gardening
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The Power of Companion Planting: 10 Plant Pairings for a Thriving Garden
The post discusses the importance of companion planting in gardening, emphasizing how specific plant pairings can benefit each other by reducing pests, improving soil health, and maximizing space. The author shares ten effective pairings, highlighting that companion planting is adaptable… Continue reading
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Seed Sorting Season: Turning Snow-Crete Days Into Garden Planning Wins
During winter, with outdoor gardening activities stalled due to ice and snow, focusing on seed organization indoors becomes essential. This productive task involves gathering all seed packets, sorting them by type, and noting important details. With organized seeds and plans… 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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The 72-Hour Rule for Homesteads: Preparing Without the Panic
Discover how the 72-Hour Rule transforms homesteading from a challenge into a well-prepared lifestyle. Imagine a winter storm where your home functions independently for three days without power or outside help. This rule empowers you to focus on your family… 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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Turning Winter Weeds Into Chicken & Duck Enrichment
Winter weeds such as Hairy Bittercress, Henbit Deadnettle, and Carolina Cranesbill provide significant nutritional benefits for chickens and ducks, enhancing their diets while reducing boredom during colder months. By using these weeds as flock feed, homesteaders can optimize their garden… 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 Continue reading
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Top Seeds to Start in the Greenhouse in January (Virginia)
January is a crucial month for greenhouse gardening, offering a chance to start cold-tolerant crops like onions, leeks, brassicas, and leafy greens. Early planting ensures stronger transplants and earlier harvests. While some plants should be waited on, January lays the… 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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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 Continue reading
