Welcome to The Homesteading RD's Blog!
Here you'll find my most most recent blog posts. Explore everything from companion planting and vertical gardening to raising meat birds and water glassing eggs. Don't miss my farm-to-table recipes!
How to Store Fresh Eggs (so they last!)
When I first got chickens in 2014, I had no idea that there were so many things to consider for storing fresh eggs. Should they be washed or remain unwashed? In the fridge or on the counter? How long do they last? What is a bloom coating? I know it can feel overwhelming at first,
The Best (and Worst) Cucumber Companion Plants
If you’re looking for the perfect companion for your cucumber plants, this article is for you! I’ve been growing food for over 15 years, and have experimented quite a bit with companion planting. In this article, I’ll fill you in on which plants will eagerly enhance the growth of your cucumbers… and which ones to
4 Steps to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock
Chicken math is a real thing. You start off with a flock of 5 hens, and before long, you’re bringing chicks home from the feed store, and then the following week you’re on Facebook Marketplace looking for another cool breed you’ve been reading about… oh! And some fertile hatching eggs, too! We’ve all been there.
Ultimate Guide to Chicken Coop Flooring
Picking the right chicken coop flooring is essential for your flock’s safety, cleanliness, and comfort. Some materials are really great and easy to work with, whereas others can be quite a headache and put your flock at risk. Plus, cost is a factor to consider, too. I’ve been raising chickens since 2014 and have been
Homestead Refried Beans (Plus, Canning Tips!)
No journey toward self-sufficiency is complete without dried beans! They are easy to grow, inexpensive, shelf-stable for many years, nutritious, and provide a complete meal all on their own. They take a little preparation (beans can be hard on the gut if specific steps aren’t followed), but it’s totally worth the effort. You’re going to
Topping Pepper Plants – Should You Do It?
Have you been hearing about gardeners topping their pepper plants? While it may seem like a counterproductive thing to do, it can pay off if applied in the correct way (more on this in a bit!). Topping pepper plants can be a useful strategy to increase pepper yields, achieve bushier growth, and strengthen the plant.