Olden Oasis Homestead

Pecan shells and their uses So, if you're shelling your pecans to make pecan pies for the holidays. Save your shells because they make a great nutritional, organic garden mulch. Plus, they have even more uses. Today, I will tell y'all different ways that I use my empty pecan shells. So, you have sat for several hours shelling out your pecans to make pecan pies and now you're scratching your head wondering if all those empty nut shells can serve you any purpose. Below are a few ways that I put all my pecan shells to good use and hopefully they'll give you some inspiration too! Garden mulch Here are three awesome reasons why you should use pecan shells in your outside gardens for an all-natural garden mulch. Pecan shells help retain moisture in the soil around in flower beds, outdoor vegetable gardens, etc.. They also keep nasty slugs at bay.  Plus, the shells will deter problematic weeds in your gardens. Organic fertilizer This could be placed in the above section with g...

Growing food in the winter inside a low tunnel When winter arrives and the ground becomes frosty, many gardeners assume that growing fresh produce is out of the question until spring. However, with the help of low tunnels, it is possible to continue growing food throughout the cold season. Low tunnels, also known as hoop houses or mini greenhouses, provide a protected environment that shields plants from harsh winter conditions while allowing sunlight to reach them. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using low tunnels for winter growing, discuss the selection of suitable crops for this purpose, and provide guidance on soil preparation, temperature management, irrigation techniques, pest control, and strategies for extending the winter growing season. By embracing the possibilities of low tunnels, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even when the temperatures are cold outside! What is a low tunnel? Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners, but with the help of low tunn...

Image by fietzfotos Making Things Work on a Simple Homestead Embracing a simple homesteading lifestyle offers a unique opportunity to live closer to the land, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability. In this guide, we delve into the essential elements of establishing and maintaining a simple homestead, from setting up basic infrastructure to nurturing livestock and crops. Discover how sustainable practices, effective resource management, and community building can help you make things work on your own small-scale homestead. Introduction to Simple Homesteading If you've ever dreamt of living off the land, growing your own veggies, and maybe even milking a cow (or two), then welcome to the world of simple homesteading! It's all about getting back to basics, embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, and channeling your inner pioneer spirit. Defining the Homesteading Lifestyle Homesteading isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. It's about being more in tune with nat...

Image by Couleur from Pixabay The advantage of farm fresh eggs Farm fresh eggs have gained increasing popularity in recent years for their superior taste, nutritional benefits, and ethical considerations. Defined by their direct sourcing from local farms, these eggs offer a range of advantages over their store-bought counterparts. From higher levels of essential nutrients to supporting sustainable agriculture practices, farm fresh eggs have captured the attention of health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts alike. In this article, we explore the various advantages of choosing farm fresh eggs, shedding light on their nutritional value, taste profile, health benefits, and environmental impact. Introduction to Farm Fresh Eggs Defining Farm Fresh Eggs When we talk about farm fresh eggs, we're referring to eggs that come straight from the source – the farm. These eggs are typically produced by chickens raised in a free-range or pasture-based environment, where they can roam, peck...

A tribute to my grandfather, Charles L. Ball, this veterans day. On this Veterans Day, I would like to pay tribute to my grandfather, Charles L. Ball, a proud Army veteran who served our country with honor and dedication. During World War II, he bravely served in the United States Army, leaving a lasting legacy of service and sacrifice. His honorable discharge certificate, a testament to his faithful service, acknowledges the honorable discharge of Private First Class Charles L. Ball from the 1259th Army Air Forces Base Unit. This document highlights his honest and dedicated service to the United States of America, a service that will forever be remembered and honored. During his time in the Army, my grandfather served as a Pro Truck Driver, Heavy, for 34 months after completing basic training. His skills and dedication were evident as he navigated challenging terrain in North Africa and India, transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment for the 1259th Army Air Forces Base Unit. Hi...

Veterans Day: A Day to Honor Our Heroes Hey everyone! Today we're talking about Veterans Day, a special day where we say thanks to all the veterans who have served our country. Let's learn more about this important holiday! What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It's a time to recognize and show appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice in defending our country. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th every year. This date marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, when the armistice was signed in 1918. How is Veterans Day celebrated? On Veterans Day, there are parades, ceremonies, and events held across the country to honor our veterans. Many people also take the time to visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to those who have served. Why is it important to thank veterans? It's important to thank veterans for their service because they h...

Image by Pixabay Homestead Thanksgiving Hey there! So, you're thinking about having a Thanksgiving feast on your small homestead, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's totally doable and super fun! Here are some tips to help you have a great Thanksgiving celebration right at home. Planning Your Menu First things first, you gotta plan out what you're going to cook. Since you're on a small homestead, you might not have a ton of space or resources, but that's okay! Keep it simple and focus on the basics like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and some veggies. You can even try growing some of your own ingredients if you have a garden! Getting Creative with Recipes Don't be afraid to get creative with your recipes! You can try out new twists on classic dishes or even make some of your own creations. Maybe you can make a pumpkin pie using pumpkins from your garden or try a new seasoning on your turkey. The possibilities are endless! Decorating Your Homestead Now it's ...