Olden Oasis Homestead

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...

How to Build an All-Natural, Zero-Cost Fence with Tree Limbs: A Sustainable Living Guide Imagine creating a sturdy, beautiful fence around your garden or yard without spending a dime or harming the environment. Using tree limbs—a resource often considered waste—you can craft an all-natural, sustainable fence that blends seamlessly into nature. Whether you’re eco-conscious, budget-savvy, or simply love the idea of living in harmony with the environment, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to turn fallen or trimmed tree limbs into a functional and charming barrier. Table of Contents Why Build an All-Natural Fence? Gathering Your Materials Preparing Your Tree Limbs Building Your Natural Fence Helpful Tips for Success Conclusion: Embrace Sustainable Living Why Build an All-Natural Fence? Creating a fence from tree limbs isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making eco-friendly choices that benefit the planet. Here are some of the key benefits: Zero Cost: Use what’s alrea...

Craft Your Own Round-Shaped Hot Pads with Cushioned Side Lips: A Cozy Touch for Your Kitchen If you've ever struggled with finding the perfect hot pad that not only protects your hands but also adds a charming touch to your countertop, this DIY project is just what you need! These custom round-shaped hot pads with cushioned side lips are not only practical—they’re adorable, versatile, and a delightful way to showcase your sewing skills. Whether you're holding hot pans, resting fresh eggs, or organizing your fruits and veggies, these hot pads are a game-changer. Ready to get started? Let's walk through the fun and simple process of creating your own! Table of Contents Materials and Preparation Cutting and Assembling the Fabric Sewing the Hot Pad Adding the Cushioned Side Lips Finishing Touches and Tips Creative Uses for Your Hot Pads Materials and Preparation Gather these essentials before diving into your sewing project: Fabric of your choice – Cotton or quilting fabric wo...

Why Chickens Need Grit: The Ultimate Guide to Types of Grit for Your Flock If you’ve ever watched a flock pecking around the yard, you’ve likely noticed them swallowing small rocks or grit. But have you wondered why chickens need grit? It’s a vital component of their digestive process, helping them turn hard, indigestible food into the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of grit, why it’s essential, and how to provide the right grit for your feathered friends. Table of Contents What Is Grit and Why Do Chickens Need It? The Types of Grit for Chickens How to Choose the Right Grit When and How to Provide Grit Common Grit Mistakes to Avoid What Is Grit and Why Do Chickens Need It? Grit is small, hard particles—such as stones or oyster shells—that chickens swallow to aid digestion. Their gizzard, a muscular part of their stomach, grinds the food with the help of these particles, breaking down seeds, grains, and other tough foods. ...

Transform Your Window Into a Sun Oven: A Creative Guide to DIY Solar Cooking with Plexiglass Imagine harnessing the sun's powerful, renewable energy right from your own home—without expensive equipment or complicated setups. What if you could turn a simple window into a makeshift sun oven, using just some plexiglass or other clear materials you have on hand, and a bit of ingenuity? Not only is this project a fun and rewarding DIY adventure, but it also provides an eco-friendly way to cook your meals, save energy, and connect with sustainable living. Let’s dive into how you can convert a window into a solar oven and start enjoying the benefits of solar cooking today! Table of Contents Why Build a Sun Oven? Tools and Materials Needed Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Plexiglass Sun Oven Tips for Success & Safety Conclusion: Embrace Solar Cooking Why Build a Sun Oven? Using a sun oven isn’t just a quirky science experiment—it’s an exciting way to cook with clean, free energy. He...

Foraging for Cattails: Nature's Hidden Gem If you've ever wandered through the wetlands, you might have noticed the tall, grassy plants with distinctive brown, sausage-shaped flower heads—those are cattails. Often overlooked, these hardy plants are a treasure trove of health benefits and edible parts. Today, I’m excited to share my experience in foraging for cattails from my Olden Oasis Homestead, amazing nutritional value, and how you can incorporate them into your wild culinary adventures. Table of Contents Why Forage for Cattails? Health Benefits of Cattails Edible Parts of the Cattail Plant How to Harvest Cattails Safely Preparing and Cooking Cattails Final Thoughts and Tips Why Forage for Cattails? Growing abundantly along our wetlands, cattails are often dismissed as mere weeds or nuisances. But in reality, they’re an incredibly versatile and sustainable food source.  Foraging for cattails is a rewarding way to connect with nature, embrace self-sufficiency, and access an ...

Celebrating New Beginnings: Happy New Year 2026 from Olden Oasis Homestead As we step into 2026, there's a special kind of magic in the air here at Olden Oasis Homestead. With hopeful hearts and bright spirits, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a joyful, prosperous, and inspiring New Year to all our friends, family, and community supporters. This year promises new adventures, renewed dreams, and countless opportunities to embrace life’s beautiful moments—just like the fresh beginnings that spring at the start of each year. Table of Contents Reflecting on 2025: Our Journey and Growth Our Hopes and Dreams for 2026 Celebrating Community and Connection Moving Forward Together A Heartfelt Goodbye to 2025 and Welcome to 2026 Reflecting on 2025: Our Journey and Growth Last year was a remarkable chapter for Olden Oasis Homestead. We nurtured new gardens, welcomed more visitors to our blog, and strengthened our bonds with the community. Every challenge faced and milestone achieved re...

Bright Ideas to Slash Your Electricity Bill: Smart Tips for Saving Money If you've been feeling the pinch of soaring electricity bills, you're not alone. Many households are on the lookout for practical, budget-friendly solutions to bring those costs down. The good news? Small changes and a bit of ingenuity can make a big difference. In this post, we'll explore creative ways to cut your energy expenses—think LED solar lights, battery banks, and even modest solar panels—that can help you save money while embracing greener living. Table of Contents Understanding Your Electricity Costs Switch to LED Lighting Harness the Power of Solar Lights Invest in Battery Banks for Energy Storage Utilize Small Solar Panels Additional Tips for Reducing Electricity Bills Final Thoughts Understanding Your Energy Costs Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand where your electricity dollars go. Conduct a quick audit: Track your usage for a week to identify high-consumption...

Transforming Broken and Vintage Wood into a Stunning Kitchen Island and Breakfast Nook Imagine turning forgotten, broken pieces of furniture and vintage barn wood into a beautiful, functional centerpiece in your home. Repurposing wood not only gives new life to aged materials, but it also adds a unique, rustic charm that mass-produced furniture simply can't match. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting to explore sustainable home upgrades, this guide will walk you through creative ways to craft a useful kitchen island and cozy breakfast nook from repurposed wood. Table of Contents Why Repurpose Old Wood for Your Kitchen Space? Gathering and Preparing Your Reclaimed Materials Design Ideas for Your Repurposed Kitchen Island Building a Rustic Breakfast Nook from Barn Wood Tips and Tricks for a Successful Repurposing Project Final Thoughts and Inspiration Why Repurpose Old Wood for Your Kitchen Space? Repurposing wood is more than just a trend—it’s a sustainable ...