Olden Oasis Homestead

Being Self-Sufficient on Your Homestead: Tips and Tricks for a Thriving, Independent Life Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of birdsong, knowing that your efforts sustain your home, your family, and your lifestyle without relying heavily on outside resources. Achieving true self-sufficiency on a homestead might seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset, planning, and a few clever tricks, you can transform your property into a resilient, self-reliant haven. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your homesteading skills, this guide offers practical tips and creative ideas to help you thrive independently. Table of Contents Start with the Basics: Food, Water, Shelter Grow Your Own Food: Gardens, Orchards, and Preservation Raise Your Own Livestock: Meat, Dairy, and Eggs Embrace Renewable Energy: Solar, Wind, and More Water and Waste Management Develop Key Skills & Build Community Creative Tricks & Little-known Hacks Conclusion:...

Transforming Old Shoes into Garden Treasures: A Creative Way to Keep Loved Ones Close Gardening is a beloved pastime that allows us to connect with nature, nurture life, and create beautiful outdoor spaces. But what if your garden could also be a place of heartfelt memory and personal storytelling? Instead of purchasing generic planters, why not get creative with items you already have around the house? Today, I want to share a special story about how an old pair of leather shoes became a cherished garden feature—and how you can turn everyday items into meaningful, whimsical planters that keep loved ones close. Why Use Unusual Items as Garden Planters? Utilizing unexpected household items as planters not only adds character and charm to your garden but also breathes new life into objects that might otherwise be discarded. These unique planters serve as conversation starters, artistic expressions, and, most importantly, heartfelt tributes. Here are some compelling reasons to consider un...

Collecting pine cones for pine nuts One of the most awesome things about pine trees is collecting pine cones to use for decorating baskets, etc. for home decor. But did you know that every closed pine cone is also loaded with pine nuts? Today I decided that I wanted to try collecting a few pine cones to retrieve some pine nuts.  The reason why I decided to check today for pine nuts is because, normally, my pine trees don't start dropping pine cones until sometime in August through November. We are heading into July and my trees are already dropping pine cones and pine needles on the ground due to extreme heat-related-stresses. The temperature and moisture levels have a lot to do with how well pine trees produce pine cones and pine nuts. Normally, the squirrels and birds will pick the pine cones clean, so the opened pine cones will not usually have any pine nuts inside them. Collecting pine cones for pine nuts Any type of pine tree will produce pine cones with edible pine seeds. So ...

Starting Seeds Inside: Embracing the Olden Oasis Homestead’s Garden Dreams There’s something almost magical about the early days of gardening—when the promise of fresh greens and vibrant blooms feels just within reach. At Olden Oasis Homestead, I’ve been battling the urge to kick off my outdoor garden since this beautiful weather has rolled in. But with the calendar still showing early January, I know better than to fall for the “false spring” trap—that fleeting spell of warmth that tempts us to plant prematurely. Instead, I’ve decided to start my garden seeds indoors, giving my plants a strong head start for when the real spring arrives. Want to know how I’m making the most of this indoor seed-starting adventure? Let’s dig in! Why Start Seeds Indoors? The Benefits of Early Gardening Extended Growing Season: Giving seedlings a jump-start means harvests come earlier and more bountiful. Stronger Plants: Indoor starting allows for tender seedlings to develop resilience before facing outd...

Grow Your Food Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide to Hydroponic Gardening Have you ever imagined transforming a small corner of your home into a lush, productive garden, regardless of the season outside? Hydroponic gardening makes this possible—letting you grow fresh, delicious food indoors without soil. Not only is this method space-efficient and eco-friendly, but it also offers a rewarding way to connect with your food from seed to plate. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a curious newcomer, this guide will walk you through the essentials of cultivating food using hydroponic methods inside your own home. Table of Contents What Is Hydroponic Gardening? Why Choose Hydroponics for Indoor Food Production? Basic Components and Supplies Needed Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Hydroponic System Tips for Successful Indoor Hydroponic Gardening Common Challenges and Solutions Enjoying Your Bounty & Final Thoughts What Is Hydroponic Gardening? Hydroponic gardening is a method of gr...

Has Your Egg-Laying Hen Stopped Laying? Here’s How to Bring Them Back to Peak Production If you've noticed your once-lively hens suddenly aren't laying eggs anymore, you’re not alone. A drop or halt in egg production can be frustrating, whether it’s due to seasonal changes, age, or other environmental factors. But don’t fret—there are plenty of practical, natural ways to coax your hens back into laying. Today, at Olden Oasis, I’ll share a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to help boost your flock's egg production and keep those delightful eggs coming. Table of Contents Why Do Hens Stop Laying? Meeting Nutritional Needs Managing Light and Daylight Health and Environmental Checks Reducing Stress and Improving Comfort Supplements and Natural Aids Patience and Consistency Why Do Hens Stop Laying? Before diving into solutions, understanding why your hens might have stopped laying is essential. Common reasons include: Seasonal changes —hens often take a break during winter mo...

Eat the Weeds! Discover the Power of Henbit — Nature’s Hidden Treasure Have you ever looked out into your garden or lawn and dismissed those little green sprouts as pesky weeds? What if I told you that some of these unwanted plants, like henbit, are not just harmless filler but are packed with health benefits? The Bible reminds us that for every ailment, God has provided natural resources — and often, those resources are right under our noses. Let’s explore the fascinating world of henbit, a member of the mint family, and uncover why eating weeds like henbit could be a game-changer for your health and well-being. Table of Contents What is Henbit? A Closer Look The Surprising Health Benefits of Henbit How to Identify and Harvest Henbit Safely Delicious Ways to Incorporate Henbit into Your Diet Embrace Nature’s Pharmacy — The Wisdom in Weeds Conclusion: Reclaiming Nature’s Gifts What is Henbit? A Closer Look Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a common, yet often overlooked, plant belonging ...

How to Build a Small Greenhouse Using Refurbished Windows Thinking about nurturing your plants or starting a mini garden but don’t want to break the bank? Building a small, functional greenhouse with refurbished windows is an eco-friendly and affordable solution! Plus, it’s a fun DIY project that brings a charming, vintage vibe to your garden. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create your very own small greenhouse with an A-frame roof, using recycled windows, sturdy wood, and a few handy tips. Table of Contents Gather Your Materials Designing Your Greenhouse Preparing the Foundation Building the Frame Attaching Windows & Creating the Roof Adding Hinges and a Handle Final Touches and Tips Gather Your Materials Before you start, gather the necessary supplies: Refurbished windows (preferably double-glazed for insulation) Wood for the frame (snug, weatherproof lumber like cedar or pressure-treated pine) Thick greenhouse plastic (for the A-frame roof) Hinges (preferably ...

Spring is Coming! Build an Easy, Low-Cost Cold Frame Using Tree Limbs and Greenhouse Plastic As the days grow longer and the promise of spring fills the air, many gardeners are eager to get their soil ready for planting. If you’re looking for an affordable, sustainable way to give your plants a warm start, then building a cold frame might be just what you need.  Today at my Olden Oasis Homestead, I’m excited to share a simple, environmentally friendly design for a cold frame and low tunnel—crafted entirely from materials on your property, like downed tree limbs, with just a bit of greenhouse plastic for covering. Best of all? It’s easy on the pocketbook and minimizes waste by repurposing what nature has already provided! Table of Contents Why Build a Cold Frame? Materials Needed Step-by-Step Construction Tips for Success Conclusion Why Build a Cold Frame? A cold frame is a simple, unheated outdoor structure that traps heat and protects delicate seedlings and...