Compost, often referred to as "black gold" by gardeners, is a nutrient-rich soil conditioner that is invaluable for maintaining healthy plants and a thriving garden. It is essentially decomposed organic matter that enriches soil, promotes beneficial microorganisms, and helps retain moisture. Understanding composting, creating your own compost, and utilizing it effectively can … [Read more...] about From Stink to Soil: Turning a Rotten Situation into Compost Gold
Homesteading
Pruning Summer Squash? Yea or Nay
Its about that time of year. The garden is starting to blossom, and among the sea of green and brown, you're starting to see little shoots of color popping up everywhere. If you've planted summer squash, large orange/yellow flowers will be among this sea of growth. But how best should you care for your growing greens, and most importantly, should you prune them when they start … [Read more...] about Pruning Summer Squash? Yea or Nay
Zeolite: Yay or Nay?
If you started reading this hoping for a definitive answer to the question above, I'm sorry to disappoint. I've been reading about Zeolitef for a while and--given the nature of the soil in my garden--decided to give it a go this year, working about 3 pounds into roughly 300 square feet of garden space as a test. I'll report back on the yields, but how well it works still … [Read more...] about Zeolite: Yay or Nay?
Blocker Outdoors Offers Snake Protection
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually. (Note: snakes can be venomous, not poisonous—there’s a difference.) Few deaths are attributed to the venomous bites, but the aftermath can be miserable, even life changing. Rattlesnake venom is largely composed of hemotoxins. So, beyond the initial unfathomably … [Read more...] about Blocker Outdoors Offers Snake Protection
DNR Auctions Off Forfeit Ginseng
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently auctioned off $51,542 of ginseng and yellow root that was forfeited from illegal possession cases. That total came from 59.7 pounds of ginseng and 3.1 pounds of yellow root from evidence collected following cleared Ohio court processes. The money raised in the auction was added to the state’s … [Read more...] about DNR Auctions Off Forfeit Ginseng
