This jam recipe includes equal parts rhubarb, strawberries, and the brightness of lemon zest, and makes an even 8 jelly jars. Rhubarb jams of any sort are very hard to find in stores or in local markets, making this yet another homestead special for me (one, I'd rather not miss out on too, since it's … Continue reading Strawberry Rhubarb with Lemon Jam | Small Batch, Water Bath Canning
Upside Down Yogurt Cake, Using any Seasonal Fruit Toppings
The best part about this cake (besides the flavor) is that it's flexible enough that you can change the fruit toppings up to reflect what is in abundance in your gardens, farmer's markets, U pick farms, or what fruits you have canned up yourself. It's a great way to slow down with a sweet treat … Continue reading Upside Down Yogurt Cake, Using any Seasonal Fruit Toppings
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Chive Blossom Vinegar
Chive Blossom Vinegar is a homestead special, as in you'd be hard to find this anywhere to purchase outside your home! This vinegar is great for upcoming summer salads, marinades, dips, or even to use in upcoming pickling recipes. Here I go into tools, ingredients, instructions on how to make your own Chive Blossom Vinegar. … Continue reading Chive Blossom Vinegar
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Canning Plain Pumpkin (& how to purée it later) | Pressure Canning Recipe & Video
Although, winter squashes and pumpkins can sit at room temperature for several months, this is a great way to bust through the tedious work of using that pumpkin and getting them in a more approachable form. Canning them plain, gives you the most versatility with your pumpkin, and it's a very straight forward process. Here … Continue reading Canning Plain Pumpkin (& how to purée it later) | Pressure Canning Recipe & Video
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Mini Fruit Tree Guild for Small Gardens | Companion Plant for Dwarf Apples or Pears
Dwarf fruit trees have really given anyone a great chance to grow their own apples or pears in their gardens. But instead of planting them in a monoculture, using companion planting to create a Fruit Tree Guild is a great way to integrate these trees in, without much sacrifice on garden space or practicality. Here … Continue reading Mini Fruit Tree Guild for Small Gardens | Companion Plant for Dwarf Apples or Pears
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April: It’s time to get your hands dirty!
Can't believe how fast time is flying by! Crab apple trees are in massive bloom this year and the smell from them is simply heaven on earth. The frogs are out, the birds are building nests in the cervices of the property, and we are already eating from the garden. Okay, we are eating weeds, … Continue reading April: It’s time to get your hands dirty!
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Pressure Canning Carrots & Onions, with Herbs | Raw Pack Method
These are not metallic tasting! Done with carrots, onions, herbs, and a light broth, these canned carrots will take your food storage up a notch with delicious and flavorful carrots that can then be used as a side, in soups or in sauces. Here I go into tools you need, ingredients, and step by step … Continue reading Pressure Canning Carrots & Onions, with Herbs | Raw Pack Method
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Growing Potatoes in Cardboard Boxes (with pictures)
No need to over complicate growing potatoes. This vegetable will grow just about anywhere, so long it's not waterlogged. Growing them in cardboard boxes is an easy way to not only grow potatoes but help kill off grass for a future garden bed. Here I go into how to properly put together a cardboard box … Continue reading Growing Potatoes in Cardboard Boxes (with pictures)
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Hardening off your Seedlings without a Greenhouse
Hardening off is the process of bringing your seedlings from the indoors to the outdoors, in a way that doesn't stress them out. You do not need a greenhouse to do this, and within a week you can get your seedlings out of your house and into your garden safely. Here I go into a … Continue reading Hardening off your Seedlings without a Greenhouse
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Muffin Tin Popovers | From Scratch
We call them pancake puffs around here, because they taste just like a puffy pancake, but Egg Popovers are a hit in our family. Just under a half dozen eggs, fresh herbs from the garden, and even some cooked meat or veggies (or just left completely plain) these are fast and easy breakfast food or … Continue reading Muffin Tin Popovers | From Scratch
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Homestead March Madness: Seeds, Ducklings, Backyard Weeds for Tea, Whole Chicken with Herb Oil Recipe
I much prefer the pace of March on a homestead than any sporting season on the planet! Seeds, baby birds, garden clean up, canning, roller coaster spring weather; I am here for it all. Another busy month flew by for us, and I genuinely can't believe we are already walking into April! GardenBaby Ducks Backyard … Continue reading Homestead March Madness: Seeds, Ducklings, Backyard Weeds for Tea, Whole Chicken with Herb Oil Recipe
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Zone 6 – General Seed Starting Timeline (not complicated)
Starting seeds does not have to be complicated. Most seeds just need a head start indoors, especially if you live in northern areas with cold winters. This list is for anyone who lives in zones 4-6, since these zones generally grow on a similar timeline, only being a week or two off from each other. … Continue reading Zone 6 – General Seed Starting Timeline (not complicated)
The Cottage Vegetable 