Articles

  • Here’s Everything We Did in Our First Year on the Homestead

    Here’s Everything We Did in Our First Year on the Homestead

    We moved to our new property of just over six acres in Georgia in July 2022. As we approach the end of our first year on the homestead, I think it’s important to reflect and quantify all that we accomplished in these first 12 months. Looking backwards will help us gauge how much progress we Read more

  • The Pros and Cons of Mulching with Straw

    The Pros and Cons of Mulching with Straw

    Many folks, including myself, use straw to mulch their gardens. Mulching is vital to vegetable and fruit production as it protects roots from freezing temperatures, retains moisture in the soil (reducing watering requirements), and suppresses weeds. While there are many pros to using straw in the garden, no mulch is perfect and without its negatives. Read more

  • What Most Homesteaders Lack

    What Most Homesteaders Lack

    I’ve been thinking more and more about the differences between homesteaders and small-scale farmers and market gardeners. While there are many similarities, usually including similar lifestyles, a love of the outdoors, and a desire for wholesome food, there are also notable differences. Small-scale farmers and market gardeners grow food and tend animals to make a Read more

  • The Best Seeders for Homesteads and Market Gardens

    The Best Seeders for Homesteads and Market Gardens

    Any serious homesteader or market gardener will quickly see the value offered by a wide variety of push and tractor-mounted seeders. These seeders save us back-pain and time, while also encouraging a more systematic approach to gardening. If gardening on any plot of 1000 square feet or more, a seeder is essential, and fortunately there Read more

  • Introducing Born for the Barn: A Homestead Journey

    Introducing Born for the Barn: A Homestead Journey

    I have a great job: it’s extremely interesting work; it brings me into daily contact with great people; and it pays well enough to support our family as the sole income source. However, looking at a computer screen (as I’m inevitably doing right now) for eight hours a day is not a source of joy. Read more