Sometimes it can be tricky to find useful vegetables that will grow in your garden. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones, or if you’re new to gardening. However, in order to be truly self-sufficient, you need to know what vegetables to plant and what […]
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U.S.D.A. Agriculture Zones for Amateurs
To make purchasing trees, shrubs, flowering plants and vegetables easier on people who want to overhaul their gardens or become self-sufficient, the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) has divided the country up into 13 hardiness zones. These zones are determined by the lowest average temperature, and are color-coded to make it easier to figure […]
How to Keep Your Plants Producing no Matter How Hot the Temperature
Your plants are as susceptible to the heat as you are. They can become sunburned, and the vegetables growing on their vines can become warped and unpleasant to look at (although they are still edible.) Even those that are known to thrive in hot weather can wilt slightly and stop producing as many tomatoes, peppers […]
How to Conserve Water When Gardening
Growing your own vegetables serves several purposes. For one, doing so makes you truly self-sufficient, especially if you are concerned about the validity of organic produce. By planting your own crops, you know exactly which pesticides and fertilizers (if any) have been used. Knowing that your vegetables have been picked at the peak of ripeness […]
Gardening: The Stuff Memories Are Made Of
I get asked all the time where I learned what I know about gardening. The truth is it’s in my blood. My family has always been a self sufficient bunch. Ever sense I can remember I’ve been around a vegetable garden. I felt inspired to write this because I visited my Grandfather’s house in Galveston,TX, […]
Raising Rabbits: Slaughtering Your Rabbits
In order to use the rabbits that you raised for meat, there’s a step you have to go through that no one really likes: slaughtering. It’s most rabbit raisers’ least favorite chore, but it is a necessity. Thankfully there are ways to slaughter your rabbits that are quick and cause the rabbit no pain. With […]
Raising Goats: Simple Guidelines for Raising Great Food at Home
It’s hard to resist a goat. They’re cute, playful, and easy to take care of. Even so, there are a few things you’ll need to attend to when raising goats in your backyard. Read on for some more in-depth information on feeding and housing your goats. Housing: Goat housing isn’t fancy, but there are a […]
Rabbit Meat: Something Good is On the Menu
If you’ve decided to raise rabbits in your back yard, you’re in for a rewarding experience. Rabbits are easy to take care of and your work will definitely pay off, but that doesn’t mean you get to sit back and do nothing. By keeping a close eye on their food, shelter and health you’ll ensure […]
Goats: The Perfect Backyard Animal
Goats have been called the perfect backyard animal. Why’s that? It has to do with a lot of things: their adaptability, their ease of care, and even their intelligence. Many backyard farmers love raising goats, but they’re not quite for everyone. Here’s a brief overview of some of the high and low points of raising […]
Raising Rabbits: A Beginner’s Guide
Using Rabbits for Meat If you’re interested in raising animals in your backyard, raising rabbits are a great place to start. They’re easy to take care of, they’re usually docile and they don’t take many resources. In return, they’ll provide you with a supply of inexpensive rabbit meat. Even with just a small amount of […]
Planning a Beautiful Fall Garden
Fall is a great season where the weather slowly begins to cool down and prepare for the winter chill. It’s a wonderful time to plan a fall garden so you can harvest delicious ingredients for hearty and healthy dishes and even prepare for favorite holidays that are just around the corner. To make the most […]