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Multipurpose poultry
Soil pH
Tyson Foods
culture and how a community can have an impact on your homestead
Community Impact On Your Homestead
Examining an community for your homestead.
The Trials and Tribulations of Starting a Candle-Making Business
Iain continues to battle with the frustration of starting up a candle making business hitting trouble at every corner. Here he talks about his plans moving forward and how he still plans to succeed in his socially responsible candle making business
Weekend Project: Make Modern Candleholders for Less Than $5
Connect together inexpensive mending plates to make these top-shelf candleholders--perfect for patio and porch dining. This simple project takes minutes and costs next to nothing.
Updated How to Can App Now Available
The handy free How to Can app has been updated, and is now available inside the free MOTHER EARTH NEWS Library app. Now you can take yield, processing times and more with you on your Apple or Android device!
Weekend Project: Turn Garbage Into Pretty Storage Containers
Turn empty oatmeal and salt containers into pretty storage canisters--in a snap.
Keep Bees With Confidence and Courage
To be a successful beekeeper we must overcome our initial fears.
Homesteading Month Supports Canadian Farming
Writer and Canadian farming enthusiast, Joseph Graham sent this review of the event that he and his wife hosted for Homesteading Education Month.
Chemical Herbicides - Are they For You?
How potentially dangerous chemicals are tested and are they really that safe for humans or not.
Free MOTHER EARTH NEWS How to Can App
MOTHER EARTH NEWS is proud to announce the release of the "How to Can" app, a free app to help you safely put up summer's bounty in a jar. A new 2014 release includes instructions to safely can several types of meat.
Sorghum Revival: 5 Reasons to Plant Sorghum This Year
Growing sorghum is the first step to making sweet sorghum syrup, but are there other reasons for growing a crop of sorghum?
Make These Simple Candle Lanterns (Sorry, Pottery Barn...)
Use old jars to make these cute, inexpensive candle lanterns--for a fraction of what you'd pay if you bought them at the store.
A Journey to Sustainable Living and a Self-Reliant Lifestyle
Luke Dinan, a young man from Toronto, Ontario, is forging his way towards sustainable living and a self-reliant lifestyle; a path we can appreciate, strive for and maybe contribute to.
Help Us Design the Best Apps
MOTHER EARTH NEWS has entered the world of mobile media, and we'd like to have your input as we plan and design future apps. Join our advisory group to help us design the best apps for you and our readers.
Steve's Two Homestead Pickup Trucks
Watch Steve tell you his homestead story and how his two trucks have helped make good things happen.
Candlemas: A Midwinter Homesteader's Holiday
Candlemas is an ancient midwinter holiday, when people would take inventory on their stock of candles, pantry food storage and hay in the barn to get the homestead through the second half of winter.
Build Homemade Tomato Cages
Done with flimsy, store-bought tomato cages that fall over when the wind blows? Build long-lasting, heavy-duty tomato cages to fit your garden with one of our four plans.
Happiness Is Making Your Own Laundry Detergent
Homemade laundry detergent to save money and the environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Beekeeping
Beekeeping can bring many benefits other than a great hobby and honey production. Follow Iain as he tries to build a socially responsible company helping disabled people make beeswax candles.
Choices - Starting With Buying Land
How we approached buying our property, clearing and selecting a home site.
Putting Down Roots With a New Sign
We call our homestead Sunflower Farm and now we have the sign to show for it!
The One Power Tool I Use More Than Any Other
Steve shares 11 years of his experience with the newest mainstay power tool in the world, and offers three free chances to win an impact driver.
The Homestead Act Turns 150!
The Homestead Act of 1862 celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The Homestead National Monument is hosting several activities to recognize this historical event that resulted in millions of self-sufficient homesteaders receiving free land. Learn more and participate!
Weekend Project: Make a Vase from Wood Trimmings and an Old Can
Use an old aluminum can and branch trimmings to make a rustic and beautiful vase. This simple project using humble materials costs nearly nothing and looks like a million bucks.
A Homesteading Alphabet
Do you find yourself spelling out words to others, such as when you are spelling out your last name? Try out our Homesteading Alphabet to keep your listeners on their toes and your homesteader lifestyle a part of your daily routine in a whole new way.
Homegrown, Homemade Cutting Board
With resources from Mother Nature, you can make natural and beautiful homegrown holiday gifts.
Drought is Not Our Friend
When it's too hot outside, the work moves inside, and is still REALLY HOT.
Only In America
How we focused on attaining our dream homestead.
Choices - More On Choosing A Homestead Site
Comparing a covenant community against living rural without covenants.
Homesteading With Canines
No homestead is complete without our canine companions.
Beautiful, Rustic Dog Fence
This rustic, resourcefully sustainable dog fence fits right into the landscape. Before you install a fence, look around your place first to see what's already available.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlight: Kiko Denzer, Mud Builder
Kiko Denzer of Hand Print Press will present a workshop and demonstration on modern homesteading, do-it-yourself building with mud at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, Wash.
Halloween Goodies: Healthy Halloween Treats for Kids and What to Do With That Leftover Candy
There are plenty of alternatives to handing out sugary candy at Halloween time.
The Write Stuff: DIY Stationery
Use everyday recyclable materials to create personalized DIY stationery.
Why I Really Love My Rural Life
Almost 30 years ago I made one of the best decisions ever when I began my homesteading adventure. It's no "Little House on the Prarie" but you can see it from there.
Growing Grapes Is Easy
Grapes can grow anywhere, thriving in a variety of climates and soil types. Growing grapes is rewarding, because after a few years they produce abundant fruit and quickly provide architectural interest in the edible landscape.
Where Can I Learn More About Cancer Screening Guidelines?
Here's a good source to learn about screening recommendations for different types of cancer. Where can I learn more about cancer screening guidelines?
This Meatless Monday, More Reasons to Eat Less Beef
Taking into account production, processing, consumption and disposal, the Environmental Working Group found that if everyone in the U.S. gave up meat or cheese one day a week for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 7.6 million cars off the road.
Blood Orange Marmalade
The history of the Blood Orange and How to make Blood Orange Marmalade.
Saving Energy Canning Tomatoes
Learn how to use less energy canning tomato products.
Candle-Making Equipment Arrives!
Iain, working to build his socially responsible candle-making company, gets all his new equipment arriving from Holland.
Making Beeswax Candles with Molds
Beekeeping allows us to have not only honey, but also the wax. This is a story of how to make beeswax candles with molds and some of the difficulties I have yet to resolve.
Canning Love: Candied Jalapenos
As a killing frost approaches we scramble to harvest what we can of summer vegetables that would shrivel and die after being glazed with an icy coat. Peppers that survive summer heat always seem to become prolific producers as the weather cools. With scads of peppers to preserve, this recipe for candied jalapenos that can be modified to use with a mixture of peppers is not only beautiful, but delicious!
My Pioneering Women - A Modern Homesteader's Family Tree
Are you a modern homesteader with pioneering women in your lineage? My great grandmothers were all pioneers, but our lives could not be more different.
A Home in the City, a Homestead for Life
Julie Lavigne relates her grandparent's home in the city, a modern homestead for their time, and proves you can live a self-sufficient lifestyle in an urban setting.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlights: Anne-Marie Faiola, Soapmaker and Dr. Andrew Iverson
Soapmaker Anne-Marie Faiola will present a workshop on soapmaking and Dr. Andrew Iverson will presenet a workshop on natural health at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, Wash.
Community Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia
When traveling, consider checking out the community gardens in the area. You can meet local people who are passionate about gardening and learn about the climate and crops that may be different than yours.
Homestead (Hamlets) of the Year: A Call for Nominations
For the fourth-annual MOTHER EARTH NEWS Homesteaders of the Year contest, we are asking for nominations of homestead hamlets — communities and neighbors working together to enable and practice sustainable living.
Gold And Buried Treasure
History and those who may have crossed or used your homestead before you discovered it. Treasure is where you find it.
2015 Homesteaders of the Year Nominations Call-Out
It's time for our fourth-annual call for nominations for outstanding modern homesteaders! Organic gardeners, do-it-yourselfers and general self-sufficient gurus are being sought for the opportunity to be named as one of our 2015 Homesteaders of the Year.
Wanted: Homesteaders of the Year Nominations
Do you know any modern homesteaders living a self-sufficient lifestyle? We want to know about them! Nominate a family, someone you know or even yourself to become one of our Homesteaders of the Year in 2012.
Learning to Make Bacon at The Mother Earth News Fair
Curing your own bacon is so simple that anyone can do it. Here's how to do so, complete with recipe and step-by-step.
Chemistry in the Kitchen: Creating Laundry Detergent
Crafting laundry detergent saves time, money and lightens your environmental footprint. Plus it's simple!
New Uses for Old T-Shirts
Drawers overflowing? Drowning in a sea of more T-shirts than you can wear? Here are two quick and easy ways to get those used Ts back in heavy rotation.
Canine Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration
A sudden onset of a canine eye disease called SARDS leaves dogs totally blind very suddenly. Bruce McElmurray explains this disrder from a personal perspective.
Canine First Aid
Being prepared for canine emergencies.
Ooey Gooey, Rich and Sweet, Sorghum Caramels
Make these tasty and chewy caramels. They are a festive treat that takes on a homespun flavor with the addition of Sorghum.
Where Oh Where Have Our Bat's Gone?
Where have our bats gone? We miss the benefit of having them around and wish they would come back.
HOMEGROWN Life: Catching some Levain (aka Sourdough Starter)
A recipe for sourdough starter.
Photo of the Week: Mule Train
Travel through the Grand Canyon in this week's Photo of the Week. Remember to submit your own pictures, and you could be the next Photo of the Week!
Global Grassroots Leaders: 2012 Goldman Prize Winners
The Goldman Environmental Prize is the world's largest and most prestigious award for grassroots activists. This year's six inspiring and courageous prize winners (one from each of the six inhabited continental regions of the world) are...
Sugar Cane: You CAN Grow It Outside the Tropics (And Make Amazing Syrup!)
If you live in the South, you can grow your own sugar cane. Learn to plant, harvest and make delicious syrup at home!
Finding Green Electronics: Understanding Carbon Footprint Calculations
A Carnegie Mellon study finds fault with carbon footprint calculations. Thankfully, we have other ways of determining environmental impact.
Dipping Beeswax Candles
We dipped candles from our hive's beeswax to celebrate winter. Candlemaking is a nice seasonal craft. Here's how we did it, plus some tips to get you started.
What Vegetables Are the Best for Preventing Cancer?
Studies show that eating some vegetables may help prevent certain types of cancer. Find out which are the best for you, and why.
Environmental Chemicals Cause Cancer—Here's What You Can Do
Environmentally induced cancer is more prevalent than expected, according to the President's Cancer Panel's first report on reducing environmental cancer risks.
Losing the Plot, and Getting the Flock out of There
Leaving the rental home we had lived in for three years in Carmel Indiana, to move back to Kangaroo Valley, Australia has meant more than losing the plot and getting the flock out of there!
Suburban Homesteader From Down Under
I am new to America, and new to the suburbs, having previously lived in rural Australia. I now live in suburban Indiana. During the past two years I have been trying to set up an "urban homestead" for our family. The neighbors are curious and amused.
Making Ricotta Cheese at Home
Making cheese was nothing like I expected, but in the end, I was successful.
Homesteading Month at the Kerr-Cole Sustainable Living Center: Solar Power From the Arizona Sunshine
Kerr-Cole Sustainable Living Center in Taylor, Arizona celebrates national homesteading month with a display of solar ingenuity.
As Gas Prices Rise, Is Offshore Drilling the Answer?
Amid rising gas prices, some people think offshore drilling in America is the answer, but is it worth it? Also, read an opinion piece by Mark Weisbrot.
Sharing the Love With Community Gardening
Want to find a new garden plot for next year? Look into community gardens in your area, or start your own!
Growing Healthy Lunches With School Gardens
Ditch unhealthy school lunches with a fresh lunch idea for kids: school gardens. Beyond putting fresh, healthy food in schools, cafeteria gardens are a great classroom tool and a big step towards more sustainable schools.
101 Basic Homesteading Skills
Pick something new to learn this year from Granny Miller's list of 101 basic homesteading skills.
Designing & Planting Your Own Forest Garden: Selecting Trees for the Top Canopy
Maddy Harland describes the canopy layer of a temperate forest garden and shares some useful tips on designing and planting useful and edible tree crops.
How Do You Avoid BPA in Canned Foods?
A Consumer Reports study finds high BPA levels in Del Monte, Progresso, Campbell's, Annie's Homegrown, Eden Foods and Vital Choice canned foods.
Are Old Canning Recipes Safe to Use?
When it comes to safe methods for canning foods, this is one instance in which modern advice is better than old-time techniques. Use canning recipes that have been tested and verified safe by food scientists, who have learned a lot about food preservation over the years.
Seeking Nominations for 2013 Homesteaders of the Year
MOTHER EARTH NEWS is seeking nominations of self-sufficient modern homesteaders for our 2013 Homesteaders of the Year awards.
Essential Oils on the Homestead
Therapeutic grade essential oils have a tonne of uses on the homestead - here's how we've used them effectively, and how they bring us peace of mind.
Doing a Little Something for Ourselves
We learned a long time ago that we couldn't attract an audience for our magazines unless we gave our readers tools they could use to improve the world personally. A backyard organic garden is the perfect symbol of positive vision and commitment.
Small Diameter Roundwood Trusses
The roundwood truss system described here enables DIYers to build their own trusses at very low cost. You can gather truckloads of poles from national forests, enough for several small houses, for the cost of one $25 firewood permit.
Eating Fresh Food Drastically Reduces BPA Levels, Study Finds
BPA levels in families who ate fresh rather than canned and packaged food dropped by 60 percent, a study found. Cooking at home with fresh food is the best way to avoid this potentially dangerous chemical
How Prevalent Is Drug-Laced Halloween Candy, Really?
Media outlets have been warning parents against drug-laced Halloween candy for decades. But how prevalent is drug-laced Halloween candy, really?
Weekend Project: A Candelabra Made From Old Bottles
Bring back bottle-cutting! This contemporary candelabra, which gives new life to beautiful blue mineral water bottles, will make you rethink that old '70s craft.
Ricotta and Kefir
In this blog we explore making your own ricotta and kefir, with recipes!
How Did We Get Here? Tribal Identity and Accepting President Barack Obama
For centuries social and international conflicts have been spurred by contrasts in one group's sense of tribal identity (whether cultural, ethnic or geographic) versus another's. This same conflict plays out today in the United States for those members of American society who, thus far, have been unable to recognize President Obama as part of their tribe. Bryan Welch argues that Obama, in fact, epitomizes the key characteristics of the modern American tribe.
Do you have family that claimed land under the Homestead Act?
The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up 270 million acres of public domain land for settlement. The Homestead National Monument of America tells the stories of many of the people who claimed land and tried to "prove up" their claim.
Community Food events
Community food events are an outstanding way to share the abundance of our harvest and strengthen local community ties.
Sweet Ideas for a Handmade Valentine's Day
Save money and win your sweetie's heart with a beautifully set table and handmade candy hearts this Valentine's Day.
Relearning to Sew On Treadle Sewing Machine
On our journey to self-reliance, my husband, Darren, and I have been gathering human-powered tools when we can find them. It's surprising and sad how quickly hand- and foot-powered tools were junked when electricity became available. From 1850 to 1890, more than 100 apple-pealing devices were patented. Then none, except those running on electric power. And so it goes with thousands of other nifty human-powered appliances.
Canning Safety Tips
Learn about three concerns of pressure canning foods— equipment reliability, foodborne illness and altitude adjustments — and start pressure canning safely!
Paraffin-free GoodLight Natural Candles Launches in the United States
Perfect for an evening of socializing out on the deck or an intimate meal at a table for two, GoodLight candles keep the mood bright and the air clean and are now available both online and in stores nationwide.
Candlelit Dinners: Finally, Petroleum-Free!
GoodLight is first to offer sustainable, non-toxic candles for restaurants.
Margaret Holmes Unveils New Products
Buttered corn and buttered double succotash in stores for fall season.
The Real Beginning of Winter
Putting into practice those great intentions: Living on preserved hard work and home canned peaches these short days.
Alternative Currency
Building a vibrant local community through local economics and rural culture.
Wisdom From Our Elders: Lost and Found
We are collecting stories from our readers -- their older neighbors or relatives, too -- about self-sufficient homesteading and farming in the early 20th century. Read what we've found, and share your own story from yesteryear for modern homesteaders.
Making Candles from Beeswax Makes Living Simply Possible
Making Beeswax candles at the Possibility Alliance allows member's to limit their use of carbon.
Physical Causes of Mental Illness
Millions of people suffer from mental illness and depend on psychiatric drugs to get them through the day. Conventional treatment may block the symptoms but do nothing to address the underlying cause. There are 5 common physical causes of mental illness.
Local Economics
D Acres offers alternative economics. We are the 99&: join us.
The Arctic: Canary in the Cage for Global Warming
The Arctic is warming up faster than the overall global temperature. We will discuss the reason for the rapid warming of the Arctic.
The Environmental Hypocrisy of Paper Diapers
Cam considers the environmental implications of using paper diapers vs. cloth diapers.
Christmas Without Presents?
Shopping and lack of shopping is a hot topic right now with the economy, but it's also a question of what your holidays are all about. What would your celebrations be like without (or without so many) presents?
Life Is Short
The terminal diagnoses and reality of dying reinforce our commitment to homesteading.
The Hidden Risks of Nightlights for Children
While many kids (and adults, too) might prefer to sleep with a light on, research shows that exposure to artificial light after the sun goes down can disrupt healthy body function and is associated with an increased risk for cancer. So turn off your computers, TVs, and nightlights for kids, and learn to embrace the nighttime darkness.
How to Become a Canadian Citizen
Immigrating to Canada can be a daunting process, but the Canadian government provides resources to help.
Transformation Tuesday: Cut Bottles Become a Candelabra, Drinking Glasses and More
Use a simple hobby kit to cut glass wine bottles and transform them into drinking glasses, candleholders or this stylish candelabra.
5 Solutions for Living without Closets, From Someone Who Knows
Victoria Gazely lives in a 650-square-foot homesteader's cabin built by a man who didn't need closets. She's found five great ways to stash her stuff without renovating--and her solutions work for anyone who needs to hide a few things.
A Homemade Kaleidoscope Will Change How You See the World
Make a homemade kaleidoscope that rivals the most expensive models with a PVC pipe and a reflector made from mirrors and wood. Point it at anything or use the special reflector tray to make unique kaleidoscopic designs.
A Cardboard Solar Food Dehydrator
Drying food is a good way to eat local produce all year, and if you make this solar food dehydrator for yourself, you'll be well on your way to delicious meals during colder months.
Could Medical Marijuana Rival Big Pharma?
Medical marijuana was a $1.7 billion industry last year--just shy of Viagra as pot-related businesses crop up across the country.
Make or Buy All Natural Tallow Container Candles for Christmas
Making tallow container candles out of bison fat.
How to Make All Natural Tallow Candles for Christmas
How to make tallow candles from bison suet.
An Easy and Affordable Poultry Pen
Build this portable poultry pen in an afternoon using only simple hand tools. It's just the right size for a small yard, but you'll find lots of uses for it around the homestead, too.
Canada's ecoENERGY Program to End in 2011
The Canadian government's ecoENERGY program stops giving financial assistance for energy-efficient home improvements.
Get Your Sorghum Planted NOW!
Time to plant sorghum in the Ozarks. When do you plant sorghum in your neck of the woods?
Preserving Gourmet Garlic: Pickling Garlic and Blue Garlic Explained
Pickled garlic is both delicious and easy to make. Ever wondered why pickled garlic turns blue? Find out here!
MOTHER's Publishing Company Starts Garden on Front Lawn
Learn about how some members of the MOTHER EARTH NEWS team joined with others at their publishing company to start "edible landscaping" gardens on their front lawn.
Canning Stories: Why Do You Can? What Do You Can? We Want To Hear Your Firsthand Reports
Readers who love canning share their firsthand reports about the foods they can at home, and why.
The Sweet Sound of Lids A-Popping
The work of growing, harvesting and preserving your own food comes together in the satisfying instant when canning lids pop. Don't leave the kitchen until you've savored the sound of a job well done.
Easy Sand Candles
Celebrate all things beachy by making sand candles! Using paraffin, crayons and sand you can make a beautiful sand candle to commemorate a trip to the shore.
Ready, Set, Vote!
Wondering where to vote or what's going to be on the ballot? Find answers to these and many other election questions (plus, a game!) with these resources.
My Exotic Daily Life
While many of those visiting our Hostel are farmers and homesteaders themselves, some come from that "city culture" and seem to take their first hesitant steps outside of a flatly paved driveway when they arrive at our place. Wide eyes, a sense of adventure.
A New Blogger's Homesteading Journey Begins
Since her first house move, MOTHER EARTH NEWS blogger Cathie Ackroyd, has become so very conscious of the impact we humans have had and are having on our planet's environment and hoped to find a place to settle that would allow us to gain an element of self-sufficiency in a relatively car-free community.
Making Beeswax Candles
From cleaning raw beeswax to enjoying the final product, Jennifer Ford of Bees of the Woods Apiary will take you step by step through the process of making beeswax candles.
Bread! At Sea!
Bread! hits the water on Lake Ontario while taking a week long sailing course. The Rosemary Olive Oil Sourdough was featured for dinner.
Tool Battery Claims Put to Real World Test
Steve got curious and shares the results of a gruelling endurance test he completed to compare cordless tool battery performance
Small Scale Forestry for the Homestead
Our work in the woods starts long before we get the chainsaw and axe out; by being in the woods, observing and contemplating. We're looking for healthy trees that we can help to thrive and that will be of benefit in the future.
Dead Trees Full of Life
To turn a woodlot into a park with no "litter" on the ground might look tidy, but is not very healthy or functional. Next time you look at a dead tree or a log rotting on the ground; look at it as something full of life.
Office Depot Introduces Cascades Moka Bathroom Tissue
A strong partnership between Cascades and Office Depot to deliver on customer need for softness and strength while significantly reducing total environmental impact.
Changing the Context of Transportation
Cuba's bike transformation was the result of a change in context induced by external forces. It was a disruptive event that forced them to adapt. Here in America, a land of such excess, no such sudden disruption looms (nor could it be predicted, I believe). Our transportation context is centered on the car. Our culture and economy are "driven" by the car. So, how do we create a culture of transportation that is dominated by bicycles?
Building a Pantry: Self-Sufficient and Money-Saving
Building a pantry is a great way to store your groceries and home produce.
What is your Favorite DIY Tool?
Tell us about your all-time favorite fix-it tool.
Cool Book Project: Helping a Friend in the Spirit of Community Support
Ben Cartwright of Lawrence, Kan., is working on a book project about the city of Tianjin, China, where he worked and lived for several months, and he needs your help.
Study Shows Brain Tumors in Children Caused by Parental Pesticide Exposure
A new danger faces unborn babies and children, as exposure to pesticides increases the risk of brain tumors and other cancer-related illnesses.
Should I Use Sunscreen?
Is sunscreen necessary? Can it actually do more harm than good? We cut through this cloudy issue like a ray of scorching summer sun! Find out how much vitamin D you need from the sun, whether sunscreen can prevent cancer, which ingredients in sunscreen may have adverse health effects, and the best ways to truly protect yourself from that fiery sphere in the sky, including recommendations for the safest commercial sunscreens.
Red Light for a Healthy Night's Sleep
After years of impatient waiting, Ellen Sandbeck finally finds red LED night lights, which save energy while preserving melatonin production.
Teaching Homesteading--in a Nutshell
Growing Local Food is a new book that encompasses all the needed basics to grow plants, keep heritage breed animals and bees. The author is a homesteader and physician who gives the readers the basic information to grow or find nutritious, local food
Local Feasting in the World's Organic Capital
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence visits Canada's only straw bale winery, Orofino Vineyards.
Remote Homesteading With Dogs
Homesteading with dogs in remote mountain living. Considerations in providing a good safe homestead environment for your cherished pets.
How Do I Organize a Seed Swap?
A reader inquires about how to set up a community seed swap.
Help Build a Community Garden in Harlem
You can help support a community garden in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood.
HOMEGROWN Life: How to Can Safely
HOMEGROWN Life blogger and Bay Area homesteader Rachel of Dog Island Farm covers the essentials of how to can safely.
Photo of the Week: Taste of the Farm
Tasty jars of canned food await readers in this Photo of the Week. Continue posting your photos for a chance to be featured on our site!
Drying Corn and Canning Tomatoes During the Great Depression
Preserving food was a must during the Great Depression. Doris Zicafoose relates memories of drying corn, canning tomatoes, the necessity of a water bath canner and the joy of acquiring a pressure canner.
Holiday Gift Bags
Delight your host by taking one of these homemade treats.
How We Transitioned from City to Country (And Why We Did So)
Many years ago, years before I moved to the country, I was what would be considered "a prepper." I saw disaster every time I turned on the TV, or read the news on the internet, or visited forums that talked about stockpiling beans and bullets. I panicked, thinking I could never have enough control for the sake of my family, never be "prepped" enough.
Farmers in Training: A City Dweller Gets Lessons in Harvesting, Milking and the Meaning of Life
The place I call home these days is The FarmSchool, a fertile 180-acre strip of ridge top in Athol, where 15 student-farmers are spending a year learning the ins and outs of growing food, managing forests, and raising animals for meat. I arrived at the farm in October, just as the leaves were reaching their peak brilliance. The Farm School — which offers three-day programs for schoolchildren, a summer camp, a full-time middle school, and the apprenticeship program I'm in — takes us through all seasons of farming, weaving together class work and on-farm training.
Mom and Son in a 650-Square-Foot Cabin: "It Exudes Cozy and a Whole Lotta Love"
Victoria Gazely considers her revitalized 650-square-foot homesteader's cabin on 7 acres of fertile earth--purchased for $150--a blessing. "I absolutely love living here," she says.
Where Can I Learn More About Using a Scythe for Cutting Weeds and Brush?
Here are some resources where you can learn more about how a scythe can be useful on your homestead.
Batten Down the Hatches, Sandy's Coming
The new metal roof was nailed down just hours before the storm hit.
Finding a Place to Put Your Dream Homestead
Our Rural Property for Sale site helps you search for a sweet spot to put your future homestead, with handy filters to help you find just what you're looking for more easily.
A Grandparents' Homestead Through the Generations
This grandparents' homestead housed a number of generations and everyone participated in daily chores such as pumping water for baths, melting lard for bread, and using cloth flour bags to make curtains, blankets and dresses.
Free Land: Build Your Homestead Without the Debt
Small towns across the country in need of a population boost are literally giving away free land to attract new residents and boost their populations. Seekers of the quiet (and low-cost) small town lifestyle can now grab some free land to build their homes.
NH Permaculture Gathering
The NH Permaculture Gathering is just a couple weeks away!
Wildfire Lessons From Colorado
How we have taken measures to mitigate and reduce our wildfire exposure.
Planning For Eating
Begin your garden planning with what,and particularly how much, you want to eat. Take a look at what you are eating now and go from there.
Winter's Fast Food
There's no need to go to the grocery food in the winter if you have stored food in a root cellar, freezer or canning jars. Most of the work of preparing this food has already been done and so that winter meals are easy, nutritious and delicious.
Blueberries: Fountain of Youth
Blueberries are a true fountain of youth. This article will introduce you to the health benefits, how to grow, how to harvest, and how to eat this wonderful fruit.
Handmade Gifts From the Heart
Try these easy and unique homemade gifts--from your kitchen and from nature--for your loved ones this year.
How to Make a Pinwheel
Learn how to make a pinwheel for a fun, outdoors toy.
An Earth Oven for More than Just Bread
Build your own wood-fired earth oven for baking fluffier, more flavorful bread and other baked delights.
Homemade Reese's
Handmade candies are always better than store-bought. If you're a fan of the peanut butter-and-chocolate combination, mix up these delicious little truffles.
Safety and Benefits of Propane Powered Small Engines over Gasoline
Second in a series of blog posts about how to convert a lawn mower or other gasoline small engine to run on propane.
Best Sun Protection for Sun Loving Gardeners
Dog days of summer? Yes, but there is still a lot of the grwoing season left. Protect yourself from the late summer sun with these tried 'n true items ... tested by a gardener who knows more than she'd like to about skin cancer.
Isaac's Journal: Finding His Grave at a Country Cemetery
In the final chapter of this five-part series, Lyn Fenwick finds the country cemetery that Isaac was burried in and pays her respects to the author of a treasured family heirloom, a 19th century homesteaders journal.
Cage Culture of Fish With a Twist
Cage culture of fish has several sustainable techniques to consider adapting for a more innovative approach.
Bike Boom More Than Just a Fad
The growing bike boom may be more than just a fad. It may be a full-blown movement toward a more sustainable mode of transportation.
Whoops! Heavy Snow vs. The Greenhouse
Cam learns the hard way why it's never a good idea to procrastinate about important jobs!
Vintage Cast Iron Radiators: Classic, Efficient and Beautiful
Steve explains a little about why he chose to install reclaimed cast-iron radiators, including a video tour of his installation.
Surprise Lambing in July
An unexpected lambing during mid-summer.
Gourmet Garlic: Purple Stripes
Ever wondered what ancient garlic tasted like? Try a Purple Stripe cultivar!
Gourmet Garlic: Harvesting
It's that time of year again! In this post I discuss how and when to harvest your garlic.
Gourmet Garlic: Garlic Scapes
Garlic scape season is nearly here. Learn how and when to cut the scapes to maximize the size of your gourmet garlic bulbs, and also how to use them as a delicious and versatile vegetable!
Gourmet Garlic: Black Garlic
In the last few years, gourmet black garlic has become an in-demand culinary ingredient. But what exactly is it? And what can you do with it?
Garlic Oil
If you eat raw garlic for its health benefits but find it difficult to consume, garlic oil can be an effective alternative. You can even make it at home!
Gourmet Garlic: Rocamboles
In the second of this series of blog posts, I'll be discussing what are arguably the caviar of the garlic world: Rocamboles!
Gourmet Garlic: Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic
Gourmet garlic can be roughly separated into two categories: hardneck and softneck. This post discusses some of the differences between them.
Winter Is Over, Spring Is Here
Here I describe how to make a spring meal on the Big Green Egg. Also, I announce my new web/blogsite.
What's Green?
Canada is helping define "green" products for its advertising industry.
Differences Between Ameraucana and Easter Egg Chickens
Starting a chicken flock and researching the Ameraucana chicken breed.
Gourmet Garlic: Creoles
Originating from Spain, Creole garlics can be difficult to grow but are highly regarded for their delicious taste!
Artificial Sweeteners
What is the true nature of artificial sweeteners? Are they safe? Read on and find out the latest on these questionable products.
How Do I Certify My Farm as Organic?
A sustainable agriculture professor explain the organic certification process.
Earth Day 2013: Action Essential to Reduce Environmental Impact
By focusing on environmental change this Earth Day, we can reach our green potential. Green initiatives need to be implemented, both individually and collectively, for us to reduce our environmental impact.
Soda Consumption Raises Cancer Risk
You may want to think twice the next time you reach for that cola. A recent study has found that one can of soda a day can increase chances of prostate cancer by 40 percent.
For Your Health: January is Radon Awareness Month
Learn how to identify and expel radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., from your home.
Canning Will Wear YOU Out
Canning is the penance for spring, when you couldn't stop yourself from putting out one more row of tomato starts. Canning is the human's attempt to make the hottest days of the year even more sizzling indoors than they are out.
Always Getting Ready
Homesteaders become similar to the self-sustaining people in the Arctic as they spend each season preparing to have food, warmth and shelter for the entire year. It is gratifying to eat well and be comfortable because of our year-round efforts.
Canning Fire Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe
Fire roasting is the key to incredibly flavorful canned salsa.
Canning Tomato Broth
Separate the tomato water from tomato pulp to make a delicious broth.
Green Tomato Relish Recipe
How to make canned green tomato relish.
Canning Love: Pickled Beets
I'm going to the old Kerr canning book for this tried and true recipe for making simply wonderful pickled beets.
Canning Tomatoes: Acidity and Other Concerns
Adding lemon juice to tomatoes before canning is not an option! Neither is being distracted and forgetting what you're doing.
Running on Fumes
Do you feel like the month of June left you gasping for air? You are not alone. I am hoping July will be slower paced and full of summertime fun!
Pick and Pack a Peck of Pickled Peppers
A pickled pepper recipe that packs quite a punch. Don't be discouraged by November's nine degrees in the sun weather. Now is a great time to pull out your water-bath canner and put up your late-fall harvest for winter month garden-fresh eating.
Moving Into the Construction Phase
This is a summary of our attendance at the IBS show in Jan. Also a re-cap of Jan events and our transistion into the construction phase of the project. We also talk about the decision for the competiton to be moved off the Nationa Mall in DC
Incredible Volume Of Useful Information
Where we find a wealth of information for projects and enjoyable reading.
Voting for the Environment
If you would like to be represented by more elected officials who support environmental safeguards for our air, water, and land, take a look at these resources, including the League of Conservation Voters' National Environmental Scorecard.
ABCs Of Mountain Homesteading, Part 2: Back to Basics
Learn the basic skills useful for mountain homesteading.
Australia to Texas - The First Step
Jim and Julie are starting their homestead in Texas while still living in Australia. Managing the project by remote control is the challenge, and they are learning as they go. This is an adventure of faith and confidence.
Can You Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk?
The presence of bicycles on sidewalks has long been debated: Is it legal? Is it safer than the road? Shouldn't children be able to ride on sidewalks?
Montana Radio Company Presents The Cool Green Home
Missoula, MT company awards home owners sustainable products.
Sharing: Your Garden's Other Health Benefit
The instinct to share home grown herbs, flowers and vegetables runs strong in gardeners, so sharing home grown goodies brings heartfelt rewards.
Are You A Locavolt? Thinking About Local Energy Issues
Wouldn't it be nice if we could produce all the energy we needed from local, renewable resources, such as solar and wind power?
Old Poultry Books: the Leonora Hering Memorial Poultry Collection
This collection of rare and historic poultry books offers an amazing amount of information on poultry.
Improve Hatch Rates with the Right Incubator
Lots of factors are involved in hatching poultry eggs successfully: consistent temperature, the right amount of humidity and frequently turning the eggs. Not all incubators work equally well, and some have features that make operating them easier. Read about our most recent incubator test.
Tips on Hatching Eggs and Starting Baby Chicks from an Expert
Bob Berry owns a small hatchery business that specializes in two old breeds of chickens. He offers suggestions for incubating eggs and starting chicks that are shipped through the mail.
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Hatching eggs using natural or artificial incubation is great fun, but there are no guarantees. Things can go wrong with either system.
Dealing With the Decline of Civilization
Being a part of the solution can forestall the potential decline.
Using a Foster Broody Hen to Raise Chicks
Instead of using a heat lamps to brood just a few chicks, consider using a broody hen to do the job. This system takes less time to manage and uses no fossil fuels!
Celebrate World Fair Trade Day
How you spend your money matters more than ever these days. Here's an easy way to connect with your community and make your dollars count.
Hatching Eggs: Broody Chickens and Duck Eggs on the Way
Discuss the strange and mysterious ways of broody hens. Plus, the Community Chickens project will be hatching duck eggs!
What are Community Chickens?
This is a great collection of information and tips on raising poultry, chicken coops and hatching poultry eggs. You can learn about brooders, coops and poultry equipment.
What to Expect When Purchasing Shipped Hatching Eggs
Lots of people order hatching eggs that are shipped through the mail before setting them in an incubator or under a broody hen. But what kind of results should you expect from shipped hatching eggs? Read what an expert has to say about realistic expectations.
Keeping Chickens in Winter
Many people who keep chickens or other poultry have concerns about how to manage their flock when cold weather sets in. But winter shouldn't be a problem for your flock, but rather a steppingstone to the following year! Check your poultry often, follow these guidelines and you can even raise baby chicks in the winter! Tips from an expert.
Urban Community Green Spaces
Urban community green spaces are an essential component of our built environment. Their significance is becoming more and more apparent to city planners and urban residences all over the United States.
Annie's Green Tomato Salsa Recipe for Water Bath Canning
This year I took several liberties in developing a new version of salsa verde. I don't grow tomatillos so I use green tomatoes. I won't call it salsa verde (except on the lids of my jars), because it isn't authentic. But let me tell you, it is GOOD. Here is Annie's Green Tomato Salsa Recipe good for use when water bath canning.
National Day of Unplugging Begins Today at Sundown
Celebrate a technology-free Sabbath with a jug of organic wine, a loaf of homemade bread and handmade candles. Could you go 24 hours without your smartphone?
Locally Grown, Nutritious (or at Least Delicious) Food at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fair
Locally grown, homemade, grass-fed, free-range and downright delicious food invades the 2011 MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fair in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania.
Weekend Project: Simple, Pretty Pot Lights for Your Patio
Turn terra cotta planter pots into candle holders. This super simple project is an inexpensive way to bring a little romance to your garden.
Making Self-Reliance Work: Busting the three myths that hold people back
Steve Maxwell spotlights the three myths that prevent people from realizing the full value of the self reliant lifestyle, and how to dispel them
Seven Springs Speaker Spotlight: Chris Lubkemann, Woodcarver
Chris Lubkemann of Fox Chapel Publishing will present a workshop on whittling at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, September 24-25, 2011 in Seven Springs, Pa.
Seven Springs Speaker Spotlight: Mike Orr, Instrument Maker
Mike Orr of Fox Chapel Publishing will present a workshop on homemade instruments at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, September 24-25, 2011 in Seven Springs, Pa.
Showing My Love by Fixing a Broken Water Pipe
When you live in an off-grid house in the country, it's important to be handy!
How to Make Soap from Scratch with Possum Hollow Farm Soaps
Learn how to make soap with Robin Bedford of Possum Hollow Farm Soap.
Chic Crafts From Upcycled Clothing and Homemade Recycled Paper
You can upcycle (make crafts from recycled materials) to beautifuly and simplify your world! Have a few old T-shirts that are past their prime? Make them into a rosette pillow! Use homemade recycled paper to send friends and family chic, personalized greetings cards. Overrun with stuff to recycle? Transform tin can lids into a melodious windchime! Have fun and get creative turning your old stuff into treasures!
Introducing Durable, Collapsible EZ Tomato Cages
EZ Tomato Cages are the brainstorm of two friends, both fed up with purchasing tomato cages that were cheaply fabricated, weak and difficult to store.
Growing Sprouts in My Kitchen Garden
Here's a tip on how to grow sprouts in your kitchen garden for fun and nutritious eating.
Saving Yourself: That Little Two-Letter Word That Begins With N
Many readers can't say no to spouses, children, bosses, and so on. To please and care for others, we often sacrifice ourselves, working long hours, exhausting our energy. There is a cure. It's a two-letter word that starts with n. Try it.
Yogurt-Making & Bread-Baking
Homestead skills of yogurt-making and bread-baking increase your independence from grocery store aisles and international food conglomerates.
Winners of the Fabulous Food Garden Contest
Winners of the Fabulous Food Garden Contest have been chosen. See who the lucky prize recipients are!
Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car?
Although you might think warming up your car is best on a cold morning, doing so is a bad idea — and not just because it wastes gas.
How to Build Your Own Desk
Finding the perfect desk with just the right amount of work space can be a hassle and a financial drain. Build your own desk with this do-it-yourself tutorial, and you'll have room for your computer, notebooks, phone, printer and any other work-time necessities, and you'll save some serious cash in the process.
Treating Dairy Cows Humanely: A Case to Ban Tail-Docking
Tail Docking of dairy cows serves no purpose and causes pain and discomfort for the cows.
The Weekend Homesteader-A Twelve Month Guide to Self Sufficiency
Clipping the wing of a troublesome hen and tasting the first Chicago hardy figs was really great, but what was even more fantastic was seeing Anna's new book arrive and how beautiful it looks.
Preserving Gourmet Garlic: Dehydration
Learn how to dehydrate gourmet garlic so you can enjoy it year-round.It takes only a few simple steps to turn fat, juicy bulbs into crunchy, golden chips!
Jan Hagel Cookies Recipe
These are buttery, not too sweet Dutch cookies with a yummy cinnamon sugar and walnut topping.
My Small Town: Recounting the Joys of Village Living
Canadian homesteader Cam Mather sinks into the village life and discovers the joys of small-town living.
Heating With Wood
The basics of using a woodstove to heat your home.
What Were We Thinking (Going Off-Grid)?
Cam looks back at the challenges of moving to his off-grid home.
A Sunroom for My Chickens
Our chickens aren't fond of the snow and the wind, but we found a way to let them enjoy the sunshine from the comfort of their coop!
How To Start a Woodstove Fire
The best way to start a fire in your woodstove.
Preserving Gourmet Garlic: Freezing Garlic In Oil
Another easy way to enjoy the fresh taste of gourmet garlic year-round is with these convenient cubes!
Gourmet Garlic: Porcelains
Do you eat garlic for its health benefits? Choose a Porcelain cultivar for maximum impact!
Mystery of Broken Pottery in a Vegetable Garden
Solving the mystery of finding broken shards of china and pottery in an old garden. Discovering the history of the land and its first settlers.
Gourmet Garlic: Marbled Purple Stripe
In this post, I'll be discussing the Marbled Purple Stripe garlic variety, also known as the 'everyman' of the garlic world!
Gourmet Garlic: Glazed Purple Stripe
Introducing glazed purple stripes, the beauty queens of the garlic world!
What is Gourmet Garlic?
Often at a farmers market you'll see garlic designated as 'gourmet.' But what does this mean? Is it a marketing gimmick? Or is there actually something special behind the name?
Oatmeal Bread: My Favourite Loaf
Slightly sweet, wholesome and wonderful, toasted with butter or in a sandwich, oatmeal bread is my favourite.
Twist on Whole-Grain Bread
Here's how to make truly unusual whole grain bread, with delicious results.
A Tale of Two Strawberry Sauces
Your route to heaven can be paved with strawberries.
Deviled Eggs Recipe and Thoughts on Summer Cooking
Summer is about fresh, beautiful, and flavourful. Fresh produce, and oh yes, a yummy recipe for devilled eggs.
San Francisco Sourdough Bread Recipe
There is a way to heaven, all you have to do is make San Francisco sourdough bread!
Cream of Mushroom Soup
After trying this super simple recipe, you'll never open a can of Campbell's again.
Free 'How to Build a Root Cellar' Video Seminar
Join Steve for a no-cost 75 minute video tutorial on building and managing a root cellar
New Home Insulation Guide for DIY Home Renovation
A new building insulation guide is available from NAIMA Canada to assist homeowners in choosing the right insulation for new building and DIY home renovation projects.
Canadians Develop Hemp Car
Canadian car manufacturers have developed an electric vehicle with a body made from hemp fiber.
Ice Cream: It's What's for Dessert
Homemade ice cream is delicious, and with the help of new ice cream makers, quick, easy and fast.
Gourmet Garlic Curing
Garlic will keep for months if properly cured, allowing you to enjoy it all winter long!
Keeping Cool as a Cucumber: Scandinavian Cucumber Salad
If you're overrun with cucumbers, here's a Scandinavian cucumber salad for the solution!
Gourmet Garlic: Asiatics
Asiatic garlic cultivars may be difficult to find, but their great taste and easy-growing nature make them a great choice for garlic lovers and growers alike!
The Chickens Have a Sleepover
Homesteader Cam Mather describes integrating new backyard chickens into his existing flock and the wonderful life his "ladies" lead.
Irish Hills Farm Pumpkin-Maple Butter Recipe
My own special recipe for Pumpkin Maple Butter using organic pumpkin and Canadian maple syrup.
Gourmet Garlic: Silverskins
Silverskins are an ideal garlic for braiding and long-term storage!
Movie Review: The Seeds of Time
Modern, industrial agriculture as we know it today is running out of time, and it's much later than we think.
Gourmet Garlic: Artichokes
The last of my series of posts discussing the different types of gourmet garlic will explore Artichokes, the giants of the garlic world!
Hostel Economics 101
Our striving to live frugally, monetary so, affects our everyday life choices. We choose to live without a lot of things that cost money. We make most of the cash we do need by running the Hostel in the summer months.
Living a Resilient Urban Life
FamilyFarmed.org Good Food Festival & Conference partner Vicki Nowicki shares her experience living, learning, and teaching on her suburban permaculture homestead.
Backyard Homestead
There are a lot of things you can do right now to experience the homestead lifestyle right in your backyard.
Chainsaws: Can We Talk?
Chainsaw safety equipment.
Preparing Our Homestead and Ourselves for Winter
Stay warm, find a hobby and cull the livestock; here are some of the things we do to prepare for winter!
Dental Surgery On a Rabbit!
Using rabbit hypnosis and a pair of wire cutters we successfully perform dental surgery on one of our does.
What We Gave Up To Go Off-Grid
Providing your own sewer, water and power can be more expensive and is certainly less convenient but that's not all there is to consider. This article takes a look at some of the other differences between public and private services.
Permaculture in Winter
A rundown of activities you can do in the winter to improve your homestead.
Finding A Homestead - Considerations
Outlining our process for locating a suitable location for finding a new homestead.
What's Your Favorite Farm or Homestead Name?
Homesteads and farms often have fun or touching names that etch themselves into our memories. Is there one that has stuck in yours?
Building the Barndominium Step 1 - Preparing the Site and Getting Ready to Pour the Foundation
After many months of preparation and planning, we are very excited to be starting to build our homestead - a barndominium. The first stage is to get a good solid foundation so our new homestead will be solid for today and future generations.
Finding A Locale For A New Homestead - Being Prepared
As we look into the future we prepare for a flatter terrain for a new homestead.
Annual Family Hay Ride
Fun is where you find it, in this case it is a hay ride for the family along our trail.
Australia to Texas - Building out Chateau Christie - Getting Closer to Texas
On what will probably be the last trip to Chateau Christie as Australians, we are trying to get the property to a livable stage - completing the electrical and plumbing and getting things ready for an inspection so we can sheetrock and finish.
Australia to Texas and Building the Homestead - Pour the Slab and Start the Barndominium
The building of the barndominium is in high gear. After all of the ground work, the slab is poured, cured and the steel framework of the barndominium is erected in one day. With the progress, there were a few problems but quickly solved.
Homestead Expense List
Expense checklist for anyone wanting to plan a new homestead.
Berry Season Means Great Toppings for Sourdough Waffles
Sourdough waffle recipe.
10 Simple Living Tips from the Amish
We can learn a lot from the Amish, who have passed down wisdom on living simply and celebrating community for generations.
A trip to the Almonds in California
A short introduction to the almond pollination adventure going on in California right now. Bee Culture spent 3 weeks exploring this annual event, traveling from Bakersfield to Chico, visiting orchards, beekeepers and almond growers.
Honey Bees and Easter Eggs
We had a once in a lifetime opportunity over Easter this year to talk to more than 30,000 people about honey bees, pollination, honey and beekeeping. And the place we got to do this in was one of a kind.
Welcome to Wabi-Sabi Wednesday
Find out how wabi-sabi, an ancient Japanese philosophy that promotes attention, reverence, generosity and respect, can build the foundation of a happy home.
More The Same Than Different - Discussing Top Bar and Standard Hives
Beginning a discussion on top bar hives and standard hives in a question and answer format, getting the best of each for users of both kinds of hives.
Fort Garland, Colorado
How the small town atmosphere can enhance your homesteading and living.
Why Japan Will Weather This Disaster
As we watch the devastation's aftermath in Japan, the world will learn valuable lessons from a culture that reveres service to others, deep acceptance and community.
Winter Winners This Year
Winter wasn't very hard this year, well at least so far, and even if it gets more normal winter like, there's not much time left. Our bees have done well, and it looks like it might be a great summer ahead.
Winter In A Top Bar Hive
One way to overwinter a top bar hive in a northern climate is to provide good ventilation and some insulation. Enough food is needed, and good protection from the wind is too. We'll see how it works.
Pickled Asparagus Recipe
Pickled vegetables are a great way to jazz up your meals, especially in the late winter, early spring time when the grocery store vegetables are looking a little worse for the wear.
Canning Love: Peach Orange Marmalade
Canning is a homesteader essential skill. Sometimes canning can simply be a way to create and spread love and kindness, rather than just putting by necessary foods. Try out this Peach Orange Marmalade recipe for a change of pace.
Spiced Apple Chutney: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for the Holidays
A great recipe for the holidays or any time of the year!
Reusable Canning Lids
Our experiences in learning to pressure can and use reusable canning lids.
Pesticides and Home Canning
The author of STAND UP AND GARDEN discusses why it is safe to can and otherwise preserve produce that's grown in an environment in which pesticides are used.
All About Fresh Fruit Butters
Fruit butters are easy to make, in fact – they are almost foolproof. They allow for a little more creativity than many soft spread recipes and are perfect for using up odds and ends of fresh fruit.
The Outdoor Canning Kitchen
Canning won't heat up your house when you set up your own portable outdoor canning kitchen.
Canning Summer's Bounty: Easy And Low Tox
Canning is a great way to preserve your own harvest. When canning acidic foods like fruit or tomatoes or anything using vinegar or sugar, you can likely use only a water bath. There are many chemical free canning jars available today for low tox canning.
The Opportunistic Canner
Three essential tools for opportunistic canning.
Test Your Knowledge of Electricity With a Quiz
Learning the basics about electricity will help you conserve energy.
Local Homesteading Groups: Why You Need One
Learn why it is helpful to have a group of fellow homesteaders, then start a group of your own in your local community.
Of Many Generations
Thanks to helping hands, everything gets done.
New Season of Greensburg Series About to Begin
See green building in action! The third and final season of the Greensburg TV series is scheduled to begin on May 2, 2010.
Food Is Free Project
The Food Is Free Project has become a food revolution in Austin, Texas
Slow Down, Watch
I feel that if we want to connect to our families, to our neighbors and to the people that we love that live in the community around us, we must somehow retrain ourselves to slow down and watch, listen and share, love and care.
Small Backyard Chicken Coop from GardenEggs.com
If you're planning to buy a small backyard chicken coop to protect a few hens, you might be interested in this coop from GardenEggs.com.
Incubating Duck Eggs Successfully
I tested a new incubator against my old Styrofoam incubator. Find out which one is the best for incubating duck eggs. The difference was amazing.
Which Poultry Hatching Eggs are in Which Incubator?
We're trying out several incubators with chicken, duck and quail hatching eggs.
Hockey Day in Canada
Cam discovers he isn't as young as he once was while enjoying a sense of community at the local arena.
What I've Learned Through the Community Chickens Project
The Community Chickens project is about sharing the joy of keeping poultry and spreading the knowledge to help people successfully raise chickens, ducks and other poultry. Here's a summary of some things we've learned through the project.
Hats Off to Volunteer Firefighters!
Cam appreciates his local volunteer fire department.
The Community Chicken Project is Underway
We're testing incubators, equipment and feed for the Community Chickens project.
How to Improve Hatch Rates
Does turning eggs frequently during incubation improve hatch rates? Can storing the eggs before incubating them lower the hatch rate? Find out what we learned from our experiment hatching pheasant eggs.
NeighborGoods: Share Your Stuff!
NeighborGoods is an online community that lets you borrow and lend tools and other items from people in your area.
Real Environmentalists Eat White Chicken Eggs
Hens that lay white eggs are lighter weight and eat less feed to produce the same amount of eggs as brown-egg layers. So, does that mean that if you're concerned about conserving resources and care about the environment, you should eat white chicken eggs instead of brown chicken eggs? Color is only shell deep. There's more to this debate than meets the eye.
'Food Is Free' Project Losing Their Teaching Farm
The Food is Free Project has inspired thousands of individuals, families and groups around the globe to start front yard free gardens to share with friends and neighbors. They are losing their teaching farm.
Organic Living During World War II
Wendy Albright remembers visiting her grandparent's farm where practicing organic living was the preferred way of life; they exercised natural crop cultivation, gathered fresh chicken eggs, canned both vegetables and meat and the term "eating like a thrasher" became a reality.
Making Clementine Candles
How to make candles you can really light from the peel of Clementine oranges. A wintertime craft...just oil and an orange peel!
11 Tips for a Healthier, Safer Kichen
Check out Annie B. Bond's list of 11 easy tips for making your kitchen more healthy and safe, from Care2.
Urban Homesteading: Settling In
Using natural products, such as grass clippings and homemade organic fertilizer, can turn the worst clay soil into an acceptable growing medium.
Urban Homesteading: New Garden Beds
Creating new no-dig garden beds is easier and quicker with raised-bed stakes and two-by-six lumber.
Urban Homesteading - Welcome Home
This historical neighborhood, with a strong sense of community, offers the feeling of small-town living.
Modern Homesteading Treasures
For inspiration and education, take some time to peruse the hundreds of Modern Homesteading articles.
Urban Homesteading: Bountiful Berries
Bounty is in the eye of the beholder — whether it be a bowl of perfect berries or millions of maple seeds.
Urban Homestead: Moving In
Moving to an urban homestead is a challenge, but the boxes are getting unpacked and the birds are at the feeders.
What Skills/Knowledge Do You Need to Become a Farmer?
Farming isn't a skill that can be easily learned from a book. Here's some advice and a collection of resources to help you decide whether you're ready to try your hand at it.
Getting My Goats
One woman's journey from life in urban America to a small town in Austria, then back to a suburban homestead in Dallas on which she tries her hand at keeping dairy goats.
Urban Homesteading - the Harvest Begins
All of the work of readying the garden and waiting for it to produce is worth the wait once the harvest begins.
Urban Homesteading — a Garden Journal
Keeping a garden journal helps you know which varieties you grew were successful, which were not and how much you harvested from each.
Urban Homesteading – How Does the Garden Grow?
The garden is growing better than I could have expected in the raised beds at my "new" urban homestead.
Urban Homestead Home
Making the move to a historical neighborhood will offer an opportunity to develop community ties and try some new gardening techniques.
Urban Homesteading – Summer Abundance
All the hard work of planting, weeding and watering comes to fruition in a bowl of berries and a plate of golden potatoes.
What's the Name of the 1970s Books About Homesteading?
Here are a few helpful books on homesteading skills and old-time crafts.
The Homestead's Solar Tech
In this blog we talk about our three differnet types of solar technology that we have on the Homestead.
March Madness
Brief description of our journey back onto the National Mall, our Flex Space design, and our Solar Thermal Skylight.
Australia to Texas - The Land
Our process of buying the land for our homestead had little to do with logic and a lot to do with emotion. For me, it was a chance to return to the plains where I grew up and be close to family.
Is Walmart the Solution to Creating a Healthy Diet for Americans?
With a new program promising to reduce the price of fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce the levels of not-so-good-for-you ingredients in their house brand products, Wal-Mart aims to make a positive change in the diet of the average American.
Something Sweeter Than Honey In The Hive
Beekeeping yields honey, but it can also make our lives complete.
Learn Something New from These How-to Online Videos
How-to online videos are a valuable resource for any do-it-yourselfer. But there are a lot of videos out there, so we've picked noteworthy ones and provided a few links to help you find more in the future. From building a workbench to changing your car's oil, these engaging and instructive videos will inspire you to start a fun, new DIY project.
Seed Saving: Useful Tips for this Growing Season
Get prepared for the season with useful tips for seed saving with Art Davidson, expert from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed.
The Dangers of Industrial Farming
As modern farms increase production using monoculture crops, the nutritional value of the harvests diminishes, along with the economic stability and self-reliance of the farmers and their local communities.
Drip Irrigation Secrets of a Professional Grower
Here are some simple steps you can follow when setting up drip irrigation for row crops.
Living Offgrid Affordably #13: Put The Lid On This Box
A roof is a wonderful thing to have!
It's Cold Enough To Make Our Own Snow!
When it's -30 degrees outside you can make your own snow!
Reconnect With Your Food and Grow Your Own
When you grow your own food, you not take a step towards self-sufficiency. You also make a move towards better health and whole new relationship with your food.
A New Twist On an Old (Chicken) Saddle
This durable, puncture and tear-resistant chicken saddle will protect free-range chickens from pecking, cannibalistic behavior and predators.
The Fabulous Food Garden Contest
Your attractive food garden could win you $500 and a chance to be featured in MOTHER EARTH NEWS.
Virtual Farmers Markets - The Future
Virtual farmers markets make buying and selling fresh farm goods easy and can grow into a thriving business!
Living Offgrid Affordably 12: Enough Thinking, Back To Work
Finally, we start to take shape.
How Many Hives Should I Start With?
A look at how many hives to start with when beginning beekeeping.
CFL Myths Exposed
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) assures consumers that manufacturers have rectified many of the issues related to using CFLs, making them into mere myths. These issues include usage in three-way fixtures, non-compatibility in dimmers, the high price of CFLs and CFL use in fans and candelabras. Additionally, CFL users should understand the lifespan of the bulb and causes of flicker.
You're nobody till Somebody Loves You – Not!
Many of us grow up disliking, even hating, ourselves. Learning to love oneself is no easy task, but it is vital to creating happiness and loving others. If you can learn to love yourself, you'll be rewarded many times over and be able to love others.
Convert Your Lawn Mower or Small Engine to Propane!
First in a series of blog posts which will cover conversion of lawnmowers and small engines from gasoline to propane.
Recycled Map Crafts
Use old maps to wallpaper a room, shade a window, create a scrapbook, and other useful household crafts.
Buffalo Gals
The story of two ladies and their small CSA in the Rocky Mountains.
Children in the Garden
Allowing children the space to discover the beauty and wonder of plants through tending to their own garden builds character, teaches responsibility, gives insight into the beauty of nature and fosters their connection with where their food comes from.
Sustainable and Efficient Practices on a CSA Farm
Learn a few tips for efficiency from seasoned CSA Farmers: La Vista CSA Farm.
Community Container Gardening
Building community through sharing work and food.
Communicating With Hand-Written Letters
Communicating via letters mirrors the pace of a handmade life.
'Color The World' with The Pulsera Project
How are US college students helping to brighten the future of Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, without leaving campus?
Searching For Words
Working in the potato bed produces the next blog article.
A New Blogger at The Farm Community
For more than 40 years, The Farm Community in Tennessee has been on the forefront of farming, gardening and the green lifestyle.
Preparing Soil in Our Community Garden
Garden like the Native Americans by digging up 18-inch-diameter hills on four foot centers. Get your crops started, then worry about working the areas in between the hills.
Legacy of Jaime Hines
In remembrance of a dear friend and steward of the Earth, a look at how others inspire us and how their legacy sculpts us.
Harlem Community Garden Update: Building Garden Beds
The community garden in East Harlem, Chenchita's Garden, is beginning to take shape.
Revelation to Action: Community Innovation Contest
Know of a group that's doing great work to support your community or have a community-building idea of your own? If you live in the Northeast United States, Green Mountain Coffee and Ashoka's Changemakers are holding the "Revelation to Action" contest to find and help fund the most innovative ideas to bolster communities in the Northeast states.
How Has Gardening Brought People Together in Your Life?
One great thing about gardening that goes beyond soil building and crop rotations is its ability to bring people together. As spring is now officially here, it's a great time to revel in all the pleasures the season is sure to bring. Please share your thoughts and stories about how gardening has brought people together in your life.
Crop Mob Revives Community Farming
In North Carolina's Triangle region, Crop Mob is reviving community farming.
Voluntary Simplicity: Easy and Simple
What does voluntary simplicity look like and how can we practice it despite our busy lives?
New Boom for Real Estate: Community Gardens
Real estate and land use demands have many people left on a waiting list by their local community gardens. Never fear: There's still plenty of options to get growing!
Late October, and the Garden Is Still Going Strong
The Ogden Community Garden winds down, and one gardener marvels at the late October harvest, and on how much the garden has meant to everyone who has helped tend it.
10 Things I Learned About Canning from Sherri Brooks Vinton
Food preservation expert Sherri Brooks Vinton makes food preservation look easy and shares helpful hints about equipment and technique during a standing-room-only workshop at the Fair.
Homestead-Based Income Key to Success
There are many more ways than ever to earn income without ever leaving the homestead. As energy prices rise, earning the money you need without traveling is key to success. It just might not come from the place you expect.
Amateur Chickenmanship
Real life experiences with chickens spanning a 50 year period.
Living Off Grid - What Does It Mean?
This blog is an introduction to how we went from a condominium lifestyle to off grid modern homesteading in the mountains. It also includes an explanation of the meaning of "off grid".
Living Off Grid - Home and Energy Options Part 1
This blog is about all of the choices we have for the type of home we want for off grid living and some of the construction materials involved. It turns out there are a multitude of options we have to choose from.
Australia to Texas - Framing the Exterior of the Barndominium
We have few opportunities during our stay in Australia to fly home and do work ourselves on the property. This blog features a set of planned activities that we wanted to be personally and directly involved with. When we left, we were very happy.
Australia to Texas - Phase II Activities - Building out Chateau Christie
Now that the Barndominium has been fully enclosed, it's time to work on the interior. Also the basic utilities, pump house and access roads have been beefed up. It's beginning to look like a real house now. Chateau Christie is becoming a reality.
Coal-Mining in Appalachia and Growing Wheat in Kansas: Reconnecting a Family Tree
Emma Jane James of Appalachia, Virginia, inquires about her Kansan family tree and reminisces about better days in her coal-mining town, before mountaintop removal and pollution took their toll.
Australia to Texas - Building the Shell of the Barndominium in Nine Days
We've been planning for months and years but now we're in fast build mode. The slab is poured, materials on site and in nine days, we will have the shell of the barndominium completely done and ready for the framing inside.
Spoon Carving from Green Wood
Spoon carving is good practice for hatchet and knife skills, and a spoon is a beautiful sculpture that feeds more than one hunger!
What's the Best Recipe for a Smooth Finish on Indoor Wood Furniture?
Steve Maxwell, Canada's Handiest Man, answers a homeowner's question about how best to apply a smooth finish to wood furniture.
Cross-Country Weeks Eight and Nine
Weeks eight and nine of our cross country bicycle trip start in Brantford, Ont., and end in Bar Harbor, Maine.
What's the Best Recipe for a Smooth Finish on Indoor Wood Furniture?
Steve Maxwell, Canada's Handiest Man, answers a homeowner's question about how best to apply a smooth finish to wood furniture.
Gourmet Garlic: Turbans
Is your growing season a bit too short for gourmet garlic? Turban garlic cultivars may be the solution!
Review of Oregon 40-Volt, Battery-Powered Chainsaw
Cam Mather tries out a battery-powered chainsaw at his off-grid homestead in Ontario.
Life. Off the Grid.
This initial blog post tells the story of how Phillip Vannini became interested in off-grid living and how he began — together with Jonathan Taggart — to do research on the off-grid lifestyle in Canada.
Photo Essay: A Sustainable Treehouse Community in Costa Rica
Take a photographic tour of Finca Bella Vista, a sustainable treehouse community in Costa Rica.
Lazy Gardener's Tomato Sauce Recipe
Not enough hours in the day? Want to make tomato sauce but are short on time? Use this recipe to make great-tasting tomato sauce (using frozen tomatoes)at your leisure. Perfect for pressure canning and delicious!
Make Your Own Fruit Juice From Berries
Cobbler is not the only solution to a bumper crop of berries. If you can boil water, you can turn the juice from big-flavor berries into tasty beverages that are naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Make extra juice to freeze or can for year-round enjoyment.
Abundance Through Farming During The Great Depression
Donna Pellegrin shares her mother's stories of growing up on a fertile, bountiful farm during the Great Depression, and of the homesteading skills that kept them well fed.
Dill Pickles ... and Straight Talk About Canning
There's no need to be afraid of canning. With basic skills a cook can safely prepare and process excess produce during the summer and have a ready supply all winter. An easy way to start is with dill pickles, with extras like garlic and hot peppers.
HOMEGROWN Life: Canning Tomatoes 101
Tomatoes are the gray area of canning. They're not quite acidic enough to just straight can like fruit but the right amount of added acid can keep you from having to pressure can them. Here are the basics on canning tomatoes.
Yes, You Can Can (and Cook, Too)!
People are often apprehensive about preserving their own food, whether they're intimidated by the process, or concerned about the safety of the finished product. As Sherri Brooks Vinton explains, it's time to bring canning back to the home kitchen.
White Chocolate Raspberry Jam with Coffee Liqueur
Take plain old raspberry jam to the next level with the complex flavors of white chocolate and coffee liqueur.
Teaching Preserving in Malawi, Africa
Our books are making a larger impact than we know!
Polyface Farm Summer Internship: Week Ten
This week at Polyface Farm included mornings with rabbits, fence line work, moving calves and my first foray into canning.
Simpler Gifts for a Richer Christmas
Reclaim the joy of the holiday season with homemade gifts that aren't too late to make.
Weekend Project: Make a Backsplash from Pebbles, Shells or Leftover Hardware
Give your bathroom a little flair--and have fun doing it--by creating a backsplash from pebbles, pennies or whatever's rattling around in the bottom of the toolbox. This fun, simple project is perfect for everyone--whether you're a DIYer or not.
Weekend Project: Quick Pickles!
Quick pickles--which don't require turning your kitchen into a sauna--are a fast, fun way to preserve abundant cucumbers (or even green beans). Simply soak vegetables in saltwater and vinegar solutions and let the flavors develop in the fridge.
Summer Loving
Simran Sethi looks back at her New Year's resolution: to nourish herself.
Homesteading Defined
When defining the term homesteading, consider the various options available.
Solway Feeders Introduces Horizontal Watering Nipples
Help keep cages and water sources clean with Solway Feeder's horizontal watering nipples.
Balancing Our World and the Real World
We are grateful for the peace and balance inherent to our lifestyle, offering ease of being and grounded perspective as we continue to negotiate the boundaries between our world and the real world.
Rural North Florida Efficiency
Growing up in rural north Florida, Elizabeth Hollingsworth shares her family's self-sufficiency experiences, from storing redskin potatoes to making jam; drives in the country to extended-family potlucks.
A New England Homestead
Growing up on a New England homestead, a woman imparts heartfelt lessons about making do with what you have and cherishing those memories.
What's Your Idea of a Dream Homestead?
Tell us about your ideal homestead. What would it be like?
Urban Homesteading - Is It Spring Yet?
It may not be Spring, but spring fever is in the air along with the need to dig in the dirt, plant seeds and eat fresh vegetables.
Urban Homesteading – Think Local
Wherever you live, you can practice sustainability and share your successes with your neighbors.
What Exactly Does the Term "Homesteading" Mean?
We frequently use the term "homesteading" in Mother Earth News, but what is it's exact meaning?
Self-sufficiency British Style
The Self Sufficient-ish Bible and accompanying Web site offer some universal tips for urban self-sufficiency.
Wood-Mizer Personal Best Winner: Jim Oseychuk's Intricate Garden Shed
Jim Oseychuk built this intricate garden shed for his wife and won his category of the Wood-Mizer Personal Best contest.
Dust Bowl Days in Oklahoma
A woman shares her experiences during the Dust Bowl days in Oklahoma of how she ate poke greens, learned to live without electricity and other homesteading memories.
Quiet Walks and Sound Advice From Mamaw
Camille Wright passes on wisdom from her "Mamaw," conjuring up images of fresh clothes on the clothesline, a root cellar lined with jams and jellies, and quiet walks.
U.S. Homesteading Versus U.K. Smallholding
Looking at the differences between the current homesteading movement in the USA compared to Smallholders in the UK.
Rural Broadband Internet Programs Gain Funding
The Obama administration announced additional funding for rural broadband Internet programs that will increase the speed of rural Internet access. The funding is part of 2009's Recovery Act.
Urban Homesteading - Seed Starting
You can get more for your gardening money with a group seed starting effort.
Urban Homesteading - Finishing Wood With Flax and Pine
For a natural looking wood finish, use a mixture of linseed oil and turpentine.
On a Farm in Rural Illinois
Carolyn's story of living on a farm in rural Illinois shows that one can truly live off the land by having a huge garden, collecting wild morel mushrooms, and making homemade cottage cheese from the milk of the family cow.
Use Lumber You've Cut to Start Creative Wood Projects
Using wood you've harvested to start creative wood projects is not impossible. Many sawyers have created beautiful wood structures made from lumber they've cut themselves.
Wood-Mizer Personal Best Winner: Donn Saindon's Reclaimed Wood Home
Donn Saindon built this beautiful 1,200 square foot home from reclaimed wood and won his category of the Wood-Mizer Personal Best contest.
How Did We Get Here?
After hitching a ride out of the city on the Slow Food movement, some newcomers to the country look back on their transition decision.
Wood-Mizer Personal Best Winner: Joe Bonn's Dream Home
Joe Bonn built this impressive home in Colorado and won his category of the Wood-Mizer Personal Best contest.
Urban Homesteading – Fall Garden Clean Up
It's fall, time for fall garden clean up and planting garlic for next summer's harvest.
Wood-Mizer Personal Best Winner: Robert Craig's Douglas Fir Barn
Robert Craig built this 960 square foot barn in Oregon and won his category of the Wood-Mizer Personal Best contest.
How to Build a Live Trap for Small Animals
Learn how to assemble a humane animal trap out of recycled material. It's easy and effective!
How Do You Install A Package Of Bees?
How to install a package of bees
Teaching Your Kids How to Ride a Bike the Fast and Easy Way
Learn how to teach your kids to ride a bike. It's simple: Use a scooter.
How to Be Happy, According to Ben Does Life
Ben Davis, of Ben Does Life, has a truly inspirng weight loss story, but it's how message about how to be happy that is most motivational.
MOTHER EARTH NEWS Grows Shiitake Mushrooms
Read about our mycological journey, starting with our process of inoculating several shiitake mushroom logs. The process is easy enough for most anyone intersted in producing their own shiitake mushrooms at home — plus, it's fun and a big money-saver!
How Can I Save Cucumber Seeds?
A long-time gardener describes the seed-saving technique for cucumbers.
Now What?
Cole takes you through the first steps in learning to cut your own meat - sourcing.
Video Demo: How to Make Tofu
Watch this video tutorial on how to make tofu.
How to Make a Fruit Picker
Follow these easy instructions explaining how to make a fruit picker, and you'll never be tormented by out-of-reach fruit again.
How to Store Potatoes in Your Garden
Simply by covering your potatoes with ample mulch, storing potatoes in the ground is not only possible but incredibly easy and successful. Learn how to store potatoes in your garden and enjoy crisp, homegrown spuds through winter and into spring.
Fresh Cherry Pie Recipe
Bake those tart cherries dangling from your backyard tree into sweet and tasty fruit pies. Here's how to make fresh cherry pie without stressing about the perfect pie crust.
10 Tips from Empty Nesters for Downsizing and Living Small
Ed and Joan Kobrinski left a large family home for a smaller, simpler cottage—and they've never looked back. Their tips for downsizing and living in smaller spaces could help make your transition easier.
Growing Renewable Energy Sources in the United States
The Obama Administration releases its plans for new renewable energy sources. Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, explains that the new solar energy zones span six states and keep both domestic energy and environmental preservation in mind. If completed, the power generated from these solar energy zones would provide electricity to roughly seven-million homes.
A New Year's Revolution
In this blog, I challenge readers to abandon the typically new year's resolution and embarking on a New Year's Revolution. Read it and see if you'd like to join me on what could be an exciting and profitable new venture.
New Year's Revolution: Throw Out Your Rule Book
We all have a rule book inscribed in our minds that dictates how we and others should act. Though handy at times, it often becomes a liability, a huge liability. See why in this blog and what you can do about it.
Top Bar Hives -- It's All About the Wax!!!
This blog post by Christy Hemenway of Gold Star Honeybees describes some techniques for getting bees to draw straight comb in a top bar hive.
Winterizing Tips for Top Bar Hives
This post offers tips for winterizing a top bar hive - insulating, mouse guards, wrapping, closing entrances, protecting from wind. All things you can do to help get them through!
Feeding Bees With Real Food - Honey and Pollen
You don't have to depend on nature to feed your bees. Take matters into your own hands and plant enough good food for your bees, so they have good, safe food all year long.
It Takes A Village ...
A story of life, death and rebirth of a hoop house.
Learning About Bees and Beekeeping - Three U. S. Regional Associations
Three U.S. regional beekeeping associations offer much to beekeepers at any skill level and experience. Beeyard adventures, workshops, lectures, honey shows, and the chance to meet hundreds of likemined individuals await you here.
Nation's Largest Community-Owned Solar Farm Opens in Colorado
The nation's largest community-owned solar array in Rifle, Colorado, will provide clean energy for up to 350 residents, who don't even need a roof to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.
An 'Elemental' Undertaking: Environmental Film Humanizes the Eco-Warrior
There's more than one way to be an environmental warrior. And some approaches work better than others. Elemental follows the stories of three environmental advocates united by their deep connection with nature and driven to confront some of the most dire ecological issues affecting their respective communities. This isn't only a story about plight and pollution, however. Rather, Gayatri Roshan's and Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee's documentary works best as a character-driven study of eco-activism's do's and don'ts.
Find Local Food
These online tools can help you find the best sources for local food, including local farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs.
Home and Community Gardening
Support your local food systems while getting the most from your home garden.
A Report on Warmth
With winter beginning, these homesteaders are starting winter off cozy in their cabin.
'The Farm Then and Now' by Douglas Stevenson
"The Farm Then and Now" by Douglas Stevenson tells the story of The Farm: an intentional community that has defied the odds, blending idealism with a practical approach to create a model for sustainable living.
Ways to Support the Local Foods Movement
A list of ways we could each show support or teach our friends and family to support the Local Foods Movement
Seven Springs Speaker Spotlight: Frances Moore Lappé, Hopeful Environmentalist
Frances Moore Lappé of the Small Planet Institute will present a workshop on positive environmentalism at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, September 24-25, 2011 in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania.
Urban Oases
My mission was to find like minded 'earth nurturers' in a neighborhood where there seems to be a dearth of us! What I found was humility and kindred spirits, and the makings of a great dinner party!
Spontaneous Bender Build
The full team from thePOOSH.org attended Over the Moon Festival last autumn in the UK and built a beautiful bender as a temporary shelter area and stall.
Keeping Quails: Gender Differentiation
Quails make an excellent urban choice for poultry raising, chiefly for their tranquil nature, minimal noise and egg-producing efficiency. In this, the second installment of my series on quail-raising, you'll learn how to identify gender from color and marks and see how quail eggs compare with those of chickens.
Seven Springs Speaker Spotlight: Jerry DeWitt, Sustainability Proponent
Jerry DeWitt of the National Center of Appropriate Technology will present a workshop on the culture of sustainability at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, September 24-25, 2011 in Seven Springs, Pa.
4H Needs You
4-H is a youth organization that can be a great resource for skill-building in our communities. No matter what you do or what your interest, spending time with your local club is a worthy contribution.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlight: Sukita Reay Crimmel, Earthen Floor Builder and Bryan Welch, Author, Rancher and Publisher of MOTHER EARTH NEWS
Sukita Reay Crimmel of Claylin and From These Hands, and publisher of Mother Earth News Bryan Welch will present workshops on building earthen floors and how to build a sustainable future at the Mother Earth News Fair, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, WA.
Social Network Site for Homeschool Families
Homeschool Moms for Moms is a safe place where moms are welcome to post photos of their children's portfolios, work, crafts, artwork, and learning environments.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlights: Cecile Andrews, Simplicity Advisor and Dena Marshall of Marshall Mediation
Cecile Andrews, simplicity advisor and Dena Marshall of Marshall Meditation will present workshops on simplicity and conflict management at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, Wash.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlight: Ed Begley Jr., Actor and Activist
Ed Begley Jr. of Envirolet will present a workshop on sustainable living at the Mother Earth News Fair, an annual sustainability festival, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, Wash.
Collaborative Advocacy in Action in Portland
Portland is the nation's most bike-friendly city, yet this Oregon community has had to deal with cycling disparities among its population. One nonprofit organization addressed this issue by developing new programs targeting low-income immigrant communities.
Puyallup Speaker Spotlight: Carolyn Guske, Heritage Farm Animal Artist
Carolyn Guske, official illustrator for MOTHER EARTH NEWS heritage farm animals, will teach kids how to draw and paint heritage farm animals at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR, an annual sustainability festival, June 4-5, 2011 in Puyallup, Wash.
Get Your Local Food From a CSA
Pass the cold, wintry months with warm thoughts of how you can eat more local food while supporting sustainable agriculture this coming season.
Keeping Quails: Newly Hatched Baby Quails
Raising baby coturnix quail is an exciting adventure. Taylor is completely new to raising poultry and shares his experiences.
Autumn Changes: Organic, Local and Sustainable Food, and Our CSA
The benefits of a membership in a CSA and how supporting local organic farming is not only good for you but good for the Earth as well.
Creating an External Hard Drive for Your Brain
Many people have trouble getting things done or done on time. The blog presents a simple technique that will help you become more effective and more successful in all you do.
Tuesday Video: How to Make Natural Cleaners
Making your own cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda and water is healthy, easy--and cheap. Learn how to whip up your own cleaners using foods you already have in your kitchen cupboard.
The Spiritual Side of Growing Your Food
A post by Maria Rodale called A Harvest of Healing got me thinking about how gardening and growing your own food is much more than what you harvest.
Gardening Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
People often dismiss gardening as an expensive hobby that they can't afford. While that can be true, it doesn't have to be. There are way to make gardening cheap.
Food Prices Might Be Rising, But You Can Do Something About It
In the United States, we are feeling the effects of the rising food prices as well. When you take a deeper look into the prices, it's not the food that is causing the price to rise. It's everything else that goes into getting the food to your plate t
DIY Seed Starter Pots
It might be the middle of the summer, but you should start thinking about getting your fall garden ready. If you don't have much space, to plant everything outdoors, then you can certainly start your seeds indoors.
Two Ways to Use a Shipping Pallet in Your Garden
When you are apartment gardening in a small space, you are forced to be creative due to your space constrictions. Most traditional pots and containers might not work, so you become reliant on reusing objects to better fit your space.
Weekend Project: Save Money by Making Your Own Essential Oil Diffuser
Reed diffusers are a great way to fill your home with the fresh, healing scents of essential oils--but they're pricey. You can save a bundle by making your own using repurposed bottles and plant stalks.
Growing Food as a Family
Parents will often say that they don't have time to grow their own food because they have kids. Don't let kids be the excuse. Instead make them part of the experience too. It's what families have done since the beginning of time. The past 100 yea
How Did America Lose Its Connection With Food?
While there are many events that have lead us to where we are today in terms of food, there are some things/events that stand out the most in my mind. Growing your own food is one way to reverse the trend.
Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent--It's Easy!
Save money and keep harsh chemicals out of your kitchen by making your own dishwasher detergent. It takes just seconds to make a powdered or liquid version.
Simple Reasons to Start Growing Your Own Food
When people ask why they should grow their own food, the answer that I give is often simple. I tell them, "It's because we are humans."
Make Your Own Lotion Bars
Claire finds a recipe for hard lotion and makes molded lotion bars to give as Christmas presents.
Grow Your Own Food as a Social Statement
Take these into consideration the next time you are making your food purchases.
Staying Cool This Summer, Naturally: Ceiling Fans to the Rescue
Ceiling fans help cool people naturally, and use a lot less energy than air conditioners. Use them to save on energy.
What is an OMRI Listing?
Organic is a phrase that's tossed around and abused a lot by marketers these days. Not all "organic" products should be treated equally.
Vertical Gardening and Composter in One
What if I told you that you could grow 50 plants in 4 square feet?
Food Waste in America
We are taught when we are kids not to waste food, but it doesn't seem as if that lessen has stuck with us.
Garden Fail: Gardening Mistakes That I've Made
Whether you are new to gardening or experienced, you will make some mistakes. Get over it and learn from it. That's the most important thing.
National Organize Your Home Office Day: 5 Tips
Today's a great day to follow our tips for creating a home office that's easy on you and light on the planet.
The Politics of Gardening
Some people use gardening as an escape from the trials and tribulations of the real world. It's their time to get their hands dirty, connect with the earth and just be in their garden.
Fort Garland, Colorado - Part 2
Reasons why we like to shop at our local grocery.
Three Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your Container Garden
If you are new to growing your own food in containers, these are some simple tips that should help you to get a better yield and results from your containers.
Three Ways To Reuse Soda Bottles in Your Garden
Growing your own food doesn't have to be an expensive activity. There are plenty of ways to cut back the costs and be earth-friendly as well. You can do this by giving a second life to items that have outgrown their initial purpose.
Stay Cool This Summer With Natural Cooling Methods
Use naturally cool nighttime air to provide summer comfort. It's a lot easier than you think and it can save you a fortune on cooling costs.
Time to Plant Popcorn!
Popcorn is easy to grow and makes an attractive and delicious alternative to sweet corn, especially in a small garden. Kids will love the cute little ears, and adults will treasure the superior flavor of homegrown popcorn. Plant in late spring.
How To Make a Self-Watering Container


text:
Aqui é pé na porta, soco na cara. WPP: 051 9253 0331
about.me/ahhVelha - 197 followers
Nominations are now closed and will open in early 2015. See below for a list of last year's categories.
Entries are now open for the Shorty Awards recognizing the best professional social media accounts and campaigns of 2014. Upcoming deadline to enter is February 19, 2015. Find out more about the Shorty Awards for Brands & Agencies
The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media. Millions of people participate in The Shortys to recognize individuals and organizations producing great content on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Foursquare and the rest of the social web. The 7th annual ceremony will be held in April 2015 in New York City and live streamed internationally.

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Hi folks, Not sure how long its been broke, but links back to your validation using the http://validator.w3.org/check/referer URI are not working. I have had to give full expression like this to work: http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=http://www.pcarc.net/about.html Even your own buttons are not working! ;-) Regards, (and THANKS for providing this service!) StanReceived on Sunday, 23 March 2003 13:49:46 GMT
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