Olden Oasis Homestead

Barbecued country-style pork ribs Do you know the old saying, bet-cha can't eat just one? Well, that truthfully is the case with my barbecued ribs. This recipe for barbecued country-style ribs always turns out amazingly delicious. They're the yummiest, melt in your mouth, barbecued ribs.  So, I only prepared four country-style ribs today, but wished that I had made more, because they were just that darn good! I prepared my homemade barbecue sauce to smear on them and then slow cooked them in the oven (the sauce recipe is the same as I prepared for crock-pot chicken yesterday). Ingredients: Country-style pork ribs (The amount depends on how many you'll need for the size of your family. I cooked a four-piece pack.) Ground black pepper and seasoning salt to taste Homemade barbecue sauce (See below for the list of ingredients and how I prepare it. This is the same barbecue sauce recipe that I made for my crock-pot barbecued chicken.) Homemade barbecue sauce ingredients: ¼ cup o...

Backyard berry picking Several years ago, I planted numerous mulberry trees, because I absolutely love the berries. The trees are one of the easiest and fastest to grow, but they can be a bit of a nuisance to some homeowners. Once the berries begin to fall, they leave a purple stain on whatever they land on. If you have ever picked mulberries, then you know if you don't wear gloves while doing so, you'll end up with stained purple fingers and as you pop the berries into your mouth your lips also become stained by the berries' delectable juices. While working outside over the weekend, I was amazed to see that my mulberries were already turning and many were already ripe for picking. So today I'm venturing outdoors to pick multitudes of mulberries. I will end up making mulberry cobbler, mulberry jello pies, freezing, canning, and dehydrating the rest of the berries before the growing season is over. My trees will bear fruit up until July. Well, that's how they normall...

Growing organic Methley plums in Arkansas Living in the south, Japanese plum trees are one of the best options when considering planting plum trees. Although European plum trees will do well in both northern and southern states. Self-pollinating plum trees  My favorite type of self-pollinating plum tree is Methley. However, Au-Roadside, Beauty, Damson, Green Gage, Mount Royal, Persian Green, Plum Burgundy, Santa Rosa, and Stanley are also some other worthy choices of self-pollinating plum trees. I prefer growing self-pollinating trees when possible. Self-pollinating means that planting two different varieties of trees isn't required to bear fruit. Varieties of plum trees that require planting two different types of plum trees are referred to as being self-unfruitful. These types have to be planted with another type of plum tree to bear fruit. The Ozark plum tree is one example of a self-unfruitful tree.  However, there's still a tiny catch. Even though you don't need two se...

Vintage Horton head vase produced by Horton's Ceramics of Eastland, Texas Luckily for me, my father loved vintage antiques; about as much as I do. After he passed away, I inherited his beautiful and unique treasures, and this gorgeous head vase was one of those items. I longed to learn the history of these vintage pieces. So I dug as deep as I could to find out more information about them. The vintage glazed ceramic that I am showcasing today is of a beautiful blonde-haired beauty. The ceramic is known as a head vase. She measures 7-¼ inch tall x 7 inches in width. Handmade doilies were once placed inside the head vase to form a lacy hat, then filled with silk flower arrangements. I prefer not to stuff her delicate head with anything nowadays due to the fact that she's vintage and antique ceramics can break easily. I was told that the head vase was inspired by admiration of blonde Hollywood cover girls, otherwise known as glamor girls. These head vases were produced sometime du...

Growing Chick Grass Seed Mix Although I call this chick grass mix, it can also be fed to wild birds, goats, and sheep. The chick grass is simply a mixture of tetraploid ryegrass, flax, alfalfa, and red and white clover seeds. The chick grass mix can be grown in planters, chicken runs, or wherever else that you might want to grow it in your yard. The seeds will generally sprout within 7 to 14 days. When it's fed to chickens, it will help increase the level of omega-3 in their eggs. So, that's a win-win for both you and your hens. The mix that I prepare will make one 12-pound bag of chick grass mix. I plant this mix in planters and grow it indoors. You can plant as much or as little of the seed mix as you need. The chick grass can be planted inside your chicken run, chicken coop, outdoor plot area, greenhouse, and greenroom. The chick grass seed mix will germinate fairly quickly. Keeping the seed mix on hand makes it simple to continue growing a supply of healthy food for your ch...

Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Rooting Hormone Propagating plant clippings is one thing most gardeners like doing because it saves us money and also keeps our plants true. What do I mean by keeping the plants true? When you propagate a plant, it means that the plant that you've taken the clipping from will stay true to the original plant. With stem cuttings, each new plant will duplicate its parent plant. So if you have a favorite plant, it's nice to take several clippings from it and propagate it.  My favorite part about propagating plants is that you can also do this with vegetable plants. Tomatoes and peppers are just a few of the plants in your vegetable garden that can be propagated from cuttings. Starting a vegetable plant from an existing stem is also much faster than growing it from seed.  Apple cider rooting hormone Three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed into a gallon of water is all it takes to make enough rooting hormone to use for several plant stem c...

Planting onion bulb sets Onions are quite possibly one of the easiest vegetables to grow inside containers or outside in the garden. They do not require much of anything after the bulbs have been planted in good soil. As their green tops grow, I use them as needed when cooking by cutting the tops off with kitchen shears. I grow the majority of my onions in containers in my greenhouse. Prior to planting, add compost to your soil. Loosen up the soil by adding sand to it (if needed). If you're planting your onion sets in containers, add loose gravel to the bottom of them. Then fill the containers with your fertilized soil. Having good drainage is so important. It will keep the onion bulbs from rotting and getting diseased. Next, plant the onion bulbs in the fertilized soil. Make sure that the pointed end is placed in an upward position and the root end is placed downward.  The onion bulbs need to be placed about an inch and a half deep. Then water the bulbs and cover the tops of them ...

  Embracing the Soil: A Comprehensive Guide to No-Till Gardening Imagine cultivating a lush, vibrant garden without the constant upheaval of traditional tilling. No-till gardening isn’t just a trend; it’s a sustainable, soil-friendly approach that promotes healthier plants, richer soil, and a more resilient garden ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to improve your methods or a curious beginner eager to reduce your environmental footprint, understanding the principles and benefits of no-till gardening can transform the way you nurture your garden space. Table of Contents What is No-Till Gardening? Benefits of No-Till Gardening Getting Started with No-Till Gardening Best Practices for Success Overcoming Common Challenges Final Thoughts What is No-Till Gardening? No-till gardening is an agricultural practice that minimizes soil disturbance by avoiding traditional tilling methods. Instead of turning the soil with a shovel or tractor, gardeners build up their soil org...

  Happy Easter from Olden Oasis Homestead: Wishing You a Joyful Holiday! As spring blossoms and the season of renewal is upon us, everyone at Olden Oasis Homestead wants to extend our warmest wishes for a blessed Easter weekend. Whether you're gathering with loved ones or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, we hope your holiday is filled with happiness, hope, and renewal. Celebrating Easter with Olden Oasis Homestead At Olden Oasis Homestead, Easter is a special time to celebrate new beginnings and the simple joys of life. We believe in embracing the spirit of community, gratitude, and renewal—values that resonate deeply during this time of year. Our Easter Wishes To You Peace and Joy: May your days be filled with laughter and your hearts with peace. Family and Friendship: Cherish those close to you and create beautiful memories together. Hope and Renewal: Embrace the new beginnings that Easter brings and carry that hope into the days ahead. A Little Easter Reflection Whet...

Homemade pickled jalapeño peppers Pickled jalapeño peppers are the perfect in-between-meal snack. They can also be served at meal times on sandwiches, in soup, and added to various other recipes. Today, I will be putting up my pickled jalapeño peppers for refrigeration, but you can use the water bath canning method if you want to store your peppers for a longer period of time. I prefer leaving my peppers whole for snacking, but you can slice yours if you'd prefer. When slicing hot peppers, always wear a clean pair of disposable gloves for protection, and never rub your eyes while you're slicing the jalapeño peppers. If an accident such as this should occur, quickly rinse your eyes out under cold running water. Ingredients: 10 to 12 jalapeño peppers (left whole, cut in halves, or sliced) 1-1/4 cup of distilled 5% white vinegar 1-1/4 cup of water 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons of Splenda or regul...

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...