Honey Bees
Information on honey bee care, feeding, maintenance, and overall beekeeping.
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The Joy of Mindless Homestead Chores: Finding Peace in the Simple Work
Homesteading offers valuable mental rest through simple, repetitive chores. Tasks like cleaning the chicken coop or planting seeds allow the mind to wander and foster creativity while providing a calming rhythm. These moments create a sense of grounding and reconnect… Continue reading
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Managing Stress on the Homestead: Practical Strategies for a Balanced Life
Homesteading offers fulfillment but can be stressful due to the numerous responsibilities involved. Managing chores effectively requires prioritization, routine establishment, and breaking down projects into manageable tasks. Accepting setbacks, celebrating small victories, and allowing time for rest are essential strategies.… Continue reading
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Getting Ready for Turkeys on the Homestead: Getting the Roost and Run Ready Before They Arrive
Tomorrow, J & J Homestead welcomes turkey hens, prompting essential preparations for their arrival. Turkeys require unique setups compared to chickens, necessitating sturdy roosts, ample space, predator protection, and excellent ventilation. Properly preparing their environment ensures a smooth transition, promoting… Continue reading
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The Most Ambitious DIY Project I’ve Ever Taken On: Building Our First Chicken Coop
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on. There are moments in homesteading that quietly change you. For me, that moment came with a pile of lumber, a set of chicken coop plans, and a husband hiking the Appalachian… Continue reading
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Homesteading Never Gets Boring (And That’s Exactly the Point)
Homesteading is a dynamic lifestyle filled with constant surprises, challenges, and rewards. It involves managing various tasks, from caring for animals to seed starting and running a farmstand. The unpredictability of nature keeps boredom at bay, fostering resilience, learning, and… Continue reading
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Dry Bee Feed as a Pollen Substitute: Supporting Honey Bees on Warm Winter Days
On a warm winter day in Virginia, honey bees were seen actively foraging, including investigating chicken feed. As winter creates a nutritional gap, providing dry pollen substitutes is essential for colonies’ protein needs, aiding brood production and overall health as… Continue reading
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Why My Muck Boots Are the Real MVP of the Homestead
Muck boots are essential for homesteaders, proving indispensable in daily chores and muddy conditions. Their waterproof, durable design keeps feet dry and protected from debris while boosting efficiency. Comfortable for extended wear, these boots help maintain clean indoor spaces and… Continue reading
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The Story (Biography) of J & J Homestead
If there were a biography about you, what would the title be? There are moments in life when a simple decision quietly changes everything. For us, J & J Homestead was not born from a grand business plan or a… Continue reading
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Cottage Food Industry
Cottage food laws enable small businesses and homesteaders to sell low-risk homemade foods without commercial kitchen requirements. These laws vary by state, affecting income limits, approved food lists, labeling, and sales channels. In Virginia, such regulations support local producers like… Continue reading
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Ordering Chicks: Tips for Beginners
This guide outlines essential steps for successfully starting a chicken flock. It emphasizes careful preparation, including selecting a reputable hatchery, timing orders wisely, and understanding chick types. Consideration of weather conditions and proper brooding setup is crucial for chick health… Continue reading
