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A practical winter system for growing microgreens indoors: what to sow, how much light and warmth they need, and where the work usually goes wrong. This piece offers reflection grounded in real work and mistakes, not instruction. But winter is long, and a little structure helps keep the greens – and the spirits –...
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How to dry herbs four ways, with the temperatures and times from the National Center for Home Food Preservation and Minnesota Extension.
Read the articleHerbs for the kitchen and the medicine shelf. What to grow, how to keep it going through the cold months, and which plants earn their space by repelling pests.
A practical winter system for growing microgreens indoors: what to sow, how much light and warmth they need, and where the work usually goes wrong. This piece offers reflection grounded in real work and mistakes, not instruction. But winter is long, and a little structure helps keep the greens – and the spirits –…
Did you know you can make your own versions of the most popular boxed foods?
In today’s world of gardening and agriculture, greenhouses have become a staple for both professionals and hobbyists alike. But what exactly is a greenhouse, and why do you need one? Let’s dive into the world of controlled environments and explore the benefits of having your own greenhouse. What is a Greenhouse? A greenhouse is a…
Looking to cut down on the amount of bugs in your garden, the natural way? Consider ringing it with a few of the insect-repelling plants below, and watch the bugs fly away. Lemongrass First up is lemongrass, as its an obvious choice for this list. Lemongrass naturally secretes citronella oil, the primary ingredient found in…
Obviously the easiest way to keep critters out of your garden is to put up a good fence. The higher and tighter the better, while burying the bottom will go a long way toward keeping critters from digging beneath. What if you don’t have the time or materials to get a fence up, however? Read…
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures get either downright pleasant, or just a little less unbearable depending on what part of the country you’re in, you’re likely wondering what steps you can take in your garden. Its an odd time of year, as the harvest of ripe produce lines coincides with the approach…
Whether you want to keep the deer from eating all your garden vegetables and flowers or whether you’re interested in ways to help wildlife during a hot, dry summer, here are a few things you should know. Any limited availability of food and water can lead to a reduced number of newborn fawns and fewer…
As homesteaders, self-sufficiency seems almost folded into our DNA. While the lifestyle has many appeals, one thing in particular that binds us is a deep appreciation for the land, and a desire for a connection to the food that nourishes us. These sorts of virtues have fallen in and out of mainstream appeal over the…
Purslane. I guarantee you’ve seen it, and if, like me, you grew up below the Mason-Dixon, you may even have heard of it by the slightly unappetizing moniker: Hogweed. Found growing wild across most of the United States, purslane is most definitely a weed, but the question is, is it a useful one? As you’ve…
In our last article, we discussed what types of herbs you may want to consider for your herb garden, at least to start. Today, lets go over the basics of crafting a lush and successful herb-growing environment. Location, Location, Location Herb gardens really only need two elements, hence why they are one of the most…
There are few culinary delights less appreciated, yet more important, than herbs. While spices have their zing, and a prime cut of meat needs no seasoning, herbs are far from a simple garnish, yielding subtle, complementary flavors to any dish they accompany. Read on for 10 herbs you absolutely need to have in your garden–and…
Convinced you don’t have a green thumb? Tired of having to choose between constant weeding or seeing your plants choked out? Raised garden beds may be the key to your problems, and they’re rather easy to craft. Read on for the why and how of this time- and back-saving garden addition. Benefits While obviously too…
