food
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Winter Egg Checks: Why I Keep Popping Into the Coop All Day
During winter, egg collecting becomes more frequent to prevent freezing in cold temperatures. Shorter days can alter laying patterns, necessitating multiple daily checks to ensure eggs remain intact and clean. This routine not only maintains coop hygiene but also fosters… Continue reading
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Garden Planning on this Snowy Day
On a snowy January day, I refined my seed-starting plan for both personal and farmstand vegetables. Embracing winter’s slower pace, I organized plants by their start dates, optimizing growth in our greenhouse. Careful timing ensures strong transplants and healthy harvests,… Continue reading
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Preparing the Homestead for a Major Winter Snowstorm in Virginia
This weekend, a winter storm is anticipated in Virginia, initially forecasted to bring 24 inches of snow, now revised to over 12 inches. Past experiences have prompted proactive preparations for animals, greenhouses, and power outages. Emphasizing readiness ensures safety and… Continue reading
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Planting Garlic in Winter: Why Cold Weather Sets Garlic Up for Success
Discover the resilience of garlic as it transforms unexpected garden relocations into thriving opportunities! Learn why winter planting yields stronger, healthier bulbs and how to successfully relocate your garlic in cold weather. Continue reading
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Starting Onion Seeds in January: Getting a Head Start on the Growing Season
officially started our onion seeds, and now the waiting (and watching) begins. Starting onions in January is one of the best ways to ensure strong, healthy plants and a big harvest later in the year—especially if you garden in cooler climates… Continue reading
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Herbs and Spices for Chickens: Natural Ways to Support Flock Health (and Common Myths)
Raising backyard chickens naturally incorporates beneficial herbs and spices for their health, supporting immunity, digestion, and overall wellness. Common herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic provide various advantages, but they are not cures. Moderation is essential, and herbs complement, rather… Continue reading
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Five Grocery Store Items We Don’t Buy Thanks to Our Homestead
Homesteading offers the joy of reduced grocery runs by producing essential items at home. The journey has eliminated the need for store-bought eggs, chicken, honey, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. This fosters self-sufficiency, enhances culinary quality, and strengthens connections to food.… Continue reading
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Post-Thanksgiving Homestead Winter Preparation
The J & J Homestead blog post highlights preparations for winter after Thanksgiving, focusing on keeping chickens and bees warm. The author shares insights on using radiant heaters thoughtfully, maintaining proper coop conditions, and winterizing hives. The article emphasizes early… Continue reading
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A Late November Surprise: Harvesting Strawberries and Potatoes on the Homestead
A Beautiful and Unexpected Morning in the Garden Today was one of those magical mornings on the homestead — the kind where the garden surprises you in the best possible way. I headed outside intending to pull the last of… Continue reading
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Why November Is My Favorite Month of the Year
November is a unique month that bridges autumn and winter, offering a sense of hope, gratitude, and coziness. It invites reflection and appreciation for the year’s bounty while encouraging a slower pace before the rush of December. The warmth of… Continue reading
