Olden Oasis Homestead

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...

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...

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 ...

  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...

  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 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...

Creating Garden Success: How Soaking Seeds Can Boost Your Germination Rates Starting a lush, productive garden from scratch can feel overwhelming—especially when faced with stubborn seeds that refuse to sprout. But did you know that a simple trick like soaking your seeds before planting can dramatically improve your germination success? Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out in your homestead journey, understanding the benefits of soaking seeds can be a game-changer. Let’s explore how this easy step can lead to a thriving garden from the very first sprout! Why Soaking Seeds Helps with Germination Seeds are nature’s little powerhouses, packed with potential, but sometimes they need a gentle nudge to wake up and start growing. Soaking seeds offers several key benefits: Softens the Seed Coat: Many seeds have a tough outer shell that can delay water absorption. Soaking softens this coat, allowing water to reach the embryo more easily. Speeds Up Germination...

Low Cost Gardening: Grow Your Own Groceries Without Breaking the Bank Whether you have a sprawling homestead or just a small balcony, growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to ensure fresh, healthy produce. If you're looking to maximize your gardening efforts without overspending — especially in areas affected by drought — this guide is packed with practical tips to help you cultivate a thriving garden on a budget. From innovative watering techniques to drought-resistant crops, let’s explore how you can turn even the tiniest space into a green oasis. Table of Contents Affordable Soil and Composting Methods Water-Conserving Gardening Tips Choosing Drought-Resistant Vegetables Creative Low-Cost Gardening Ideas Practical Tips for Success Affordable Soil and Composting Methods Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, but purchasing commercial soil amendments can quickly become expensive. Here are budget-friendly options: Composting...

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...

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...

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...

Off Grid Living Anywhere Off grid living has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for those seeking independence, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature. This approach allows individuals and families to live outside the traditional grid, relying on renewable resources and self-sufficient practices to meet their needs. From harnessing solar energy to growing their own food, off grid living offers a unique blend of freedom and responsibility. Whether you're contemplating a complete lifestyle change or simply looking to incorporate off grid principles into your daily life, this article will guide you through the essential aspects of living off the grid anywhere, empowering you to embrace a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life. Understanding Off Grid Living   Definition and Concept   Off grid living is like playing hide-and-seek with modern conveniences. It means disconnecting from the traditional power grid and other utilities, usually optin...