So, I wanted a chicken. Just a chicken, you know, for eating and laying eggs and stuff. Well boy-o-boy, I never knew there could be so many from which to choose. Chickens are kind of like dogs. There’s a million kinds and you get different behaviors from all of them. Then again, you eat chicken. You do not eat Bobo, your oaf of a Great Dane. DO NOT EAT BOBO. If all of this seems overwhelming, the amazing people at Oh Lardy have a great guide to keeping chickens. Our favorite part of the post was the detailed image that serves as a cheat-sheet for what kind of eggs to expect from different breeds of chickens. Check out their...
Eat Fresh (or Frozen...
posted by JDFair
Growing a successful, lush vegetable garden is a rewarding experience. Of that, there is no question. For those who have two green thumbs, harvest might mean picking more than you can chew. Learning how to properly preserve and freeze vegetables is a great way to enjoy the fruits (and...
Food Every Year: Perennial Fruits and Vegetables
posted by JDFair
Planting a new crop every year takes quite a bit of work and dedication. Thankfully, the world has given us fruits and vegetables that you can plant one year and enjoy for the next several. Perennial fruits and vegetables are a great way to build a sustainable garden without spending dozens of hours each planting season. You might instantly think “apple tree,” but there are many, many more options out there that produce food year in and year out. The site Village Green Network offers some pretty great articles on all things sustainable, and this is one of their gems. When you think perennial, start thinking guacamole made from...
A Forum for the Rest of Us
posted by JDFair
Sometimes, living a self-reliant life can be, well, a bit lonely. Getting sage advice from seasoned homesteaders and sustainable-minded individuals is vital to survive everything that nature and society can throw at you. Unfortunately, for most of us, there is no Gandalf-like sage for most of us. There are, however, pretty great forums where people who are trying to cultivate life meet and discuss a range of issues. It might be a bit obscure, but the Sustainable Country Forums have sparked and discussed more than a few pretty great topics. I hope to start sparking some new discussions soon. ...
DIY Jar Comb Honey
posted by JDFair
Just to preface this, there is no one article to rule them all when it comes to beekeeping. There are, however, thousands of dedicated beekeepers who give their advice freely on sites like the BeeSource Forums. It’s a good thing, too. Bees are integral to the ecosystem. Without them,...