Olden Oasis

Image by JonasKIM How to Conserve Water on a Homestead Introduction Hey there, homesteaders! If you're looking for ways to conserve water on your small-scale farm or homestead, you've come to the right place. Water is a precious resource, and it's important to use it wisely, especially when you're living off the land. Here are some tips to help you save water and reduce your environmental impact. Collect Rainwater One of the easiest ways to save water on your homestead is by collecting rainwater. Set up rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system to capture water from your roof. You can use this water for watering your plants, washing your hands, or even flushing your toilet. Use Drip Irrigation Instead of using a sprinkler system that can waste a lot of water through evaporation, consider installing a drip irrigation system. This delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing water waste and ensuring that your plants get the hydration they need. Mulch ...

Image by avantrend Small Scale Homestead Advice on wood stoves Choosing the Right Wood Stove Hey there, homesteaders! If you're thinking about getting a wood stove for your small-scale homestead, here are some tips to help you choose the right one. Size Matters Make sure to pick a wood stove that fits the size of your space. You don't want a stove that's too big and overpowering for your cozy little homestead. Efficiency is Key Look for a wood stove that is energy efficient. This will help you save on wood and keep your homestead warm without breaking the bank. Image by Toan_Le Installing Your Wood Stove Now that you've picked out the perfect wood stove, it's time to install it in your homestead. Here are some tips to help you get started. Location, Location, Location Choose a spot in your homestead that is safe and allows for proper ventilation. You don't want to risk a fire or smoke inhalation by placing your wood stove in a dangerous location. Follow the Inst...

Image by noname_13 How to Use Compost in Your Garden What is Compost? Compost is a mixture of organic materials that have decomposed over time. It is rich in nutrients and is often used as a natural fertilizer for plants. Why Use Compost in Your Garden? Compost helps improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. It also helps reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, making it an eco-friendly option for gardening. How to Use Compost in Your Garden 1. Start by creating a compost pile You can make a compost pile in your backyard using kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Make sure to turn the pile regularly to help speed up the decomposition process. 2. Add compost to your garden beds Once your compost is ready, you can add it to your garden beds to improve soil quality. Spread a layer of compost on top of the soil and mix it in thoroughly before planting your seeds or seedlings. 3. Use compost as mulch You can also use com...

Image by Alexei_other Greenhouse Gardening Tips for Small Scale Homesteads Choosing the Right Plants When starting a greenhouse garden on your small scale homestead, it's important to choose plants that will thrive in a controlled environment. Consider vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, as well as herbs like basil and mint. Planting Techniques Make sure to plant your seeds or seedlings at the appropriate depth and spacing. Follow the instructions on the seed packets or plant tags to ensure proper growth. Maintaining the Greenhouse Regularly check the temperature and humidity levels in your greenhouse to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants. Ventilate the greenhouse on hot days to prevent overheating. Watering and Fertilizing Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Pest Control Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites that can damage your plant...

Cat-tastic Chaos Unleashed at Olden Oasis These charming kittens are convinced they rule the roost here at our homestead. They're always on the go, making it a challenge to snap a clear photo of their adorable antics. It looks like we've got a full-blown feline frenzy on our hands! I am absolutely smitten with these lovable, fluffy felines. And I must admit, there are some perks to having cats on a homestead. The Benefits of Cats on a Homestead Having cats on a homestead can bring a plethora of perks. Not only do they help keep pesky pests like mice and rats at bay, but they also offer companionship and endless entertainment. Cats are natural-born hunters and can assist in maintaining a critter-free property. Plus, their presence can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making them valuable additions to any homestead. Of course, it's crucial to ensure your cats are well-fed with a balanced diet. After all, a hungry cat is not a happy cat! So, if you're considering adding ...

Image is of my grand-dad Charles Ball at the homestead many years ago. Olden Oasis Homestead: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Simple Living Welcome to Olden Oasis Homestead, where craftsmanship and simple living come together to create a legacy that has stood the test of time. Built over a hundred years ago by my talented grandparents, this homestead is a testament to hard work and dedication. Starting with just one room, my grandparents expanded the house over the years using only hand tools, showcasing their exceptional skills. The solid oak construction of the home speaks to the quality of their work, while other buildings like the washhouse, storage buildings, and storm cellar stand as further evidence of their craftsmanship. Life on the homestead has always been bustling with a variety of animals, including chickens. My grandmother was a true jack-of-all-trades, excelling in everything from homesteading to sewing, gardening to cooking. Her green thumb turned the gardens into a lush ...

Image by atimedia Small Scale Homestead Solar Power Tips Hey there! If you're looking to power your small homestead with solar energy, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into some advice on using small solar systems, solar lights, and battery banks. Solar Systems So, solar systems are pretty cool. They harness the power of the sun to generate electricity for your homestead. You can start small with just a few solar panels and gradually expand as needed. Make sure to place your panels in a sunny spot where they can soak up all that sunlight. Solar Lights Solar lights are a great way to light up your homestead without using electricity. They have small solar panels that charge during the day and then illuminate your space at night. You can use them to line your pathways, illuminate your garden, or even light up your outdoor living areas. Battery Banks Now, let's talk about battery banks. These are like storage units for the electricity generated by your solar pane...