Homesteading

Raising perennial berry bushes on the homestead can take years of effort, often with minimal reward. A better option? Focus on foraging the wild fruit abundant in your region. Autumn …

Look, I already know what you’re thinking. “Beet wine? Is she crazy? That sounds terrible.” Of course, beet wine. Maybe a little. And no, it’s quite wonderful actually. But it’s …

Am I the only one that grows herbs and then thinks, “Okay…now what the heck do I do with these?” I mean, for some herbs, it’s obvious. Mint you make …

With a bountiful apple season on the way, are you prepared for the work – and joy – that comes with preserving a hundred apples? Or a hundred pounds of …

Lemons are such an amazing and versatile ingredient, it’s always a good idea to have some on hand. The sweet and sour flavoring of all parts of the lemon fruit …

Elderberries are one of my favorite fall-garden attractions. Where elders grow, the glossy, black berries on their reddish-pink stems are a definitive sight of the season. Here on our homestead, …

Blueberries and basil go together like peanut butter and jelly. This flavor combo pops up everywhere these days, and for good reason. A couple of summers ago I was inundated …

We are always on the search for easy canning recipes that are not only delicious all winter long, but those that store well for several months too. As sweet as …

Keeping chickens is a lot of fun, but when you first start off, it can be so nerve-wracking. If you’re a nervous beginner, one of the best things you can …

So, I want to know who decided we should throw out carrot tops instead of eating these delicious greens? I know the thought of eating carrot tops seems strange. Can …

Honey is one of the coolest natural products we’ve got going on this planet. I mean, just think about it. Honey is a food made by insects; that in itself …

Rosehips are definitely one of the defining flavours of the fall. Yet many people are unaware that many rose bushes develop these useful hips (if they are given the chance …

Every backyard chicken enthusiast longs for the day when they have an overabundance of farm fresh eggs to collect from the backyard. That means, it is time to make delicious …

Zucchini has a tendency to just grow and grow (as long as you don’t make these growing mistakes!), often leaving you with the feeling that there is no end in …

When it comes to coffee, people tend to be very specific. Some take it black; some people prefer cream and sugar, others just cream. Some people like flavored creamers. Some …

I’ll bet every time you cook a head of cauliflower you’re throwing away one of the tastiest parts. I know I was, that is until I learned about a super …

When it comes to eggplant, you either love it or hate it. It’s one of those vegetables that have very few tepid fans. I’m going to assume that if you’re …

When life hands you 30 pounds of sun-ripened peaches, you must say “thank you” and get straight to work. You simply cannot refuse such a sweet gift! Being prepared is …

Garlic seems to be the one crop, other than zucchini, that grows in our garden on a reliable basis year after year. Even if we do not plant it, or …

I’ll never forget the first time someone offered me sliced broccoli stems. I looked at my host funny as she continued chopping the stem and setting the florets to the …

As I write this, I’m sipping a bubbly glass of peach water kefir, with golden bits of chopped peach floating at the top. I’ve never been much of a soda …

What is the fun of summer without eating melon, at least once, twice or as often as you like?! At the beach, in the backyard or a park, near a …

Growing your own is not just about sowing, growing and harvesting. It is also about making sure that you make the most of the crops that you grow. This means …

If you are about to harvest your raspberries fresh, or have already frozen them for later indulgence, this old-fashioned raspberry jam recipe certainly aims to please. It is slightly sweet, …