It's a bad time to be a seed-spitter. Sunflower seeds have long been my constant companion. Whether making a run to the store, or working in the woods or field, sunflower seeds have always provided a nice, salty (or spicy, depending on seasoning!) distraction to keep me occupied. Alas, I've noticed a sharp uptick in prices as of late, that's driving my habit into newly costly … [Read more...] about Roasting Sunflower Seeds
Gardening
Six September Gardening Tips
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 of dormancy for many plants. That doesn't mean there's nothing to … [Read more...] about Six September Gardening Tips
Asian Longhorn Beetle Invasion
August is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s also the best time to spot the invasive Asian longhorn beetle as adults emerge from trees. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is declaring August as “Tree Check Month.” Checking trees for the beetle and the damage it causes is one way you can protect trees and help the USDA’s efforts to eliminate this beetle from … [Read more...] about Asian Longhorn Beetle Invasion
Exiling Deer from your Garden
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 fawns that survive their first year. Such harsh conditions can also reduce … [Read more...] about Exiling Deer from your Garden
A Brief History of the Victory Garden
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 years, sometimes on a whim, and other times on account of … [Read more...] about A Brief History of the Victory Garden
