Olden Oasis

Organic coffee grounds fertilizer If you brew coffee and are also a gardener. Were you aware that you can make use of the brewed coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer? That's right! Used coffee grounds, as well as diluted leftover cold black coffee, is great for most plants. Already brewed coffee grounds are packed full of potassium, magnesium, nitrogen, caffeine, calcium and phosphorus and I have found that they're a great plant food for root vegetable plants such as different varieties of potatoes, radishes, carrots, and turnips, as well as for other garden plants such as herbs, peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli also benefit from the already brewed coffee grounds. Just sprinkle the grounds around the topsoil and allow nature to do the rest of the work. Do this once a week, but sparingly. Always make sure that the coffee grounds aren't left in large clumps. Coffee grounds change the pH level in the soil, so that's something that you'll have to be careful with. You ...

Winter Gardening on the Homestead Introduction to Winter Gardening Winter gardening isn't just about sipping cocoa by the fire—it's about keeping your garden thriving when temperatures drop. Think of it as adding a touch of green to the white winter wonderland. Benefits and Challenges of Winter Gardening Winter gardening has its perks, like fresh produce during the frosty months, but it also comes with challenges, such as battling the elements and convincing your carrots it's not time to hibernate. Health Benefits of Winter Gardening Not only does winter gardening keep your green thumb active, but it also provides a dose of fresh air and Vitamin D to combat the winter blues. Plus, who needs a gym membership when you're hauling bags of mulch through the snow? Environmental Benefits of Winter Gardening By growing your own veggies in the winter, you're reducing your carbon footprint from those trucked-in tomatoes. Plus, you're giving a thumbs-up to Mother Nature by...

Homemade chicken and sweet pea dog/cat chow Today, I am making homemade pet food that can be fed to both felines and pooches. I used grits in this batch of pet food, although I normally use oatmeal. Oatmeal is more suitable because grits are more of a filler. So the healthier option is to use oatmeal. Both aids as a glue to bind the pet food together and both can be fed to cats and dogs. However, grits should only be used in moderation. Pets love them, but since they are a filler, there's really no great nutritional value in them. However, for this recipe, I only used a small amount of grits, and a can of white chicken meat with the broth for the protein.  Ingredients: 1-5-ounce can of white chicken and the broth 2 cups of green sweet peas (drained) ½ cups of grits or oatmeal 2-3 tablespoons of flour 1 cup of water Instructions: In a medium-sized bowl, add the grits or oatmeal and water, transfer the bowl to the microwave, and cook the grits (or oatmeal) just until the liquid has t...

Peanut butter dog biscuits If pet food prices have you skipping away from the dog treat aisle, then read on. Today, I will walk you through how I prepare simple puppy (dog) peanut butter biscuits. The recipe doesn't require very many ingredients and the treats take about twenty minutes to bake. Your pooches will be so excited that you're making delicious peanut butter treats for them that they'll even try to help you prepare them. Well, maybe not, but I betcha they'll try to give you a bunch of doggy smooches! Ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 egg ½ cups of creamy peanut butter ¼ cup of warm water Instructions: In a bowl, add the all-purpose flour, creamy peanut butter, eggs, and water. Using a mixer or fork, combine until the ingredients are incorporated together. Lightly dust your countertop with flour and transfer the peanut butter dough to it; roll the dough out. The dough should be kind of stiff and not sticky. Use cookie cutters to cut out cute shapes, o...

Chickens' Favorite Snacks: Edible Weeds! Did you know that chickens love to munch on weeds? Not all weeds are safe for them to eat, but there are some that are not only safe but also beneficial for their health. Let's take a look at some edible weeds that chickens can safely eat and the benefits they provide. Benefits of Edible Weeds for Chickens Nutritional Value Edible weeds are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help keep your chickens healthy. They provide a variety of nutrients that are essential for their growth and overall well-being. Foraging Fun Allowing your chickens to forage for edible weeds can provide them with mental stimulation and entertainment. It gives them a chance to explore their surroundings and engage in natural behaviors. Plus, it's free entertainment for you to sit back and watch! Safe Edible Weeds for Chickens Dandelion Dandelions are a favorite snack for chickens. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Chicken...

DIY pet bed Do you have a fur baby that sometimes has to sleep in a kennel, during times when you're away from home? This is a simple, no-sew DIY kennel bed project that anyone can accomplish.  I timed myself when making my pooch this DIY kennel bed. It actually took me about forty-two minutes from start to finish. My almost eight-year-old boxer has to be placed in her dog's kennel during thunderstorms, or else she simply goes loco. We purchased two different kennel mats for her, but for some unknown reason, she doesn't like either of them. Instead of her using them to lay on, she wads them up, and literally kicks them to the corner of her kennel. Since Princess (my dog) isn't getting any younger, she really doesn't need to be lying on the hard floor of the kennel. So, I came up with this DIY kennel bed idea for her. The length and width of my dog's kennel is 54 inches x 37 inches. So, I cut out two pieces of soft material that size, then I cut strips along the ...

Wild edibles to forage If you're interested in foraging for free healthy food then today's article might be right up your alley. Every year during spring, summer, and fall, I enjoy going foraging for wild edibles. I believe that there's a better way of living through foraging. For one, it's an enjoyable experience just being outside and for another it's a way to learn about different plants that grow in the wild, and the third reason that I enjoy it so much are the natural health benefits of eating what I find. First I'd like to stress to you: when foraging, if you aren't familiar with a wild plant leave it alone. There's several that are indeed very poisonous. If you are new to foraging, take someone who's knowledgeable about wild edibles along with you at least for the first couple of times that you go out to forage.  Never take more from nature than you actually need. Remember that animals in the wild also need these wild edibles to survive. Wild ...