Search Results
100 results found with an empty search
Blog Posts (60)
- Starting a Homestead Garden in Florida Zone 9a/9b
On Facebook I have a group called "Homesteading in Flagler Estates" and often we have newcomers join us wanting to grow a garden or homestead but are not that familiar with growing in Florida, so folks, this Blog post is for you! Starting a homestead garden in Florida can feel a little humbling at first. You watch gardening videos from people up north, plant all the same things they do, follow their schedules exactly… and then Florida responds by melting your lettuce, exploding your weeds overnight, and unleashing an army of bugs that apparently took your garden personally. We’ve been there... a LOT of times! Florida gardening, especially in Zone 9a/9b, is its own thing entirely. Once you stop trying to garden like someone in Ohio and start learning how Florida actually works, it gets a whole lot easier and honestly, a whole lot more fun too. The truth is, Florida can grow food almost year-round. That is a massive advantage once you learn how to work with the climate instead of constantly fighting it. First things first: Start smaller than you think you should This is probably the biggest lesson we wish someone had hammered into our heads early on. Do not start with a giant “self-sufficiency” garden your first season. Seriously.... It sounds exciting until July shows up with: 97F heat daily thunderstorms weeds growing three inches overnight mosquitoes carrying off small pets and tomatoes that suddenly decide life is no longer worth living Start with: a couple raised beds (they were a game changer for us) a small row garden some grow bags or even a sunny little corner near the house A small garden teaches you: how your property drains where the brutal afternoon sun hits where water pools which spots dry out too fast and what Florida is actually willing to grow for you You can always expand later. Honestly, you probably will. This website allows you to enter your Florida Zip code and it will pop up with what to plant when (for more traditional things to grow) and if you click on the image of whatever veggie you are interested in, it will give you the variety that grows best in your specific zip code. Florida Sun is a different kind of Sun People hear “full sun” and imagine happy plants soaking up rays all day. Florida sun in the middle of summer is less “happy rays” and more: “WELCOME TO THE SURFACE OF THE SUN.” A lot of plants appreciate morning sun and some protection during the hottest part of the afternoon. But if your plant states "Needs full sunlight" they are absolutely not saying "needs full Florida Sun!" One of the best things you can do before planting is simply observe your yard for a few days. Watch: where the sun moves where shade hits where rainwater sits where things stay damp where the soil turns bone dry Your yard already has microclimates. Learning them makes gardening dramatically easier. Your soil probably needs help. That’s normal. Much of Florida’s soil is sandy, fast-draining, and honestly kind of terrible at holding nutrients. The good news is you can absolutely fix that over time. Florida gardening is basically one long relationship with compost. A REALLY long one! Add organic matter constantly: compost leaves mulch aged manure worm castings wood chips The more life you build into your soil, the better everything performs. Raised beds are popular here for a reason too. They give you a little more control over drainage and soil quality right from the start. See the below images on what Herbs to plant when (click on the image to expand it): Mulch like your garden depends on it... because it kind of does. Bare soil in Florida dries out fast, overheats fast, and becomes a weed nursery almost immediately, legit faster than you can blink! Mulch helps: hold moisture cool the soil suppress weeds feed the soil slowly protect roots from the heat And honestly? It also just makes the garden look calmer and more established. We mulch heavily around pretty much everything. Stop trying to grow what Instagram & TikTok says you should grow This one can be painful. Some plants just hate Florida. Others absolutely thrive here. The sooner you lean into Florida-friendly crops, the happier you’ll be. Some great beginner crops for Zone 9a/9b include (and I will give you a link for here in Florida and explain how to find the best variety that grows in your zipcode as well) Cooler Season Favorites Lettuce Kale Collards Mustard Greens Carrots Radishes Broccoli Cabbage Peas Warm Season Survivors Okra Sweet potatoes Seminole pumpkin Southern peas Peppers Eggplant Everglades tomatoes Malabar spinach And then there are the Florida homestead legends: Longevity spinach Chaya Turmeric Ginger Bananas Papaya Mulberries Some of these plants grow here like they’ve found their true purpose in life. Here are the Charts from the university of Florida on what to grow when depending on where you live and if it's easier to start with seeds or transplants: Florida’s gardening seasons are backwards compared to much of the country This confuses almost everyone at first. In a lot of northern states, spring is the big gardening season. In Florida? Fall is often where the magic happens. By late summer and early fall, many Florida gardeners are starting tomatoes, peppers, greens, and brassicas while the rest of the country is shutting gardens down. Meanwhile, peak summer here can feel more like survival mode gardening. Sometimes the smartest thing you can do in July and August is: grow heat-loving crops focus on soil building mulch heavily and wait for cooler weather That realization alone saves a lot of frustration. You WILL have bugs A lot of them. Florida is basically a luxury resort for insects. But one thing we’ve learned over time is that healthy gardens usually balance out better than overly “sterile” gardens. You want biodiversity. You want pollinators. You want frogs, lizards, beneficial insects, and healthy soil life. Some pest damage is normal. The goal is not: “How do I eliminate every bug?” The goal is: “How do I create a healthy enough system that the garden can handle pressure?” That mindset shift changes everything. If you want to grow more tropical things that grow especially well here and often year round, please see below. You can click on each image to expand it. You can find seeds for all of these at Seeds the Stars on Etsy! Perennials are one of Florida’s superpowers One of the absolute best things about gardening in Florida is how many perennial food plants thrive here. Plant them early. Seriously! Fruit trees, perennial greens, herbs, bananas, berries, and tropical plants slowly become the backbone of a really productive homestead. And every year they usually get easier instead of harder. There is something deeply satisfying about walking outside and harvesting food from plants you barely have to think about anymore. Build the garden around your real life Not the fantasy version of your life. That one matters. If you work full-time, build systems that are manageable. If you travel, automate watering. If you have chickens, assume they will eventually “help” in the least helpful way possible.If you live rural like we do, deer and wildlife pressure may become part of daily life. A successful homestead garden is not the one that looks perfect online. It is the one that keeps producing food without completely burning you out. When to plant what Flowers in Florida: Final Thoughts Florida gardening can feel chaotic at first. The heat is intense, the weeds are aggressive, the bugs are ambitious and the weather sometimes feels personally offended by your plans but once you start understanding the rhythm of Florida instead of fighting it, something clicks. You stop trying to force the garden to behave like a northern garden. You start noticing what naturally thrives. You learn when to push and when to let the season breathe. And eventually, your garden starts feeling less like a battle and more like a living part of your homestead. Messy sometimes... wild sometimes, but incredibly rewarding! We hope this helps :)
- Mels Guide to Building a Homestead
... in Florida Zone 9a/9b (blame the USDA rezoning from last year) Step 1: Buy land. Immediately discover that your “beautiful wooded lot” is actually: • 40% sand • 30% mosquitoes • 20% fire ants • 10% emotionally unstable squirrels oh yeah and that it floods during rainy season. Step 2: Say “We’ll just start small.” This is a lie. Within six months you will somehow own: • chickens • random buckets • a greenhouse frame from Facebook Marketplace • seventeen hoses • a wheelbarrow with one flat tire • at least one animal nobody planned for Step 3: Learn that shade is not optional In Florida, the sun is not your friend. The sun is a laser beam powered by hatred and humidity. If your animals don’t have shade, they’ll melt into the earth by July. You too. Step 4: Discover your soil is basically beach powder You’ll lovingly plant vegetables directly into Florida sand and watch them die with confidence. Then an old-timer will casually say: “You gotta add organic matter.” Congratulations. You now need: • compost • mulch • manure • worms • emotional resilience Step 5: Build everything twice The first coop floods. The second coop leaks. The third coop survives hurricane season and becomes your personality. Step 6: Accept that nature wants your stuff dead Termites eat wood. Rust eats metal. Mold eats everything else. Florida is basically a giant outdoor science experiment testing what can survive moisture. Step 7: Understand livestock math You start with: "Just a few chickens.” Then suddenly: • you know bloodlines • you own incubators • you’re discussing ventilation at 11 PM • your feed bill looks like a truck payment Step 8: Fight the wildlife The raccoons have hands. The rats are unionized. The squirrels are committing organized crime. Everything wants: • your feed • your garden • your sanity Step 9: Plant trees immediately Not next year. Now. Future-you will kiss present you directly on the forehead for planting shade trees early. Step 10: Realize homesteading is mostly controlled chaos You’ll have days where: • the fence breaks • the goats escape • the water line explodes • the fully stocked freezer dies • you’re carrying feed in pajamas during a thunderstorm …and somehow you’ll still love it. Even if those hands currently smell like chicken feed and PVC glue. Step 11: You will become weirdly obsessed with weather Normal people check the weather to see if they need a jacket. Homesteaders check: • rainfall totals • humidity • wind direction • frost risk • heat index • “Will this destroy my entire garden?” You’ll eventually stand outside sniffing the air like an old pirate and saying: “Storm’s coming.” Step 12: Every project requires 14 trips to the hardware store You went for: • one screw You leave with: • PVC fittings • zip ties • chicken wire • a shovel • snacks • absolutely not the correct screw Step 13: You start valuing weird things A normal person gets excited about jewelry. A homesteader gets excited about: • free feed barrels • old fence posts • somebody giving away bricks • “slightly used” cattle panels Nothing activates the homestead brain faster than hearing: “Free if you haul it.” Step 14: You will eventually name an animal you absolutely should not name You’ll say: “We are NOT getting attached.” Three weeks later: • Sir Poops-a-Lot is sleeping on your porch • the mean rooster has a backstory • you’re hand-feeding snacks to a goat wearing a diaper This is your life now. Step 15: Homesteading teaches you things modern life forgot How to fix things. How to adapt. How to work through failure. How to appreciate small wins. Also how to wrestle a tarp in 30 MPH wind while questioning every decision that led you to this moment. Because despite the sweat, mud, bugs, hurricanes, and random homestead nonsense, there’s something deeply satisfying about building a life with your own two hands. Enjoy Homesteading, we do!
- Common Herbal Remedies on the Homestead: What actually works and what’s worth growing
If you’ve ever walked into a health food store or gone down the rabbit hole of herbal blogs, you know how fast things can get overwhelming. Every herb is a miracle. Every tea fixes everything. Half of it sounds like old folklore, and the other half sounds like marketing. Around here, we don’t have time for fluff. If we’re growing herbs, drying them, or turning them into tinctures and teas, it’s because they serve a purpose. We lean on what’s been proven useful, what’s stood the test of time, and what makes sense from both experience and science. This isn’t about magic cures or romantic herbal stories. It’s about practical herbs that earn their place on a working homestead. Common Herbs That Actually Earn Their Keep Herbal remedies have been used for generations, but some have held up better than others when science took a closer look. These are the kinds of herbs you’ll find in many American homes, and for good reason. Echinacea This one gets talked about a lot when cold season rolls around. Some folks swear by it, others say it’s hit or miss. The research shows mixed results, but there’s some evidence it may help shorten cold symptoms if taken early enough. How we think about it: Helpful support, not a miracle worker. How it’s commonly used: Tea, tincture, or capsules. Ginger If there’s one herb that almost always pulls its weight, it’s ginger. It’s well-known for helping nausea and digestion, and there’s solid science backing its use for motion sickness and morning sickness. How we think about it: Simple, dependable, and worth keeping on hand. How it’s commonly used: Fresh ginger tea, grated into food, or capsules. Turmeric Turmeric gets a lot of attention, mostly because of curcumin, the compound known for anti-inflammatory effects. Folks use it for joint stiffness and long-term inflammation, but it’s not something that works overnight. How we think about it: Good long-game herb. Not instant relief. How it’s commonly used: Powder in food, teas, or capsules. Peppermint Peppermint is one of those herbs that earns its space in the garden year after year. It’s widely used for digestive discomfort and tension headaches because it helps relax muscles in the digestive tract. How we think about it: Reliable and versatile. How it’s commonly used: Tea or diluted oil applied topically. Valerian Root Valerian has been used for sleep support for generations. Some people respond well to it, others don’t notice much difference, but research suggests it can improve sleep quality for some folks. How we think about it: Worth trying if sleep is an issue, but results vary. How it’s commonly used: Tea or capsules before bed. Common dried herbs stored in jars The Legal Side of Herbal Remedies (Plain and Simple) Before anyone starts mixing jars and brewing batches, it’s worth understanding how herbs are handled legally in the United States. Most herbal remedies are considered dietary supplements , not medications. That means they’re available without prescriptions, but they’re not regulated as tightly as pharmaceutical drugs. Here’s the short version: Herbs are legal to buy and use Companies can’t claim they cure diseases without FDA approval Not every product is tested equally Some states regulate certain herbs differently In other words, use common sense and do your homework. Using Herbs Safely on a Working Homestead Using herbs isn’t about tossing random plants into hot water and hoping for the best. It takes observation and patience, just like raising animals or tending a garden. A few rules that have served us well: Start small - Try one herb at a time so you know what’s helping and what isn’t. Pay attention to interactions - Herbs can interact with medications, so it’s smart to check before mixing things. Buy from sources you trust - Or grow your own when possible. Stick to reasonable amounts - More doesn’t mean better. Give it time - Most herbs work slowly, not instantly. Those small, steady inputs are what build results over time, whether you’re talking about soil health, animal health, or your own. Fresh herbs growing in a home garden Why Science Still Matters, Even on the Homestead There’s a strong temptation to believe that natural always means safe. But nature can be helpful or harmful depending on how it’s used. Science helps us figure out: What compounds in herbs actually do something How much to use What risks to watch for Whether something truly works For example, St. John’s Wort is often used for mood support, but it can interfere with medications like birth control or blood thinners. Without understanding that, you could accidentally create bigger problems. Self-reliance is good. Blind guessing is not. Finding reliable information you can trust If you’re serious about using herbs, it pays to learn from solid sources instead of social media trends. Some reliable places to start: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) PubMed for research studies Well-regarded herbal reference books Experienced herbalists with real credentials There’s a lot of noise out there. Stick to sources that back their claims with evidence. IMPORTANT: Signs an Herbal Book Might Be A.I. Slop (Before You Trust What You Read) There’s been a flood of herbal books hitting the market lately, especially online. Some are useful. Some are harmless but shallow. And some are flat-out dangerous because they sound convincing without actually saying anything meaningful. Around a working homestead, bad information isn’t just inconvenient. It can waste time, money, and sometimes put people or animals at risk. So learning how to spot weak or AI-generated herbal content is becoming just as important as learning how to grow the herbs themselves. Here’s what we look for before trusting a book. When Everything Sounds Perfect but Says Nothing One of the first warning signs is language that sounds impressive but never gets specific. You’ll see phrases like: “Supports overall wellness” “Promotes natural balance” “Boosts vitality” “Supports immune function” without explaining how That kind of wording sounds nice, but it doesn’t teach you anything useful. Good herbal books don’t stay vague. They get practical. They tell you: Exactly which part of the plant to use (root, leaf, flower, bark) How to prepare it How much to use When not to use it If a book reads more like advertising than field notes, that’s worth slowing down and taking a closer look. No Safety Warnings Is a Major Red Flag Real herbalists talk about risks just as much as benefits. Sometimes more. If a book lists all the ways an herb helps but never mentions cautions, that’s a serious concern. Herbs are powerful tools, but they’re still tools that can cause harm if used carelessly. Reliable herbal books usually include: Who should NOT use the herb Known drug interactions Pregnancy warnings Allergy risks Maximum safe amounts If those details are missing, it doesn’t mean the herb is harmless. It usually means the author didn’t dig deep enough. Everything Looks Like Copy-Paste Another common sign of AI-heavy content is repetition. Every herb follows the exact same pattern. Same sentence structure. Same tone. Same style. Over and over again. Real herbal books don’t read like factory output. They feel uneven in a good way. Some herbs get deeper discussion. Others are shorter. That’s usually a sign of real experience behind the words. When everything feels too uniform, it often means the content was generated instead of lived. No Real Sources or Scientific Names This one matters more than people realize. Reliable herbal books almost always include: Latin plant names References to studies Historical or traditional use sources A bibliography or reference section If a book just says “studies show” but never tells you which studies, that’s not real sourcing. That’s filler. Latin names are especially important (we can't stress this enough!!) because common names can refer to completely different plants depending on the region. Without scientific names, mistakes really happen fast. Unrealistic Claims Should Set Off Alarm Bells If a book promises miracle level results, step back. Be cautious of claims that say herbs: Cure major diseases Replace prescription medications Terms like "Natures Morphine", "Natures Ozempic" etc.. Fix everything naturally Work instantly That’s not responsible herbal education. That’s marketing or misinformation. Honest herbal writing sounds more grounded. You’ll see language like: May help reduce symptoms Traditionally used for Evidence suggests Those small differences matter. Errors That Experienced Herbalists Would Never Make Some mistakes are small. Others are dangerous. Watch for: Wrong plant names Mixing up similar herbs Incorrect preparation methods Dosages that don’t consider body size or safety A few especially concerning red flags include: Saying essential oils are safe to ingest without warnings Listing toxic herbs as safe Giving dosage instructions without limits Those kinds of errors usually mean the author didn’t truly understand what they were writing about. Signs a Book Is Probably Worth Keeping Not everything out there is junk. There are still many solid herbal books written by people who actually know their craft. Here are green flags that usually signal quality. Uses Scientific (Latin) names You’ll often see entries like: Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ) That level of detail shows the author understands plant identification, not just common names. Gives real preparation instructions Practical details matter. Good books include things like: Tea ratios (for example, 1 teaspoon dried herb per cup of water) Tincture ratios Drying instructions Storage guidance That kind of information usually comes from hands-on experience, not guesswork. Includes limitations and cautions Honest herbal writers don’t pretend herbs solve everything. They talk about: What doesn’t work When to stop using an herb Who should avoid it That kind of honesty usually reflects real-world learning. Has a real Author with a track record Before trusting a book, it’s worth looking into the author. Check for: A clear biography Training or education history Years of experience Other recognized publications If an author has no online presence, no background, and no history outside of marketplace listings, that’s worth questioning. A simple reality check anyone can do You don’t need advanced training to test whether a book holds up. Try this: Pick one herb from the book. Look it up through reliable sources such as: NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) PubMed Google Scholar Research Gate A trusted herbal reference book Compare the information. If what you find is wildly different, overly magical, or missing safety information, that’s a warning sign. Trusted herbal Authors worth knowing If you're trying to build a reliable herbal library, these authors have earned strong reputations over time: James Green: The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook Rosemary Gladstar: Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide David Hoffmann: Medical Herbalism Michael Moore: Southwest herbal references Thomas Easley & Steven Horne: Clinical-style herbal guides These authors combine traditional herbal knowledge with science and practical application. A Homestead Reality Take From a practical homestead point of view, the best herbal knowledge usually isn’t flashy. It tends to sound: A little cautious A little plain Very specific Not magical That’s because real herbal work looks a lot like raising animals or growing food. It takes observation, patience, and steady habits over time. There are no miracle fixes in nature. Just small, consistent choices that add up to strong results. Final thoughts from a practical Homestead perspective Herbs absolutely have a place in a solid homestead toolkit, but we don’t treat them like miracle cures. Around here, they work alongside the basics that matter most. Good feed, clean water, proper rest, low stress and paying attention to what’s normal so you can catch what isn’t. That same way of thinking carries through everything we do. Whether it’s tending animals, growing food, or taking care of ourselves, it’s the small, steady choices that make the biggest difference over time. If something feels off, we don’t ignore it and hope for the best. And when a situation gets serious, there’s no pride in avoiding help. Western medicine, traditional medicine, and herbal remedies don’t have to compete with each other. They can work side by side when used wisely. At the end of the day, herbs have to earn their place just like anything else on a working homestead. If they’re useful, safe, and backed by both experience and solid information, they stay. If not, they’re just another jar collecting dust on the shelf...
Other Pages (11)
- TERMS & CONDITIONS | On our Own Homestead
TERMS & CONDITIONS CUSTOMER CARE At On our Own Homestead, we value our customers and strive to provide the best possible service. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to help! Privacy & Safety PRIVACY & SAFETY We take your privacy and safety seriously at On our Own Homestead. We only collect the personal information necessary to process your order, and we never share it with third parties. We use secure payment methods to protect your sensitive information.
- Grow Your Own | Seeds, Cuttings & Plant Starters
Seeds, cuttings, and plant starters for growing your own food at home. Homestead-tested plants chosen for real gardens, not guesswork. GROW YOUR OWN Quick View New Arrival Sugarcane Propagation Cuttings Out of stock
- Discover Our Journey to Self-Sufficiency | On Our Own Homestead
And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. AND THIS IS US In a bustling city where the rhythm of life never missed a beat, Chris and Mel found themselves navigating the bustling streets, unaware that destiny had its own romantic script in mind for them. Their story began on a rainy afternoon, with Chris, a perpetually cheerful optimist, darting through the downpour, determined to reach his destination without turning into a soggy mess. Meanwhile, Mel, a pragmatic realist with a penchant for overthinking, was quietly cursing her luck as she wrestled with an umbrella that seemed determined to defy the laws of physics. Their paths collided in a classic "umbrella bump" moment, reminiscent of a scene straight out of a romantic comedy. As they exchanged sheepish apologies and laughter over their shared predicament, little did they know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Over cups of steaming coffee and slices of decadent cheesecake at their favorite neighborhood cafe, Chris and Mel discovered a shared love for old movies, cheesy jokes, and late-night conversations about life, love, and everything in between. They became each other's confidants, sounding boards, and partners in crime, navigating the highs and lows of city life with a blend of humor and heart. As the seasons changed and the cityscape transformed, Chris and Mel's bond only grew stronger, evolving from friendship to something more. They laughed, they cried, they danced in the rain, and with each passing day, they found themselves falling deeper and deeper in love. In a city where millions of stories unfolded every day, Chris and Mel's love story stood out as a testament to the power of serendipity, friendship, and the magic of finding your perfect match in the most unexpected of places. And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. As life will have it, we lived in different states but soon figured out we were two peas in the same pod. Chris loved Bugs, and Mel loved Bug Photography. We are both avid Gamers and Sci-Fi Lovers. Mel hates Pickles, and Chris loves them. Chris was bald, and Mel had enough hair for two people. You get what we mean ;) About a year into the relationship, we decided to do the strangest thing possible and became Roach breeders. Yep, you read that correctly. We breed Cockroaches. Discoid Roaches, to be exact, and it bloomed into a thriving business that is now in Year 6! You wouldn't believe how many people there are in Florida who also love Reptiles, and those Reptiles have to eat too. We ship Roaches all over the United States and have the most amazing Customers on the planet! Come check us out over on LUNA ROACHES ! Eventually, we had to expand, and so we moved right before COVID-19 at the end of May 2020. Away from the Beach and into Rural Florida onto 1.25 acres. Image this: A blank slate. An entire property with nothing but the new home on it. Nothing was planted, no landscaping, and about 60% of the Land was cleared. We were all in! You would think that would have been enough to wake up our Homesteading gene, but not so much. That didn’t happen until 2021 and it started slowly. We knew some about growing stuff, but not enough to be successful, and the first year, we failed. A LOT! In year two, we started to tackle this with all of the enthusiasm of newlyweds on their wedding night! We researched, we pivoted, we researched, and ended up with a bit of success but not enough to be self-sufficient. But we got smarter and experimented. Due to Mel’s Lupus, growing things that required a lot of maintenance in the garden were out. The Sun triggers Lupus flare-ups, so that was a no-go. (This also re-started the love for Herbalism, and we went all in with School, classes, learning, and research!) We decided to plant ten crops in all of the spirit of “May the odds be ever in your favor!” Seed in the ground, water until germination, and then you are on your own little Plant. We had a LOT of Success that way and had a great harvest of Seminole Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas, Cassava, Grapes, Mulberries, Cranberry Hibiscus, Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes. We also learned to bake everything from scratch, canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and adding a Freeze Dryer. Now, in Year three of our Homesteading Journey, we have five Turkeys, a flock of Barnyard mix egg layers that give us the prettiest eggs, and a newly raised flock of Bielefelders and Jersey Giants that will be our Dual-Purpose birds for Meat and Eggs. But that wasn’t enough, and we also decided to become Bee Keepers this year. On top of that, we expanded our growing garden, started our Food Forrest, and now have about triple the space to grow and become more self-sufficient because, after all, that is the goal! Chris and I are the kind of people who don’t mind being together 24/7. We work well together and have a ton of fun doing it, it just works in our marriage. There is rarely a day when we don’t have a belly-aching laugh over something or the other. We hope you come join us on our Journey, it’ll be weird because… weird is what we do best!








