top of page
"The Clucking Chronicles"
Welcome to "The Clucking Chronicles" – your go-to source for all things homesteading, where we turn dirt into gold and chicken poop into...well, fertilizer! Join us on this wild ride through the highs and lows of rural living, where every day is an adventure and every chicken has a name (trust us, it's easier to keep track that way).
From the triumphs of our victory garden to the epic battles against the invasive army of Seminole pumpkins, we've got stories that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even rethink your city slicker lifestyle. Learn the ancient art of Turkey wrangling, discover the zen of composting, and witness the heart-stopping drama of chicken coop renovations – all from the comfort of your screen.
So grab your pitchfork and your sense of humor, because things are about to get clucking crazy up in here. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just dreaming of trading your high heels for a pair of muddy boots, "The Clucking Chronicles" is your home on the range. Welcome to the flock - let the adventure begin!
Winged Beans: Why aren't more people growing these things?
Ever heard of winged beans? This unusual tropical plant loves Florida's heat, produces protein-rich seeds, and offers five edible parts, including pods, leaves, flowers, seeds, and even roots! We're digging into what makes this fascinating plant so nutritious and why it might just deserve a spot in your Homestead garden.
-
4 days ago7 min read
Ā
Ā
Shampoo Ginger: How to harvest, use and preserve natureās Shampoo
Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), also known as awapuhi, is one of those plants that's both beautiful and incredibly useful. Those unusual pinecone-shaped flowers hold a fragrant liquid traditionally used for hair care, and harvesting it is surprisingly easy! We're sharing how to harvest shampoo ginger, how to store and preserve the liquid, plus a few simple ways to turn your harvest into hair rinses, frozen awapuhi cubes and a hydrating hair and scalp mist.
-
Aug 3113 min read
Ā
Ā
Starting a Homestead Garden in Florida Zone 9a/9b
Starting a homestead garden in Florida can feel a little chaotic at first. Between the heat, bugs, sandy soil, and nonstop weeds, gardening here is definitely its own experience. But once you learn Floridaās rhythm instead of fighting it, things get much easier. In this blog, we share realistic tips for starting a productive homestead garden in Zone 9a/9b without getting overwhelmed.
-
May 275 min read
Ā
Ā
Common Herbal Remedies on the Homestead: What actually works and whatās worth growing
These days, it seems like everyone is selling an herbal book, but not all of them are worth your time or trust. Some sound convincing while saying very little. On a homestead, where herbs may be used for people or animals, accuracy matters. This guide walks through simple ways to spot AI-generated fluff and recognize the signs of books written by folks who actually know their plants.
-
Apr 88 min read
Ā
Ā
How to Grow Spanish Redskin Peanuts in Florida Zone 9a & 9b
Peanuts love Florida just as much as we do. Whole Spanish Redskin peanuts grow beautifully in Zone 9a and 9b with minimal fuss and big rewards. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest this classic, heat-loving crop on your homestead.
-
Feb 24 min read
Ā
Ā
Growing Sugar Cane on Your Homestead in Florida: What Actually Works
We originally planted sugar cane on our Florida homestead for one simple reason. It makes an incredible living privacy fence. Tall, dense, fast-growing, and perfectly suited to heat and humidity, it quickly proved itself to be more than just a screen. Over time, we learned what works, what fails, and what sugar cane actually needs to survive here. This is the practical, science-backed version, without the romantic homestead nonsense.
-
Jan 214 min read
Ā
Ā
The Aftermath of a Week of Frost in Florida: What Actually Works on the Homestead
After a full week of frost in Florida, the myth of endless sunshine officially died. Subtropical plants suffered real cellular damage, fruit trees showed delayed stress, and despite preparation, we still lost a large portion of our garden. Frost does not care about optimism. Some plants may recover come spring, others will not. This is the unglamorous side of homesteading, where science, preparation, and humility matter more than hope.
-
Jan 204 min read
Ā
Ā
Muntingia calabura: The Cotton Candy Tree Weāre Obsessed With
This plant has more nicknames than a mischievous cousin: Jamaican Cherry, Panama Berry, Cotton Candy Berry,Strawberry Tree and thats just the ones we know about! Native to Central and South America, itās a fast grower that can hit 20 to 30 feet tall before you can say āwhoās got the ladder.ā It blooms almost year-round, covering itself with cute little white flowers that quickly become bright red berries. And the flavor? Pure cotton candy bliss.
-
Sep 4, 20253 min read
Ā
Ā
Itās Finally Fall-ish, Florida-Style: Planting Season is Here!
Well yāall, we made it. The air isnāt quite so heavy, the mosquitoes arenāt trying to carry us away (as much), and when you step outside in the morning, you can almost smell fall in the breeze. While the rest of the country is pulling up the last of their summer gardens and settling in for frost, here in Florida Zone 9a/9b weāre just getting started. Thatās right... itās planting season, baby!
-
Sep 3, 20252 min read
Ā
Ā
Let's talk about Mulberries
Mulberries are enchanting little fruits that can bring a burst of sweetness to your garden and your palate. Whether you're an experienced gardener or someone just starting out, growing mulberries can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this post, we'll explore the intriguing world of mulberries, covering how to cultivate them and when to pick them for the best flavor.
-
Apr 11, 20256 min read
Ā
Ā
Unleashing Sunshine: The Secret to Growing Juicy Everglade Tomatoes in Florida
Among the many varieties of tomatoes, Everglade tomatoes stand out for their sweet flavor and bite-sized perfection...
-
Apr 1, 20254 min read
Ā
Ā
Unleash Your Garden's Potential: The No-Nonsense Guide to Companion Planting for Homesteaders
Companion planting is not just a gardening technique; it is a powerful practice that can transform your homestead into a thriving oasis.
-
Jan 6, 20254 min read
Ā
Ā
Butterfly Pea Seed harvesting
I noticed that some Butterfly Pea Pods (Scientific name: Clitoria ternate - appropriate when you see what the flower looks like!)...
-
Jan 5, 20252 min read
Ā
Ā
Let's talk about Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are one of the easiest crops you can grow in Florida and oh so delicious! But let's start at the beginning...
-
May 16, 20245 min read
Ā
Ā
We're growing Seminole Pumpkins again!
Guess who's back? Back again! Seminole Pumpkins, that's who!
-
Apr 21, 20244 min read
Ā
Ā
We got derailed..
We were going to go to a Flower expo, but due to a Home Depot delivery, it was getting too late and too hot.
-
Mar 16, 20241 min read
Ā
Ā
Cassava
Last year, we grew Cassava, aka Yuca (not the same thing as Yucca), for the first time! We got a really good amount of harvest from the...
-
Mar 13, 20244 min read
Ā
Ā
One of our favorites: Okinawa Spinach
Okinawa Okinawa spinach, also known as Gynura bicolor or Sambung Nyawa, is a leafy green vegetable native to Southeast Asia, particularly...
-
Mar 6, 20242 min read
Ā
Ā
Cranberry Hibiscus
Cranberry Hibiscus, also known as Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), is native to West Africa but is now cultivated in tropical and...
-
Dec 7, 20234 min read
Ā
Ā
Summer Gardening Season wrap up
As our Summer Gardening season is just about wrapped up (we still have some stragglers producing) and some of the fall crops are planted...
-
Sep 22, 20231 min read
Ā
Ā
bottom of page