Growing Local Food
Mary Lou writes Growing Local Food as a homesteader who, along with her husband, grow most of their own food. A former physician who stressed preventive medicine, she shares with you the “how-to’s” of caring for animals as well as growing your own fruits and vegetables. She emphasizes that we can do this in a sustainable way that will enrich our personal health along with the health of our community and planet.
Her experience includes raising heirloom vegetables and animals. She discusses not only the how-to's of raising both, but also the importance of preserving their genetics so that future generations will have the option of growing their own food.
This blog therefore applies to everyone: those with large homesteads, suburban lawns, or with only a city balcony or community garden. It also applies to those who have no land but who are supporting their community’s food supply by buying from Farmer’s Markets and CSAs.
Here is proof that we can “do it all”: eat without chemicals, eat more nutritionally, have tastier produce, provide for future generations and support a healthier community and planet.
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Mary Lou can be reached at: mlgrowinglocalfood@gmail.com
Gardening
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic substance that can be used on a homestead as a worming medicine, for controlling flies, as an insecticide, for helping soil retain water and drain well. It also can be used as a mild abrasive, thermal insulator and filter. Finally, it has many benefits for humans that ingest it.
Having a variety of flowers snuggled into your vegetable garden will increase the health of the soil, plants and their produce. Flowers also attract beneficial insects and animals that add to the success and beauty of the vegetable garden while increasing your pleasure.
Exploring the Benefits of Growing and Using Herbs in Your Everyday Life. Discover the joys of cultivating your own herb garden and how incorporating fresh herbs into your cooking, remedies, and daily routines can enhance your well-being.
Heritage Breed Farm Animals
Are you interested in learning how to process your own poultry at home but don't know where to start? This comprehensive guide has all the practical and emotional tips you need to get started. From help in handling emotions to gathering necessary equipment, and selecting birds for processing, we cover everything you need for a successful experience. We also delve into the emotional aspects of home meat production, including coping mechanisms and self-care practices for dealing with difficult feelings that may arise throughout the process. Whether you're new to homesteading or just looking for more information on raising and processing your own meat ethically at home, this article has everything you need."
Are you considering bringing a milk cow onto your property and enjoying the benefits of fresh, raw milk straight from the source? Not only is owning a family cow a practical way to provide dairy products for your household, but it can also be an enriching experience that brings you closer to nature and provides countless life lessons. In this article, we'll guide you through all the steps necessary for successful cow ownership - from selecting an appropriate breed, the basics of housing and equipment, and proper nutrition and milking techniques. We also delve into the advantages of choosing an heirloom breed over more common commercial varieties, exploring how these fascinating animals can help preserve valuable genetic diversity while providing wonderful food and enjoyment. Whether you're new to cow ownership or just looking for more tips on how to get started with heirloom breeds, this article is perfect for anyone interested in having a family cow.
Looking to add some feathered friends to your backyard? Learn the ins and outs of raising poultry with this helpful how-to guide. In addition to providing fresh eggs and delicious meat, raising chickens, turkeys or other birds can be a rewarding experience that enriches your life in countless ways. Plus, by choosing rare or heirloom breeds, you'll be doing your part to help preserve these special animals for future generations. From setting up a coop and selecting breeds to caring for young chicks and troubleshooting common problems, this article has everything you need to know about raising your own poultry.
Fruit Orchards
Looking to keep your fruit trees healthy and yield a bountiful harvest? This easy guide to fruit tree pruning offers step-by-step techniques and helpful tips for beginner gardeners. Learn the basics of pruning, when to prune, and how to maintain your trees for optimal growth. Start improving your orchard's health today!
The fruit we buy is laden with chemicals but it is possible for us to have nutritious and delicious orchard fruit with proper pruning, the use of barriers, and holistic sprays.
Preserving the Harvest
Extend Your Harvest: Learn How to Freeze Vegetables for Year-Round Enjoyment. Discover simple and effective techniques for freezing garden vegetables to preserve their freshness, flavor, and nutrition. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the best vegetables for freezing to proper preparation and storage methods. With these tips, you can make the most of your garden harvests and enjoy delicious homegrown produce all year long.
Preserving the Harvest: A Comprehensive Guide to Drying Food. Explore the art of food preservation through drying methods, including solar and electrical dryers. This informative blog provides step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and insights into successfully preserving the flavors and nutrients of your garden harvest. Learn how to dry a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more using both traditional and modern drying techniques. Discover the benefits of solar and electrical dryers while understanding their unique advantages. Join us on this journey towards sustainable food storage as we empower you to savor the tastes of summer all year round.
Master the Art of Produce Preservation: A Comprehensive Guide to Water-Bath and Pressure Canning Methods. Learn the time-honored techniques of food preservation through both water-bath and water-pressure canning methods. This informative blog provides step-by-step instructions and essential tips for successfully preserving your abundant harvest. Discover the differences between these two canning methods, understand when to use each one, and gain confidence in effectively bottling up the goodness of fruits, vegetables, and more. Join us on this flavorful journey as we help you stock your pantry with homemade preserves that will last long beyond the growing season.
Musings
We can build our local community's resiliency by gardening and sharing produce together. This is true whether we live in the country, suburbs or a city.
Don't hesitate to begin homesteading because it seems overwhelming. These time management tools for different seasons and different days of the week help to keep the work easier to handle and more enjoyable.
Discover Effective Ways to Conserve Our Precious Water. In this article, we delve into practical strategies and useful tips to help you make a positive impact on water conservation efforts. Explore simple yet impactful changes you can make as a homesteader with outdoor water usage. From rain barrels to cisterns, we can collectively contribute to safeguarding this invaluable resource for future generations. Join us in the journey towards sustainable water management and discover how your actions can make a significant difference.