Homesteading

Your basic homebrew kit. This is it, everything you need, and none of the extras you don’t to get you well on your way to having a pantry full of …

Most chicken keepers have a lurking fear of something going wrong with their flock. There are so many health issues that chickens can encounter, there’s no wonder we worry! The …

Frequently relegated to garnish status, parsley is often overlooked as an herbal seasoning. Adding a brightness, freshness, and piquancy to foods, the flat-leaf variety is so flavorful that it can …

Did you know that very few ducks actually “quack”? It’s true, they don’t. Are you aware that male ducks are called drakes? That females are called hens or ducks? And …

Stellaria media is all around us, one of the numerous early wild edibles, more commonly known as chickweed. Other names for this gracious little plant include chickenwort, starweed, maruns, craches …

Fifteen years ago, my wife Shana and I bought a little farm on twelve acres in southcentral  Pennsylvania. It was all we could afford at the time — maybe even …

It’s strawberry season, and it’s time to make all of your favorite strawberry dishes. Strawberry jam is hands down my favorite jam. You can keep that weird gelatinous grape stuff, …

Crunchy. Zingy. Garlicky. In my book, these three words describe the perfect pickled vegetable. Who doesn’t love a good, crisp dill pickle heavy on the garlic; that first juicy bite …

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Ducks are better than chickens. I know; it hurt me a little to say it too. But it’s true. It’s …

Did you know all rose petals are edible? Though some are more fragrantly delicious than others. However, it’s important to note that the only rose petals you’ll want to ingest …

Not all rhubarb is created equal. Neither are homemade jams, but we’ll get to that in a moment. This rings especially true when you have the opportunity to grow and …

Is dandelion a friend or foe? A thing of beauty or a yard-blanketing beast? Well, it all depends on how you choose to look at it. If you consider it …

You know those hamburger and hot dog buns that are topped with little black seeds that roll off in every direction when you take a gigantic bite? More specifically, the …

Buying remote land is the ultimate dream for many people, but the process can feel daunting when you’re only in the idea stage. Where are the best places to buy …

If you’ve recently made yogurt or cheese, you probably have a large bowl of whey, and now you’re wondering what to do with it. Whey is the yellowish byproduct of …

If you’re considering jumping into the world of backyard livestock, knowing which species to commit to can be a challenge. Goats have no equal when it comes to escaping fencing, …

Oh my goodness, Rural Sprout readers, I’m beyond excited to share this fun project with you – we’re going to make tea bombs. If you want to make your next …

Springtime is my favorite time to forage. There’s an abundance of wild edibles growing this time of year. After a long winter of heavy, comfort foods, the woods and fields …

The roost is a necessity for the chicken run and coop, but it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. You can make a chicken roost completely free …

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a hardy perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. As part of the Apiacaea family, it is closely related to carrot, celery, and parsley. This culinary and …

Making maple syrup is a beloved springtime activity. It brings people out of the slumber of winter to make magic by turning tree water into sugary goodness. This homestead chore …

Eat this plant. It’s garlic mustard. Eat as much of it as you can. (This is where you imagine intense music playing in the background.) Um, okay, Tracey, sure, whatever …

If I were ever a convicted murderer who ended up on death row, I know what my last meal would be. Save your filet mignon or your lobster and champagne. …

You know, when a recipe calls for a clove of garlic, and you’re like, “So, what you really mean is three cloves, right?” If that’s you, you’re in good company. …