Olden Oasis Homestead

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Grow Your Groceries: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Cultivate Your Own Food Sanctuary

Grow Your Groceries: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Cultivate Your Own Food Sanctuary In a world swirling with uncertainty—from unpredictable weather patterns to fluctuating grocery prices—there's a bright spot shining through: taking control of what we put on our plates. Growing your own food isn't just a trendy hobby; it's a vital step toward healthier living, greater sustainability, and significant savings. As a seasoned homesteader who's weathered more than a few storms—both literal and figurative—I can assure you: starting your own garden is one of the most empowering and rewarding decisions you can make. Table of Contents Why Grow Your Own Groceries? Getting Started: Tips for Beginners Sustainable Gardening Practices Overcoming Common Challenges Inspiration from the Homestead Final Thoughts: Cultivate Confidence and Independence Why Grow Your Own Groceries? Growing your own food offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the garden bed. Here's why mor...

Why I Never Buy Seeds — My Personal Tips for Successful Seed Saving at Olden Oasis Homestead

Why I Never Buy Seeds — My Personal Tips for Successful Seed Saving at Olden Oasis Homestead If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of growing your own food, but the thought of constantly buying seeds from the store can sometimes feel discouraging — especially when you realize how much money you could save by saving your own seeds. At Olden Oasis Homestead, I’ve made seed saving a friendly, rewarding part of my gardening routine. Not only does it give me a sense of independence, but it also connects me more deeply with my plants and the seasons. Today, I want to share my personal tips and insights on seed saving, so you can enjoy the same benefits and maybe even get hooked on this eco-friendly, budget-friendly practice! Table of Contents Why Save Seeds? Benefits & Inspiration Choosing the Right Plants to Save Seeds From Timing and Harvesting Seeds Cleaning and Storing Your Seeds Tips for Successful Seed Saving Common Mistakes to Avoid Final Thoughts and Encouragement W...

Why Homemade Chicken Feed Might Be the Secret to Healthier Hens (And Better Eggs!)

Why Homemade Chicken Feed Might Be the Secret to Healthier Hens (And Better Eggs!) If you've ever wondered about the true quality of the store-bought chicken feed—why your hens suddenly stop laying eggs, or why they seem less vibrant—you're not alone. As avid homesteaders at Olden Oasis Homestead, we've faced these questions ourselves. Sometimes, that pricey bag of feed isn't all it's cracked up to be. But don't fret! Making your own chicken feed can be a game-changer—cost-effective, healthier, and tailored to your flock's needs. Let us walk you through our favorite homemade chicken feed recipe, and share tips on how to keep your chickens happy and productive. Table of Contents Why Consider Making Your Own Chicken Feed? What Goes Into Homemade Chicken Feed? Our Custom Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe Tips for Successful Homemade Feeding Final Thoughts: Nourish Your Flock Naturally Why Consider Making Your Own Chicken Feed? While store-bought feeds ar...

Refrigerated hot and spicy pickles

Refrigerated hot and spicy pickles Today, I am making two quarts of homemade refrigerated hot and spicy pickles. My recipe is for two quart jars. It's easy and requires no canning. However, I still sterilize everything before I pack my cucumbers. Since I am not canning these jars of pickles, they will have to be stored in the refrigerator. However, the heat from the hot brine usually seals the lid tight. This is an awesome recipe to make homemade pickles fast, and it comes in handy when your cucumber plants aren't producing enough to process a bunch of pickles at once. Ingredients: 12-16 pickling cucumbers, the amount depends on the size of your cucumbers 2 garlic cloves, halved, or minced 1 large onion, finely diced 8 chili peppers, finely diced 4 teaspoons of dried dill seed 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, cracked 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon of allspice 1 teaspoon of cloves 2-½ cups vinegar, both apple cider vinegar, or white vin...

Effortless Gardening: How to Till Your Garden Without a Tiller

Effortless Gardening: How to Till Your Garden Without a Tiller Starting a garden can be a rewarding experience, but the prospect of tilling your soil often feels daunting—especially without a traditional garden tiller. Whether you're working with a small plot, trying to save some money, or simply looking for an honest workout, there are plenty of effective ways to prepare your soil without relying on heavy machinery. In this post, we'll explore practical, proven techniques to till your garden manually, offering tips, tricks, and some friendly anecdotes along the way. Table of Contents Why Tilling Manually Might Be Your Best Choice Essential Tools and Gear for Manual Tilling Step-by-Step Guide to Tilling Your Garden Without a Tiller Tips and Tricks for Effective Tilling Benefits and Potential Drawbacks Final Thoughts Why Tilling Manually Might Be Your Best Choice If you don’t have access to a garden tiller or prefer a more eco-friendly, low-cost approach, manual tilling can be...

Mastering the Art of Prioritization: How to Distinguish Needs from Wants on Your Homesteading Journey

Mastering the Art of Prioritization: How to Distinguish Needs from Wants on Your Homesteading Journey Embarking on a homesteading adventure is an exciting blend of self-sufficiency, learning, and learning to live more intentionally. But as you dive into planting gardens, building coops, and stocking up supplies, a common challenge emerges: How do you decide what’s absolutely necessary versus what’s just nice to have ? Striking this balance is crucial for creating a sustainable, budget-conscious, and satisfying homestead. In this blog, we'll explore practical tips—and visual tools—to help you prioritize your needs over wants with confidence and clarity. Understanding Needs vs. Wants Before diving into lists and charts, it’s essential to clarify what constitutes a “need” versus a “want” on your homestead: Needs: Essential items or resources required for survival, safety, and basic functioning. Examples include clean water, nutritious food, shelter, tools for growing crops, and ba...

Indulge in the Rich Tradition of Southern Pecan Pie for Valentine's Day: A Classic Recipe

Indulge in the Rich Tradition of Southern Pecan Pie For Valentine's Day: A Classic Recipe Few desserts evoke the warmth and comfort of Southern hospitality quite like a freshly baked pecan pie. With its gooey filling, crunchy pecan topping, and a flaky, buttery crust, this timeless treat has become a staple at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and Sunday dinners alike. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to pie making, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect Southern pecan pie that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The Rich History of Southern Pecan Pie Originating deep in the American South, pecan pie has roots that stretch back to the early 20th century. The pecan tree, native to the region, became a symbol of Southern ingenuity and hospitality. This dessert embodies the warmth and richness of Southern culture, blending local ingredients with timeless baking techniques. Over decades, it ...

Homesteading Journal: Your Gateway to a Flourishing, Self-Sufficient Life

Homesteading Journal: Your Gateway to a Flourishing, Self-Sufficient Life Embarking on a homesteading journey is more than just a lifestyle choice—it's a passionate pursuit of independence, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just planting your first seed, keeping a homesteading journal can be your most valuable companion. It’s a space to dream, plan, reflect, and celebrate your progress. Let’s explore how this simple yet powerful tool can transform your homesteading experience into an inspiring adventure. Table of Contents Why Keep a Homesteading Journal Getting Started: Crafting Your Homesteading Journal What to Document in Your Journal Tips for Creating an Inspiring and Useful Journal Long-term Benefits of Your Homesteading Journal Inspiring Stories From Homesteaders Final Thoughts Why Keep a Homesteading Journal? Imagine having a personal chronicle of your homesteading journey—tracking growth, learning from mistakes, celebrat...

Unlocking the Benefits of Dehydrating Food on the Homestead: Tips and Advantages

Unlocking the Benefits of Dehydrating Food on the Homestead: Tips and Advantages In today’s world of sustainable living and self-sufficiency, many homesteaders are turning to food dehydration as a versatile and eco-friendly preservation method. Not only does dehydrating food extend its shelf life, but it also offers a host of other benefits that can transform your homesteading experience. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to refine your techniques, understanding the advantages of dehydrating food can help you make smarter choices and enjoy fresher, more nutritious meals year-round. Why Dehydrate Food Is a Game-Changer for Homesteaders Dehydrating food is more than just a preservation method; it’s a strategic tool for managing your harvest, reducing waste, and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. The process involves removing moisture from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even meats, which significantly slows down microbial growth and enzymatic reactions that ca...