Fermentation is a process in which bacteria and yeast convert carbohydrates into alcohols. This not only acts as a method of preservation, but also promotes the growth of probiotics (healthy bacteria). Basically by fermenting your food you're making it healthier, making it last longer, and giving it a zesty, tart flavor. Some examples of fermented … Continue reading Fermented Foods: the What, the How, and the Why
We had a garden when I was growing up, but I didn't have much interest in it besides playing between the beds and prematurely pulling out the occasional carrot. Sometimes I'd pull out flowers from the trees and plants and decorate the lattice fencing that surrounded the garden. (That didn't go over well - Sorry … Continue reading Maybe Consider Starting a Garden
I'd like to preface this by saying that I'm not getting into the health aspect of whether eating eggs is good or bad. The focus of this is purely from an ethical standpoint in the case of backyard chickens, not those from factory farms. Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pexels For many homesteaders, having backyard chickens is a … Continue reading Vegan Gray Areas: Eggs From Backyard Chickens
When I first became interested in homesteading and self-sufficiency I gravitated towards the idea of making things myself as much as possible. I not only wanted to make my own food, but also things like toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning products, etc. As I was researching I quickly found that not only were these things often not … Continue reading When it Makes Sense to Do-It-Yourself
Disclaimer: This is literally my first time ever planting trees! However, I did have guidance from my father who has planted many trees in his day. What we're planting: 1 Snowsweet Apple Tree1 Haralson Apple Tree1 Summercrisp Pear Tree1 Luscious Pear Tree Other supplies needed: Post Hole Digger (preferably)Shovel (if you don't have a post … Continue reading A Beginner Planting Trees
I've been guilty of walking through the gardening department of some store and becoming enamored with a beautiful plant. I've bought them on a whim without doing any research and then felt confused and helpless when something goes wrong. Sometimes the plants will come with some helpful tidbits attached, but even when that is the … Continue reading What to Know Before you Become a Plant Parent
If you're not familiar with the world of homesteading you may be picturing a 'Little House on the Prairie' scenario. Let me clarify what I'm talking about. Homesteading is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency. For some people, that means having a few backyard chickens, a vegetable garden, and making homemade bread twice a week. Other … Continue reading Homesteading: A Call to a Simpler Life
For someone new to the world of homesteading, there's the looming question of where on earth do you start? Now, to clarify, I don't have unlimited funds and I'm willing to bet you don't either. Starting from scratch means there's a lot to do and a lot to pay for. Part of the allure of … Continue reading Where I’m Starting: Planting Fruit Trees
The first thing many people associate with homesteading is growing your own food i.e. gardening. Something you can start before you even have a garden is composting. Like most things, this subject is a bit of a rabbit hole that you can fall into with no sign of light at the end of the tunnel. … Continue reading If You’re Interested in Gardening, You Should Consider Composting
Thank you so much for checking out my blog! A quick introduction is in order. My name is Carolyn and I'm a happily married 30 year old woman. I'm from Wisconsin, living on about 3/4 acre of land with my hubby, two dogs, and a cat. My goal is to help other beginners who are … Continue reading Welcome
The Vegan Homesteader 