Livestock guardian dogs (a.k.a. LGDs) are relatively new to North America. Before their arrival predator control was much more difficult. Those who raised livestock generally had to trap, poison or hunt predators which attacked their stock. Sometimes this involved great …
For years I have observed this mushroom in our yard. First it started on the roots of a deceased cottonwood tree. Soon, I saw it come up on the shallow roots of silver maples as well. I’ve always wondered about …
I find there is a special kind of pleasure, this time of year when I glean from the garden. Gleaning from the garden means to pick through a plot which has already been harvested and find what is left over …
Many folk who embark on the journey of greater self sufficiency quickly face the question of whether or not to get a livestock guardian dog. This is especially true if they get goats or sheep. Let me be honest, I am …
Almost everyone who is interested in homesteading considers chickens at some point. Free range chickens is a popular approach. There are advantage and disadvantages to this approach. Advantages of raising free range chickens Free ranging can cut feed costs. As …
Many people who start trying to produce some of their own food start with chickens. Normally they get chicks in the spring and enjoy a glorious summer, learning about their chickens as they grow. Fall may be alright, but then …
Barksdale Wax Pole Bean was one of the two first bean varieties I started saving seed from, back in 1984. In 1983 Jerreth’s grand parents obtained the seed from the Claude Barksdale family, who in turn got their seed from …
Gardeners who live in temperate climates often dread the first killing frost of a given year. Unless you can beat the frost, garden harvests will probably plummet. This is especially true when thinking about warm weather crops like beans, peppers …
Four basic chainsaw tips for the would be chainsaw operator: Many people who want to pursue a greater degree of self sufficiency and a simpler lifestyle eventually find themselves considering the purchase of a chainsaw. Chainsaws can be extremely handy, …
Differently colored sweet potatoes are easy to distinguish at harvest time. This fact has some great applications in practice, especially for the one who would save stock from one year to the next. I normally maintain about a dozen varieties …
