puppies bring a lot of love and happiness to a home, but they also bring a lot of extra responsibilities. There is training, feeding, and general care to think about. However, the first thing you'll want to tackle is what to bring home with your new puppy. Photo by Anoir Chafik on Unsplash Puppies don't need much: food, water, a place to sleep, and lots of love. In addition to those things, there are some extras you'll want to consider to make your pup's new life a bit more safe and enjoyable. Here's a list that can help you know where to start when bringing home your new puppy … HOW TO MAKE YOUR PLANTS GROW FASTER June 27, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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In the fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk, we see the manifestation of an age-old desire: for plants to grow faster. Unlike rabbits that bound around and frogs that hop from one lily to another, plants are among the slower organisms to live with us on Earth. Everything they do is in slow motion, making tortoises look like Olympic sprinters in comparison. Pixabay As a gardener, you’d like to see the fruits of your labor faster, but plants don’t want to play ball. It can take months for a simple flower to come up from a bulb, and if you want a mighty oak, you can forget it: you’ll … DEALING WITH UNWANTED GARDEN VISITORS June 27, 2019 By Kristi Stone

When you aim to grow food outside, it is highly likely that you will get some garden visitors. Of course, some of those will be wanted such spiders that eat flies, and ladybugs that eat aphids. However, you are likely to get some that aren't so desirable as well, including raccoons, rats, slugs, and the like. Luckily, you don't have to put up with unwanted garden guests. In fact, you can find out how to deal with them in my post below. Image here Dealing with raccoons OK, so there is plenty of social media evidence out there that make raccoons look pretty darn cute. … TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR SOIL BEDS HEALTHY June 17, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Whether you’re an avid gardener or you simply want to put the space outside your house to good use this summer, you’re going to have to be sure of one thing above all else: the health of your soil beds. The ground is where the bulk of our crops are grown, and the Earth provides for us all, so it’s imperative you pay attention to the quality of your soil, and its ongoing needs for the next few months. (Unsplash) People with raised planters and window boxes alike are going to need advice like this on hand, and even those who rely on greenhouses are never going to escape the whims and … 4 FANTASTIC WAYS TO BOOST FARMING PROFITABILITY June 14, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Are you thinking about tapping into the business side of farming? You might think that it’s impossible to make money in the modern farming industry, but this isn’t the case. Indeed with the right level of land and determination, you can make your fortune through farming or perhaps just add a comfortable amount of cash onto your annual income. You just need to make sure that you are taking the right steps to increase your profitability to the max point. Here are a few options that you can consider here. Image by David Mark from Pixabay Market WellDo make sure that you are taking … HOMEMADE FLY REPELLENT: HOW TO KEEP FLIES OUT OF THE RABBIT HUTCH June 13, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Keeping outdoor animals often means the gathering of pesky flies in our barn, yard, or both. Flies are an inevitability as we move into the spring and summer months. Keeping flies away from your rabbit and her feeder can be tricky, but it mustn't be ignored. Use these ideas for homemade fly repellent, and you will be able to keep the hutch nearly fly-free, and your rabbits happy and healthy.Flies are notorious for spreading germs--just think of what they prefer to land on! and for being just plain obnoxious. If you think about how animals respond to them: swatting them away with … GROWING ROSEMARY AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT June 10, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Ahh rosemary--who doesn't love the pungent aroma and flavor of this beautiful Mediterranean herb? I suppose there are some, but not many can say that they don't love this versatile herb for something, whether that be cooking, making herbal remedies, or keeping flies at bay. And these are just a few of the reasons for growing rosemary.Rosmarinus, rosemary’s scientific name, means “dew of the sea” according to Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide by Rosemary Gladstar. She says it is “in reference to the plant’s natural habitat on the warm, sunny hillsides bordering the sea.”CLICK … HOW TO GET FREE PLANTS FROM YOUR PLANT CUTTINGS June 6, 2019 By Kristi Stone

As rewarding as gardening is, it can cost you a chunk of change if you don't watch where and how you spend your money. Thankfully, gardening doesn't have to break the bank if you are into gardening on the cheap. Inexpensive options abound at your local dollar store, and even in your own garden when you take plant cuttings from your favorites. Image by Willfried Wende from Pixabay Propagating (also known as cloning or planting cuttings) is pretty easy, almost a "set it and forget it" type of project. However, it is a longer game than starting seeds indoors, and there … FREEZING TOMATOES FOR PRESERVING LATER IN THE YEAR June 3, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Garden fresh tomatoes are a cornerstone of summer harvests, and sometimes the windfall of tomatoes is much more than we can keep up with--or maybe it’s just me! Both consistent harvesting from the garden and vigilant organic pest control are taking up a lot of time, leaving time for little else. There's an easy way to deal with this wonderful problem, and that's freezing tomatoes for later canning jobs.If your summer days are like mine, you will need to figure out a way to pace yourself when dealing with your tomato crop. Of course, we want to be eating them fresh in salads, made … HOW TO GROW LEMONGRASS PLANT AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT May 29, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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When it comes to growing herbs, lemongrass may be one of the most rewarding. Its uses span across culinary, medicinal, functional, and even ornamental uses, which makes the lemongrass plant one of the most valuable for your garden.About the Lemongrass PlantLemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a versatile herbaceous plant that can be grown to use fresh or dried for culinary use. Its oils can be used for Propagating lemongrass stalks to make more plants is easy, and can yield a wonderful garden of beautiful and useful plants.Lemongrass CultivationLemongrass plants are easy … NO WASTE: COOL IDEAS FOR USING ALL OF THE HARVEST May 27, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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I am always trying to figure out no waste ways to use my produce scraps before they go to the landfill or compost pile. I've got a great handle on how to use the whole strawberry by making strawberry syrup from the tops. I love that I can control food waste in my kitchen and have extra uses for my scraps, even on the way to the compost pile!When I began composting, I thought I had found my answer to less waste—and I did. However, learning that there were things I could do with fruit, vegetable and herb scraps before they go into the compost absolutely revolutionized my … PERFECT HOMEMADE CROUTONS FROM YOUR OLD, STALE BREAD May 22, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Tired of throwing away that expensive bread that you're buying at the store? How about the wonderful homemade bread that you worked so hard to bake for the family? If you are finding yourself with more stale bread on hand than you care to admit, I have a great way you can put it to use before sending it to the compost pile--homemade croutons!I bake our bread every two to three weeks--usually a loaf of sandwich bread and a pan of dinner rolls. The problem is that we are not huge bread eaters. Sometimes we use up all the bread quickly, and others, we just don't. I do love bread, but as a … NATURAL PEST CONTROL THAT DOESN’T COST THE EARTH May 21, 2019 By Kristi Stone

When you are going to a lot of effort to grow a beautiful garden, there is nothing quite so frustrating as an animal ambling in and trashing the lot. Whether it’s a slug who thinks it’s okay to trail slime all over the place or a deer who thinks that being cute is enough to get away with chomping through your foliage, you need to have a few defenses in place. This is where natural pest control can really help you out. Image Credit: PexelsWhile pesticides are incredibly effective, they are also not that great for the planet and you don’t really want to poison the earth you have either. … HOW TO PREVENT WEEDS IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN May 20, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Weeds. They are an age-old issue that gardeners have battled with season after season in their vegetable gardens. While this long-time battle respects no gardener, the better we learn how to prevent weeds from growing in our garden, the better we can focus on growing our own food. Then we can head them off at the pass, creating an easier gardening experience for ourselves.If we are not careful in our gardening methods, our garden beds can be quickly overrun with weeds. Even worse, if we don't create good gardening habits, we could be inviting them into our gardens each year. What … 11 HEALTH BENEFITS OF OWNING A DOG May 15, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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It is a proven fact that dogs can work wonders for your well being. Bringing home a new puppy can prove to be a spirit-lifter, of course, but the health benefits of owning a dog can improve our lives long term.CreditImproving your Heart HealthDogs may fill your heart with joy, but did you know that they could possibly also make your heart stronger as well? Studies have shown time and time again that having a dog can really help you with your blood pressure. According to this article by Harvard Health, they may also reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These contribute … HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GARDEN: 5 FEATURES TO TRY May 15, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Creating an outdoor space that you’ll want to spend time in can be a lot harder than it seems if you don’t have enough time to spend tending to it. However, by adding a few features in, you can greatly improve the look and feel of your garden, in turn, adding to your mental tranquility as you spend time in the outdoors. Image Source Here are a few ideas that can improve the overall feel of your garden space. Making some or all of these improvements can do so much to change your mood as you spend time in your special space.A Herb Or Vegetable PatchA lot of homeowners who have a … SOME OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF DOG CARE May 13, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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If you have a dog, you obviously want to make sure that you are looking after it as well as you can. That is the motivation that most dog owners will have, but it is one thing wanting that and quite another actually knowing what it entails. It is often the case that people inadvertently do something that is against their dog’s best needs without knowing it, or that they just completely miss out on something that they should be doing for their dog in some way. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the most essential aspects of dog care that you should be focused on as well as you … GETTING YOUR FARMSTEAD READY FOR PAYING GUESTS May 12, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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These days, people are looking to get back to their roots--to the land. Some of us are looking to buy and actually live off our land, but others would be content with a simple quick-connection--a visit to a farm or homestead property. If you have a large home or property on land such as this, you might be searching for creative ways to boost the income your homestead provides. Image via Pexels Have you ever considered opening your home to guests? If not, then it may be the perfect time to do so. Two powerful trends are brought together by this action - firstly, the need that most … EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING SECOND-HAND FARM EQUIPMENT May 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Running a farm can be expensive, even when you are trying your hardest to stick to a budget. There are just so many things that you will need to be able to pay every month, including feed for your livestock, possible vets bills, and any maintenance work that is carried out on barns and sheds. Over time, this can all add up. Credit There is one expense that you can try to bring down significantly. And that is the cost of farm equipment. You don’t always have to buy your farm equipment new - in fact, if you did, it would work out as a huge expense. As long as you buy second-hand, you … HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN EFFECTIVE HERBAL REMEDIES May 8, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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It seems like everyone and their brother is on medication, and multiple medications at that. Over the years, people skeptical of "big pharma" have been turning to herbs and other simple natural home remedies they can purchase at the store for their minor ailments. If that's you, and you want to take charge of your health care, as well as take your herbal skills to the next level, you can do that by learning how to make your own herbal remedies at home.Using herbs is steadily on the rise as people become less satisfied with their quality and access to health care these days. Sometimes … UPLIFTING YOUR HOMESTEAD WITH WARMING AND WELCOMING DÉCOR May 7, 2019 By Kristi Stone

You are very proud of your homestead and everything it has become over the years. You and your family have worked hard to make it a practical and friendly place to live. Although running a homestead takes a lot of work, you are always willing to spend time making it a warmer and more welcoming place to live. If you are looking to give your homestead some life and personality, there are a few innovative décor ideas that you can get on board with. Open up your mind to some of the following ideas and you will be able to create an even more inviting homestead for all of your friends and … HOW TO USE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH IN THE GARDEN May 7, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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These days with all of the concern over food quality, widely used chemical pesticides are viewed askance by those wanting to live more naturally. If you are among this group, you will want to find ways to grow your own food without harmful pesticides. Learning how to use diatomaceous earth powder in the garden can help eliminate some of the chemicals you'd prefer not to have on your food.There are few things that I would consider ‘miracle’ cures, and while some might beg to differ, I believe that diatomaceous earth (DE) is one of the best ways to deal with garden pests. Formed from … 3 INCOME BOOSTERS TO MAKE YOUR FARM SING AGAIN May 4, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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While farming certainly is seasonal work, there is also a lot you can do with it in case you feel like having another challenge. It could mean the difference between a small and a medium-sized farm, after all, or you might be able to grow it into something niche on the side - either way, it will bring in a bit more money than it did before. Image via: Pexels You also have access to a ton of inspiration and great ideas online so don’t let a lack of imagination stop you. Here is a handful of ways to build out your farm and bring in some more money so that your business can prosper and … 4 WAYS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME WHEN GETTING READY TO SELL May 4, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Image Credit: PixabayAre you getting ready to put your house on the market? Or maybe you’ve had it up for sale for a while now, but just aren’t getting as much interest as you’d hoped.Whilst there are a lot of reasons this could be happening, such as the market not being on your side, the price being too high, or being in a very remote location, there are also a lot of other things that actually have a very simple fix and could, not only dramatically increase your chances of selling your house, but could even add to the value of it so you can walk away with as much profit as … THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT RAISING A PUPPY May 2, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Having a puppy is not easy. It might seem like it would be, but it's not as simple as it would seem. On social media, we see adorable puppy photos which depict the fun part of bringing a puppy home--the cute moments. It could be quietly snoozing, or looking at the camera with its perfect puppy dog eyes. But there’s so much more to it than that, as I learned when we brought our Bella home. And me, being your true friend, am here to tell you that there is much more to raising a puppy than that lovely puppy smell, baby cuddles, and sweet puppy dog eyes. Image Source While having a new … A SIMPLE, SURE FIRE WAY OF HARDENING OFF YOUR SEEDLINGS EASILY May 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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So you've got all of your happy young plants growing and thriving in your growing room, greenhouse, grow light box, or whatever it is that you grow them in. Spring is nearing faster than you can say “13 days until spring!” There is something that needs to be done for your plants before you plant them in their forever home, called hardening off. This will aid your little plants in making their way to their final destination, your garden.Why Harden Off Seedlings?Grown indoors, seedlings have live somewhat of a charmed life. They have never experienced outdoor conditions such as the … HOW TO GROW VEGETABLES IN A SMALL GARDEN April 25, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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If your dream has always been to become a gardener or have a small farm, but don’t have the space in your backyard, chances are that you will just have to find a way to maximize your existing space. There are plenty of ways you can grow fruit and vegetables in a very small garden, and always have fresh, organic produce to pick for your cooking. Below you will find a few ideas you might want to consider. Image via PixabayPlant Pots One of the things you might want to do is get some old plant pots and grow various fruit or vegetables in them. If you don’t know How to Grow Tomatoes … WHEN TO HARVEST YOUR TOP 10 MOST POPULAR GARDEN VEGETABLES April 24, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Spring and summer is the time to harvest green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and many other veggies. The bounty in these two seasons is the reason for gardening, in my opinion. It's the time when we are blessed with the tastiest of fruits of our labor, and more money saved at the grocery store. These tips for harvesting your garden vegetables will give you the information you need to harvest at the right times in the season.When it comes to harvesting garden vegetables, it seems like it's sometimes a mystery as to when they are ready to be plucked from the plant or vine. … HOW TO GET STARTED WITH HERBAL HOME REMEDIES April 22, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Imagine getting sick and knowing just which cold or flu remedies will help you best? Now imagine getting a cut that becomes infected and knowing exactly how to manage it successfully? These two scenarios are quite common amongst most of us, and sometimes get us running to the doctor. However, learning powerful herbal home remedies can provide a simple fix to these and many other minor medical issues.Herbalism is making quite a comeback for many of us struggling against the need for so much outside help from doctors, grocery stores, and any other entity that beckons us to rely on it … TRENDY WAYS TO TURN YOUR AGRICULTURAL PASSION INTO A BUSINESS April 21, 2019 By Kristi Stone

The agricultural industry is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance thanks to people wanting to eat healthier through organic foods and fresh ingredients. However, agriculture is far more than just planting vegetables and fruits and eating fresh. There are plenty of emerging trends that’ll help you turn a passion for farming into a unique little agricultural business with a lot of potential for growth.Source 1. Producing jams and jelliesOne of the problems with mass-producing fruits and vegetables is that you’re rarely ever going to sell all of your stock. Much of it will be wasted … CHOOSING THE BEST VEHICLE FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD April 19, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Running a homestead is extremely rewarding on a number of levels. When you homestead you know you’re enjoying the very best quality home grown food free of all the chemicals, antibiotics and other adulterants increasingly creeping onto the world’s dinner plates. You also know that you’re doing your part in working towards a more sustainable and ecologically sound future. We live in an era where our reliance on industrialized farming has led to more global pollution than the entire transportation sector. Industrialized animal agriculture is among the leading causes of not just pollution but … HOW TO: GROWING ZUCCHINI IN POTS EASILY April 17, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Growing zucchini is probably one of the easiest parts of spring gardening. They are almost a plant-it-and-forget-it kind of veggie. Growing zucchini in pots is not that much harder than it is in the ground, but it can be a bit more tricky and definitely does have a learning curve. This step-by-step guide will help you to plant and grow your zucchini plants easily.At this time in Southern California, it's the perfect time to plant zucchini outdoors. There is no need to worry about all the indoor seed starting steps that are necessary in the late winter and early spring. As long as you … HOW TO MAKE BONE BROTH IN YOUR CROCK POT EXPRESS April 16, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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There aren't many things more comforting than a good mug of soup on a cold day, are there? And a good soup's game is upped when you use bone broth as its base. There are many recipes online for making bone broth in your crockpot and on your stove, but I'll share how to make bone broth in my favorite kitchen appliance.The Crock Pot Express Multi-Cooker is pretty much my favorite appliance to use for beans, rice, roasts, soups, and recently, bone broth. It's an awesome tool to cut back on dinner preparation times, and it can do a lot of things that a regular crock pot can't.As you … 3 GUARANTEED BENEFITS OF PRUNING TOMATO PLANTS THAT WILL HELP YOUR

BOTTOM LINE

April 11, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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When it comes to tomatoes, they can be quite an unruly plant. That overgrowth can make harvesting a chore, not to mention "set the table" for hornworms and other pests. These and other issues can make growing tomatoes less profitable for you. Learning the skill of pruning tomato plants can help that bottom line in positive ways.Gardening can be an expensive undertaking if it's your means of feeding your family each year. While tomatoes aren't necessarily an expensive food, finding good tasting fresh tomatoes in a store isn't common, even in season. Add in the expenses of all the … WHY CLEAN EATING IS POWERFUL FOR THE HOMESTEADER April 10, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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You are a homesteader, and a darn good one too! You grow your own organic food, raise your own livestock for meat and milk, make your own medicines--you are a busy person! Despite the fact that you do all of these things--and most likely, get a lot of exercise doing them--you still find yourself sluggish, tired, and gaining weight faster than all get out! Am I right? What's probably missing is clean eating, and it's a powerful thing you don't want to miss on your homesteading journey.When I think of country living, I think of things like freshly made pie from my home-grown apples. I … WHEN AND HOW TO TRANSPLANT SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS April 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Beside starting seeds indoors, planting your seedlings is one of the most pleasurable parts of gardening outdoors. Knowing when to transplant seedlings is critical to whether they do well outdoors. Equally important is knowing each step to planting seedlings outdoors. By the end of this article, you will be equipped to introduce your precious little plants to your garden successfully.You have started your seeds, built a grow light box, learned how to make worm tea to feed your seedlings, and transplanted them. Planting your seedlings is next on your list of to-dos. When to … BRINGING A PUPPY HOME: 3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW March 29, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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On your homestead, you will often find need for various animals, some livestock, some domestic. There are "rules" for bringing any type of animal home: things you need to bring home with them for proper care, considerations of what to feed them (and how to store and keep that food fresh), where they will sleep, and of course, proper training. Some things are more important than others. Here are some things that you will want to consider when bringing a puppy home. (image) Who wouldn't want to bring a puppy home with them? After walking around an outdoor show where these little cuties … PLANTING UP: TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS TO THE NEXT SIZE POT March 26, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Transplanting seedlings isn't difficult, but because they are basically "babies" we can assume that there are some set practices that improve the life and strength of our seedlings. In this post, I'll share both the method and mix that have upped my success in transplanting seedlings.If you are like me and use small peat pellets to start your seeds, then you know that there's at least one transplant needed between starting and planting in your garden. In case you are not sure why we transplant our seedlings, I'll explain.Transplanting seedlings is important because often when we … THREE EMERGING TRENDS FOR SMALL AGRIBUSINESS TO JUMP ON NOW March 25, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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If there's one word which always applies to the worlds of agriculture and homesteading, it's flexibility. Learning to adapt to all the curve ball thrown at you - from adverse weather conditions to an income which fluctuates drastically - means that staying agile in your thinking is a critical skill. It can make all the difference between staying afloat or sinking without a trace. Trends in agriculture and food have the potential to make a big impact on the fortunes of a homesteader - and keeping your finger on the pulse means you can weigh up the opportunities and take advantage where … YOUR FIRST STEPS TOWARDS RUNNING A SMALL FARM March 23, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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If you are thinking about running a small farm at your place of residence, now is an exciting time to do so. Homesteading is on the rise in popularity, and making a business out of a homestead is a natural progression for a person desiring to live off their land. In this post, we are going to hopefully make that part of the procedure a little easier, by focusing in particular on a few of the first steps you will need to make if you hope to run your own small farm. Pic Source While there might have been better times in the past to get into the farming business, if you approach it in … HOW TO CALM NERVES WITH HERBAL TEA March 22, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Herbal teas have long been used to treat man's many different afflictions. The Chinese, Native American, Indian, and even American people (to name only a few) have relied on herbs and their uses for many years. Herbs have slowly fallen by the wayside since the advent of modern medicine. Modern medicine has brought us many options for over-the-counter and prescribed medicines to help us with stress and anxiety, but there are some of us who are still intrigued with learning how to calm nerves with herbal teas. Image by dungthuyvunguyen from Pixabay Wellness through herbs and herbal … MAKING WORM CASTING TEA THE EASY WAY + HELPFUL DOWNLOAD March 22, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Worms have got to be the garden's best friend. The benefits that these little wigglers share with the earth make soil so nutritious! Adding worm castings to your garden is one of the greatest ways of delivering the goods to your garden soil. Another way is making worm casting tea from these recipes.Making worm casting tea is easy to make and is one of the most mild fertilizers you can use on your garden plants, and to water your seedlings. It is not the least expensive fertilizer you can be using, but it's high strength enough to nourish your plants every week, and gentle enough to use … HOW CAN PET OWNERS ATTRACT WILDLIFE IN THE GARDEN? March 19, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Every pet owner has once experienced an unexpected present from their beloved pet. I know we have! We used to have a beloved cat, Stormy, who would often bring us "special gifts" in the form of gopher heads and parts of small creatures. I'm sure she thought she was taking care of us, but while we didn't want to offend, they weren't the treat we had been hoping to get on any of those days!Cats that are let to roam free frequently bring back dead animals to their owners, as a sign of affection. And while you may not fancy the idea of finding a dead bird on your doormat, you have to admit … HOW TO MAKE AN AWESOME DIY GROW LIGHT March 12, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Almost every successful gardener has a system for starting plants from seed and caring for seedlings. Some systems work better than others, but that shouldn't stop us from trying different setups to see which one works best for our space and habits as growers. My favorite method for growing seedlings is in a diy grow light system.Most of us try to start our seedlings by spending as little as possible. It's important at first to be able to test and try things without spending a whole lot of money, don't you think? I have a really cool list of the top 5 super cheap tools you can get from … MAKING LIFE A LITTLE EASIER FOR YOURSELF WHEN HOMESTEADING March 12, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Homesteading is both a lifestyle and an attitude. It revolves around the idea of self-sufficiency and producing things yourself rather than purchasing them from stores and providers who mass produce or mass sourced products and consumer goods.Photo SourceWhen you homestead, you look at something and figure out how you can create it yourself. Rather than buying a loaf of bread, you will bake it yourself. Rather than purchasing eggs, you’ll have your own chickens and collect up the eggs that they naturally produce.This is all brilliant. But it’s important to understand that … HOW TO AVOID BLOSSOM END ROT THIS YEAR USING EGGSHELLS March 12, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Does this feel familiar to you? You go out to the garden, ready to harvest your succulent vegetables. You head to your favorite tomato or cucumber plant for some lovely additions to your newly harvested greens, only to find that your vegetables are rotting. Why? You, my friend, may be seeing blossom end rot.Blossom end rot can be a real discouragement in the garden, especially if you have diligently cared for your seedlings and plants. The goal of vegetable gardening, of course, is to get fruit, and it can be so exciting to see your plants producing. Equally as deflating is to see that … GIVE YOUR HOMESTEAD SOME LIFE AND PERSONALITY March 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or you’re thinking of improving your current one, it can be hard to spruce up a big homestead. The key is to make sure it reflects the taste of you and your family members. It needs to feel like a comfortable and inviting space. Here’s how to give your homestead some life and personality.PImage by shadowfirearts on PixabayDo a bit of spring cleaning.Let’s start off with one of the most boring household chores: spring cleaning. But if you want it to be a little less boring then you might want to consider doing it more often. Who says … IS HOMESTEADING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU? March 7, 2019 By Kristi Stone

Image CreditHomesteading is something that’s grown in massive popularity over recent years, and understandably so - it’s certainly one of the more natural ways for humans to live, and there’s always going to be something appealing about the ability to live off the grid surrounded by beautiful nature, and completely self sufficient when it comes to things like growing your own food, etc.That being said, homesteading is a big responsibility and it’s a way of life, that despite how appealing it may outwardly appear, it’s certainly not for everyone, so in this post, we’ve listed out a few … STARTING TOMATO AND PEPPER SEEDS INDOORS March 7, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Favorites of the vegetable garden, tomatoes and peppers yield a great bounty worthy worthy of even the best salsa recipes! But before we can get to the bounty, we need to start our tomato and pepper seeds indoors.Starting tomato and pepper seeds indoors isn't difficult. Sometimes the seeds take a little longer to germinate than other seeds, but the reward at harvesting season is well worth the wait! If you are not sure if this is the right time to start tomatoes and peppers in your zone, I'll have a free cheat sheet for you at the end of this post.There is a trick to get these two … HOW TO EASE NECK PAIN WITH HERBS March 6, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Neck pain is the worst, and it can be the result of injury, or simply just sleeping weird. Let me preface everything I’m going to say with, if you have injured your neck in some way, please go see a doctor. However, if you woke up with pain, or your pain is from a tension headache or some other minor issue, this information on how to ease neck pain with herbs may help you.As you get older, you are noticing more and more pain in your body. It can be joint pain, muscle pain, pain from headaches, it doesn’t really matter--it’s there. This pain isn’t always something that you would … HOW TO STORE DOG FOOD & KEEP IT FRESH March 5, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Just like the food that we eat, dog food also has a shelf life, so for health and safety it’s important to make sure your dog’s food is stored correctly and used within the expiry date to prevent them getting sick from food that’s been damaged or gone bad.Image CreditHowever, it’s still important to understand that dogs are able to get sick for various other reasons, so having good pet insurance is wise since vet bills can be expensive and it’s good to know that you can get them taken care of if needed, so if you don’t have pet insurance, then you can find an Insurance Broker … 10 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP THE HOMESTEAD THIS SPRING March 5, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Whether you are buying a new home this year or you simply want to add some life into your current homestead space, there are always some great ideas you can use to get the most out of every nook and cranny of the home. Image by Free-Photos on PixabayNow that spring is on its way we can shed all the gloom and dirt from the rains and harsh weather we've had, am i right? Let's start looking at some fun ways to spruce up the space and make it feel lighter, cleaner, brighter and more spacious. 1. Add color The first and most simple change you can make to the home this year is to … 4 REASONS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PROPERLY TRAIN YOUR NEW PUPPY March 1, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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“Dog is man’s best friend”, is how the saying goes, and you’d be hard-pressed to find any dog lovers who would disagree with that statement. They really are our constant companions and best friends, at least that's how it is with Bella (our Vizsla) and me. One big reason for that is because we learned how to train her. Here are some reason why you want to know how to train your new puppy, and what the rewards can be.This post contains affiliate links.Since the earliest days of civilization, dogs have appeared in art, literature, and the fossil record, alongside us. Whether as … HOW TO CLEAN A CAST IRON SKILLET February 27, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Cooking your favorite keeper recipes in your cast iron is great, but not the part where it starts to stick. What gives? Cast iron is supposed to work just as well as other pans in respect to non-sticking, but yours isn't. The answer is likely in the cleaning and reseasoning department. Let's talk about how to clean a cast iron skillet, and how to reseason it once it's clean.Cast iron is a fantastic material to cook in, or on. The very best cast iron skillets are cleaned properly, seasoned regularly, and maintained just as well as your car should be. I have a method that I use to do … ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR LEGGY SEEDLINGS February 18, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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So you’ve got your seeds started indoors and they are finally emerging from the soil with the promise of providing food for your family in a few months. But--now what? You’ve done this before, and in past years, your seedlings haven’t survived in that sunny window. And those that have, grew tall and spindly, and didn’t seem as healthy as those plants you saw in the local big box store. What gives? You need a leggy seedlings fix!Starting seedlings isn’t hard, but for some reason people make it harder than it needs to be...by trying to make it easy. Here’s the thing: seedlings, like … HOW TO GET RID OF APHIDS NATURALLY AND ORGANICALLY February 12, 2019 By Kristi Stone

You know what they are--those tiny little grey, green, black, or other-colored beetles that gather in clusters on the backs of your vegetable plant leaves. The spread of the infestation is so quick you are almost ready to just use the most effective pesticide on the store shelves. Only that goes against your better judgment, and the rules of your organically grown garden. So your question is how to get rid of aphids without pesticides?Aphids are definitely a tough nut to crack once they've grown into a large enough infestation in your garden. They suck the leaves dry and eventually … HOW TO MAKE A HOMESTEAD MANAGEMENT BINDER February 11, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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We’ve been talking about making homesteading goals now since the beginning of the year, and I’m willing to bet you have a whole lot of paper piled around with homesteading notes, amiright? Now you need something to arrange them all in a way that will make sense. That something is a homestead management binder!If you've been following along in the past few weeks, you’ve probably written down some goals for yourself. You may have even broken them down into tasks and written them into your planner. You may be well into completing one of your goals by now, and if you are, let me just say … HOW TO: EASY VEGETABLE GARDENING IDEAS FOR THE BUSY HOMESTEADER February 6, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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It takes some work to grow your own food. Believe me, I’ve been trying to get ‘er done for many years, and it does take some doing. What I have learned over these years is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time to grow your own food, thankfully! These are three of my best easy vegetable gardening ideas for you, my fellow busy homesteader!I almost called this post “The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening”. But with only three ideas, it's hardly a guide! What it is, is a post with three awesome ideas for gardening easy. For a gardener like myself, cutting corners where it … HOMESTEADING: HOW TO GET IT ALL DONE IN A DAY February 4, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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You’ve got goals for your homestead, and those goals will enable you to really make something out of it. The problem is how to translate those goals into actual “moving parts” that will get you closer to achieving them. Not to mention, handle everything else you need to do in a day. In this post, I’ll show you how to get it all done in a day and move the ball forward on your homestead goals every single week.It’s not enough to have our goals written out somewhere. Goals are meant to be achieved, amiright? Goals that are not achieved are just dreams, and dreams don’t put food on

the …

YOUR SUPER SIMPLE ANSWER TO HOMESTEAD OVERWHELM January 30, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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So you know your “why” now--why you want to homestead--and you have some goals written out. You’re excited to get on with all this homestead management you’ve been reading about. So you’ve invested in your supplies. You've dabbled a little bit, but the more you dabble, the more intimidated you become. You’ve got “homestead overwhelm”.This month we’ve been talking a lot about homestead organization, goal setting, and achieving all that you desire on your homestead. Those things are definitely important. I applaud you for getting for getting off your rear and getting yourself into … HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SEED STARTING MIX January 28, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Starting a garden can be super exciting, but there is a lot to know, especially when it comes to starting seeds indoors. There are many options for what medium to start your seeds. We’ll go over a few of the most popular options so you can make your choice on the best seed starting mix for your gardening style.Starting seeds can be a tricky thing if you don’t know what you are doing. It isn’t as easy as dropping some seeds into some dirt, and just adding water. There are some things to consider when choosing which type of soil you plant your seeds. If you are also needing seed … 3 THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT HOMESTEAD MANAGEMENT January 23, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Homesteaders are some of the hardest working people you could ever know. Learning all the skills it takes to live as much off the land as we can takes a ton of hard work and dedication. There's no real way to separate homestead management from this lifestyle.The success of your homestead will stand or fall without homestead management. It is the most important component of one's homesteading journey, in my opinion. Without proper management, no endeavor sees success, and your homestead is destined to suck. I have a worksheet at the bottom of this post that can help you begin to … PLANTS TO START INDOORS AND HOW TO DO IT January 21, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Are you wondering which plants you can plant now for your spring garden? The time is now to do this, and I'll show you which plants to start indoors so they will be ready to be transplanted into the spring garden once the last frost of the season has passed.Starting seeds indoors is one of those things that becomes a bit of an itch once you have gardened for a year or two. It's amazing how much more expensive it is to buy plant starts than to grow your own. It occurs to you that if there are 25 seeds in a packet for $1.99, that's 25 plants for $1.99, providing they all sprout. And even … 3 REASONS YOUR HOMESTEAD SUCKS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT January 14, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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So your homestead sucks and you know it. Piles of this and that are all over the property. Your garden is doing ok, but not at all as well as you had thought it would. You don't think you'll be able to live off the canned and dehydrated foods in an SHTF situation for sure. Heck, you don't even want to eat it today.I get you. Boy, do I get you.And I've got just the thing that will help you turn your homestead from sucky to lucky. You will be able to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and make things happen on your homestead. The best thing is, you can start this week!Our … HOW TO KNOW WHAT TO PLANT IN WINTER FOR YOUR SPRING GARDEN January 14, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Have you ever gone online, gotten some what seemed like solid gardening information only to have your garden fail miserably? I have and it sucks! It has taken me years of trial and error to figure out which information is right for me. Last year, I gardened through spring in Southern California, where I live. Wherever you garden, I'm going to show you how to know what to plant in winter for your spring garden. There's a ton of great information out there available to us. Books, websites, blog posts, and word of mouth information abounds. The problem with all of this great information … AVOID THIS ONE BIG MODERN HOMESTEADING MISTAKE IN 2019 January 9, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Modern homesteaders kind of have it easy. Running water, central air and heat, grocery stores to shop at where plenty of businesses provide all we need make our lives easier and more full. We quite honestly have no need of canning food, making our own clothing, gardening, or even homesteading. We are a truly blessed people having everything available to us, but all this availability of resources can cause one of the biggest modern homesteading mistakes we can experience.All of the privileges we experience in the 21st century create myriad choices for us. In my experience raising … HOW TO PREPARE SOIL FOR PLANTING AN AWESOME SPRING GARDEN January 8, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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Soil is a delicate balance of minerals, organic matter, soil life, air, and water. Knowing how to prepare soil for planting is a basic skill that every gardener should master when gearing up to start a garden.What Type of Soil Do You Have?The first thing you want to determine is the type of soil you have. If you are planting in-ground, you will need to spend a little more time figuring this out. In the event you are planting in a raised bed, you will probably have something closer to loamy soil. Whichever soil you have, I'm going to share with you the super simple way to fix … HOMESTEADING FOR BEGINNERS: HOW TO BE HOMESTEADING BOSS January 2, 2019 By Kristi Stone

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The modern homesteading movement has been a popular topic in the last 10+ years. People from all walks of life are returning to 'old ways' to become more self-reliant. This post is meant to be a guide on "homesteading for beginners" for those who don't understand the modern homesteading movement, and for those who would like to get started.While we aren't homesteaders in the 'old' sense of the word, this movement has created a new kind of homesteader. It is true that we haven't been given land from the government to live on, develop, and settle like we were in … HOMESTEAD MANAGEMENT: WHY YOU NEED TO STOP WINGING IT December 28, 2018 By Kristi Stone

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Homesteading is a topic that we all love to talk about, don't we? Raising livestock, gardening, self-reliance, herbal medicine, food preservation...it's all fantastic conversation fodder. But when it comes to homestead management, we tend to just wing it. Many of us don't start with a plan, and that leads to all kinds of issues. In this post, I'll show you exactly where to start with your homesteading goals, and how to stop winging it!If you think about it, winging it isn't a great way to start any large endeavor. It's definitely not the way you want to start a new lifestyle, if you … GOAL SETTING: WORKING ON SELF-RELIANCE SKILLS IN 2019 December 28, 2018 By Kristi Stone

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As we often do with the new year looming, there are goals to be set and met. Do you feel it? For some, like myself, the new year brings the feeling of "freshness" and "new challenge". This year, I feel challenged to make and reach some homestead self-reliance goals for 2019, and I thought I'd share those with you!If you are anything like me, you probably have a zillion goals that you would like to make for your homestead. Chances are, though, that we probably won't meet every one of them. However--it's not a bad thing to make a fantastic list of goals that motivates you. Plugging away … HOW TO START YOUR OWN GARDEN AND SAVE MONEY December 28, 2018 By Kristi Stone

19 Comments

Gardening can be so expensive and labor intensive. There are so many steps to know, supplies to buy, and things to learn about your micro-climate that it can feel very overwhelming on our minds and pocketbooks. You'll see that it doesn't have to be difficult or expensive when you read my instructions on how to start your own garden. And because I'm frugal that way, I'm going to show you my special tips and tricks to garden cheaply as well!One of the areas of starting a garden is buying the plants you want to grow. I do that sometimes, but inexpensive options for what I want aren't … SAVE MONEY! MAKE YOUR OWN CHILI SEASONING AND MORE! December 18, 2018 By Kristi Stone

One of the best ways that I have found to save money is to make more from scratch. Being busy and on the go all the time makes it really tempting to let others prepare our food. In the end, though, it's best to make our own seasonings. I'll show you how to make your own chili seasoning that will go beautifully with dehydrated, canned, or in the chili recipe in this post.It seems like whenever we are looking for places to cut corners in our budget, it is always from the grocery bill! Thankfully, there are so many things you can do to save that won't skimp at all on the … 5 TEMPTING, EASY DINNER IDEAS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR USING YOUR

DEHYDRATED BEANS

December 17, 2018 By Kristi Stone

One of the best things about beans is that it is a completely perfect food to convert into convenience food! Don't believe me? Well, why not dehydrate some beans and I'll give you some easy dinner ideas so you can have home-cooked convenience foods on your shelf that are both healthy and quick!First of all, I want to tell you that if you are looking for super convenient, healthy, and easy dinner ideas to have on your shelf, you are in the right place! I'm all about easy, but also being a homesteader who grows and preserves food, my habits need to include what I already do here on our … DRYING BEANS IN A DEHYDRATOR FOR MORE CONVENIENCE FOOD December 10, 2018 By Kristi Stone

As homesteaders, we are constantly busy, aren't we? There is so much to do on our properties that needs attention, and all of it seems to be RIGHT NOW. Despite the fact that we have plenty of food at our fingertips from growing food in our gardens, chicken coops, and perhaps even our livestock, the one thing our homesteads can't really give us back is time. Let me show you how drying beans in a dehydrator can redeem some of your time, and provide quick nutrition at meal time!Dehydrated Food as Convenience FoodSo dehydrating doesn't seem like it would be a convenient thing to do at … HOMEMADE CONVENIENCE FOOD RECIPES USING DEHYDRATED POTATOES December 5, 2018 By Kristi Stone

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There's nothing like opening up the cupboard an hour before dinner and having absolutely no idea what to make. Been there? Done that? Me too. Banish that problem with these homemade convenience food recipes! In my previous post (linked above), I talked about how the boxed convenience foods we get from the store are pretty much just full of dehydrated ingredients. All we need do is "just add water" to them, and maybe some milk and butter, to make a creamy, delicious meal to set on the table in only a short time.The problem with these foods is that we pay for that … HOW TO DEHYDRATE POTATOES FOR CONVENIENCE FOOD December 4, 2018 By Kristi Stone

4 Comments

Life is just busy, no way around it. And homesteader's lives tend to be a little more busy than other people's, but that could just be a matter of opinion. Whatever has your life busy, busy, busy, there's definitely that temptation to stroll through that boxed convenience aisle! We throw caution to the wind in exchange for the ability to quickly get something delicious on the table for the family after a long day. Let me show you how to dehydrate potatoes so that you can make delicious AND nutritious convenience foods for your family!So dehydrating doesn't seem like it would be a … HOW TO DEHYDRATE TOMATOES FOR EVERYDAY USE November 29, 2018 By Kristi Stone

26 Comments

Having a well-stocked pantry is 100% necessary for the home cook that is striving to stay away from precooked, prepackaged, and fast food. He or she is seeking to create better, more healthy, and flavorful meals like chili and spaghetti without having to run to the store, or worse yet, order in when one item hasn't yet been replenished. Tomato products are one of those items that we tend to go through quickly, and perhaps you do too. Thankfully, they are super versatile! Learning how to dehydrate tomatoes for your pantry shelf can solve any problems you might run into when you are out of your … HOW TO DEHYDRATE FOOD FOR BEGINNERS November 27, 2018 By Kristi Stone

2 Comments

It's an hour before dinner and you have no earthly idea what you are making for the family. Is there any macaroni and cheese? Nope. Spaghetti sauce? Nada. Canned beans? Yep, but no cheese or tortillas. Ever been there? You won't have to be once you learn how to dehydrate food!Imagine always having on hand the items you need for a recipe. I'm not talking frozen or canned foods, but those are definitely helpful. I'm talking stuff like nutritious fruit and veggies, even out of season, that you can pull from your shelves when you need them.Or how about having your very own prepackaged …

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2020-04-02 08:29:00

Elaine Sutton

2020-04-02 08:29:18

Elaine Sutton

2020-04-02 08:29:39

Elaine Sutton

2020-04-02 08:30:02

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