From Scratch Magazine (Apr - May 2013) - From Scratch Magazine

From scratch {life on the homestead} April/May 2013
Spring
Issue
The History of
Homesteading
The Buzz on
Beekeeping
Community
Supported
Agriculture
The Magazine for the Modern Homesteader
Contents
Want Goats? The History of
Start here Homesteading
page 6 page 28
The Farmstead
Kids on righteous
bacon
the
Homestead
page 42
essential oils:
a primer
page 56
holy decisions, decisions:
shittakes! how to choose the
right vegetables for page 94
your garden
goatpacking in
the back
country
page 134 page 70 page 84
2 from scratch magazine

Letter From The Editor
Spring
is in
the air.
S
Spring is springing! Finally
after a long winter (does winter
ever seem short?) the fun is
beginning. The garden is in the
works. Tiny seeds are sprouting in
the greenhouse. We have added
Photo by: Erika Tracy
This issue is filled with lots of
informative articles. And since
Mothers Day is right around the
corner we have lots of great pho-
tos of kids around the homestead.
Speaking of kids, we know how
lots of ducks and chickens to the hard it can be to get them to help
flock and are building a pen for out! No fear, we have some great
some new pigs and extending the tips to get the kids engaged.
goat and chicken pens.
We hope that you are enjoying
With the overwhelming success these longer days and that your
of the premier issue we are so homestead is filled with love!
blessed to have so many
wonderful readers. Thank you so
much for reading along!
Melissa Jones
from scratch magazine 3

Contributors
Thank You
chris lisa steele Lesa Wilke emily mcgrath

mclaughlin Chicken Columnist Better Hens And Gardens our little coop
Gardening Editor Fresh-Eggs-Daily
A Suburban Farmer
renee henry jennifer burke carol alexander

Keep Your Memories in 1840 Farm Lessons from the Homestead
Your Shoes
Melissa Jones Steven Jones

From Scratch Publisher/ From Scratch Associate
Editor Editor

everything
you need to
know to
get started

want goats?
Start here
By: Lesa Wilke
T
hink youre seeing more goats
lately? Well, its not your imagina-
tion. After chickens, goats are the
fastest growing livestock animal
in the US today. Theyre increas-
ingly popular on small farms and homesteads
because theyre easy to care for and so use-
ful. Goats dont require pastures, are easily
handled and housed, and can provide meat,
milk, fiber, fertilizer, and brush control. Goat
milk and meat are preferred over cow in
most of the world, and folks in the US are
starting to catch on in a big way.
Goat breeds are divided into

three types: meat, dairy, and fiber
with several breeds readily available in the
US within each type (see goat breed chart).
Any of the breeds can be used for both meat
and milk, but theyre classified according
to their main usage. The meat breeds are
taller and stockier, the dairy breeds lighter
and more refined, and the fiber breeds typi-
cally fall somewhere in between. Theres also
one breed within each type thats considered
miniature (the Pygmy, Pygora, and Nigerian
Dwarf), and that can be kept in suburban
settings (if local zoning allows it) because of
their small size.


goat breeds
Breed type buck Doe Comments
weight weight
(lbs.) (lbs.)
Boer Meat 270 210 Good for drier
climates.
Kiko Meat 200 130 Suitable for
wet climates.
Fainting Meat 140 80
Spanish Meat 175 130 Usually very
hardy.
Pygmy Meat 75 55 Good for small
spaces.
Angora Fiber 105 85 Produce
mohair fiber.
Cashmere Fiber 150 100 Produce
Cashmere
fiber.
Pygora Fiber 85 70 Good for small
spaces,
produce
Cashmere or
mohair fiber.
Alpine Dairy 170 135 Leading breed
for milk
production.
Saanen Dairy 170 135
Oberhasli Dairy 150 120
Toggenburg Dairy 150 120 Oldest known
dairy goat.
Nubian Dairy 175 135 Can be noisy.
La Mancha Dairy 170 130 Calm and
docile.
Nigerian Dairy 95 75 Good for small
Dwarf spaces, known
for high
quality milk.
goat breed comparison (weights are averages and can vary
significantly)

Choosing a
breed
Choosing a breed
comes down to
what you want
the goats for
will it be primar-
ily for milk, meat
or fiber? What
breeds are avail-
able in your area,
the cost, and
breed size?
If milk or meat
consumption is
a primary goal,
then tasting that
breeds milk or
meat is impor-
tant. Taste can
vary substantially
from breed to
breed.
If fiber is the
goal, then it is
important to
make sure the
breed you are
interested in pro-
duces the right
fiber.
Next, it should
be determined
whether pure-
bred goats are

desired; it is easier to sell housing arrangements, ask
their offspring, but if they will lots of questions, and make
just be used for meat or farm sure you will be happy with
milk, it may not make sense the support theyre willing to
to invest in purebreds. supply.
Finally, you will want to make Information and experienced
sure the breed is readily avail- veterinarians for goats can
able within travelling distance, still be hard to find, so hav-
is in your price range, and fits ing a willing mentor can be
your size constraints. invaluable.
The miniature breeds are There are also several serious
increasingly popular because goat diseases that should be
they often cost less, fit in avoided, and reputable breed-
small spaces, and are very ers will be willing to show
easy to handle (like a medium evidence that their herds are
size dog). free from these diseases.
Once you have chosen a Its a good idea to avoid goats
breed, its best to visit several from auctions, as they may
reputable breeders, look over bring hidden problems or dis-
their goats, check out the eases with them.

Housing for goats goats), particularly during kid-
ding season and while milk-
Housing for goats ideally ing. Goats need a minimum of
includes a barn with room 10 to 15 square feet of pro-
for the goats and their kids, tected space per goat, if they
water, feed storage, lights, also have access to outside
and a separate area to milk space.
in (if youre going to be milk- Goats prefer wooded browse
ing). to pastures (they prefer to
However, all that is absolute- reach up to eat rather than
ly required is a shelter that down like sheep or cattle),
will keep them dry and out and will happily eat things we
of the wind. Goats do need consider nuisances like poison
protection from predators ivy and brambles. In addition
such as coyotes, mountain to browse, they need good
lions, wolves, and stray dog hay, goat minerals, water,
packs; so housing them in a and grain (when pregnant or
barn often makes sense. Its milking). If an area for brows-
also much more comfortable ing cant be provided, goats
for humans and kids (baby will do fine on hay alone for

roughage. Besides food and There are many fencing
water, they generally require options available, but woven
regular hoof trimming, a cou- wire fencing thats at least
ple of semi-annual vaccina- four feet tall and supported
tions, and worming to prevent by sturdy wooden posts is
internal parasite infestations. highly recommended. Welded
wire fencing should be avoid-
Fencing for goats ed because the goats will
Fencing for goats is a very rub and stand on the fencing
important, as they tend to be causing the welds to break.
escape experts. Many owners combine woven

fencing for
goats is very
important,
as they tend
to be escape
experts
dont get caught as readily

and the miniatures cant slip
through).
Goats are social animals, a

herd should start with at least
two.
And since goats multiply

quickly (usually producing at
least two or three kids per
year), a herd can build quickly
starting with just a few does
(mature female goats). Many
wire fencing with electric start their herds with two or
strands at the top and bottom three doelings (baby does),
(on the outside). The electric and build from there. Male
at the top keeps the goats off goats (bucks) are very smelly
the fence and the electric at during the mating season,
the bottom helps keep preda- and many goat owners choose
tors out. Woven wire spacing not to keep any if there are
of 2 x 4 rather than 4 x good quality bucks in the area
6 is recommended if horned that can service their does. If
goats or miniature breeds are a buck is kept, it should gen-
being fenced (so the horns erally be penned separately

Meat nutritional comparision
Cooked Calories Fat (G) Sat. protein Cholesterol
(mg)
Portion Fat (G) (g)
(3 oz.)
Goat 122 2.6 0.79 23 63.8
chicken 162 6.3 1.7 25 76.0
beef 179 7.9 3.0 25 73.1
pork 180 8.2 2.9 25 73.1
lamb 175 8.1 2.9 24 78.2
USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 14 (2001)
from the does, and also needs its important to buy does
a companion (another buck from good milking bloodlines
or wether (castrated buck)). since milk production, but-
Bucks are housed separately terfat, and protein content
from does so that the buck can vary widely even within
smell does not affect the milk, breeds. Milk production and
and so that its known when butterfat content also vary
the does have been bred. widely from breed to breed,
For those interested in meat and higher butterfat content
goats, many people find that milk is generally preferred for
goat meat (chevon) is easier drinking (see Table 3). Excess
to digest than beef or pork, milk can be made into yogurt,
and its low in fat (see Table cheese, and butter for home
2), making it an excellent use; but selling goat milk or
meat source for small farms milk products from the farm
and homesteads. In addition, can be difficult. Many states
the markets for meat goats prohibit the sale of raw milk,
include those for goat meat, or its against the law to sell
show goats (4-H or FFA), milk unless youre a licensed
breeding stock, and pack Grade A dairy. However,
goats. Today, the meat goat excess milk can often be sold
industry is the fastest grow- as baby food for breeders
ing livestock industry in the (to feed to puppies, kittens,
US, primarily because there etc.) and some owners sell
is so much ethnic demand for goat shares so that oth-
goat meat. For delicious milk, ers can obtain raw goat milk.

When planning to mar-
ket goat milk, its best to
check the rules in each
state carefully and pro-
ceed cautiously. There
are; however, ready mar-
kets for dairy goat milk
soap, breeding stock, and
show goats.
Homesteads with fiber
goats can process the
fiber into roving, yarn,
batts, and knitted prod-
ucts for extra farm
income. In addition, the
market for fiber goats is
growing so theres also
good demand for breeding
stock and kids.
Beside all the practical
reasons for keeping them,
goats are typically gentle
milk production by breed

breed yearly butter- protein typical
milk Fat (%) (%) milk
produc- com-
tion (lbs.)
ments
Alpine 2396 3.3 2.8 Milk Taste
can vary
La Mancha 2246 3.9 3.1
nubian 1835 4.6 3.7 Sweet
tasting milk
Oberhasli 2256 3.5 2.9 Stronger
tasting milk
Saanen 2545 3.2 2.8
Toggenburg 2047 3.0 2.7 Stronger
tasting milk
nigerian 729 6.1 4.4 Richest
dwarf tasting milk
ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) Breed Averages (2010)

creatures that are just plain
fun to have around. They are
very social, and if handled
regularly from birth, form lov-
ing bonds with humans. And,
there is no place happier than
the goat barn during kidding
Visit Lesa at Bramblestone
season goat kids are irre-
Farm and follow all of her farm
sistibly cute and just add joy
adventures on her Blog!
to life!
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Time for a picnic
Vintage Picnic Basket, 86home $60
Colonial Girl Quilt, Cutlery Roll, FruteJuce Table in a Bag,

LallyBrochFarm $100 $23.30 From Scratch Finds
$37.40

buzz worthy
Bumble bees in a honeycomb... Mini clasp purse, EmenGeeDesigns $28
The Bees Knees Print 8x10, Honey Bee Necklace, The Beekeepers Bible,
theblackapple $16 J0sephines $19 From Scratch Finds
$21.08

In the Garden
Twenty Packets of Heirloom Seeds, MoonlightMicroFarm $45
Reisetomate Heirloom Tomato Seeds ,

cubits $3.75
Paper Pot Maker, Herb Garden Stakes Set,

LeeLeesCloset $20 BeachHouseLiving $39.50

grow handmade wood sign, OhDierLiving $42
Trespassers will be Composted - Garden Sign,

OurWeatheredNestFinds $10
1923 Harmful Insects Agriculture Pests

Color Lithograph ,
CarambasVintage $16 Veggie Garden Plant Pot Row Markers,
LJsGarden $29.98

to the
market
1. 2.
3.
4.
1. Berry Baskets | 10ct, From Scratch Finds $6 2. Farmers Market 11x14 Print,
thewheatfield $25 3. Basket Bolga Market Shopping Tote , From Scratch Finds $42.97
4. Schwinn Womens Wayfarer 700C Bicycle, From Scratch Finds $208.96

butcher
block
1.
2.
3. 5.
4.
1. Farmers Market - Traditional Butchers Style Cotton dish towel, mountainlodge $9.95
2. John Boos Reversible Maple Cutting Board, From Scratch Finds $75.78
3. ProAccurate Insta-Read Professional Meat Thermometer, From Scratch Finds $9.99
4. Master Cutlery 9-Piece Knife Set-Piece, From Scratch Finds $89.96 5. Butcher Kitchen Print,
OldEnglishCo $32.62

Kids
on the
homestead 2.
3. 4.
1.
7. 8.
5. 6. 9. 10.
11. 12. 13. 14.
1. Harvey McNaron from NC 2. Cadence from Rolling Fog 3. Little Greene from TX 4. Samuel
from West Virginia 5. Shae on the tractor 6. Madison and Abbi from MO 7. Kaylee from NC
8. Payton and her BFF from TX 9. Nathan from NC 10. Photo submitted by Kimberly Riggs 11.
Cody sitting with Flossie from Myrtle Beach 12. Charlene Carrano 13. Austin from Mabe Farm
in McKenney Virginia 14. Emma playing with the chicks.

15.
Reader photos
16. 17.
18. 19
20. 21.
15. Submitted by Tammy Barani of Our Neck of the Woods 16. Dana Adkins of Jacksonville,
NC 17. Submitted by Donna Claar from Union City, Michigan 18. Submitted by Michelle from
Northeast Georgia
19. Submitted by Michelle from Northeast Georgia
20. Submitted by Rose Garten 21. Submitted by Amanda Schmitz

for
mother
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
1. Green Scarf Wrap with Pom Pom Fringe, SewEcological, $32 2. Three handmade decorative
polymer clay pears, SkyeArt, $32 3. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Amazon, $10.87 4. Flour Sack
Tea Towels, quotesandnotes, $18 5. Mothers Ring - 5 Birthstones Set in Sterling Silver, bdde-
signs, $265

God could not be
everywhere, and therefore
he made mothers.
-Rudyard Kipling

History of
Homesteading
by: Steven Jones
H
omesteading, as seen What is homesteading?
through modern eyes,
may appear to be a recent Homesteading has been variously
invention, but evidence defined throughout history as legal,
exists that the ideas political and personal philosophies.
espoused through homesteading -- Even today, with the weight of a
self-sufficiency, a return to the land, modern movement propelling the
a desire to live simply -- have been idea forward, there are many differ-
in existence since the birth of civili- ent definitions of the concept. For
zation. These ideas have continued some, growing a modest vegetable
to influence people through the plot in the backyard makes them
dominance of the Roman empire, homesteaders. For others, anyone
into the middle ages and through not fully prepared for a doomsday
the birth of America. scenario cannot call themselves
homesteaders.

The Modern
Homesteading
Movement includes A
desire to increase
personal self -
sufficiency, at least
a basic concern for
the origin of the food
they eat and a love of
simplicity and the
closeness to family
this provides.
A few concepts, however, can be almost be considered universal. At

broadly applied to the movement: the advent of agriculture in human
A desire to increase personal self- history, small homesteads were the
sufficiency, at least a basic concern norm. Commercial farming did not
for the origin of the food they eat exist: All farms were homesteads!
and a love of simplicity and the As farming grew, and the popula-
closeness to family this provides. tion grew with it, homesteaders
It is self-evident to homesteaders were considered integral to civiliza-
that these desires should be con- tion. Taxes, paid in the form of farm
sidered universal to self-reflective products, financed the Egyptian
people everywhere. empire, the Greek empire and the
Roman empire.
Pre-history
Modern Homesteading
Since the advent of agriculture,
homesteading concepts could Homesteads were romanticized as

early as the beginnings of the middle ages. England eventually
Roman empire. Cincinnatus, one started using the word yeomen to
of the first Roman dictators and a refer to ranks within royal house-
hero of the early empire, was sum- holds. From the 14th to the 18th
moned to his new position, accord- century, some of the most impor-
ing to the story, from the fields he tant people in the world and the
plowed on his small plot of land. United States hailed from the yeo-
(Early Roman dictators were elected man class: Isaac Newton, Thomas
by the Senate to serve short terms Jefferson and John Adams, to name
in times of national emergencies. a few.
They were expected to give up For these people, and many others,
their broad powers as soon as the the yeoman class held a path to
crisis passed. The modern equiva- what was then considered a high-
lent may be the establishment of er, more gentlemanly class, which
martial law in times of disaster.) fit right in with the New Worlds
Yeomen farmers -- small, free increasing emphasis on the self-
landholders who farmed their own made man.
property -- grew to be respected For Jefferson, this burgeoning yeo-
members of society through the men class in the New World was

integral for the success of the newly evidence of said improvements.
formed republic. These plain folk More homestead acts followed:
-- or yeoman as Jefferson pre- The Southern Homestead Act of
ferred to call them -- were different 1866, the Timber Culture Act of
from larger, plantation style farms 1873, the Kinkaid Amendment of
in that they worked their own land. 1904, the Stock-Raising Homestead
Jefferson considered their self-re- Act of 1916 and the Subsistence
liance to be necessary for the new Homestead provisions under the
country to function. New Deal in 1930.
The concept was so powerful it Land grants under the homestead
was a driving force behind the acts ended in 1976 with the Federal
Homestead Act of 1862. Land Policy and Management Act.
The idea behind the act was to Exceptions were made for Alaska,
increase the number of small farm- which allowed homestead claims
ers, or homesteaders, to increase until 1986.
the numbers of virtuous yeomen. While the government was enact-
The law required homesteaders to ing Homesteading laws through the
reside on their land for 5 years, 20th Century, individuals and orga-
improve the property and provide nizations continued to experiment

with what modern eyes may view During the 1800s and into the early
as homesteads. While published in 1900s, religious organizations, pri-
1854, Walden was and is probably vate individuals and like-minded
the go to guide for modern home- groups experimented with these
steading. ideas.
The ideals written by Henry David Shakers separated themselves to
Thoreau are as close to a modern be closer to God. The Oneida
definition of homesteading as it is Community attempted to make
possible to get: themselves perfect and free of sin.
The Home Colony was founded
I went to the woods because in 1895 by anarchists. The Twin
I wished to live deliberate- Oaks community, started in the
ly, to front only the essen- 60s, continues to thrive based on
tial facts of life, and see if the values of cooperation, egali-
I could not learn what it tarianism, non-violence and sus-
had to teach, and not, when tainability. Ganas, a community
I came to die, discover that I in Staten Island, was built around
had not lived. I did not wish rules against violence, freeloading,
to live what was not life, illegal actions and non-negotiable
living is so dear; nor did I negativity.
wish to practice resigna- While communes were and contin-
tion, unless it was quite nec- ue to be a part of the homestead-
essary. I wanted to live deep ing culture, the modern emphasis
and suck out all the mar- tends to incorporate homesteading
row of life, to live so stur- ideals in a more mainstream form.
dily and Spartan-like as to In the 90s and into the new mil-
put to rout all that was not lenium, the homesteading move-
life, to cut a broad swath ment grew to incorporate the prin-
and shave close, to drive life ciples of self reliance into urban
into a corner, and reduce it and suburban environments.
to its lowest terms, and, if it An influential voice in the modern/
proved to be mean, why then urban homesteading movement,
to get the whole and genuine author John Seymour emphasized
meanness of it, and publish small-scale farming and domestic
its meanness to the world; arts in his definition of homestead-
or if it were sublime, to know ing before his death in 2004.
it by experience, and be able
to give a true account of it Into the future
in my next excursion.
-- Thoreau Homesteading does not appear to
be waning.
As much a part of the human land-
scape as it ever was, publications

(like this one) and
websites are grow-
ing to help mod-
ern homesteaders
navigate the per-
ils and joys of the
movement.
From raising your
own chickens, to
planting kitchen
gardens to full-on,
off-the-grid living,
homesteading can
be expected to
grow well into the
future, hopeful-
ly allowing us to
live deliberately
and raise happy,
healthy families.
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Culinary Herbs for
the Non-Gardener
By: Lisa Steele
I
will be the first to admit that on the windowsill. I love plan-
I am not a gardening expert, ning where everything will go and
not a Master Gardener, not setting the seedlings and small
a self-taught guru. In fact, I plants in the soil. And thats sort
probably would be classified of where things start to go down-
as barely proficient. Dont get me hill. I quickly lose interest in the
wrong, I love gardening. I enjoy constant weeding and watering, I
spending time outdoors feeling never remember to pay attention
the warm sun on my back as I the sun or soil requirements, and
prepare the soil for planting, love dont know anything about com-
picking out seeds, starting them panion planting. Which is why I
indoors and watching them grow love herbs.

Starting and
maintaining
your own culi-
nary herb gar-
den requires
very little
time, money
or space and
in addition to
being fragrant
and visually
attractive,
will elevate
your home
cooking to a
whole new
taste level.
Herbs are extremely easy to grow. ing against one in your garden
They dont seem to care about soil causes a burst of heady aroma.
type, how much sun they get, or Another nice thing about herbs is
even if you water them. Our resi- that you never have to wonder if
dent bunnies and deer dont eat they are ripe, as you do with other
them, and bugs dont generally fruits and vegetables. With herbs,
bother them because many are if you see leaves and they are
natural insect-repellents. Herbs large enough for your purposes,
produce all summer long and go right ahead and snip away.
with regular snipping, they wont Herbs dont take up much space
get leggy or go to seed. Herbs either. Years before I moved out
also smell wonderful. Just brush- to the country or even had a yard,

before a farm was even a glim- Here are a few common culinary
mer in my husbands eye, I grew herbs and some growing specifics
herbs in a small greenhouse on (that is, if youre not comfortable
my kitchen window in my tiny with my arbitrary method of ran-
apartment in New York. domly planting them whenever,
Cooking with fresh herbs makes a where ever).
good dish great and a great one
superb. If you grow more than Basil
you can use, just pick the leaves, Basil is best grown from small
spread them out in a single layer plants, although it is possible to
on paper towels on cookie sheets start seeds. Seeds dont trans-
and let them air dry, then crumble plant well however, so they are
and pack them in glass jars. Unlike best started outdoors in sandy
canning or preserving excess fruits soil once the soil has warmed suf-
and vegetables, preserving herbs ficiently.
is just that simple. Basil does best in full sun and likes

warm conditions. While certain Parsley
other herbs can tolerate tempera- Parsley is extremely hardy. We
tures briefly dipping below freez- had a mild winter here in Virginia
ing, my basil turns black the first this year and I have been pick-
time a cold breeze heads our way, ing parsley nonstop since late last
so just prior to the weather turn- spring.
ing cold, I harvest all the remain- Parsley is a biennial, meaning it
ing leaves and make pesto, which generally lives for two years, and
I then freeze in ice cube trays. will also self-seed. I mean, really,
is there nothing cooler than a
Dill plant that replants itself?
Dill is a personal favorite of mine. I tell you, this is my kind of gar-
Not caring much what type of soil dening!
in which it is planted, or whether Parsley likes full sun and soil that
the soil is dry or wet, dill seeds drains well.
do best if planted where they will Seeds can be started indoors and
grow, since dill doesnt transplant the seedlings transplanted, but
well either. The seeds should be the seeds take a relatively long
planted in early spring. Although time to germinate, so start them
my dill wilts and seems to die at least 6-8 weeks before you
off in the extreme heat of our plan to move them outside.
southern summers, as soon as
fall arrives and the weather cools Rosemary
a bit, the dill makes a miraculous Rosemary can be grown from
comeback. seed indoors and then transplant-
ed but should be started 2-3
Oregano months before you plan to plant
Oregano is my favorite kind of it outside. Rosemary is technically
herb - a perennial. Buy or grow an evergreen shrub and therefore
it once and it keeps coming back a perennial in areas that dont get
year after year. Oregano can be too cold. Rosemary loves full sun
started as seeds or a plant and and is drought-tolerant, meaning
loves full sun and well-drained its okay if you forget to water it.
soil. Oregano doesnt need much Trust me on this, Ive done it.
water and will do just fine if left
to its own devices for the most Thyme
part. Thyme is one of the easiest herbs

to grow. Extremely forgiv- directly outdoors in early spring. All
ing, although it prefers full can be started as small plants which
sun and dry, sandy soil, it is even easier, some are perennials,
will grow in almost anything which is easier still. They like full
and is drought-resistant as sun but will tolerate some shade,
well. Thyme is a perennial and dont need fussy attention
and best started as a small in the form of fertilizer, nutrients,
plant. If started as seeds, be plant food or even regular watering.
aware they can take a very Starting and maintaining your own
long time to germinate and herb garden requires very little time,
therefore should be started money or space; is fragrant and
extremely early in the year visually attractive; and will elevate
for spring transplanting. your home cooking to a whole new
Most herbs are easy to grow taste level.
from seeds, either starting
them indoors on a sunny
windowsill using potting soil
and plastic wrap over the top
to retain the moisture and
heat, or sowing the seeds

Chicken
Chicken
Columnist
Columnist
talking
chicken
scratch
with lisa
Lisa Steele
Fresh Eggs Daily
Q. Overall, most breeds of chickens

I live in north central WV
where we have all four seasons and have a much easier time handling
summers are HOT while winters the cold than the heat. Its also
are FRIGID.... Which breeds would easier for you to help them keep
you choose? I want to start off warm using straw for insulation
with 6 and thought 2 of each breed on the floor and along the walls of
would be neat. your coop, employing the deep lit-
ter method, feeding scratch and
A. providing a nice dry, draft-free coop
We have that type of climate
here too in VA. It gets really really and a run with shelter from the
hot and humid in the summer but wind and elements than to cool
cold and damp in the winter with them down, so if youre dealing
temperatures below freezing. with both extreme heat AND cold

I would focus on heat-tolerant
Q.
breeds. Breeds that are lighter in Do I need a rooster to get
color tend to do better in the heat, eggs from my hens? Our town
as do the lighter weight breeds. doesnt allow any roosters.
Some heat-hardy choices might
include Ameraucanas (the blue A. No, you do not need a
egg layers), Andalusians, Ham- rooster. A hen will lay an egg
burgs, Lakenvelders, Leghorns, about every 26 hours with or
Minorcas, and Rhode Island Reds. without a rooster present in the
Naked Necks are also extremely flock. Without a rooster, however,
heat tolerant. I love your idea of the eggs will not be fertile and
two of each breed, by the way, so will never hatch into a chick.
you can enjoy their different ap-
pearances and personalities, not to Lisa Steele from
Fresh Eggs Daily
mention egg colors. The resident
From Scratch
Chicken Expert.
EVERYTHING FOR CHICKENS

Incubators
Brooders
Feeders
Waterers
Treats
Medication
Nest Boxes
Egg Cartons
Q.
RANDALL BURKEY COMPANY
800-5311097 randallburkey.com

Farmer profile
Righteous
Bacon
By: Melissa Jones
Diana Prichard
of Olive Hill Farm
hog farmer, writer,

blogger, speaker,
photographer, and
social media guru.
A self proclaimed guacamole addict,

Diana spends her days on a hog farm
deep in the heart of Michigan farm
country. As a farm, food and political
blogger she shares her exciting life
with a captive audience.

photo by: Diana Prichard
When you were young Tell us about Olive

your mother told you Hill.
that you should marry
a hog farmer? What I joke that its my quarter life cri-
made her come to that sis. I was working full time and
conclusion? taking more than full time credits
in my pre-med program in college
Yes, an Italian Hog Farmer to be when I decided to be a farmer
precise. instead. In hindsight it was prob-
Im not sure, exactly, but suspect ably more of a miniature mental
it had something to do with my breakdown than a purposeful deci-
unique ability to put away a plate
sion making process, but its led
of spaghetti that weighed more
me in an amazing direction so I
than I did and my tendency for
having champagne tastes on her cant complain. Worn down and
beer budget. feeling lost, Id gone AWOL from
She mustve been under the classes for a week. I was on a trail
impression that hog farmers make ride with a good friend in the back
a good living. She was wrong, but forty, the fall breeze ruffling the
the benefits are paid in bacon so I soy beans beneath our mares bel-
keep at it. lies. As I vented about my sched-

ule my friend planted a seed, sug- What was the experi-
gesting I might be happier doing ence like? How did it
something else. Shortly before change the way you
that Id undergone a battery of
tests for what looked like at the
view the world?
time to be ovarian tumors. They
You know, I went into the experi-
turned out to be cysts and noth-
ence very much expecting to be
ing serious, but during the process
changed, but I think I just came
Id written a bucket list that had
back stronger and more rooted
included raise chickens for meat.
in who I already was. Id like to
My mares name was Olive and, as think that means I had a strong
they say, the rest is history. sense of self and perspective
Since then the farm has gone before I left. I never felt like those
through several incarnations. We things came easily growing up so
began with those chickens, just itd be quite a triumph for me at
for ourselves. The next season this stage in life. All the same, it
we raised more and then more was an amazing experience that
again later in the season, sell- I will never forget. When I first
ing first to family and friends and came back I wrote that I wasnt
then friends of family and friends so much moved to give as I was
of friends. The third season it kind moved to do, to take action. That
of ballooned into this thing with a feeling has really stayed with me
mind all its own. It was all a won- throughout the journey of re-entry
derful experience, but Im enjoy- and re-acclimation to our west-
ing the more refined nature of ern ways. The people of Ethiopia
the operation now. These days we gave me a tremendous amount of
hope for the future and renewed
have just the pigs, raising heritage
my faith in our ability to make the
breeds and their crosses on pad-
world a better place.
docks and in dirt and deep-bedded
The programs that are working on
pens. We sell pork locally, direct the ground in Africa, and Ethiopia
from the farm, and were looking specifically, are making tremen-
into wholesale opportunities for dous strides and all in ways that
later this year. empower the people to do for
themselves. Its not all drop ship-
You recently visited ping food and water like is so
Africa with ONE (a often purported. The initiatives
grassroots campaign they have for educating farmers
of more than 3 mil- were, of course, especially inter-
esting to me. Like all of their pro-
lion people committed
grams its really a full-circle effort,
to the fight against teaching everything from farming
extreme poverty and techniques to educating families
preventable diseases). on ways to prepare the new crops

theyre growing so as to maximize thing every day. Our chores are
the nutrition. Above all, Id say still cyclical. Some are static, of
the people of Ethiopia taught me course -- feeding, watering, bed-
a lot about resilience and joy; two ding, general tending -- but things
things on which you simply cannot like farrowing, weaning pigs, cas-
put a price tag.
trating, and shipping pigs to the
processor are all intermittent.
You do a lot of work I tend to write and shoot in the
helping farmers con- down times.
nect to their com- When were busy with those
extras there is less writing and
munities with social
less photography happening, and
media. What advice do
when were slow with just the
you have for farm-
everyday tasks I spend a lot of
ers who are trying to
time behind the macbook and
get their message and
camera.
products online?
Patience and persistence. Bringing What advice would you

up a social media presence is kind give other women who
of like bring up livestock. They are taking a similar
cant fend for themselves at first. path?
Youd never throw a chick or a calf
or a pig out in a field and expect
Dont throw the baby out with the
it to survive without a little help.
You cant throw your social media bath water.
presence out there and hope for I see a lot of new farmers wanting
the best either. It takes time and to completely reinvent the wheel
youre not going to net any results just for the sake of reinventing the
until youve at least raised it up to wheel.
market age. It can cause a lot of headaches.
You dont have to agree with
What is a typical day everything someone does to get
in the life of a woman something out of what they do.
hog farmer/writer/ Pay attention, dig until you find
photographer in the the why, thatll tell you some-
middle of Michigan thing about how to go about
farm country? change if change is what you
desire. And you may just find that
One of the really great things once you understand the why
about being a small operation is change isnt the goal so much as
that were not doing the same refinement.

How do you see the As for change, Id like to see more
food movement in the of our prominent food and ag
United States? What voices coming from farms.
would you like to see Right now most of our big food
and ag names are people who are
change?
writing from behind desks in NYC,
Im really excited about what I Berkeley, and so on and so forth.
see happening in the food move- Theyre sitting in urban centers,
ment right now. surrounded by concrete with no
There seems to be a greater sense real life experience in fields and
of cooperation emerging, more barns.
willingness to listen and learn. Thats a big problem and aside
These are the conditions under from my farming aspirations, its
which real innovation comes about something Im really trying to
and that makes me very hopeful. change.

What do you see as the tices, and economics is our first

future of Olive Hill? priority in whatever we do.
Id like to do more wholesale, What people/experi-

more farm tours and ag educa- ences have inspired
tion. Id love to open an on-farm you the most?
shop and classroom to facilitate
that. Well see. My Grandpa, who we called
Right now were just focused on Poopsie, hands down. He and my
the hogs, turning out the best Granny had a whole herd of kids,
pork we can and growing smart as was customary of German
rather than fast. Catholic farm families of their
Quality is important to me. time, and the family lore is that
Balancing flavor, production prac- he ruled with an iron fist.

Im real-
ly excited
about what
I see happen-
ing in the
food move-
ment right
now.
There seems
to be a
greater
sense of
cooperation
emerging,
more
willingness
to listen
and learn.
I never saw it and I guess Im I was far too cool to ask him
happy about that. It allows me about his gardens and recipes at
the luxury of seeing him through the time and I regret not having
a smitten childs eyes forever. He had that chance a bit.
was the main cook in the fam-
ily long before feminism made
engaged fathers a thing.
He was a gardener and I remem- Follow Diana Prichards
ber the smell of his musky blog, Righteous Bacon,
cologne and tiny tomato plants
to read more about life as
filling the back porch of their farm
house whenever we went for a a hog farmer in Michigan
visit in the late winter and early farm country.
spring. He passed away when I
was a teenager.

A few of Diana
Prichards
Favorite Things
What are some of your
favorite farm books?
Im one of those really nerdy people who choose to read things
like The Nutrient Requirements of Swine for fun. I also waste
inordinate amounts of time digging through dusty boxes in
antique shops hoping to find farm manuals and cookbooks
from decades ago. Unfortunately, this makes me absolutely
worthless at recommending books that people can 1) find and
2) will find at all entertaining. A few that Ive enjoyed recently
have been Food In History by Reay Tannahill; Blood, Bones,
and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton; and The American Way of
Eating by Tracie MacMillan. Not exactly farming books, but
related.
What music are you Favorite Bacon

listening to right now? Recipe?
Barton Hollow by Barton Hollow
What are your

favorite blogs?
My friend Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks
inspires me on a daily basis. Bacon Cabbage
The folks at Frogs Leap Farm fulfill Homefries. I love
my tomato lust. warm, hearty fare. If it cant
I visit What Katie Ate regularly just for the be eaten with your fingers I
photography. Her ability to capture texture in prefer it to be something
food photography is unrivaled. best suited to a bowl.

Planning a
Market Garden
with GrowVeg.com
By: Melissa Jones
G
rowVeg.com is an online up for the software you insert your
Garden Planner which zip code, so it will automatically
helps you grow fruit and populate your plants sow, plant,
vegetables tailored to and harvest times.
your gardening zone, And it will email you to let you
whatever the size or shape of your know when to sow, plant and har-
garden or plot. vest each plant! No more excuses
We used the software to plan our for not getting the plants in the
market garden this year. Before ground on schedule!
we got started we watched the Its a must-have for your planting
instructional videos, which were season. The software is free for
well produced and helpful in learn- the first thirty days when you sign
ing how to use the software. First, up for a free trial and is $24.95 for
we decided on what we were going an annual subscription. Check out
to plant. Our garden includes a GrowVeg.com for more.
wide variety of vegetable and herb
plants and GrowVeg.com had every
variety listed from their comprehen- Plan Your Vegetable Garden
sive plant index. Then we entered
the dimensions of the garden into Planting
the software. We outlined our grid reminders,
which was modified to conform to crop rotation
& more
the Square Foot Gardening meth-
od. We drew our beds and inserted
our digital plants. When you sign
Homeschooling
on the Homestead
by: carol j. alexander
I
f anyone knows what hard work is, the
homesteader does. Raising your own food
hands-on learn- on the family farm is back-breaking, time-
ing helps the consuming work. No doubt about it. So is
child retain the homeschooling your kids. (Well, maybe
needed informa- not back-breaking, but it is time-consuming.)
tion much more
Do you count yourself among the ranks of those
readily than
trying to get all your farm chores done, and the
simply read- schoolwork too? Ever go out to milk and collect
ing a text and eggs before starting your homeschool day and
answering a few the next thing you know its time for lunch?
questions on a Welcome to the crowd.
test.
Im here to tell you that living the homestead-
ing/homeschooling lifestyle can be done. All

Homeschool
Corner
it takes is a little planning, inge- we have lots of real-

nuity, creativity, and help from life lessons on and off
your friends; and I am one of the farm - but how shall I
those friends. So if you have any definitively prove this?
questions regarding homeschool- Do I need to?
ing, send them to me at the email
address below and I will answer Sheila, proof of progress is impor-
them in this column. tant to some folks. In fact, most
states require parents to prove
For this months question, Sheila educational progress each year in
asked: What is a good way order to continue exercising their
to measure the work weve right to homeschool.
been doing in first grade;
he reads well, his writing The most obvious way to prove
is great, his math skills progress is with testing. However,
are ever-improving, and testing is stressful (especially for a

young child) and, I believe, not the been proven.
most accurate way to gauge what
a child has learned. In all fairness, I have to say that
testing is the most convenient way
Youve heard the saying the proof for a school to evaluate its stu-
is in the pudding. Well, if I were to dents. But homeschoolers are not
tell you about my mouth-watering in a school and you only have one
chocolate pudding, would my writ- first grader that you want to evalu-
ing an essay describing it satisfy ate.
you? I doubt it. How about if I
answered a list of multiple-choice I would be remiss if I did not
questions about my pudding? No. address the legalities of what I am
In light of this example, Sheila, saying. If your state requires test-
I think you answered your own ing, so be it. But most states have
question with: he reads well, his options. In both of the states I
writing is great, his math skills are have homeschooled in we had the
ever-improving. In other words, options of standardized testing,
your sons pudding has already evaluation by a certified teacher or

Follow
Lessons
From the
Homestead
For More
Homeschooling
Information.
Homeschooling for 18
years and homestead-
ing for 12, Carol J.
Alexander looks for
the lessons in every
aspect of her familys
homesteading lifestyle.
She is the author of
a series of e-books
entitled Lessons from
the Homestead which
help parents find those
lessons as well.
psychologist, or keeping a portfolio. Now, what about you? Have any

I have done all three, depending on other questions about homeschool-
the age of the child and abilities of ing on the homestead?
the child.
If you have any questions for this
For a first grader, keeping a note- column, email Carol at carol@les-
book with copies of his work sonsfromthehomestead.com
throughout the year as a portfolio,
in my opinion, is plenty.
I am not here to advocate lawless-

ness; but I like to tell parents that
there are many creative options for
compliance.
No one knows your first grader bet-

ter than you, Sheila. I would relax
and do the least that is required.

Kids on the
Homestead
By: Melissa Jones

A
nyone who has grown up on a farm will
tell you the same thing: Growing up on
a farm is hard work! There are always
fences to build and mend, animals to
feed and water and gardens to tend.

Special
Kids on the
Homestead
Section

N
owadays, the competition for a childs
time is pretty fierce. Extra curricular
activities, video games, the internet
and television all tend to get in the
way of farm chores.

S
o how do you get the kids motivated
to help? How do you prevent chore
meltdown? How do you make living on
the farm fun?

Special
Kids on the
Special
Kids onHomestead
the
Section
Homestead
Section

7 ways to have Happier
kids on the homestead
By: Melissa Jones
A
peaceful home. One from todays fast food society and
with happy parents and help them thrive in a home envi-
happy kids. No yelling, ronment that is dedicated to self-
no begging for chores sustainability? There really isnt a
to get done. Everyone one-size-fits-all answer but here
respects each other and there is are some tips to make the kids on
no fighting. It is what we all want your homestead happier:
but achieving this homestead-
ing utopia is a tall order. In fact, I
am not sure it is entirely possible.
Having a farm or a homestead
is hard work. There are always a
1 Make a plan. This is
the parents responsibility.
Figure out what a good day looks
like.
million things to do and there a What has to happen? What chores
lot of things that have to be done have to be done everyday? Make
everyday whether you feel like it a schedule and establish a home-
or not. So, how do you take kids stead vision.

Special
Kids on the
Homestead
Section
Raising kids on
a homestead is
such a reward-
ing experience.
Homesteaders
give their
children a gift
- A childhood
full of memories
and experienc-
es that enrich
their lives.
What are you trying to accom- very specific when outlining their
plish? Are you living this lifestyle duties.
because it is closer to your val-
ues?
If so, make sure your children
know that.
2 assign
responsibilities.
Once you have made a plan it is
Explain the importance of growing time to divide and conquer. Show
your own food and caring for ani- them everything that has to be
mals. done to make the operation work.
Instill a work ethic that is healthy For example, we sat down with
and will benefit them later in each child and asked what they
life. Show them the fruit of their enjoyed most. Was it working
labor. It is important to com- with the animals? Working in the
municate with your children on garden? Do they prefer working
what you expect. Children are not inside or outside? Once we got
mind readers and you have to be feedback from each kid (all eight

of them) we made job descrip- tudes positive. We use a chart
tions and assigned each one a with stickers. When someone goes
specific job. Then we sat down above and beyond the call of duty
with them again and explained they get a sticker.
each chore they are responsible With stickers they earn special
for and the consequences for not treats or privileges.
completing it in a timely manner. I firmly believe in saying Thank
The most effective consequences You. When I encounter posi-
in our experience is taking away tive behavior that is motivated by
electronic privileges. No access to the child, I make a point to say:
computers or portable electron- Thank you for doing such a great
ics if they dont complete their job. No one asked you to do that
chores. It starts with one day and but you knew it had to be done
then is increased another day with and did it!
each additional infraction. This encourages self-motivated
kids and it makes everyone feel
3 hold family
meetings.
good about the contributions they
are making.
We hold a mandatory monthly

family meeting. I must admit
that my experience in corpo-
rate America really helped me
5 dont expect
perfection.
It may be necessary to remind

with this task. I prepare a power
yourself that these future adults
point presentation, hook my com-
you are raising are still, in fact,
puter up to my television and go
kids.
through each slide. In our last
family meeting we had twenty I find myself having to do just
slides. Each one was full of infor- that several times a day. Constant
mation about planting, animal supervision is imperative until you
care, chore lists, home renovation know that they are performing
plans and anything and everything their chore to the best of the abili-
that is affecting the homestead. ties.
Communication is vital to ensur- This is especially essential when
ing that everyone is on the same dealing with the care of animals.
page and understands the vital A child might not understand the
role they play in the homesteads dire consequences of not giving
success. fresh water to the animals every
day.
4 reward a job
well done.
Supervising and accompanying the
children when they perform their
chores is a must do on my to do
list. It is also a great opportunity
Positive feedback for a job well to spend important parent/child
done is essential for keeping atti- time.

how do you
take kids from
todays fast
food society
and help them
thrive in a home
environment
that is dedicat-
ed to self sus-
tainability?
6 be a good
example. 7 have
fun!

On our homestead Saturday night
Your children will mimic your
is Family Fun Night. Last month we
behavior. If you are a yeller, they played charades, watched a movie,
will yell. If you are quick to anger, played a board game, and had a
they will be quick to anger. On the marshmallow roast.
other hand, if you are patient, they These family fun nights need not
will be patient. If you are calm, be expensive. The only requirement
they will be calm. Really evaluate is everyone having fun together.
Make it a regular routine. Invest in
your own behavior. Are you as a
everyone having a good time. It is
parent/role model doing the abso- so important to laugh hand have
lute best you can? Start listening fun together and create lasting
to yourself. Instead of yelling try memories that everyone can look
taking a deep breath and commu- back on and smile. Raising kids
nicating in a calm but firm manner. on a homestead is such a reward-
Envision the family life you want ing experience. Homesteaders give
their children a gift - A childhood
and work hard to obtain it. It wont
full of memories and experiences
be perfect, it might not even be that enrich their lives.
half perfect but the effort you apply Make sure to take a moment and
will have its rewards. And you will be proud of the home you have
be a calmer/saner person because created and the family that you
of it. share it with.
Make your Own
Lavender Wands
By: Angela England
Y
ears ago, lavender
wands were used to
freshen up fabric.
They were tucked
inside stored linen
to keep it smelling fresh and
may have even helped repel
bugs. Today, lavender wands
are just as fragrant and use-
A Lavender Wand
fuland they might even dou- will supply fresh
ble as a fairy wand for a little smelling lavender
one or an addition to a flower
arrangement for a special
for years to come!
someone.

Step by Step With an uneven number of
lavender stems, leave the
Instructions flowers at the top intact and
clean off any little leaves or
buds along the bottom half of
the stem. Work quickly, before
they become dry and brittle.
Some lavender varieties have
round, thick flower heads while
other lavender varieties have
long, thin flower spikes. Both will
work for lavender wand weav-
ing. Hold them with the flower
heads even with each other, and
tie a long, narrow ribbon around
them at the base of the flow-
ers. I would leave the length of
the ribbon extra long so that you
dont wind up running out. The
tail of the knot can tuck right
into the bunch of stems. Tie this
nice and tight so that it doesnt
come loose or undone.
1.
Taking two stems at a time,
fold them down over the
knot and wrap the long end
of your ribbon around them
(this is why you need them
to bend but not break). Bend
two more stems down, but this
time on top of the ribbon. Again,
fold two down and wrap the rib-
bon on top of them. Keep folding
the stems and weaving the rib-
bon this wayover, under, over,
underuntil you have folded
them all down. The last fold will
be three rather than two, but it
will mark your place and work
itself out in a minute.
2. 68 from scratch magazine

On the next row, alternate them.
If you went over on a pair, go
under. If you went under, go
over. This will create a pretty
pattern as well as secure them
tightly. Circle around for a few
rows, and then switch to going over
and under single stems rather than
pairs. Keep the ribbon as close to
the row above as possible, and the
flowers inside. By pulling the rib-
bon progressively looser toward the
middle and tighter as you get to the
end of the stems, you will create
an oval shape. Fold the stems down
as you weave the first row. Weave
every two or three stems for the
first part, then weave every other
stem where the middle is larger
over the thickest part of the flower
3.
heads.
Toward the end, switch back to

weaving over and under pairs
instead of single stems. When
the flowers are gone and you are
back to stems only, wrap the rib-
bon around a few times tightly and
then tie it off. The tail can now be
cut and the knot pushed inside the
stem. If youd like, you can tie an
extra bow with long tails, or stems
wrapped down the length of the
wand. Just make sure its secured
so that the sprigs dont pop loose.
Secure the end with tight wrapping
and a knot. You could also secure
with a drop of hot glue or crafting
glue if you want. We usually dont.
And there you have it! Your laven-
der wand will dry this way, and you
will have fresh-smelling lavender
that will last for years.
Lavender Wands
is an excerpt from
Backyard Farming
on an Acre by
4.
Angela England
courtesy of Alpha from scratch magazine 69
Books.
Decisions, Decisions:
How to Choose the
Right Vegetables for
Your Garden
By: Chris McLaughlin
F
or anyone planting a Ask Yourself Some
vegetable garden for
the first time, perusing
Simple Questions:
all those seed catalogs,
I dont want to get all stuffy on
garden centers, and
you by suggesting you need a
the internet just might have your
strict plan, because you certainly
head spinning.
dont. That said, theres a tremen-
Where does one start? dous advantage to taking a little
The beauty of doing a little bit time to think about what youd
of planning before purchasing like to grow, where it will go,
and planting is that youre apt to and how you would like to use it.
choose those vegetable variet- The answers to these questions
ies that will thrive where theyre become a custom information
planted -- and youll end up with base for you, which makes future
a productive and successful veg- garden plans and decision-making
etable garden. easier.

The beauty
of doing a
little bit of
planning before
purchasing and
planting is that
youre apt to
choose those
vegetable vari-
eties that will
thrive where
theyre plant-
ed -- and youll
end up with a
productive and
successful
vegetable
garden.
1
for just 15 minutes and make
sure that you know what they like
What is your -- then ask everyone what theyd
family eating enjoy growing that you dont pur-
now? chase regularly.
Throw some new or fun options
out there.
In order to get the most out of This simple list-making task will
your veggie garden, youll need to save money and insure that your
make a list of every type of veg- family actually eats the vegetables
etable that you would purchase that you grow. Keep in mind that
today from your grocery stores many crops dont have to be used
produce section. These are the right away.
vegetables to grow in abundance. Some can be stored for some
months such as potatoes, onions,
Sit your entire your family down and carrots.

2
tor of the length of your growing
zone is the frost dates. Frost dates
are the estimated last hard frost
(Basically) of spring and the first hard frost of
Understand fall or winter.
your zone
Your local cooperative extension
Which part of your yard gets the office can give you some pretty
most sun (full/6 to 8 hours)? The precise dates as well as whats
least? In-between? You should currently going on in your growing
know at least this much before corner of the world. Some years
you start a garden bed. Most call for date changes and your
vegetables will need full sun, but extension office can alert you to
there are exceptions such as let- these changes.
tuce, spinach, kale, peas, Swiss
chard, and many herbs that will Nature being who she is, of
tolerate shadier places. course, these dates arent exact;
theyre approximate. However, we
Every location has a general can get pretty close to each areas
growing season that youll need frost dates by averaging them as
to factor in when choosing your theyve occurred throughout the
vegetables. The determining fac- years. The length of your season

The shabby chic look vintage seed packets,
blends well with our Art need not or handwritten recipes.
country decor. Other be framed Hang a small variety
pieces that work well of items together as
for storage are antique a grouping. Before
wardrobes, jelly cabi- Another way to repur-pounding holes in the
nets, or wooden crates. pose items is to hangwall however, play
Furniture is not the them on the walls: with your items on a
only item to be repur- flat surface such as
pretty plates, baskets,
posed. Get out your quilts, and antique the floor to get the
vintage linens and put arrangement you like.
farm tools will provide
them to use. Consider warmth and a rustic
using an apron for a atmosphere. If you do Bring out
small curtain or a tea choose to use framed your jars
towel for a table run- pieces but dont want
ner. Think outside the to go to great expense
box and dont be afraid try framing postcards, Those of us who can
to try something new.

will not only affect which veg- ing perennial plants, trees and
etable varieties you plant but also shrubs. This is because any annual
how many crops youll produce. can be grown in any zone as long
as there are enough warm days
Itll serve you well to not only fig- for that plant variety to reach
ure out what vegetables youd like harvest. Perennials need to be
to plant, but which varieties will able to over-winter where theyre
grow well in your zone. The U.S. planted. So some argue that this
Department of Agriculture (USDA) map is irrelevant when planting
provides a zone hardiness map as vegetables. I disagree, I believe
a general guideline for what will that knowing your growing zone is
grow in each gardeners particu- a helpful, general guide no matter
lar area. Its important to under- what youre planting.
stand that these are very general
guides. No map can guess the Another general guide, which is
specific microclimate in your city, even more helpful to you than the
neighborhood, or yard. USDA map in the case of annu-
al vegetables, is the American
In fact, the USDA hardiness zone Horticultural Societys (AHS)
map is most helpful when discuss- Plant Heat Zone Map. This guide

is based on the average highs reasons. In urban areas buildings
instead of the lows of plant surviv- (or lack thereof) can have a huge
al. This map tells you the average effect on the immediate area.
number of days that temperatures They may act as wind barriers or
are 86 degrees and above is indi- create wind tunnels.
cated. If you have a large body of water
nearby, such as a lake or the
For instance, if youre planting a ocean, this tends to moderate the
vegetable (say a pumpkin variety) air temperatures of nearby inland
that requires 100 days of warm areas.
weather and your area has an
average of 120 days of warmth Topography certainly plays a
or more, youre in good shape. major role for microclimates.
However, if you discover that you Do you live on a hill?
live in a growing zone that has Are you high up or deep down in a
only 60 warm days, you need to valley?
choose a variety that harvests Warm air is lighter than cold air,
closer to that amount of time. so if you live in a valley you may
have more frost problems than
someone living higher up.
3
On which side of the hill do you
reside?
A northern slope is slower to
warm up, but a south-facing slope
Got is a mixed bag.

Microclimates? The southern side warms up fast-
Microclimates are those areas er, but if plants begin to bloom,
within a larger general region that they could be set back if a sudden
may have different climates than frost hits.
the whole.
They can be created by a number Other factors that can affect
of things such as physical struc- microclimates are rainfall, soil
tures, extra windy areas, topogra- types, mulching practices, paved
phy, or large bodies of water. surfaces, fences, walls, raised
For example, you may find that beds, cold frames, hoop houses,
your zone is said to be prone to balconies, and rooftops.
heavy frost, but become confused So if you think that a number on
when your plants rarely succumb a map has the last word on your
to an icy death. garden, think again.
Clever gardeners will manipulate
Your zone might not act as it their microclimate to their advan-
seems your zone should for many tage.

4

even close. Raised beds, trellises,
How much space
and containers go a long way in
do you have -
helping the modern homesteader
and need? produce crops year round.

There are successful ways to keep
This will depend upon which type even sprawling veggies like pump-
of veggies you want to grow and kins and other squash confined to
how many. One thing is for sure, a raised bed. One way would be
you absolutely do not need what to train the vines by physically
usually is referred to as land to aiming them in a direction and
plant a vegetable garden. Not pruning them to keep only several

vines. Another technique is to gar- (not all garden centers are nurser-
den vertically; think up instead of ies) where theyre actually grow-
out. ing the plants -- the proof is in the
pudding. Dont forget to make use
Some veggies take to contain- of the Master Gardeners at your
ers with ease such as carrots, local cooperative Extension Office.
beans, peas, peppers, lettuce, etc.
Tomatoes usually do well in con- Finally, dont let any of these fac-
tainers, although if you let them tors overwhelm you! Consider
dry out to the point where the soil these questions the best that you
pulls away from the sides of the can and itll soon become clear
container, they may never forgive which vegetables are right for
you and are likely to produce less your familys garden.
fruit.

5

Are you going to

have help from

family members?

Think about how much you can
feasibly do by yourself versus
if you have backup from help-
ing hands. Be honest with your-
self because vegetable plants
are geared to produce and when
everything goes well -- theres can
be a fair amount of work involved
if you bite off more than you can
chew (so-to-speak).
6 Still confused
about which
varieties to grow?
You can get some big clues by

checking out the plants available
at your local garden center. Whats
even better is to visit a nursery

the buzz on
beekeeping
By: renee henry
T
he latest and whether your tionship with bees
buzz is motivation is cultivat- over thousands of
about back- ing a food source, years based upon
yard bee- environmental stew- two key factors:
keeping as ardship, or gener- honey and crop pol-
interest in this small- ating income, the lination. Honey is
scale agricultural thought of those jars a natural source of
practice is spreading, of sweet, delectable, energy rich sugars,
much in thanks to golden honey in your and many practitio-
its suitability to both hands can be inspi- ners of homeopathic
rural and urban envi- ration enough to get medicine recom-
ronments. There are started! mend consumption
numerous reasons to So why all this inter- of locally produced
get involved in start- est in bees? Humans honey as a treatment
ing your own apiary, have built a rela- for seasonal allergies.

Humans have
built a rela-
tionship with
bees over
thousands of
years based
upon two
key factors:
honey and
crop pollina-
tion.
Bees are a primary agent in the property and you could soon add
pollination of food crops, and the jars of honey and beeswax prod-
recent decline in their numbers ucts to your homestead sourced
due to Colony Collapse Disorder sales. Starting your own hive is a
is a cause of alarm to many who real can-do project, once youve
believe the drop in bee popula- done your research. Always
tion could lead to widespread be sure to check first with local
crop failure and a global food cri- officials to find out what regula-
ses. The pollination activity of tions exist in your area regarding
a beehive can be invaluable to beekeeping. Next, determine if
the production of backyard veg- you have a space that is suffi-
etable gardens and can be a real ciently clear of neighbors, pets,
asset to homesteading operations and activity where both humans
relying on garden production for and bees can coexist peace-
consumption and market/ farm fully? Experienced beekeepers
stand sales. Set up a hive on your will tell you that success depends

largely upon location. process as possible. regarding what kinds
Choose an area rela- Using some sort of are permissible in
tively free of traffic screen, fencing, or certain areas. The
and noise, where the trees and shrubbery gracefully shaped
hives will have suffi- can work to keep both woven bee-skeps pic-
cient amounts of sun- the hives and your tured in literature
light year round (as neighbors out of each and found at flea-
well as some shade), others paths and markets are perfect
and will be protected happy. for decorating your
from flooding and high Once youve selected living room, but are
winds. Nearby food your location, youll bad choice for modern
and water sources are need to set up the beekeepers because
also essential. Youll hives themselves. they require the
need to be able to There are a variety destruction of the hive
easily access your of styles available, in order to harvest
hive with as little but keep in mind that honey, often killing
disruption to their regulations do exist bees in the process.

starting your
own hive is
a real can
do project,
once youve
done your
research
The Langstroth Hive is hive body (commonly for you to place in

widely used and rec- used as the base for your chosen location
ommended for begin- the hive) can weigh and add your bees to
ners and are available up approximately 72 get started! You will
through many bee- lbs when it is full! also want to consider
keeping supply sourc- Retailers offer many building a hive stand
es. Langstroth hives options for purchas- to keep your hive
come in two standard ing the components to body off of the ground
varieties: 8 frame build your hive with, to prevent damage
and 10 frame. Your and a basic starter from water and pests
choice of frame will hive will cost in the such as mice and
depend largely upon range of $150-200. skunks. Many bee-
the amount of honey Some suppliers sell keepers build hive
production you are kits for beginners that stands using concrete
aiming for and your come complete with cinder blocks and
own physical abili- hive bodies, frames, boards and recom-
ties. An 8 frame deep suits, and tools, ready mend keeping the

hives a minimum of 2 feet off of suit can average around $100,
the ground. depending on the style you
A word of caution: beekeeping choose, and many suits now use a
experts will highly recommend zipper to attach the veil or helmet
that you NEVER purchase used to protect your head. Additional
hive equipment to begin your api- equipment that youll need to get
ary with. Bees are extremely sus- started with include: a feeder, pol-
ceptible to a number of diseases len cakes ( a readily available food
such as American Foul Brood and source to start your bees on), a
parasites like the Varroa mite, and hive tool, a smoker, a bee brush,
a used hive carries the potential a frame grabber, and a good refer-
risk of infection to your new bee ence book such as The Backyard
colony. Sadly, if a hive is found Beekeeper by Kim Flottum.
to be infected with AFB or another Once you have got your hive set
serious disease the prescribed up, read your reference material,
method to deal with it is to burn and suited up- you are ready to
the hive and equipment to destroy bring home the bees! There are
the infectious spores that spread a few options for obtaining bees
the disease. to colonize the new home youve
One key supply suggested for all provided. Some intrepid apia-
beginners is a bee suit to keep rists will search out and relocate
you protected from stings and a swarm, while others will choose
enable you to become more read- the retail route and purchase bees
ily at ease working with bees. A from a supplier. Packages of bees
honey is one of the

oldest food sources
known to man
and It doesnt spoil.

are typically sold in 3 lb
packages, and contain
approx. 10,000 worker
bees and a queen. These
arrive in a wooden box
supplied with a feeder,
ready for you to transfer
into the waiting hive body.
The other option is to pur-
chase a nucleus colony
(NUC) which is a ready-
made colony already in
production and consisting
of a few frames filled with
honeycomb, brood, pol-
len, and a laying queen all
ready to transfer to your
hive box.
Before your bees arrive
and you done the suit
and veil, it is a good idea
to make contact with an
experienced local bee-
keeper to help guide and
advise you. There are a
wide array of beekeep-
ing clubs and associations
which offer classes for
beginners and will help
you get in contact with
helpful apiarists in your
area. Check with your
areas cooperative exten-
sion office and commu-
nity colleges for offerings.
Cardinal Acres
Additionally, there are Home of the sweetest
many sites on the inter- alpacas found anywhere!
net where you can garner Our All Things Alpaca Gift Shop is open
much information and daily, featuring a fine variety of alpaca
education. Being prop- wear items, hand knit accessories, gifts,
erly prepared can make yarns, and fibers.
all the difference in creat-
ing a successful, produc-
Visit Cardinal Acres on Facebook
tive hive and an enjoyable
experience in becoming a
modern beekeeper! from scratch magazine 83
Goatpacking
in the
Back Country
Story and Photos by: Teri Page

A
cool breeze blows as backpacking trip.
Rose and I bask in My fascination with goatpacking
the sun atop an alpine began with John Mionczynskis
ridge, high in the book The Pack Goat. My husband
Cascade Mountains of and I are avid hikers and back-
Oregon. A stunning view of the packers; when we met, our first
Three Sisters, a trio of 10,000+ dates were morning hikes to
foot peaks is our reward for a watch the sunrise. Having raised
steeply uphill climb. We are Alpine and Nubian dairy goats for
both hungry, so I munch on an a few years, we began to won-
apple while Rose grazes on some der if our affectionate dairy goats
bear grass and lichen. Rose is an would be willing to carry a light
American Alpine goat, and she load into the backcountry. We
and I have packed ten miles into began daily training walks around
the backcountry on a three-day our forested, hilly property, first

without a pack, and an occasional snack and her yearling
gradually adding a from their surround- Lupine in the back,
saddle, panniers, and ings. and a Nubian doe
then weight. While Our first backcoun- named Hazelnut in
we were prepared to try adventure was the passenger area.
guide them on the full of trial and error. Packing the goats
trail with collars and Lacking a proper live- panniers with a small
lead ropes, we found stock trailer or pickup bag of grain, water
that the goats willing- truck, we piled into a bowl, leashes, ropes,
ly followed us on the friends Volkswagen and tarps, we kept
trail, only pausing for Vanagon, with Rose their load light for this

Packing with
our dairy
goats has
allowed our
entire
family to
experience
the back-
country
together.
trial hike. On trail, the later, we reached our cially content, perhaps
goats eagerly followed destination - a beauti- feeling at home on the
us for about five ful rocky ledge over- high rocky slopes.
miles. At this point, looking an alpine lake. With a successful
Hazelnut, the Nubian The goats settled in trip under our belts,
decided enough was on the warm rocks, and confidence in
enough, laid down on chewing their cud, and our goats packing
the trail, and refused resting with a dreamy abilities, we contin-
to continue until we look on their faces. It ued with twice yearly
enticed her with a bit seemed as though the summer backcountry
of grain. A few miles Alpines were espe- adventures. Breakfast

granola and hot coffee with fresh growing waist. It was time to
goat milk were just a few of the ask our goats to carry a bit more
perks of bringing goats along. My weight, which they willingly did.
husband and I continued to carry We now filled the goats packs
our own backpacks, but gratefully with our tent, food, and cook-
accepted the help that the pack ware. Reducing the hiking mileage
goats provided. And the goats to three to four mile days kept
antics and companionship brought everyone happy!
much fun and laughter to our Our family has now grown to four
adventures. people, and we continue to enjoy
Fast-forward a few years: I was backcountry adventures each
seven months pregnant and summer, with the help of our goat
desperately wanting some pre- companions. With two children
baby backcountry time, but it on our backs, we rely on three to
was increasingly difficult to carry four goats to carry our personal
a fully loaded pack around my gear. Base camp life can be a

little hectic with so many beings ness the looks of astonishment
to tend to, but we have learned and joy upon fellow hikers faces
a few tricks to keep things man- when they see our herd of pack
ageable. Most importantly, we goats approach on the trail. Their
keep the goats away from the bright red packs and shining wood
camp area and all food prepara- saddles do make for quite an
tion. By tying a rope between two attractive image, and we are often
trees, and using a carabiner with asked for photo opportunities.
a three-foot leash, we allow the We use our interactions as an
goats safe access to browse and opportunity to educate people
water, while keeping them out of about dairy goats, goat pack-
camp. ing, and homesteading, and as
We have found that morning and a chance to connect with people
evening milking is best accom- who share our love of accessing
plished with a team of three peo- wild places.
ple: one person to hold a bowl Packing with our dairy goats has
of grain, one person to keep the allowed our entire family to expe-
human kids occupied, and one rience the backcountry together.
person to milk. Enjoying warm, My children, ages 2 and 5, get to
sweet goat milk in the backcoun- enjoy some of the most pristine
try is still one of the best rewards and remote wilderness areas in
of the effort it takes to get there. our country, and my husband and
Our family is frequently stopped I continue to feed one of the pas-
along the trail and asked about sions that first brought us togeth-
the goats. It is truly a gift to wit- er being in the outdoors.

ducks
By: Lisa Steele
ducks tend
to lay well
through the
winter, can
tolerate
extremely
cold tempera-
tures as well
as heat and
enjoy rainy
days as much
as -- or even
more -- than
sunny days.

ducks are
gaining in
popularity due
to their
relative low
maintenace and
large eggs that
are perfect for
baking.
B
drink and in which to play and
ackyard ducks, while not swim, a safe place to sleep and
quite as popular as chick- plenty of garden scraps and weeds.
ens, are steadily gain- Ducks tend to lay well through the
ing in number partly due winter, can tolerate extremely cold
to their comical antics, temperatures as well as heat, and
hardiness, relatively low mainte- enjoy rainy days just as much as,
nance and large eggs that are or even more than, sunny days.
wonderful for baking. Ducks can
be raised alongside chickens in a Both the AFLAC duck and Donald
mixed flock and various breeds of Duck are Pekins, but Pekin is just
ducks also generally get along with one of several breeds that would
each other. make a wonderful addition to any
backyard flock. Here are a few
Regardless of which breed (or of the more common domestic
breeds) of ducks you choose to breeds:
raise, you will discover the joy and
satisfaction of keeping a good-na- Pekin
tured and productive flock. Ducks Originally from Beijing (once called
are easy to please, content with Pekin), Pekin ducks are a calm,
fresh food, clean water both to friendly breed. They make wonder-

Maintenance
is fairly low-
key and much
of it can be
managed by
their owners
Mallard duck
ful pets and laying ducks, manag- more quickly on land than other
ing between 150-200 large white breeds. They come in various col-
eggs each year. Too heavy to fly, ors including black, buff, fawn,
they are content to forage on the white, gray and chocolate. Fairly
ground for grass, weeds, bugs and light, Runners typically weigh 3
worms. Pekins sport pure white to 5.5 pounds and lay 150-200
down and feathers with orange greenish or white eggs per year.
bills and feet and have beauti-
ful dark blue eyes. They are con- Mallard
sidered heavy ducks, weighing Mallards are a small breed, weigh-
between 8-9 pounds, and are the ing only about 2.5 pounds, and are
most common meat or table excellent flyers, so if you choose to
duck breed. raise them, a covered run is rec-
ommended.
Indian Runner The females are brown with blue
Indian Runner ducks originated wingtips, while the males have the
in Indonesia where farmers used distinctive greenish head. Mallards
them to control insects in the dont produce as well as other
rice paddies. Active and energetic, breeds, laying only 60-120 eggs
Runners are friendly and extreme- each year, but their eggs are a beau-
ly good foragers. Standing and tiful greenish-blue. Mallards tend
walking almost upright, they move to be broody and will hatch duck-

lings if you let them. northern Europe and
They are highly ener- Scandinavia under the
getic and talkative, control of Sweden,
more gregarious than Swedish ducks first
other breeds, but very arrived in the United
good-natured. States in the late
Mallards love to swim 1800s. Blue, black or
and will happily pad- silver (splash) with
dle around all day in a white bibs and slate
small pool or pond. bills, the Swedish
breed is attractive and
Khaki Campbell popular for exhibition.
Khaki Campbells were They are very calm,
developed in England extremely hardy and
in the early 1900s by good foragers. The
crossing the Runner, females do have a ten-
Rouen and Mallard dency to go broody and
breeds, and by the sit on nests. They are
1940s were a rec- considered a heavy
ognized breed in the breed and generally
United States. Khakis weigh between 5 to
are light brown with a 6.5 pounds and lay
bluish-green bill and 120-180 white eggs
brown (female) or per year. .
orange (male) feet.
Drakes have green- Why not add a few

ish heads, a nod to ducks to your backyard
their Mallard blood. flock if you already
Not known for being raise chickens, or start
broody, Campbells your flock with a few why not add a
are excellent lay- ducks? few ducks to
ers of more than 300 You wont be sorry
your
white eggs per year. you did. Once you
Considered a light have the opportunity backyard
breed, Campbells have to watch them playing flock if you
limited flying ability in a puddle, quacking already raise
and generally weigh to each other, or get a chickens, or
3.5 to 5.5 pounds. taste of their rich, fat-
laden eggs in some
start your
Swedish home-baked goods, flock with
Originating you wont know how a few ducks?
in Pomerania, which you got along without
comprised areas of them.

An Essential Oil Primer
By: Jill Winger
I
m a skeptic by nature, so would change my tune. A friend
the first time I heard some- gave me some oils to try, and
one mention essential oils, I after watching how they rapidly
rolled my eyes and changed relieved one of my husbands
the subject. asthma attacks, I was intrigued.
I mean, how helpful can a bottle I went from essential oil skeptic,
of liquid from a plant really be? to devoted essential oil enthusiast
Little did I know how quickly I in a very short amount of time.

Not only are essential oils use- plan to use the oils on children, or
ful for creating homemade clean- someone with particularly sensi-
ing and body care items, they can tive skin. A good dilution rate to
also be used for medicinal purpos- begin with would be one teaspoon
es as well. Ive experienced great of carrier per 2-5 drops of essen-
success using the oils for every- tial oil.
thing from a dog bite wound to
various colds and flus. Dont place oils in
Essential oils are very simple to your eyes or inner ear.
use, although it is important to For the most part, high-quality
use a measure of common sense oils can be used anywhere on your
when applying them. body. However, you should always
avoid putting oils in your eyes or
Here are a few tips inside of your ear. (Oils may be
to get you started: applied around the outside of the
ear, just dont place them in the
Only use high-quali- ear canal.)
ty oils that are specifi-
cally labeled as safe for Catch issues early.
therapeutic use. Essential I have personally had the best
oils come in a variety of grades, results in treating maladies when
and if you plan to use your oils I have caught the issue early on.
for medicinal purposes, you must When my husband was bit by
make sure they are free of con- a dog last year, we washed the
taminates and adulteration. wound and immediately treated it
Unfortunately, many cheaper oils with oils. We repeated this proto-
are often not pure, and labels col continually for the next several
dont always tell the full story. I days with great success. Its much
recommend taking a bit of time to easier to be proactive than to try
research a company before pur- and play catch up later on.
chasing any of their oils.
Understand how and

when to dilute oils. Some
oils, such as cinnamon or oregano
are quite hot and they can burn
the skin if they are applied neat
(undiluted). It is important to
use a quality carrier oil, such as
coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or Follow Jill Winger of the Prairie
avocado oil if you are planning on Homestead as she inspires
using them on your skin. others to return to their roots.
Dilution is also important if you Visit her blog to find out how
to receive a FREE e-book on
essential oils.
Raising Peafowl
Story and Photos by: Marissa Carabin
R
aising peafowl may seem to be fairly wild in temperament
too exotic and impos- and are more difficult to keep than
sible, but its a fantastic chickens. Peafowl come in a vast
hobby with many reward- variety of colors from White to
ing results. Emerald. The easiest coloration to
find is India Blue. Peafowl can live
What are peafowl? up to 40 years in captivity (zoos,
breeding facilities, etc.), but only
Peafowl is the generic term for about 20 years in the wild.
peacocks (the male of the spe-
cies) and peahens (the female). Housing
Peachicks are the offspring.
Most peafowl are not what you Peafowl are like any other bird:
would consider tame. They tend They require shelter and room to

facts about peacocks
- A peacocks tail is
known as its train
- The name of a group of

peafowl is an
ostentation,
or a pride
- Peafowl are part of

three distinctive
subspecies: The Indian
Peafowl, the Green
Peafowl and the
Congo Peafowl
- Peacocks were once

eaten by members of
royalty as a display
of wealth, along with
swans.
run. If you plan on keeping pea- side of the board facing up.
cocks , you will need to allow You should also be aware that
extra room in their housing and some peafowl are more cold sensi-
run for their ever growing tail tive than others. Many Java Green
which can reach up to 5 long. owners, for example, will use heat
Ideally, the housing for the pea- lamps in the winter.
fowl will be tall with a tall roost to When building the run, you
accommodate tail length. Do not must consider two things pea-
use metal roosts in your peafowls fowl like to run and peafowl love
housing. Using metal roosts can to fly. Your run must be com-
result in severe frostbite and toe pletely enclosed and a top net is
loss in the winter. Wooden roosts absolutely required. After a few
are the best choice. You can use months, you may choose to let
an untreated 2x4 with the short your peafowl wander your prop-

erty, but its not guaranteed they
will always return home. Clipping Food and Water
a wing -- or both wings -- is not
enough to keep a peafowl within As with all animals, water is vital
a 5 fenced area. Peafowl have to survival. Peafowl need access
excellent flight abilities and can to clean water daily. You may use
easily fly up and over treetops. tubs, water troughs, or other con-
While that it is truly majestic tainers for water. For young pea-
sight, youre also watching your fowl, use shallow water contain-
time, money, efforts, and love fly ers to prevent drowning. I would
away. not recommend chicken waterers
The run should be built in a dry for adult peafowl due to their size
area, ideally. If you know a spot as they may have trouble getting
on your property where the rain enough water.
drains away from well, build there! Peafowl require more protein
Muddy and wet conditions can than chickens and should be fed
cause tail feathers to break and accordingly. Game bird or pheas-
result in illness. For some extra ant feed is more appropriate than
fun and exercise for your pea- chicken feed. You can also mix in
fowl put roosts of various heights a bit of dog food into a peafowls
throughout your run. main food source or use dog food

as a treat for extra protein. You It takes 28 days to hatch peafowl
can also treat them with any veg- eggs at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
etables/scraps that are appropri- You can check eggs for fertility
ate for a chicken. Watermelon is a after 1.5 weeks of incubation. On
favorite among my flock. the 25th day, or when you first
notice any eggs pipping, you can
Breeding and Incubation stop turning the eggs and wait for
the peachicks to begin hatching.
Peafowl mature sexually between
2 and 3 years old. Caring for Peachicks
They do not breed all year like
chickens. Caring for peachicks is similar to
Instead they have a breeding sea- caring for chicks.
son that starts in April through Peachicks need to be kept in a
May which continues to about brooder until they feather out or
September. until the brooder temperature
A peahen can lay up to 20-30 meets the outdoor temperature.
eggs a season if eggs are col- Each week that a peachick is in
lected and artificially incubated. If the brooder you should lower
eggs are not collected, a peahen the brooder temperature by 5
will lay a clutch (5-7 eggs) and degrees.
incubate them herself. This will ease the peachick into

lower temperatures
with the least amount
of stress possible.
Peachicks should have
access to clean water
-- chick waterers can be
used at this point -- and
feed.
Game Bird Starter is the
recommended type of
feed for peachicks.
When moving a peachick
out of the brooder, you
will need a covered run
and shelter.
It is not advisable to
mix peachicks with your
mature peafowl.
Your peachick is likely to
get picked on.
Sexing your peachick is
nearly impossible for the
first year.
You can get DNA sex-
ing for $30 - $50 online.
Otherwise, you need to
wait -- sometimes more
than a year -- to have
an idea of the peafowls
gender through its tail
length.

Community
Supported
Agriculture
Community
Supported
Agriculture
C
By: Sonja Twombly
ommunity Supported crops in recent years (among
Agriculture (CSA) is a other factors) have contributed to
long name for a very dramatic increases in participation
simple idea. in CSA programs across the coun-
Delicious, fresh, and try. What exactly is a CSA?
often organically grown fruits and What are the benefits? What are
vegetables supplied directly from the risks? How do you know if
your neighbors fields to your fam- joining a CSA is the right choice
ilys table. The CSA concept has for your family?
been around for over 25 years,
but recent concerns over geneti- What is a CSA?
cally modified organism (GMO) Basically, a CSA is a system where

farmers arrange to grams may also offer Some offer year round
sell their crops (usu- options to buy flow- shares and include
ally in weekly por- ers, eggs, fresh farm winter crops. Others
tions called shares) cheese, and meat. offer shares for only a
directly to their cus- The customers share 16 to 20 week grow-
tomers, instead of can be delivered to ing season.
to a grocery store or their home, but it is Rates can vary in cost
other middle-man. more common for the from as little as $20
The customers who share to be picked up per week to as much
purchase CSA shares at the farm or anoth- as $50 per week.
are often neighbors er delivery location. Some CSA programs
living in the same CSA programs differ require payment in
community. CSA pro- from farm to farm. full before the begin-

ning of the season. Others request the beginning of the growing sea-
a down-payment and offer conve- son, the ability to better anticipate
nient payment plans. Many farms revenues, and the joy of meet-
offer the option of reduced rates ing the people they are providing
in exchange for assistance tend- food for. CSA customers receive
ing crops, but it is not usually the best, freshest food available,
required. Since each plan is differ- picked at the height of seasonal
ent, it is important for customers freshness. Also, customers are
to understand what is included in more informed about how the food
the CSA program they are consid- theyll eat was grown because
ering for purchase. they have a relationship with their
farmer. Buying local foods from
What are the Benefits? local farms financially supports the
Belonging to a CSA has many community and adds to its fiscal
benefits for the customer and the health. It helps to bring commu-
farmer. Some advantages for the nities together; the burden of a
farmer include upfront cash for bad harvest is shared by all and a
seed and equipment purchases at good harvest is celebrated by all.

csa customers
receive the
best, freshest
food
available,
picked at the
height of
seasonal
freshness.
What are the risks? the desire to leave a smaller foot-

print, eat healthier foods, and be
Buying a share of the farmers more connected in our communi-
crop means both investing in its ties rises, CSA programs are gain-
ing in both popularity and avail-
success and its potential fail-
ability. Finding one to suit a your
ures. Although the farmer will preferences is no more difficult
strive to reap a bountiful harvest, than a call your states agricul-
inclement weather in the form of ture department or performing an
droughts, excessive rains or natu- internet search.
ral disasters can destroy entire As with any purchase, it is impor-
crops. Typically, customers are not tant to understand the details of
reimbursed in the event that crops what you are paying for. If you
choose to purchase a CSA share,
do not produce as expected.
having a clear understanding of
If the guarantee of getting your what the CSA offers will minimize
moneys worth is more impor- any possible issues and maximize
tant than having a vested interest your enjoyment of delicious, fresh
in your farm, a farmers market food grown in your community by
might be the better choice. As your local farmer.

Your
homestead
is your safe
haven from
the outside
world.

Quick, Easy, and
Inexpensive Ways to
Decorate the Home1.
on
Your Homestead
By: Jennifer Cazzola
A
s home- Bring the

steaders outdoors in
we garden,
we care for
our live- most of us
Whether it is a basket
stock, we bake from value the
of produce from your
scratch, we sew, homesteading
garden, a bouquet of
cook, and can leaving wildflowers, or even
lifestyle for
us very little, if any,
the pruned branches
its simplicity -
time and resources to allow this
of a budding shrub,
focus on the inside of simplicity to
bring the outside ele-
our home. But the carry over
ments of your home-
home interior should into your
stead inside.
not be neglected.
A table centerpiece interior
It provides us, and
those with whom we is the most obvi- spaces as
share it a safe haven ous place for display, well.
from the outside but what other areas
world. It should be a in the home could
beautiful place: calm, use freshening up?
peaceful, and reflec- How about a bed-
tive of whom we are. room night stand, the
But beautiful does not
need to be expensive,
kitchen windowsill, or
the corner of a book-
get more tips from
and time invested
does not need to be
shelf? And dont for-
get utilitarian areas
jennifer at black
exorbitant. like the laundry room. fox homestead
Following are some They deserve a nice
quick, easy, and touch and will make
inexpensive ideas to your every day
beautify your home. chores a pleasure.
curtain or a tea towel
for a table runner.
Think outside the box
and dont be afraid to
try something new.
Art need not

be framed
Another way to repur-

pose items is to hang
them on the walls:
pretty plates, bas-
kets, quilts, and
antique farm tools will
provide warmth and
a rustic atmosphere.
If you do choose to
use framed pieces
but dont want to go
to great expense try
framing postcards,
Repurpose in our back hall serv- vintage seed pack-
what you have ing double duty hold- ets, or handwrit-
ing canned goods as ten recipes. Hang a
well as a charging sta- small variety of items
Before purchas- tion for cell phones. together as a group-
ing something new, The shabby chic look ing. Before pounding
is there any way to blends well with our holes in the wall how-
repurpose something country decor. Other ever, play with your
you may already pieces that work well items on a flat surface
have? We recently for storage are antique such as the floor to
moved into our home, wardrobes, jelly get the arrangement
and since we built as cabinets, or wooden you like.
simply and inexpen- crates. Furniture is
sively as we could, not the only item to Bring out
we did not have a be repurposed. Get your jars
kitchen pantry. What out your vintage lin-
we did have was an ens and put them to
old antique bedroom use. Consider using Those of us who can
dresser. It now stands an apron for a small have them in great

numbers: Mason jars your counter in lieu of to mention extra work
in every shape and canisters and fill with when it comes time to
size available. Free pasta, dried beans, dust. Consider keep-
up some of your stor- and rice. For entering extra accessories
age space and bring taining, add a touch to a minimal. Try to
out your jars. Use of down home chic to select items that serve
large ones to hold your table. Use them a function apart from
wooden clothes pins as glassware or to just looking pretty. If
or antique buttons. hold the silverware at you have the time and
the storage space,
Set out on a shelf a buffet table.
rotate accessories on
or counter top, they
a seasonal basis.
serve their purpose Less is more. Most of us value the
while looking pretty. homesteading life-
Fill various sizes with style for its simplicity
flowers and/or candles In choosing the decor allow this simplic-
and group together on of a room, keep in ity to carry over into
a tray or in a window mind that clutter cre- your interior spaces as
sill. Use them on ates visual noise not well.

Spring Lemons
BY: Jennifer burcke
H
ello Spring, how I While spring has returned, it is
have missed you! I still a relatively sleepy time for
have been count- our gardens. The first crop of
ing the days until lettuces and radishes are still a
springs return since work in progress. It wont be
the first snowflake fell last fall. long before the first raspberries
We live in New England, so I have are also ready to be harvested.
been counting those days longer During raspberry season, well be
than I would care to admit. enjoying fresh pies and crumbles,
Happily, Spring has finally ice cream and fresh jam. But we
returned. The snow has been still have weeks to wait before the
replaced by muddy earth. I know first berry is ready to be plucked
that it will soon give way to soil from its thorny bed. Until then, I
ready to welcome the heirloom need to find a flavor to represent
seedlings we have been tending spring that doesnt come direct-
inside the farmhouse. ly from our garden. Enter the

one bite of this
cookie and winter will
be a distant memory
lemon, which is synonymous with my favorite ways to marry the

spring in my book. First, theres bright, tart flavor of lemon with
the brightness of the lemons yel- the earthiness of great vanilla
low color. Then there is the innate extract and just enough sugar to
freshness of lemon when its tart- sweeten the cookie without mask-
ness is perfectly matched by just ing the lemons acidity. One bite
enough sweetness to deepen its of this cookie and winter will be a
natural flavor. For me, theres distant memory. The old saying
just something about lemons that goes, When life gives you lem-
brings about thoughts of spring. ons, make lemonade.
After months spent indoors, I I enjoy lemonade as much as the
need something bold to shake off next person, but Id much rather
the constraints of winter. I can make lemon drop cookies with
always count on fresh lemon to lemon buttercream to mark the
do the job. This recipe is one of arrival of spring. Wouldnt you?

lemon drop cookies with
lemon buttercream
Cooking
with
1840
Farm
makes 2 dozen 3 cookies is as simple as making a cup of

tea.
You dont need fancy kitchen Home brewed extract has an
equipment to make these beautiful intense aroma and flavor, lending
cookies, but a few simple tools will both to every recipe it is added to.
help to ensure that your cookies
are both flavorful and beautiful. 1 cup sugar
While you can use a simple Zest of one large lemon
box grater to zest the lemon, 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter,
a microplane grater makes the softened
task even easier. A set of simple 2 Tablespoons freshly
yet effective rolling pin rings will squeezed lemon juice
ensure that the dough is rolled to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
an even thickness. The resulting 1 large egg
cookies will bake evenly and have 1 large egg yolk
a beautiful appearance. 3 cups All-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
Great vanilla extract will elevate teaspoon salt
the flavor of these cookies in the 4 ounces (1 stick) butter,
most wonderful, earthy way. softened
I have been making my own vanil- 3 Tablespoons freshly
la extract for over five years with squeezed lemon juice
excellent results. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brewing your own vanilla extract 3 cups powdered sugar

Wash and dry a large ing out the dough evenly much
lemon. Using a fine grater or easier. Dough that is an even
microplane, remove the zest thickness will yield cookies
from the lemon, taking care to that bake evenly. Refrigerate
remove only the zest. Leave the dough at least 2 hours or
the white pith intact as it can until firm enough to cut cleanly
be incredibly bitter. Place the using a cookie cutter or sharp
granulated sugar and lemon paring knife.
zest in a small bowl. Mix the
sugar and zest together by rub- Preheat the oven to 325
bing the grains between your degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2
fingers. Mixing the sugar and baking sheets with nonstick
zest in this manner will infuse Silpat liners or parchment
the sugar with the essential oil paper. Remove the chilled
from the lemon peel. dough from the refrigerator and
cut into your desired shape.
Using an electric mixer or food Place the cookies on the pre-
processor, cream the butter pared baking sheets approxi-
and sugar mixture until it com- mately 2 inches apart.
bines completely and makes a
smooth paste. Add the lemon Bake the cookies in the pre-
juice and vanilla extract. Mix heated oven for 14 to 16 min-
to combine. Add the egg and utes or until they are firm to
egg yolk and mix until com-
pletely smooth.
In a small bowl, combine the

flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add these dry ingredients to
the batter and mix briefly to
fully incorporate. Take care not
to over mix as this will result in
a dough that is tough instead
of light and delicate.
Remove the dough to a sheet

of parchment paper or freezer
paper. Cover with a second
sheet of paper. Using a roll-
ing pin, roll the dough into a
rectangle approximately 1/4
inch thick. Using rolling pin
rings can make the task of roll-

the touch. Rotate the trays half- buttercream can be stored in
way through the baking time. separate, airtight containers at
Do not overbake. Remove the room temperature for several
trays from the oven and place days.
them on wire racks to cool com- Note: This dough works very well
pletely. when stored in the freezer. Simply
prepare the dough as directed
To make the buttercream, com- above, chilling the rolled dough in
bine the softened butter, lemon the freezer instead of refrigerator.
juice, and vanilla extract using a Once the dough has frozen solid, it
mixer or food processor. Slowly can be moved to a freezer bag for
add the powdered sugar and mix long term storage. When you are
until the buttercream is com- ready to bake the cookies, remove
pletely smooth. the frozen dough from the freezer
and allow it to warm slightly as the
Buttercream can be piped or oven preheats. Cut the dough into
spread on the cookies as soon your preferred shape before trans-
as they are completely cool. Two ferring them to the oven. Frozen
cookies can be held together cookies will require an additional
with a layer of buttercream to 3-5 minutes in the oven, but taste
make a delicious lemon drop identical to those made from fresh-
sandwich cookie. Cookies and ly made refrigerated dough.
Hello from
our homestead
to yours!
Introducing the launch

of the new farm line.
Coming Soon.
jams. quilts. scarves. art.
aprons. market bags.
wallets. candles. and
many more beautifully
hand made items.
visit us on Facebook.
www.sunshinesistersfarms.com
Discover
Discover
Microclimates
Microclimates in your
in Your Own
own
Backyard
By: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

W
hether you are set- Knowing Your Climate
ting out as a first Before you start to look for micro-
time gardener, or climates, its a good idea to get
are simply ready for a sense of your regional climate.
a fresh perspective Most gardeners start with their
on your garden space, its time to growing zone. You can find your
take a close look at the microcli- USDA growing zone by searching
mates in your yard. While every for a zone hardiness map. When
region has a general climate, your you are selecting crops or plants
yard may have pockets that are for your garden, make note of
dramatically warmer, colder, wet- the suggested zone in garden-
ter, drier, or windier. This means ing books, on seed packets, or on
that with just a little know-how, the plant container. While micro-
you can grow crops you never climates may allow you to grow
thought possible. These little something in a slightly different
microclimates may be the reason zone, you will not be able to grow
your pepper plants never produce a zone 10 plant outdoors when
a single pepper, while your neigh- you live in zone 3.
bor gets a basketful each year. Another important climate fac-
With a little planning, and a little tor to consider is the first and
tweaking, you can identify and last frost date. This is the aver-
even create microclimates in your age day each year that your area
yard and garden. experiences the last frost in spring
and the first frost in fall. In any Finding Microclimates
given year the weather can be
dramatically different than the Once youve determined your
typical climate for your area. regional climate, you get the fun
So when youre getting ready to of discovering the microclimates
plant seeds in the spring, remem- around your yard. The first fac-
ber that there is a 50% chance tor to consider is elevation. High
areas tend to be windier and dry
that a frost will occur after the last
out more quickly, while low pock-
frost date. When in doubt, check
ets or areas at the bottom of a
the extended forecast and plant
hill will collect cold air as it settles
a few days later to give yourself on calm nights. These low areas
some room for error. will have colder temperatures and
Its no fun transplanting all your an earlier first frost and later last
little seedlings only to have then frost.
hit with a frost 2 days later. Next, look at what parts of your

yard get the most sun. While
southern facing areas often get

more, remember that the sun
may end up blocked by buildings,
trees, hills, or other obstructions.
Areas that receive the most sun You can also use
will be the warmest and driest supplies you have
and the shadier areas are gener- around your home
ally cooler and wetter. A sunny, as a wind break or a
protected area in front of a fence backdrop to warm up
or a wall, such as your house or a space. Any extra
a barn, will be noticeably warmer rock, wood, straw,
than other parts of your yard. If hay, or a woodpile
youre trying to grow plants that can be used to
are a zone or two warmer, try redirect sunlight
planting them in this protected or decrease a
area. Decks or balconies can offer strong wind.
concentrated heat making them
wonderful for growing heat-loving
crops. One of my favorite ways
to find microclimates when you
live in a colder climate is to look
where the snow melts first and
where it is left the longest.
Keep in mind that things may
change a bit when the trees have
leaves, but it may help you get
started. Another way to take
note of potential micorclimates is
to look carefully over your yard
several times throughout one day,
and make observations of what
areas get the most sun. Keep in
mind that these areas are likely to
change throughout the seasons.
Its also important to remem-
ber that not all sun is the same.
Early morning sun is more gentle
than the hot scorching afternoon
sun.
Creating Microclimates
Finding the microclimates around
your home is just part of the fun.

Once you understand
the principles, you
can create your own.
Some common meth-
ods used to create
microclimates include Halcyon Yarn
4DIPPM4U#BUI .BJOFtIBMDZPOZBSODPNt
creating structures
such as cold frames, Halcyon Yarn & Earthues Natural Dyes...
hot frames, and green- Elegant, ecological colors in easy to use kits and extracts.
houses or using row This summer, explore natural dying at Halcyon Yarn!
covers or hoop houses.
You can also use sup-
plies you have around
your home as a wind
break or a backdrop to
warm up a space.
Any extra rock, wood,
straw, hay, or a wood-
pile can be used to
redirect sunlight or
decrease a strong
wind.
Remember that heavi-
er materials such
as rock or brick will
hold the heat longer
throughout the night.
You can also try grow-
ing heat loving crops
up a trellis and plant-
ing lettuce or other
cool loving crops in the
resulting shade.
When you start to
explore the microcli- Earthues...
mates in your garden, A natural
color company.
you unlock a whole
new world of possibili-
ties and as a gardener,
thats where the fun
begins.

blogger profiles
farmhouse 38
kate richards
los Angeles, CA
A Little
Farmhouse
in the City
W
e have long- some chickens to our otherwise
dreamed of greener suburban menagerie of animals
pastures (or any (two dogs, five cats, and one
color pasture!), but smarty-pants parrot). The chick-
until a move to the ens, in all their fluffy, egg-laying
real, live country is actually in glory, have really opened our
the cards, we are doing what eyes to the locally-sourced food
we can with our postage-stamp movement; this spring, we are
Los Angeles homestead. When taking the next step and scrap-
we bought this previously aban- ping our useless, water-guzzling
doned 100-year-old house, with lawns to jam our 7500 square
its pleasant farmy bones, it had foot lot as full of sustainable gar-
seen better days. It was a di- den space as we can possibly
lapidated, lonely mess, so we manage. Its all the chickens
put a little countrified love into fault. Our little rurally-chal-
renovating it back to life. As we lenged farm is a non-stop adven-
neared completion, we realized ture in the art of trial and error,
we needed to put the farm in but we are loving every minute
farmhouse and decided to add of it.

Special:
blogging
from the
farm
the backyard
farming
connection
gretchen stuppy Carlson
saratoga county, NY
I
live with my husband and alongside our children creates
3 young children on an an even deeper level of enjoy-
emerging 2.5 acre home- ment. The Backyard Farming
stead in Saratoga County, Connection was created to cel-
NY. We made the decision to ebrate this lifestyle and connect
homestead as a way to improve with others on a similar journey.
our quality of life and con- The site has two missions:
nect with the people and world to build a community where
around us. Over the years weve homesteaders share, learn and
added a series of raised garden- inspire, and to strengthen fam-
ing beds, fruit trees and bushes, ily, community, and the earth
chickens, bees, 2 pygora goats, through the practice of farming.
and 2 angora rabbits. Our Throughout the week you can
homesteading mentality affects find me writing about my own
every part of our life from the experiences as well as sharing
animals we raise, to the food we the experience of others.
cook, to the resources we use. I invite you to join me and find
We find that homesteading your way to connect.

happy days
farms
penny ausley &
brittany may
burlington, nc
I
n 2012, we introduced ping in Whole Foods for some
Happy Days Farm. We of our meats and cheeses. This
both love our animals and led us to find a local farmer to
Penny recently expanded purchase eggs and vegetables
her home to include a from, and eventually we decid-
chicken coop in the backyard ed a chicken coop was for us!
which houses our much loved Brittany started the blog while
chickens! We hand raised them we were building the coop, and
from babies. In addition to our recently added a facebook page
coop, we have our security to highlight daily life on our
team, also known as free-range farm. The rest is history.
guinea fowl, a precious bunny, Now, we both can cater to our
and an ever expanding veg- love for animals, gardening,
etable garden. A couple of years and cooking when we are not at
ago, we traced the source of work! We both work for Ausleys
migraine headaches that Penny Chevelle Parts, selling restora-
has to sodium nitrite, nitrate, tion car parts. Penny owns this
and MSG which is located in business with her husband. So,
many foods that we eat. we are extremely busy, but we
This led us to begin a semi-or- have realized that even though
ganic eating style. We learned it is a lot of work, our animals,
to avoid eating out in restau- especially our chickens are
rants which use these ingredi- a great stress-reliever and a
ents, and we also starting shop- source of much joy.

Special:
blogging
from the
farm
The Anderson
Family Farm
Project
tina anderson
northwestern, oh
T
he Anderson Family new and improved game plan!
Farm Project isnt With a lot of knowledge shared
quite the farm you from blogging friends and a
would expect. We little bit of luck, we should have
dont have sprawling plenty of fresh veggies and
acres, fields of corn, tractors or herbs for our entire family --
meandering livestock. So, what human, feathered and furry.
exactly do we have? Our hearts are in it to be more
We try to make the best of self sufficient and enjoy our
what weve got in a small space time spent together as a family,
in the country. Our flock of 11 in and outdoors. We personally
hens grace us with fresh eggs get a lot of joy from our little
and abundant entertainment. homestead and we hope that
I love to tweak recipes for the you will find plenty here to learn
hens and they enjoy our new from and even more for you to
creations. Our attempts at gar- share with us.
dening last spring werent com- Share our experiences in small
pletely a loss, but Im ready to space gardening, raising layer
tackle this next spring with a hens, and more!

timber creek
farm
janet garman
maryland,
chesapeake
bay region
A
long a river in ful soft yarn. Our chickens
Eastern Maryland, and ducks supply eggs for our
we are farming a family and many of our neigh-
large family tract of bors, too.
land. Every day brings a new chal-
The tree farm property has lenge as we work towards
been in the family for genera- being self sufficient in our
tions and we have added the food needs.
animals and vegetable gar- Our jouney towards self suf-
dens. We are raising Pygora ficiency is hard work, but
fiber goats, Border Leicester its work we love. Our mis-
sheep, Black Angus cows, sion, through the work on our
chickens, ducks and turkeys. farm, is to be able to pro-
Our fiber from the sheep and vide food for our family and
goats is processed into yarn to encourage others in their
by local fiber processing com- journey into their own farm-
panies and spun into beauti- ing projects, big or small.

Special:
blogging
from the
farm
abundance
farms
marissa carabin
texas
A
bundance Farms have decided to settle down
works on breeding and enjoy the farm lifestyle.
exotic poultry and Through our blog, you can fol-
mammals in the big low Abundance Farms as we
state of Texas. live, learn, and love!
Some of our chicken breeds Whether you enjoy cooking,
include Yokohamas, Ohikis, creating, or raising, were
Sussex, and Malays. bound to have something
We also breed Jacob sheep, youll enjoy.
Angora goats, and peafowl. Horseback riding and train-
Like many farms, we also ing, building and converting
have a handful of critters that chicken coops, cooking up
we just really enjoy the com- something a little different,
pany of! and professional photographs
Abundance Farms is a run by make their way into our blog
a husband and wife team. posts.
We have both traveled the Its been an amazing journey
world and experienced many and I cant wait to see where
different adventures, but we it leads to!

How to Make Your
Own Painted Sign
By: Emily McGrath
I
recently saw a little boy wear-
ing a T-shirt that read Lettuce,
Turnip the Beet in black, with a
small peace sign on the sleeve and
then I saw a delightful sign paint-
ing technique from Farmhouse38. I was
in love. Anything that has to do with
produce and music is something that
I need in my life. So, I got to think- follow
ing: There is a wall in my kitchen that
has been blank since the day we bought our little
our house 5 years ago and I never
could find anything I liked enough to coop
hang in the spot. A piece of plywood,
three tubes of acrylic paint, and $1.68
later, my kitchen has a new accessory!
Heres how I did it.
Step by Step Instructions:
Find an old piece

of wood. I started with
this old piece of plywood,
but any kind of wood will
do.
1.
Pick your colors.
I used Apple Barrel Acrylic
Paint in Kings Gold,
Bahama Blue, and Tuscan
Red and applied them in
that order. Make sure you
use the brightest colors
2. first.
Starting with
Kings Gold, I applied
enough paint so that the
color of the wood was not
showing. This doesnt have
to be perfect and a little of
3. this paint goes a long way.
Next, I used Bahama

Blue. I sparingly dripped the
paint randomly over the board
and worked it around, brushing
the paint to the point of the brush
almost being dry. Less is more.
4. from scratch magazine 129
Step by Step Instructions:
Final color, Tuscan
Red. I used the same technique
as with the blue. Start with a little
and add more if you want more
coverage. Finished product, all
three colors applied.
5.
Pick and print your letter-
ing. I used Academy Engraved LET,
font size 450. You will need to cut and
tape a little to make this work for your
board. Not all of your words are going
to fit on one sheet of paper, so try and
trim as much as you can to ensure that
6. there is uniform spacing between your
letters.
Flip over your first

word and use a white
grease pencil to color the
back of each letter, paying
close attention to coloring
7. OUTSIDE of the lines.
Flip your word back over

and outline your letters
using a pencil. It helps if you use
short scratchy lines rather than one con-
tinuous line to better transfer the color
onto the plywood. When you bear down
8. with the pencil the white grease from the
grease pencil will be transferred to your
board.
Is that not fantastic?!
Letter transfer done.
9.
To paint the letters

I used a stiff angled
brush. Again, the key is to use
the paint sparingly. Start with a
little and try and stretch the paint
as far as it will let you. It will help
10. give it that aged look.
If youre planning
on mounting your
board to the wall you will
need to screw a bracket to the
back. I used a tie down brack-
11. et.
The finished product!
12. from scratch magazine 131

Holy Shiitake!
Alabama
How to Grow Delicious
Artisan
Mushrooms in Your Backyard.
by: Steven Jones
Helms painted a series

of paintings patterned
after handmade rag
rugs Story and Photos by:
Julie Thompson- Adolf
1.
I
m not much of a risk taker. Although our ancestors thought
Its sad but true. I dont plan them to be poisonous, today we
to scale the highest summit know that tomatoes are safe. Not
or cage dive with sharks. But much risk there. But mushrooms?
in the garden? Now, thats a Now, thats upping the gardening
different story. and eating ante.
Ill plant varieties considered out-
side my USDA zone, push the Theres something subtly sinis-
envelope of sun verses shade ter about mushrooms. As kids,
recommendations, and squeeze were warned not to touch mush-
just one more tomato plant into a rooms or play with snakes. As
bursting bed. adults, we respect and covet the
Yep, Im living on the edge, bran- foraged fungi, salivating over
dishing my trowel with the swag- morels and paying a fortune for
ger of a swordfighter. The prize? A truffles. Whether gourmet delicacy
lush, ripe delicious heirloom toma- or cause for demisemushrooms
to for dinner. walk a fine line.

So, when I attended a mush- bag of plug spawn, I took a walk
room growing session led by the on the wild side: I began a mush-
owners of Mushroom Mountain, room garden.
I definitely stepped outside my
risk-averse comfort zone. After all, Im not certain that garden is
the speaker was a brilliant guy the proper term, but garden
part genius scientist, part fearless sounds safe, dont you think?
farmer, part educator extraordi-
naire, part foraging foodie enthu- Typically, shiitake mushrooms
siast. I was hooked. grow on portable, easily relocated
fresh hardwood oak or sweetgum
Armed with my knowledge and a logs, approximately six inches

Growing
shiitake
mushrooms
seems com-
plicated,
but heres a
secret: its
not.
in diameter and about three feet was determined to turn the gath-
long. Of course, I dont believe in ered logs into a shiitake producing
easy. machine.
Because my husband and I are
tree-huggers, we wont cut a tree Somehow, the stumps were very
unless necessary. reminiscent of Shel Silversteins
However, we needed to remove a The Giving Tree.
partially rotted tree.
Down went the tree, and with a Anyway...
few extra cutswe had a forest
of thick, round logs. Much thicker Growing shiitake mushrooms
in diameter than recommended seems complicated, but heres a
and nearly impossible to move, I secret: Its not. Dont tell anyone,

though. When people hear about
the scrumptious shiitakes you har-
vested for dinner, theyll think you
possess amazing gardening pow-
ers.
Heres what you need:

Plug spawn from a repu-
table source. I highly recommend
Mushroom Mountain. The plug
spawn I purchased from them is
cultivated on 3.4 dowels. The
spawn can be stored in a refrigera-
tor and remain viable for up to a
year. Remove the plugs from the
refrigerator a day prior to use.
Logs or stumps, freshly cut
from a living tree.
5/16-inch drill bit and drill
Canning wax, melted using
a double boiler method. (Bottom
pot contains boiling water, top pot
contains wax and small amount of
mineral oil to help prevent the wax
cracking and drying out. Submerge
top pot into bottom pot to melt
wax.)
Clean paint brush
How to Inoculate
Inoculation is the process of insert-
ing the plug spawn into the log or
stumpplanting the mushroom
seeds. The log needs to be inoc-
ulated within six weeks of cutting
and should be dry and free of dirt.
Drill holes 1-1/4 inch into the log

to create an air pocket below the
plug. The holes should be drilled
in a diamond pattern on the log or
stump, approximately five to six
inches apart.

Hammer the plugs firmly into the Hopefully, when your first mush-
holes and cover them with a thin room appears, it will look like
coating of melted wax using a a shiitake. Our first mushroom
clean paint brush. The wax pre- looked...odd. I harvested it, took
vents insects from entering the a photo, and sent it to Mushroom
holes in the wood. Mountain to confirm that it was,
indeed, a shiitake.
After plugging and waxing the
log, soak the logs overnight. In As I awaited a reply, I watched
my case, with our crazy forest of The Today Show. Ironically,
stumps, I ran a sprinkler to soak Nicholas Evans, author of The
the wood. Horse Whisperer, appeared on the
show, discussing the accidental
Additionally, with the thick logs I poisoning of his entire familyby
used, I buried part of the wood in serving them mushrooms. They all
the ground to help with moisture required kidney transplants after
retention. ingesting foraged mushrooms.
And then ... you wait. What?!?
And wait. Nervously, I threw away the mys-

tery mushroom. It turns out, I dis-
carded a perfectly safe, delicious
oyster mushroom. Somehow, a
stray oyster spore found its way
onto the log.
But then, a few months later, a

mushroom appeared on a log.
Then another. And another.
Soon, dozens of mushrooms filled

the logs -- and they looked exactly
like shiitakes.
Of course, do you think I ate them

without first sending photos to
Mushroom Mountain for a proper
ID?
Not only am I risk-adverse, but I

also try to keep my family healthy
and poison-free.
Fortunately, the very kind folks

at Mushroom Mountain confirmed
that my mushrooms were beauti-
ful shiitakes, and I should happily
feast on them.
That night, as I prepared dinner,

I noticed that my husband waited
until I took a bite of the risotto ai
funghi before he tried it.
He knew that if even I would ven-

ture to eat homegrown mush-
rooms, then they must be safe.
As for my gardening status? Yep.

Im pretty much a mushroom-
growing rock star now.
And I might even attempt to for-

age for morels. On a supervised
expedition. With the pros of from scratch magazine 139
Mushroom Mountain.
Risotto ai Funghi
Ingredients Note: Make sure to have all ingre-
dients ready before you start. You
6 cups organic chicken broth,
need to stir continuously to avoid
divided
burning, so you dont want to hunt
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
down ingredients in the midst of
2 pounds shiitake mushrooms,
cooking.
fresh or dried (rehydrate prior
to use)
2 shallots, diced directions
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
cups dry white wine 1. Warm the broth over medium-
freshly ground pepper to taste low heat in a saucepan.
sea salt to taste
3 tablespoons chopped chives 2. In a large saucepan over
4 tablespoons butter medium-high heat, warm 2 table-
cup freshly grated Parmesan spoons olive oil. Add the mush-
cheese rooms (fresh or rehydrated) and
cook until soft, approximately 3

A Great Recipe
for your home
grown shiitake
mushrooms
minutes. Remove mushrooms and mushrooms with liquid, butter,

liquid, and set aside in bowl. chives, and Parmesan, stirring
well. Season with salt and pepper
3. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a to taste.
skillet, and add the shallots. Cook 5. Serve alone or as a side dish.
1 minute, stirring frequently. Add Makes approximately 6 servings.
rice, stirring to coat it with the
olive oil. When the rice is golden Visit Growing Days to
in color (about 2 minutes), add
wine. Stir continuously until wine chat about growing
is absorbed. And cup broth
to the rice, stirring until broth is
gardens, growing kids,
absorbed. Continue adding cup growing green, growing
broth at a time, stirring continu-
ously, until liquid is absorbed and locavores, and growing...
rice is al dente, approximately 15 one day at a time
to 20 minutes.
4. Remove skillet from heat. Add

In the spring, at the e
of the day, you shou
smell like dirt.
-Margaret Atwood
-Meister Eckhart

end
uld

thank you for
stopping by!
the next issue is May/june
In the meantime, keep in touch:
facebook, blog, pinterest,

twitter & store

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From scratch {life on the homestead} April/May 2013

page 134 page 70 page 84

2 from scratch magazine

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chris lisa steele Lesa Wilke emily mcgrath

renee henry jennifer burke carol alexander

Melissa Jones Steven Jones

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Goat breeds are divided into

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dont get caught as readily

Goats are social animals, a

And since goats multiply

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milk production by breed

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Vintage Picnic Basket, 86home $60

Colonial Girl Quilt, Cutlery Roll, FruteJuce Table in a Bag,

18 from scratch magazine

Bumble bees in a honeycomb... Mini clasp purse, EmenGeeDesigns $28

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Twenty Packets of Heirloom Seeds, MoonlightMicroFarm $45

Reisetomate Heirloom Tomato Seeds ,

Paper Pot Maker, Herb Garden Stakes Set,

20 from scratch magazine

Trespassers will be Composted - Garden Sign,

1923 Harmful Insects Agriculture Pests

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11. 12. 13. 14.

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A few concepts, however, can be almost be considered universal. At

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Visit us online to find a dealer near you!

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Q. Overall, most breeds of chickens

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EVERYTHING FOR CHICKENS

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hog farmer, writer,

A self proclaimed guacamole addict,

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