If you’ve ever planted something, babied it for weeks, and then wondered why it barely grew or just straight-up died, your soil might be to blame. I’ve been there—thinking I did everything right, only to end up with sad, stunted plants and a growing sense of gardening failure. Turns out, soil isn’t just dirt, and…
If you’ve got a small homestead, you don’t have the luxury of keeping separate animals for every need. Space, feed costs, and time all add up fast. That’s where dual-purpose livestock comes in. These breeds pull double duty, giving you both meat and eggs, milk and meat, or even land-clearing and pork production—all without taking…
Composting sounds easy enough—throw in some food scraps, let nature do its thing, and boom, free fertilizer. Except if you’ve ever tried it, you know it’s not that simple. One wrong move, and you’ve either got a pile of moldy sludge, a rodent buffet, or something that smells so bad your neighbors start asking questions….
A sick cow won’t come up and tell you something’s wrong—you’ve got to catch the signs early. The problem is, by the time a cow looks really sick, it’s often already in bad shape. That’s why paying attention to the small changes—things like appetite, energy levels, and behavior—can mean the difference between a quick fix…
Not every plant needs constant watering, fertilizing, and babying to thrive. Some practically grow themselves, which is perfect for anyone who wants a productive garden without all the extra work. Whether you’re short on time, dealing with poor soil, or just want an easier way to grow food, there are plenty of options that don’t…
Being more self-sufficient doesn’t mean going off the grid overnight, but making small upgrades to your homestead can add up fast. Whether it’s finding ways to store water, grow more food, or cut down on outside resources, a few smart DIY projects can make a huge difference. The best part? Most of these aren’t complicated…
Nobody wants to walk past their chicken coop and get hit with a wave of stink. If your coop smells bad it’s a sign that something needs to change. Too much moisture, poor ventilation, and waste buildup can make ammonia levels spike, which isn’t good for your chickens or you. The good news? Keeping your…
When you’re working with limited space, picking the right livestock makes all the difference. A single cow or horse can take up an acre or more, but smaller animals—like goats, sheep, or chickens—can thrive in much tighter quarters. Goats and sheep do well with 6–10 per acre if there’s good pasture, and if you’re using…
Feeding livestock isn’t as simple as tossing them whatever scraps you have lying around. Some foods can cause immediate poisoning, while others build up over time, leading to serious health issues you won’t notice until it’s too late. Just because an animal will eat something doesn’t mean it’s safe. Toxic compounds, mold, and even common…
If you’ve got livestock, keeping them safe isn’t something you can afford to overlook. A barn might seem secure, but problems build up fast if you’re not paying attention. Small hazards—loose boards, bad wiring, or poor ventilation—can turn into major issues that lead to injuries, sickness, or worse. The best way to protect your animals…