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homesteading – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Tag: homesteading

  • What is a Homestead Dog?

    What is a Homestead Dog?

    Dogs are great companions. Homestead dogs are more than that. They serve many functions around the farm, from taking care of predators to herding your cows. A homestead dog really does do it all and then some. Once you have one, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get a homestead dog sooner. In fact, the only better than one homestead dog is two of them. The more help that you have around the farm, the better, right?

    Choose the Right Breed

    It all starts with picking the right breed. A homestead dog can be a rescue mutt. After all, it all lies in the amount of training that you provide so that you can teach your pup to do the right things and be a big help around the homestead. With that said, you’ll want to look for the following breeds, or some combination thereof (if you’re going with a general mutt or rescue):

    German Shepherd – There’s a reason why German Shepherds are police and rescue dogs – they are tenacious, very smart, and have serious protection instincts.

    Labrador Retriever – Labs are easy to train, large enough to scare off people and keep cattle in line, and are great hunting partners.

    Collie – Lassie was a Collie, so it’s hard to overlook the brains that are the main characteristic of this breed.

    Any outdoor-loving, medium to large size dog will work. If you’re a big fan of watching dog shows on television, then focus on the hunting and herding groups. Those dogs possess all of the qualities that will make a good homestead dog.

    They Herd Your Livestock

    The classic “dogs herding your cows and cattle” image really is true. These animals will keep all of your others in line, especially if you choose a breed with natural herding instincts. (Those without can be trained, don’t worry.) You want your homestead dog to keep an eye on your livestock and understand exactly where the boundaries are so that your cattle don’t end up on someone else’s land or getting lost someplace.

    They Provide Protection

    Dogs are great at providing protection. If you allow yours in the house, they’ll bark at everyone who knocks on the door. This is a good thing, particularly if you live in the middle of nowhere and are wary of strangers lurking around who are up to something. Even when you’re not in the house – as long as you’re anywhere on the property – your dog will watch out for you and your family. It’s their job to take care of you in every way that they possibly can. You won’t have to worry much when your homestead dog is around.

    They Hunt for Small Prey

    Not only will your dog help with your livestock and protect your family, but they’ll also hunt for small prey. Those squirrels, rabbits, and foxes never stood a chance with your homestead dog around. The second something worth chasing pops up on their radar, the dog will take off after it. In the end, they’ll have chased it off or killed it, depending on whether or not they could reach the critter.

    They Provide Companionship

    Above all else, a homestead dog is a loyal companion. They will remain by your side, no matter what, keeping an eye on you and everyone else in your home. Your homestead dog will miss you so much when you’re away that they’ll great you the second you get home. They are lovable friends whose company you’ll enjoy. It’s hard to describe the bond between a homestead dog and their human, but believe us, it exists!

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  • 7 High Tech Tools and Tricks for Modern Homesteading

    7 High Tech Tools and Tricks for Modern Homesteading

    Homesteading is the basic art of living off of the land. Homesteaders get their inspiration from the settlers who moved out west during the 1800s. They had to do things themselves because there were no cities, town, or even villages yet. Everything had to be transported out there by the homesteaders, from the livestock that they raised to the plant seeds that they used to grow food. Thankfully, some things have changed over the centuries, and modern homesteaders are no longer limited by the constraints of the past. There are plenty of high tech tools that they can take advantage of. Here are seven of them

    1) Rain Barrels

    Water is very important. Every homesteader needs access to plenty of uncontaminated water for a number of different purposes. Rain barrels are one great tool that can help. While the wells on a homesteader’s land can produce drinking water, what about the plants? Rather than waste drinking water on them, set up some rain barrels and collect the water as it falls from the sky. Place rain barrels around your house, near your gutters, so that the water flows into them during a storm. This is a great way to collect water for various non-consumption purposes.

    Related Article: DIY Rain Barrel System

    2) Install Solar Panels

    If you want to live off of the grid as much as possible, then you’ll need to take advantage of alternative ways to produce electricity. Solar panels are just one of the many options. These panels are placed on your house and they collect and store energy produced by the sun. The system connected to them switches the current from direct to alternating, and then it flows into your home’s electric panel where it powers everything within it.

    Related Article: Solar Energy Options for Homesteaders

    3) Wind Turbines

    Speaking of alternative ways to produce electricity, wind turbines are a great option. The only issue is that you need to live in an area that has enough wind for them to work properly. Otherwise, you’ll have spent a lot of money on wind turbines that don’t do what you want them to. The best thing to do here is to have a company come out to check to see if your homestead is a good candidate. If it is, then you’ll be able to save even more money in the long run by taking advantage of alternative energy producing methods.

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    4) Cell Phones

    Your cell phone is a very useful high tech tool that can help you quite a bit on your homestead. For example, you can set up a security system and monitor it from your phone. If your livestock manages to get out, an alert will sound on your smartphone, and you’ll know right away that you need to get your cattle or pigs back into the pen.

    5) Solar Ovens

    We’ve already discussed solar panels in general, but what about solar ovens? These ovens sit outdoors and aren’t connected to your electrical system at all. Instead, they receive their power from the sun, thanks to their built-in solar panels. If you really want to cook off the grid, then this a very useful option. You’ll find that they work just as well as standard ovens.

    6) Aquatic Livestock

    This is one thing that many homesteaders don’t think about. Aquatic livestock, like fish that are essentially raised in tanks on a farm, plays a crucial role in an aquaponic system. They purify the water that standard livestock drink, and so on. The entire plan here is symbiosis.

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    7) Yurts and Instant Homes

    If you truly want to create a homestead in a quick manner, then consider purchasing an “instant home.” These homes are compact and easy to set up, as they contain everything that you need, except for furniture. You can even make an instant home out of an old shipping container if you’re feeling particularly creative.

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  • Mold is Growing in Your Home RIGHT NOW…But Where?

    Mold is Growing in Your Home RIGHT NOW…But Where?

    If you’re sitting in your house sneezing, coughing, and dealing with skin, eye, and throat irritations, there is most likely mold present somewhere. People that are suffering from asthma or allergies know precisely how damaging mold can be to their health. Those with a healthy system aren’t going to notice mold growing somewhere quite as quickly. While you can’t control the mold you come in contact with outside of your home, it is possible to contain and eliminate it from your house. Start by checking some of the most common places where it gets found.

    What is Mold and Why Do You Have It?

    Your home offers the perfect growing conditions for mold. There is darkness, oxygen, warmth, and a place for it to reproduce. As soon as humidity levels rise or stagnant water is present from a water leak, the growth of mold is almost impossible to stop.

    It’s a fungus by definition. Microscopic spores float through the air, and when small clusters start to form, you can see them growing. The spores can cause attacks and other health issues with those that have existing breathing conditions. Without a health issue, you might not be able to tell there is even mold in your home. You should still be checking these common areas regularly to be sure.

    Basement

    The basement is most likely the darkest and dampest section of your home. When you walk down there, if you smell a musty odor, there’s a good chance it is mold. Some of the areas to look at while you’re in the basement inspecting for mold are:

    • Around ducts and pipes
    • Around the sump pump area
    • Anywhere the foundation is leaking
    • Windows or vents

    Prevent mold growth by using a dehumidifier and fixing any leaks.

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    Bathroom

    The bathroom is another damp area that is ideal for mold growth. You have to be sure that there is proper ventilation through the use of fans and windows to prevent it. While the mold on the tile is apparent because you can see it, there are other places to check like:

    • On the floors and wall
    • Sink and toilet
    • In the shower or tub

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    Kitchen

    Mold in the kitchen tends to multiply because of the use of the hot water for dishwashing and a warm oven increasing the temperature. Food in the sink or left in the fridge can be sources for mold growth. With all the great real estate, make sure you’re looking at these areas:

    • Microwave and stove
    • Refrigerator and pantry
    • On, in, and around the kitchen sink
    • Trash cans
    • Cutting boards
    • Behind the stove

    Living Room

    You might think that there aren’t favorable conditions in your comfortable living room for mold, but there are. Think about when you or your kids eat in there. Food undoubtedly falls off the plate which can start mold growth. Houseplants also have the potential of producing mold. Look in these spots:

    • On the couch or the curtains
    • The plants
    • Chimney or fireplace

    Keep everything clean and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity down in your living room to prevent mold growth issues.

    Bedroom

    All of your rooms are susceptible to mold, including your bedroom. Keep your humidity levels down and regularly check these areas for growth:

    • Windows and window sills
    • Mattresses
    • Vents for air conditioning and heat

    A waterproof mattress cover or a mold resistant mattress can assist with keeping mold out of the area where you sleep. If you see any condensation forming, clean it up and see if there need to be repairs made.

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  • 5 Tips for Using Manures in Your Garden

    5 Tips for Using Manures in Your Garden

     

    Manure is one the best, all-natural fertilizers around. Yes, it does smell, since it consists of animal feces. However, its many benefits far outweigh the stench. You’ll be glad that you put up with it when your plants are growing strong and tall. Before you begin spreading manure around your garden willy-nilly, take the time to review these five useful tips.

     

    1) Don’t Place Manure around Your Edible Vegetables

    You might be tempted to use manure to fertilize every single plant in your garden, after all, it’s good for all of them, right? Wrong. You never want to use it around any edible vegetable or fruit plants, or even on your herbs. It can dehydrate and burn your plants, as it’s very strong. On top of this, manure is full of bacteria. This means that you might end up transferring salmonella and E. coli to your edible crops. All of the washing in the world may not be enough to keep them contaminant free.  Note: this is based on fresh manure directly applied to your soil.  There are steps you can take to apply composted manure as fertilizer.

     

    2) Research Your Manure before Using It

    Yes, manure is usually all-natural, as in it comes from animals. This doesn’t mean that your batch won’t contain trace amounts of various medications, antibiotics, and pesticides. These things can leach into your soil where they’ll negatively affect your plants. The chemicals in them can also kill off the beneficial microbes that make manure such a useful fertilizer. You need to be careful when using random batches of it. Always ask the provider (as in the farmer or store employee, not the animals) before buying your next supply.  Note: if you are supplying the manure from your own livestock, you will know what they have been fed and ingesting in their bodies.

     

    3) Age Your Manure

    Aged manure is what’s best for your garden. The fresh stuff can stink and even burn your plants.  Aged manure doesn’t smell as bad (although you might find that it has some lingering odors) and contains all of the proper nutrients. The aging process entails drying the manure at around 160 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours or days. Then, it’s left to sit for several months, ideally six months to a year. The end results are powdery and less moist. Many of the harmful pathogens will have been killed off as well.

    4) Place Some in Your Compost Pile

    If you already have a compost pile and need something to do with your fresh manure, then we have a solution for you. Place the manure in that pile and let it cure. Over the course of the next two to four months, your manure will break down along with the rest of the “ingredients” in your compost pile. With that said, this only works well if you add a small amount of manure to an already well-blended compost pile. You need an outdoor pile, as well, not one of those tumbler bins. They won’t work well, and the manure won’t break down properly. Since composting is quite different from aging your manure, you can test out both methods, provided that you have space, to see which one you like the best.

    Related Article: The Best All Natural Fertilizers For Your Garden

     

    5) Make Manure Tea

    This sounds completely unpalatable to the human ear. And yes, you don’t want to drink the manure tea yourself. Your plants will love it though. This liquid mixture of manure dissolved in water is just what your plants need. Your rosebushes, in particular, will love it. Once you have your “manure tea” ready, just pour it around the roots of your non-edible plants. They’ll soak up the liquid as if it were just water. The only difference is that this is a more powerful form of water, one with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

     

    Conclusion

    While there are many steps and precautions to take when implementing manure, it is one of the most beneficial, natural fertilizers you can use.  Your plants will thank you!

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  • 5 Great Benefits of Having Succulents in Your Home

    5 Great Benefits of Having Succulents in Your Home

    Plants help clean the air, add oxygen and any number of other benefits.  The problem?  Not everyone has a green enough thumb to keep their plants alive, let alone flourishing.

    Fortunately, you don’t have to have a degree in botany to enjoy having plants indoors; you have to pick the right ones.

    Enter the succulent.  Succulent plants, or succulents, are a type of plant that displays parts that are especially thick and fleshy.  This characteristic lets the plant retain water in drying climates and soil types in a similar manner to cactus plants.

    These wonderful little plants have become even more popular recently and for good reason, besides the typical benefits of adding oxygen and purifying the air. Let’s look at some of the other great reasons to add succulents to your home.

     

    They Bring a Zen Quality to Your Environment

    Houseplants have been shown to aid in concentration as well as improve your overall mood.  The geometrical patterns of succulents have the effects of focusing your thoughts, helping you feel more relaxed and able to process information better.

    Additionally, the process of taking care of a plant and watching it develop and grow can help rid yourself of feelings like loneliness and even depression.

     

    They Provide Natural Medicinal Properties

    Some succulents are good for more than just decorating a space.  Plants like agave and aloe vera also have medicinal properties. Keep agave on hand as a natural antiseptic to treat scratches and cuts.

    Aloe vera is not only great for burns and sunburn but can be taken internally to help alleviate fevers, bowel issues and more.

    They Are Not Picky About Their Living Quarters

    It doesn’t take much to make a succulent happy.  Their shallow root systems make them ideal for planting in bowls, jars, teacups, or anything else you can conjure up.  Let them take up as much or as little room as you can spare.

     

    They Rank High on the Hardiness Scale

    What does this mean for you?  They don’t require as much water and attention as other houseplants, making them easy to care for.  Have you ever left for a week and forgot to get someone to take care of the plants?

    No problem, more than likely your succulents will be no more the worse for wear when you get back. They may be a little thirsty though.

    Also, they don’t need very much light to get by.  This means you can keep them in your bedroom, and as long as there is a little light peeking through the blinds during the day, they’ll be happy and waiting for your at bedtime to commune with and clear your head before lights out.

     

    Where to Find Succulents

    Thanks to there increasing popularity, you won’t have to hunt down a specialized garden store to get started.  Any local DIY center with a garden section will probably have a large variety to choose from.  From there you can pick out a great planter to add to the aesthetic or take them home and put them in your favorite coffee mug.

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  • 5 Ways to Clean Your Tarnished Copper Naturally

    5 Ways to Clean Your Tarnished Copper Naturally

     

    Sinks, pans, and various other items found throughout your home can be made of beautiful copper. You may even pick up something cheap at a rummage sale made from copper that is just begging for you to bring it back to life.

    The only problem with this kind of a metal is that over time, it tarnishes. It can turn black after being exposed to the air. A greenish-blue color occurs when it gets wet. Instead of dealing with unsightly looking cooper, you are fully capable of cleaning it up with natural cleaners found right in your home.

    There are a plethora of cleaners available commercially, but they aren’t as safe, and they can be pretty costly. There are ingredients that are much more affordable, not as dangerous to have around, and readily available in most kitchens right now.

     

    Ketchup

    Instead of using ketchup on your French fries and hamburgers, squirt some of it over your copper surfaces. There is acid found in the tomatoes that are used to make the condiment, and that’s what works to clean off the dirty areas. Use a cloth to rub away at the problem spots until it all buffs out. Rinse and dry, and it will be just like new.

     

    Salt & Vinegar

    Pour out some vinegar into a container and dissolve some salt in it. Dip a cloth into the liquid and then rub it over the item until the mess disappears and the shine reappears. Rinse and dry before putting away or using whatever copper items you are cleaning. In the event there are hard to reach or tight spots, you can scrub at it lightly with an old toothbrush.

     

     

    Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

    Mix together lemon or lime juice and baking soda until you get a foamy type of consistency. It will be almost like soap. Apply the combination to the copper surfaces and buff it with a cloth. The juice has acid in it that will strip off the oxidation from the copper. The salt is abrasive and works at scrubbing away grime. Rinse and dry to complete the process.

     

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    Flour, Salt, & Vinegar

    Vinegar is also acidic, and the properties work effectively at cleaning up tarnished copper as well. Mix ¼ salt and ¼ flour. Then, add vinegar to the dry mixture until you achieve a thick paste. Apply the paste on the copper and rub gently with a soft cloth. Keep buffing until it reaches the desired level of shine. Rinse off the remnants and dry your item.

     

    Boil the Copper

    Once in a while, you can try each one of these methods, and none of them are going to work the way you hope. In the unfortunate case that you are dealing with that, you have one other option. Mix three or four cups of water, one cup of vinegar, and a tablespoon of salt in a pot big enough to hold whatever you are cleaning.

    You can keep the item in the boiling water until most of the tarnishing falls away. If you pull it out and there’s still some on there, you can scrub at it to remove it. It’s going to come off a lot more easily after boiling for a while.

     

    Keeping it Clean

    Now that you’ve worked so diligently to get your copper back to its original condition, you want to make sure that it stays that way. Spread a thin layer of linseed or mineral oil over the surface. It will ensure that it doesn’t tarnish quite as quickly meaning less work for you.

  • How to Prune your Roses the Proper Way

    How to Prune your Roses the Proper Way

     

    Roses come in a plethora of species. Over a hundred of them are available to be exact. They can be climbing, bushes, or trailing with long stems. You can grow just about any color that you can imagine at this point as a result of cross-breeding different ones to achieve the desired shades. They are gorgeous, they have a pleasant aroma, and they brighten up the exterior of any homestead or home. That’s why they are one of the most popular flowers found in gardens all over the world.

    Even though roses are pretty easy to grow and to maintain, there is still some work required in order to keep them looking their best. With proper pruning done regularly, the flowers will bloom beautifully and reach their fullest potential. The best part of that is, it can be done in just a few simple and easy to understand steps.

     

    1. Eliminate the Foliage

    You first need to get a good visual of what your rose plant or bush looks like. The best time to do this is in the spring before any leaves start sprouting up on it. If there are already leaves on the stems, just get rid of them by pulling them off with your hand. Be sure to wear thick gloves and watch for the thorns if there are any to prevent cutting yourself.

     

    1. Check for Horizontal Canes

    Look over your rose plant for branches or canes that are growing horizontally. Make sure you check for anything that is growing in towards the center of the bush. The ones that are crossing over other branches should be trimmed away as well. It will ensure that the remaining branches will have the ability to stretch as they should without anything disrupting their growth patterns.

     

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    1. Remove Dead or Diseased Sections

    For beginning growers, you may not be sure how to check and see if your plant is in good health. First, break open one of the canes. If the inside is brown or black, the branch is dead. A lovely green color means that the plant is in excellent condition. The dead areas cut off the air flow to the rest of the plant. By getting rid of them, that circulation is improved, and the overall health and appearance of the plant are going to increase.

     

    1. Tend to the Vertical Canes

    Now that you’ve reached this point in the process, you should have around six to eight nice, healthy, strong branches left of your rose bush. The objective from here is to get the biggest and most beautiful continuing blooms possible.

    The branches that are remaining should be cut down to 18 to 24 inches in length. Before cutting through, check the cane for an outward facing bud. Prune just above that one that is both outward facing and closest to the length you are trying to achieve.

     

    1. Cutting at the Proper Angle

    You have to make careful note that you cannot just cut the canes in whatever direction you want to. The trim should happen at a 45-degree angle. There is a reason this is done, and that’s so that the water can drain away from the buds. Too much water in the budding area will cause rotting or disease.

    The cut should be straight and smooth with no jagged areas. Get yourself a good pair of sharp pruners to make sure you can achieve the proper cut. It may be somewhat of an investment in the start, but it’ll make your job a lot easier. Not to mention the fact that you will probably have some of the best-looking roses around.

     

  • The Best All Natural Fertilizers For Your Garden

    The Best All Natural Fertilizers For Your Garden

     

    Store-bought fertilizers can get expensive. On top of that, they don’t always produce the results you are looking for. They aren’t natural, so there’s no guarantee that they are going to work the way they’re supposed to. Instead of heading into town to pick up an overpriced bag for your garden, go to your kitchen and mix up your own batch with any of these natural fertilizer recipes.

     

    1. Egg Shells

    After breakfast, don’t toss your egg shells. Wash them up and crush them. They are 93% calcium carbonate. With that there, it’s effective to use near peppers, tomatoes, and other plants to prevent rotting. If you are planting something fresh, you can mix your egg shells in with your potting soil for bigger and better results.

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    1. Coffee Grounds

    Your coffee is good for waking up more than just you in the morning. Those grounds can bring to life a variety of plants including roses, azaleas, blueberries, and tomatoes. You can mix the grounds directly into the soil or place them on top before you water. The nitrogen seeps in and gives the foliage a jolt. You can mix up a batch for watering by blending six cups of coffee grounds in a full five-gallon bucket for a couple of days. Then, dump it over your plants.

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    1. Banana Peels

    Bananas have a ton of nutrients for humans, so it’s no surprise that they are also healthy for plants. You can bury the peels in the ground before planting so that they decompose in the soil.

     

    1. Molasses

    Molasses is said to increase the good bacteria and microbes in various plants allowing for bigger and healthier results. A simple recipe is mixing one to three tablespoons of molasses per gallon of water. Dump the concoction directly on the plants.

     

    1. Human Urine

    As long as your body is healthy and free of any disease or infection, your urine is sterile. Sounds kind of gross to use it as a fertilizer, but it’s loaded with phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen. There’s way more in there than what you find in the store-bought versions. The ideal urine to water ratio is 1:8.

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    1. Pet Food

    This is going to depend on what kind of animal food you have. As long as it’s not loaded with artificial stuff, even the cheap type has protein and nutrients that can aid in fertilization. Just sprinkle it over the garden, turn the food into the soil, and water. Cover the area to keep the critters away. Continue watering and turning the soil for about a month. When the food has decomposed all the way, put in your desired plants.

     

    1. Worm Castings

    You are going to have to do some worm hunting for this one. Get a handful of red wiggler worms and toss them in with some cardboard and various kitchen scraps. The worms will start making compost from the waste they create, and you can use that for fertilizer safely wherever you want.

    Related Article:  DIY Worm Casting

    1. Manure

    One of the most significant benefits of using cow, horse, or chicken manure is that with a little legwork around your local farms, you can get it for free. The composted manure should be put in some type of permeable bag made from a decomposable material. Put the bag in the shade and allow it to sit for a few days. When it’s conditioned properly, toss the bag or bury it and spread the compost over whatever area you are planting.

     

    1. Grass

    Put your grass clippings in a five-gallon bucket. Add water to fill all the way to the top and then let it sit for a couple of days. The nitrogen from the grass is excellent for plants. The tea you have made with your grass clippings can be diluted 1:10 with water before being dumped at the base of your foliage.

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