Olden Oasis Homestead

  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 ...

  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...

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...

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...

Rediscovering Elegance: A Vintage Jelly-Centered Thumbprint Cookie Recipe If you’re a lover of nostalgic baked goods that evoke memories of simpler times, then this vintage thumbprint cookie recipe is a delightful gem worth exploring. With its perfect balance of buttery richness and burst of sweet jelly at the center, these cookies have a timeless appeal that can elevate any tea party, holiday gathering, or casual afternoon treat. Let’s delve into the charming world of these classic cookies and learn how to craft them with a touch of vintage elegance. The Charm and History of Vintage Thumbprint Cookies Originating in the early 20th century, thumbprint cookies have long been a beloved staple in baking archives worldwide. Their name derives from the distinctive indentation made with your thumb or finger, which is filled with sweet jam or preserves. These cookies gained popularity in the United States and Europe during the Victorian era, often served during festive occasions ...

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...