Bats are often misunderstood and overlooked creatures, yet they offer many benefits to homesteaders, cabin owners and farms. Unfortunately there are many misconceptions about bats including the beliefs that they are blind, prone to getting tangled in hair, or commonly carry diseases – not to mention Hollywood’s role in portraying them as blood sucking vampires....
Category: Main
The Life of a Mosquito
Mosquitoes are more than just a summertime nuisance; they are complex insects with significant impacts on human health and ecosystems. For rural and self-sufficient communities, understanding mosquitoes is important not only for comfort but also for health and effective homestead management. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with everything you need to know about...
Understanding Deer Behavior Patterns
Deer, as members of the Cervidae family, are among the most iconic and extensively studied mammals globally. Their elegant presence in natural settings symbolizes the beauty of wilderness, yet comprehending their behaviors and ecological roles is vital for effective wildlife management and reducing human-wildlife conflicts. This article explores the complex lives of deer, focusing on...
7 Natural Homemade Fertilizers for Your Garden
Any gardener knows that fertilizers are important to maximize growth, but for those concerned about what’s in consumer fertilizers, there are numerous methods for creating your own fertilizer that will equal if not out perform products like Miracle Grow and other chemical laced products. Natural liquid fertilizers are nutrient-rich solutions made from organic materials that...
Germination and Sprouting times for 40 Vegetable Types
From seed to harvest, the Growing times for vegetable seeds. Knowing the length of time it takes for your vegetable seeds to reach the various important stages of their growth goes a long way to successful gardening. A primary benefit is succession planting to ensure a steady flow of fresh ready to harvest vegetables...
Optimal Dried and Dehydrated Food Storage Times
How Temperature Impacts Life Span of Dried and Dehydrated Goods Assessing the longevity of food storage is complex due to numerous influential factors. These include the initial quality of the food when bought, among other elements. Temperature: The Primary Factor The role of temperature is paramount in determining the shelf life of dried foods. The...
The Science Behind Composting
All homesteaders and gardeners know the value of compost in growing food and for cosmetic flower beds etc, but for many, the actual process of composting and the science behind it is a vague concept. When you produce your own compost, having an advanced understanding of the process and methodology behind what maximizes the...
Building an Ice House for Year Round Refrigeration
In the pursuit of self-sufficiency, one traditional method that has seen a resurgence among modern homesteaders and off-grid enthusiasts is the use of an ice house. An ice house, once a staple before the advent of electric refrigeration, offers a reliable solution for long-term cold storage, especially in remote areas where electricity is either unavailable...
The Actual Shelf Life of Packaged Goods
As homesteaders and preppers, you understand the importance of maintaining a well-stocked pantry and ensuring long-term food security. Knowing how to properly assess the longevity of your food supplies is crucial. But how do you determine what to keep and what to discard? And how can you ensure that your stock of fresh ingredients remains...
The Medical Wonders of the Wild Plantain Plant
Often mistaken for a problematic weed, the plantain plant (Plantago major) has a fascinating history of medicinal properties ranging from a powerful antiseptic to treating high blood pressure and as a gentle digestive aid for those suffering from everything from IBS to heartburn. Where most people know the healing aspects of the Aloe Vera plant,...