Small Business
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The Best Vegetables to Sell at a Farmstand (High Demand, High Profit, and Easy to Grow)
Transform your farmstand with these must-grow vegetables that customers crave! Discover the superstar tomatoes, colorful peppers, and refreshing cucumbers to boost your sales and delight your community. Continue reading
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A Warm Winter Day in the Apiary: Checking on Our Honey Bees
The cottage food industry in Virginia empowers small farms and homesteaders to sell homemade, shelf-stable products legally and safely without needing a commercial kitchen. This legislation allows them to monetize their produce while ensuring food safety. Proper labeling and adherence… Continue reading
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The Best Books to Help You on Your Homesteading Journey
Creating a homestead library is essential for self-reliant homesteaders, offering guidance on topics like raising chickens, gardening, and beekeeping. Valuable books not only provide practical skills but also deepen understanding of the processes involved. Despite the prevalence of digital resources,… Continue reading
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Why We Love Homesteading in Agriculture Zone 7b
Living in USDA Zone 7b shapes our homesteading experience with a diverse climate that allows a lengthy growing season of about seven months. This enables us to cultivate various crops year-round, support pollinators, and foster sustainability. Despite challenges like humidity… Continue reading
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Why Every Homestead Needs a Dog — Even If It’s Not a Livestock Guardian
Having a dog on a homestead enriches both daily routines and emotional well-being. Dogs provide security through their natural instincts, alerting owners to potential threats and monitoring the property. In addition, they offer companionship, helping reduce stress and isolation. Choosing… Continue reading
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Recognizing and Treating Frostbite in Poultry – Prevention Tips and Natural Remedies
During winter, chickens and ducks face frostbite, a common cold-weather issue caused by moisture and low temperatures. Effective prevention includes proper coop management, ventilation, and moisture control. Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for treatment, using natural remedies and supportive measures.… Continue reading
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Deep Litter Method: The Cozy Coop Solution
The Deep Litter Method is an effective winter strategy for keeping chickens warm, healthy, and happy without heat lamps. This sustainable approach involves layering bedding and manure to create compost that generates gentle heat. It reduces odor, maintenance work, and… Continue reading
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The Future of J & J Homestead: Our 3-Year Vision for Growth, Sustainability, and Success
J & J Homestead envisions a thriving, self-sustaining business in three years, focusing on agriculture, education, and community engagement. Plans include expanding honey production, enhancing poultry offerings, doubling garden size, and introducing baked goods. They aim to become a significant… Continue reading
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Homesteading on a Budget
Sustainable living through homesteading can be achieved without significant financial investment. Starting small, reusing materials, and growing your own feed can save money. Community sharing and DIY learning foster resourcefulness, while seed saving reduces future costs. Emphasizing progress over perfection,… Continue reading
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If I Had Three Magic Genie Wishes… (Homestead Edition)
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for? Every now and then, I like to let my imagination wander. Between feeding the chickens, checking the ducks’ water, Continue reading
