There are a lot of things that go into keeping a homestead in good shape, and there's almost always work to do. If you've never lived in the country or ran your own homestead, you might be surprised at the extensive list of projects that your average homesteader keeps going in the back of their mind! This month, we'll get a sneak peek at the spring to-do list of longtime homesteader and forum member, Gina, who has a beautiful homestead in Southern Texas where there are always more projects ... [ Read More ]
Taken a Long Break
I have taken a long break from the blog, and for good reason. This past spring, after realizing that our small farm homesteading dreams were not working out the way we wanted them to, we made the decision to make a very important move. When we moved to the east coast 9 years ago, it did not take long before we realized that it was not right for us. We have spent much of the last 9 years debating whether to move back or not. We finally made the decision this past spring to do so, and ... [ Read More ]
Looking Forward to 2013 – Homesteading Goals and Plans
I have to admit, 2012 was not the glorious year that I wanted it to be, too many things happening getting in the way of our plans and goals, and just generally one of those years where all one could really do is hang on for the roller coaster ride. 2013 is going to be different, or at least that is what I keep telling myself, and the firm belief in my head is that if I keep thinking it will be so, it will be. I have a lot of plans, not all of them are focused on my homesteading ... [ Read More ]
Weekend Homestead Windup – Is Fall Here?
Hi everybody it is time for another homestead update, and this time my mind is wandering to the leaves on our lawn and the cool temperatures we had this morning. As I drank my coffee I found myself wondering whether fall was on its way, whether a long Indian summer was not in our future. I am of two minds about the prospect of an early fall, as hot and dry as it has been this year, I am probably not the only one who is welcoming cooler temperatures, but at the same time I worry a bit about ... [ Read More ]
Weekend Homestead Windup – School is In!
School starts tomorrow and with it a lot of thoughts about this past season and plans for the days ahead. School starting means fall is on its way and that leaves time for new projects. It has been a while since I have done a homestead update, and a couple of weeks ago I decided that I need to try to make weekly updates as long as there was something for me to say each week. To that end I have decided to do a weekend homestead windup which will encompass all of my ... [ Read More ]
Our Harvest is Starting to Come In
All the effort that I made to getting my garden put in early is really paying off, our harvest is starting to arrive in and most cases it is a few weeks earlier that most around here. We have had all the usual spring crops and also have baby carrots, zucchini, cabbage and Cauliflower and the first signs of cukes and tomatoes. Our corn is waist high already and I have baby peas and green beans that we are anxiously awaiting. The onions have reached the stage where we can start ... [ Read More ]
First Harvest of the Year,Garden is In, keeping busy With New Puppy
It has been a very long time since I have given an update on my progress here, as well as being a long time since I have updated this blog. I have had very good intentions to update it every week and would love to do much more frequent posts, but I am still trying to figure out how to manage my time. There are so many things demanding my time between planting, butchering and our business not to mention a brand new puppy but more about him later... that I have a hard time keeping them all ... [ Read More ]
Homestead Update: Planting Season is Here and Does anyone Want any Eggs?
It has been a while since I have done one of these and I have had plenty to report too! I really want to get into the habit of updating this blog more often and along with it these updates. I am trying to keep a photo journal of everything we do here, as we go along, to go with my updates as well. An early spring has put planting season into full swing, our neighbor brought over his tiller as promised and to my immense gratitude tilled up my garden for me. The garden is not huge, and I am ... [ Read More ]
Making Self Employment and a Hobby Farm Work Together
Many people would look at the life my husband and I have chosen and see it as the ideal American dream. We work at home; work for ourselves, are in complete control as to how much money we earn, where our business goes, and when we work. We have our small 2/3 of an acre plot which the jury is out on whether this will be big enough for us or would we want to upgrade in the future. We are on the road to practicing self-sufficiency, growing as much of our food as possible and working on renewable ... [ Read More ]