Olden Oasis Homestead

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...

Has Your Egg-Laying Hen Stopped Laying? Here’s How to Bring Them Back to Peak Production If you've noticed your once-lively hens suddenly aren't laying eggs anymore, you’re not alone. A drop or halt in egg production can be frustrating, whether it’s due to seasonal changes, age, or other environmental factors. But don’t fret—there are plenty of practical, natural ways to coax your hens back into laying. Today, at Olden Oasis, I’ll share a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to help boost your flock's egg production and keep those delightful eggs coming. Table of Contents Why Do Hens Stop Laying? Meeting Nutritional Needs Managing Light and Daylight Health and Environmental Checks Reducing Stress and Improving Comfort Supplements and Natural Aids Patience and Consistency Why Do Hens Stop Laying? Before diving into solutions, understanding why your hens might have stopped laying is essential. Common reasons include: Seasonal changes —hens often take a break during winter mo...

Eat the Weeds! Discover the Power of Henbit — Nature’s Hidden Treasure Have you ever looked out into your garden or lawn and dismissed those little green sprouts as pesky weeds? What if I told you that some of these unwanted plants, like henbit, are not just harmless filler but are packed with health benefits? The Bible reminds us that for every ailment, God has provided natural resources — and often, those resources are right under our noses. Let’s explore the fascinating world of henbit, a member of the mint family, and uncover why eating weeds like henbit could be a game-changer for your health and well-being. Table of Contents What is Henbit? A Closer Look The Surprising Health Benefits of Henbit How to Identify and Harvest Henbit Safely Delicious Ways to Incorporate Henbit into Your Diet Embrace Nature’s Pharmacy — The Wisdom in Weeds Conclusion: Reclaiming Nature’s Gifts What is Henbit? A Closer Look Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a common, yet often overlooked, plant belonging ...

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 ...