Basil is not only a beautiful plant, but it is fragrant, delicious, and good for you. It is an easy addition to gardens. Did you know that basil is a great companion plant to help your peppers and tomatoes grow better and have more flavor? It attracts good pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to your garden while helping repel pests like aphids and white flies. Health Benefits of Basil Basil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Basil contains antioxidants that … Continue reading “Let’s talk about Basil”
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Cherries
Posted on July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 Leave a comment on CherriesMy cherry trees are my first trees to harvest each year. We look forward to the first fresh fruit of the season, well after strawberries of course. This year we processed 60 pounds of cherries from one tree. Not only are the little fruits sweet and delicious but they are so good for you. Health Benefits of Cherries Cherries are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system, potassium, … Continue reading “Cherries”
Growing Garlic
Posted on June 23, 2021June 23, 2021 Leave a comment on Growing GarlicGarlic is one of my favorite things to grow. I think that is because it is a set it and forget it plant. I plant in the fall so it can develop its roots and be one of the first things to sprout up in the spring. While I am busy getting everything else in the ground, my garlic is happily growing away doing its thing. I got some wonderful local sets two years ago from someone who has been … Continue reading “Growing Garlic”
Planning My Homestead
Posted on June 21, 2021June 21, 2021 Leave a comment on Planning My HomesteadGoals This year I am adding a lot to my homestead and I am working on a long term plan. As with all parts of my life, I can’t do everything at once and I am trying to stay flexible because as I move forward with my plan I always come across things that need to change. I set some pretty lofty goals this year the big one being to grow 80% of my family’s food for the year! This … Continue reading “Planning My Homestead”
Compost
Posted on May 27, 2021May 27, 2021 Leave a comment on CompostComposting is one of the best things you can do on your homestead, or in your backyard. You can put as much or as little time and effort into this endeavor or you want but no matter how much you put in, it is still worth it. You can go big or small. Believe it or not, if you are really dedicated you can even compost in an apartment! There are contained worm bins that you can use for your … Continue reading “Compost”
Growing Watermelon
Posted on May 20, 2021June 13, 2021 Leave a comment on Growing WatermelonMy dad always picked the best watermelons. He grew up in the fields of the central valley in California. He used to say he worked at the fruit stand when he was a kid, I am not sure how much work he did between all the melons he ate but somewhere along the line he learned how to tell when a watermelon was just right. Sweet and juicy and perfect for a summer day of seed spitting contests. We were … Continue reading “Growing Watermelon”
Roasting Coffee
Posted on April 23, 2021April 24, 2021 1 Comment on Roasting CoffeeI love coffee! Well now I love coffee. Honestly, I didn’t like it at all until I had kids but now it is a regular part of my morning. I love the smell, the hot mug on a cold morning and the simple ritual of pouring the first cup. I do not live in an area where you can grow coffee so you may wonder what this post has to do with my little homestead, other than surveying my yard … Continue reading “Roasting Coffee”
A weekend full of projects
Posted on April 22, 2021April 22, 2021 Leave a comment on A weekend full of projectsIt is so hard for me to be patient. I want to get all the green things planted and growing! But we could get another cold snap, so I have to wait for most things. There are a few things though that I need to get started on. Last weekend I had a huge list of projects I needed to do. One huge project (unloading an actual TON of pig feed from the back of the truck) was added that … Continue reading “A weekend full of projects”
Preparing for my Herb Garden
Posted on April 19, 2021April 20, 2021 2 Comments on Preparing for my Herb GardenI have a big area that is full of weeds right now but soon it will become my herb garden. I don’t know about you, but I cannot keep up with the weeds in my yard. This time of year, if I get right on it, I can make a bit of a dent. The big question then becomes how to keep them from growing back faster than you can clear the next area. Last year I discovered the magic … Continue reading “Preparing for my Herb Garden”
Spring has sprung, in my house
Posted on April 14, 2021December 30, 2022 2 Comments on Spring has sprung, in my houseI have been busy over the last couple of months, starting seeds and preparing for my garden. I have big plans this year. In North Idaho, the weather is always changing and although the sun is out and it is beautiful today, we have a late frost date and if you get over excited and put your plants out too early they will freeze. So my kitchen became a little nursery for my first starts. I have now expanded to a table in the living room and the kitchen and I am running out of space.
I have been busy over the last couple of months, starting seeds and preparing for my garden. I have big plans this year. In North Idaho, the weather is always changing and although the sun is out and it is beautiful today, we have a late frost date and if you get over excited and put your plants out too early they will freeze. So my kitchen became a little nursery for my first starts. I have now expanded to a table in the living room and the kitchen and I am running out of space.