Olden Oasis Homestead

Mom's sauerkraut When life hands you multiple heads of cabbage, what do you do? I like making egg rolls and stir-fried recipes, but today I wanted to share my mom's recipe for how she creates her delicious homemade sauerkraut. There are so many different ways that you can ferment and can sauerkraut, but I find that mom's way is one of the simplest. If you like sauerkraut but don't like the process of having to ferment it for several weeks, I invite you to try mom's recipe. She ferments the kraut for three days in her crockpot and then cans it like a pro. Ingredients you'll need to make mom's homemade sauerkraut: Fresh cabbage, shredded 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of salt per pound of cabbage Plus, add 1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of water to prepare the brine. Instructions: Mom uses her crockpot to ferment the cabbage, and to do this method, you'll need to use 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of salt per pound of cabbage. She sliced the cabbage, then placed it in her crockp...

Bread and butter pickles Vivid, bright green, crisp, and super tangy, these bread and butter pickles are both thinly sliced and speared. I prefer preparing my bread and butter pickles so that I have spears to serve alongside a fish platter and slices to serve on hamburgers and other types of sandwiches. I add just a dash of seasoning salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to give my pickles an extra little kick of flavor. Those three ingredients are totally optional. Ingredients: 3 pounds (equals 12 cups for sliced) of cucumbers, sliced, and or speared 4 cups of fresh white onions, diced, or left in rings (I generally dice mine) ¼ cup of pickling salt 8-10 cups of ice cubes and water 1 cup of white granulated Splenda, or organic cane sugar 1-½ tablespoons of mustard seed 1 teaspoon of celery seed 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (optional) ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt (optional) 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional) 3 cups of white ...

Canning pickled peppers Pickled peppers are a classic condiment for any type of sandwich, and they taste so delicious when used in various ways. The canned pepper recipe that I'm sharing today is one that has been passed down in my family from generation to generation.  You will need a water-bath canner, and some other canning supplies . I used quart jars when I made my peppers and I had to triple the recipe because I had so many peppers. Normally, pint jars would be used. Ingredients: 6 pounds of peppers 4-6 cloves of garlic 1 large onion diced 1-½ teaspoons of pickling spice (for each jar) 8 cups of white vinegar 4 cups of water (for the jars; plus extra water for the water bath canner) Instructions: Before water-bath canning, clean the jars and lids with warm soapy water. To prepare the water bath canner; place the canner on the stove. Place a wire canning rack into the canner. Add the jars to the water-bath canner. Then add enough water to cover the jars with water. Bring the ...

  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 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!) 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Cozy Homemade Braided Yarn Rug If you’ve ever wanted to transform leftover yarn scraps into a stunning, functional piece of home decor, creating a homemade braided yarn rug might just be your new favorite project. Not only is this craft budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity to get creative with textures, colors, and sizes. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through every step to make a beautiful, durable braided yarn rug that adds warmth and personality to any space. Table of Contents Materials Needed Preparing Your Yarn Braiding Techniques Assembling the Rug Finishing Touches Tips and Tricks for Success Creative Variations to Personalize Your Rug Materials Needed Before diving into your rug-making adventure, gather the following supplies: Yarn scraps: Various colors and textures—wool, acrylic, or even fabric strips work well Strong cord or nylon t...

Mastering Your Regional Garden: When to Start Seeds Indoors for a Thriving Outdoor Garden There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of stepping into your garden and seeing sprouting seedlings ready to flourish. But timing is everything—knowing exactly when to start your seeds indoors can make the difference between a lush, productive garden and a disappointing season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie eager to dig in, understanding your regional planting schedule is key. In this post, we'll walk you through how to determine the best times for starting seeds indoors based on your specific location, with helpful tips to ensure your garden thrives from the very first sprout. Understanding Regional Planting Times Every region has its own unique climate and growing season, which directly impacts when you should start your seeds indoors. The goal is to align seed starting with your area's last frost date and the typical growing season length. For ex...

Growing Apple Trees From Seed: A Complete Guide to Cultivating Your Own Orchard If you've ever dreamed of planting your own apple orchard, there's no better place to start than from a humble seed. While growing apple trees from seed requires patience and a bit of dedication, the reward of nurturing a tree from germination to fruit-bearing maturity is truly unmatched. Whether you're a gardening novice or a seasoned horticulturist, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully grow apple trees from seed and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh apples. Why Grow Apple Trees from Seed? Growing apple trees from seed is more than just a fun gardening project; it’s an opportunity to understand the fascinating journey of plant development and genetics. While most commercial apple varieties are propagated through grafting to ensure specific fruit qualities, planting seeds allows you to explore the genetic diversity of ap...