Raising livestock comes with a lot of moving parts, and even small mistakes can turn into big problems. Poor fencing, overcrowded spaces, or skipping regular maintenance can lead to lost animals, costly repairs, or serious health issues. The good news is that most of these problems can be avoided with some planning and know-how. Whether…
Coyotes aren’t always just passing through. If you’ve got livestock, pets, or even small children around, hearing that yip-yip-howling outside the window can put you on edge. Most of the time, they’ll keep their distance—but if they don’t, you want to be ready. Here are 10 guns that make sense to have loaded and close…
Gardening is one of those hobbies that looks peaceful and effortless from the outside, but the reality? It’s a mix of trial, error, and learning as you go. Trust me, I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way—plants that didn’t make it, poor planning, and even some downright embarrassing decisions that still make me cringe….
If you’re on a well, you probably assume your water is cleaner and safer than what comes out of city pipes. But unless you’re testing regularly, you have no way of knowing what’s actually in it. Wells pull from groundwater, which means anything in the soil—bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals—can end up in your drinking water….
Water is one of those things we use all day without giving it much thought—until the bill comes or the drought restrictions hit. Whether you’re trying to save money, be more eco-friendly, or just feel like you’re doing your part, cutting back on water use at home doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s…
Keeping your pantry organized feels like one of those “adulting” wins—until you realize some of your go-to storage habits might actually be ruining your food. I’ve been there: tossing flour in the bag it came in, letting spices collect dust for years, or wondering why my coffee never tastes quite right. It’s frustrating, especially when…
Starting a self-sustaining homestead can feel overwhelming at first, but choosing the right crops makes all the difference. When I first got into gardening for self-sufficiency, I didn’t know where to start. I wanted to grow everything, but I quickly learned that focusing on a few high-yield, versatile crops was the smartest move. The goal…
Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s definitely something you want to get right. Chickens aren’t just backyard decorations—they’re little feathery personalities that deserve a space where they can thrive. Whether you’re starting small or planning to grow your flock (because chicken math is real), there are a few must-haves to…
Weeds have a way of sneaking into your garden and taking over before you even notice. Some spread through their roots, others scatter seeds everywhere, and the worst ones seem impossible to stop. If you don’t deal with them, they’ll crowd out your plants and make gardening way harder than it needs to be. I…
Composting is easy—toss your scraps in a pile and let nature do its thing, right? But if you’ve ever ended up with a stinky mess or a pile that just sits there doing nothing, you know it’s not always that simple. The truth is, a few common mistakes can ruin your compost and make all…