Olden Oasis

Foraging for cattail plants In my area I don't have to travel very far to find cattail plants. In fact, the plant grows very well alongside ponds, lakes, rivers, and even in road-side ditches. Today, I'm going to take you along with me while I show you how I uproot some cattail plants from a country roadside ditch. Plus, I will tell you a little bit about my experience and why I like foraging for these wild, perennial, aquatic plants that are often considered problematic for farmers. Foraging is a hobby of mine and I love being outside in nature. I enjoy the search like a child enjoying a colorful Easter egg hunt. Foraging can be such a treat, especially if you know what you're looking for.  Cattails happen to be really easy to identify. They reach three to four feet in height and sometimes even taller than that. In early spring, they emerge in semi-aquatic areas such as around the edges of ponds, rivers, lakes, and ditches.  Cattail leaves are rather long, spike-like curve...

Sprouting lentils for chicken feed Welcome to my guide on sprouting lentils for chicken feed. As backyard chicken keepers, we are constantly seeking ways to provide our feathered friends with a healthy and balanced diet. One such option gaining popularity is sprouted lentils, which offer numerous benefits for the overall health and well-being of chickens. In this article, I will explain the advantages of incorporating sprouted lentils into a chicken's diet, discuss the selection process for suitable lentils, provide a step-by-step guide to sprouting lentils, and offer tips on feeding and monitoring. Whether you are looking to optimize your chicken's nutrition or simply diversify their diet, sprouted lentils may be the solution you've been searching for. 1. Introduction to sprouting lentils for chicken feed Understanding the nutritional needs of chickens Chickens are like the Olympians of the animal kingdom; they need a solid and well-balanced diet to perform at their best. ...

Homemade liquid soap using old soap bar remnants Don't throw away those bars of soap remnants! Making the most out of those piddly soap bar remnants can help you save money. This liquid soap recipe is rather simple to make and the two main ingredients are bars of soap remnants (leftover soap ends) and water. You may add glycerin to the recipe if you'd like. Glycerin will help if you need to add a moisturizer to your liquid soap. However, leave the glycerin out if you're wanting longer shelf stability. I add citrus essential oil as a natural preservative. Ingredients: 1/2 cup of bar soap remnants, chopped into small pieces 3 cups of water ½ teaspoon of citrus essential oil Optional ingredients: 1-½ teaspoons of glycerin You'll need to add the glycerin in after you take the soap off from the burner. (I didn't add glycerin to my liquid soap.) Instructions: Add three cups of water into a pan that's specifically used for making soap in. Transfer the pan to a burner, ...

Homemade turmeric bar soap If you have some boring bars of soap, or want to make new soap by using a bar of soap base, then this is a recipe for you. Why add turmeric to bars of homemade soap? Turmeric soap not only helps with skin inflammation, it also helps clear up blemishes that you may have on your skin, because it has antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Plus, this soap helps with dark spots as well as brightens your skin. Ingredients: 1 bar of soap or soap base (any brand) About 1-½ cups of water, maybe a little more 1-½ teaspoons of turmeric powder 1-½ teaspoon of essential citrus oil Pan (for melting the soap) Soap molds Other optional ingredients: 1-½ teaspoons of glycerin (moisturizer) 1 teaspoon of olive oil Coffee grounds  Other essential oils Wild flowers Dried herbs Oatmeal Instructions for making the soap: First, grate or chop the bar of soap finely. Place the soap pieces in a pan that's specifically used for making soap. Pour in a level amount of water, and not m...

Caffeinated coffee soap Wake up your skin with caffeinated coffee soap, before drinking your cup of Joe. That's right, coffee isn't just for drinking! Today, I will walk you through how I create beautifully molded caffeinated coffee soap. Y'all, this soap makes my skin feel so refreshed and revived after each use and I love it! The soap is invigorating and exfoliating. Plus, it helps tighten and brighten your skin, as it helps to improve blood circulation. Ingredients: ¼ to ½ cup of caffeinated coffee grounds (I use ½ cup in my soap to get a richer coffee color.) 1 bar of soap or soap base bar (any brand will do) About 1-½ cups of water, plus, maybe a little more (depending on the size of bar soap that you use) 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder optional 1-½ teaspoon of essential cinnamon oil optional 1 teaspoon of olive oil Pan (for melting the soap) Soap molds Instructions: First, get your soap molds prepared; set aside. Now, chop the bar of soap into small pieces. Place the p...

All-natural wood ash liquid detergent From natural hardwood to burnt ash to all natural liquid detergent. Wood ash can be used for numerous things, such as fertilizer, creating homemade soap, laundry detergent, cleaner, and even toothpaste. Wood ash liquid detergent works beautifully on lifting stains out of your clothing. The detergent can also be used for multiple purposes, such as a tub and shower cleaner, floor cleaner, etc.. Today, I am pulling out my wood ash to create an all-natural laundry detergent booster. Have to tell you guys that this stuff is amazing! Using wood ash powder Handling wood ash is messy, it can be abrasive, and it's normally powdery (if your woodstove and fireplace are burning properly) so there's a lot of dust particles involved. So, I suggest always wearing gloves and a face mask while you're working with wood ash. Wood ash has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent in the form of different soaps, but wood ash can also be used in its natura...

Making homemade paper by recycling used paper products on the homestead If you're like me, you probably get a ton of junk mail. Don't throw it away! Instead, save it to upcycle into new pieces of craft paper, DIY toilet paper, wall art, and homemade wall tiles. Things you'll need to make paper pulp: Used paper (If you're making the recipe for DIY toilet paper, don't use any type of glossy paper, and DO NOT reuse bathroom toilet paper that's already been used. Sorry, but I had to add that in as a disclaimer.) Leafs, flower petals, grass clippings Water 2 old clean towels Instructions for making DIY paper sheets from pulp: First, gather up as much used paper and as many leaves as you want.  Shred the paper with a paper shredder or rip it into smaller pieces. Soak the paper into a large metal pan of hot water for about one hour.  Now, place the pan on the stovetop, add leaves, flower petals, and grass clippings. Then simmer for an hour. Then remove the pan from the...

DIY deodorizer and cleaners for household cleaning  If you have pets, more than likely you also have pet odors lurking around inside your home. These DIY deodorizers and cleaners can be used to deodorize floors, walls, pet kennels, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. I even use them to clean up spilt baked on grease. They work great and don't cost much to make. So, how do these DIY deodorizers and cleaners work? Hydrogen peroxide is one of the ingredients and it happens to be a natural oxidizer. Another ingredient that is added is baking soda. Baking soda is an all-natural abrasive, and it makes for a great scouring cleaner. It is also often used in households for cleaning, because it is great for deodorizing as well. When these two are mixed with Dawn's original blue dish detergent, the chemical reaction of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will lift off all the toughest stains, neutralizing the musty, smelly odors all in one. An oxidizer is an all-natural, safe form of ...

Pecan shells and their uses So, if you're shelling your pecans to make pecan pies for the holidays. Save your shells because they make a great nutritional, organic garden mulch. Plus, they have even more uses. Today, I will tell y'all different ways that I use my empty pecan shells. So, you have sat for several hours shelling out your pecans to make pecan pies and now you're scratching your head wondering if all those empty nut shells can serve you any purpose. Below are a few ways that I put all my pecan shells to good use and hopefully they'll give you some inspiration too! Garden mulch Here are three awesome reasons why you should use pecan shells in your outside gardens for an all-natural garden mulch. Pecan shells help retain moisture in the soil around in flower beds, outdoor vegetable gardens, etc.. They also keep nasty slugs at bay.  Plus, the shells will deter problematic weeds in your gardens. Organic fertilizer This could be placed in the above section with g...

Growing food in the winter inside a low tunnel When winter arrives and the ground becomes frosty, many gardeners assume that growing fresh produce is out of the question until spring. However, with the help of low tunnels, it is possible to continue growing food throughout the cold season. Low tunnels, also known as hoop houses or mini greenhouses, provide a protected environment that shields plants from harsh winter conditions while allowing sunlight to reach them. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using low tunnels for winter growing, discuss the selection of suitable crops for this purpose, and provide guidance on soil preparation, temperature management, irrigation techniques, pest control, and strategies for extending the winter growing season. By embracing the possibilities of low tunnels, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even when the temperatures are cold outside! What is a low tunnel? Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners, but with the help of low tunn...

Image by fietzfotos Making Things Work on a Simple Homestead Embracing a simple homesteading lifestyle offers a unique opportunity to live closer to the land, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability. In this guide, we delve into the essential elements of establishing and maintaining a simple homestead, from setting up basic infrastructure to nurturing livestock and crops. Discover how sustainable practices, effective resource management, and community building can help you make things work on your own small-scale homestead. Introduction to Simple Homesteading If you've ever dreamt of living off the land, growing your own veggies, and maybe even milking a cow (or two), then welcome to the world of simple homesteading! It's all about getting back to basics, embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, and channeling your inner pioneer spirit. Defining the Homesteading Lifestyle Homesteading isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. It's about being more in tune with nat...

Image by Couleur from Pixabay The advantage of farm fresh eggs Farm fresh eggs have gained increasing popularity in recent years for their superior taste, nutritional benefits, and ethical considerations. Defined by their direct sourcing from local farms, these eggs offer a range of advantages over their store-bought counterparts. From higher levels of essential nutrients to supporting sustainable agriculture practices, farm fresh eggs have captured the attention of health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts alike. In this article, we explore the various advantages of choosing farm fresh eggs, shedding light on their nutritional value, taste profile, health benefits, and environmental impact. Introduction to Farm Fresh Eggs Defining Farm Fresh Eggs When we talk about farm fresh eggs, we're referring to eggs that come straight from the source – the farm. These eggs are typically produced by chickens raised in a free-range or pasture-based environment, where they can roam, peck...

A tribute to my grandfather, Charles L. Ball, this veterans day. On this Veterans Day, I would like to pay tribute to my grandfather, Charles L. Ball, a proud Army veteran who served our country with honor and dedication. During World War II, he bravely served in the United States Army, leaving a lasting legacy of service and sacrifice. His honorable discharge certificate, a testament to his faithful service, acknowledges the honorable discharge of Private First Class Charles L. Ball from the 1259th Army Air Forces Base Unit. This document highlights his honest and dedicated service to the United States of America, a service that will forever be remembered and honored. During his time in the Army, my grandfather served as a Pro Truck Driver, Heavy, for 34 months after completing basic training. His skills and dedication were evident as he navigated challenging terrain in North Africa and India, transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment for the 1259th Army Air Forces Base Unit. Hi...

Veterans Day: A Day to Honor Our Heroes Hey everyone! Today we're talking about Veterans Day, a special day where we say thanks to all the veterans who have served our country. Let's learn more about this important holiday! What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It's a time to recognize and show appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice in defending our country. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th every year. This date marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, when the armistice was signed in 1918. How is Veterans Day celebrated? On Veterans Day, there are parades, ceremonies, and events held across the country to honor our veterans. Many people also take the time to visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to those who have served. Why is it important to thank veterans? It's important to thank veterans for their service because they h...

Image by Pixabay Homestead Thanksgiving Hey there! So, you're thinking about having a Thanksgiving feast on your small homestead, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's totally doable and super fun! Here are some tips to help you have a great Thanksgiving celebration right at home. Planning Your Menu First things first, you gotta plan out what you're going to cook. Since you're on a small homestead, you might not have a ton of space or resources, but that's okay! Keep it simple and focus on the basics like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and some veggies. You can even try growing some of your own ingredients if you have a garden! Getting Creative with Recipes Don't be afraid to get creative with your recipes! You can try out new twists on classic dishes or even make some of your own creations. Maybe you can make a pumpkin pie using pumpkins from your garden or try a new seasoning on your turkey. The possibilities are endless! Decorating Your Homestead Now it's ...