Gardening is all about balance, but pests like aphids, beetles, mites, and flies can really test your patience. You don’t want to douse the plants you hope to harvest and consume in toxic chemicals, yet you won’t even get a chance to enjoy them at the rate the bugs are moving in. Luckily, there’s a …
If you’ve ever planted seeds and waited forever for them to sprout, only to be met with disappointing results, you’re not alone. Some seeds, especially ones with tough outer shells, struggle to absorb water and break through their own protective coats. That’s where seed scarification comes in — a fancy word for a simple trick: …
“Man’s best friend”—it’s a title dogs have earned over centuries. Yet for Indy, a one-year-old black Lab, discovering where he fit into that legacy took time. The canine was quickly returned to his Colorado breeder after his original owners couldn’t make the commitment required for an active working breed, like Indy. Luckily, at the same …
Homesteading might seem like a big, overwhelming dream, but as this short video from Dragonfly Brook Homestead reminds us, it all starts with small, intentional steps. Whether you have acres of land or a tiny apartment, you can begin embracing a more self-sufficient lifestyle right where you are. Homesteading isn’t just about owning a farm—it’s …
When the power goes out unexpectedly, homeowners often face the same pressing question: “Is my food still safe to eat?” With extreme weather events becoming more frequent across the U.S., this is an increasingly common concern. Understanding how long your refrigerated food remains safe can help prevent unnecessary waste and foodborne illness. “Most people aren’t sure when …
Most of us hop into the shower expecting a fresh, clean start to the day. But if your showerhead hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it could be doing more harm than good. Experts at Plumbworld warn that showerheads should be cleaned at least once a month, yet many people wait much longer. The result? …
A root cellar is a homesteader’s secret weapon during their mission to full self-sufficiency. It provides peace of mind in the face of potential power outages to safely store all that precious produce. Even for someone who isn’t growing all their own food, it gives them a space to stock up for the upcoming cold …
Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, but there are a few key things to know before getting started. If you’ve been thinking about adding a flock to your backyard, you’ll want to set them up for success right from the start. This advice comes from a video shared by Earth, Nails & Tails, which lays out …
A 2024 Swiftly survey found that 7 in 10 Americans struggle to afford groceries. Fast forward to 2025, and there is no data to know that people are feeling the pinch of the continually rising cost of food and food shortages on items like chicken eggs. Having a reliable source of fresh produce is becoming …
Fans of the great American breakfast have never had things so bad of late. The rise in egg prices has been well documented, but bacon, coffee, and frozen orange juice all hover well above pre-pandemic prices. Those who can access homegrown, fresh produce are ahead of the game. Gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers fall into this …