Gretchen Kruesi
Yogurt making is having a moment. See what all the fun is about by making your own natural yogurt! This recipe uses kefir as a starter for an end result that is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. The following excerpt is from The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher. It has been adapted for the web.…
Read MoreGrowing your own herbs is a great alternative to over-the-counter medicine. Not only do these plants help with general wellness, they’re also an easy fix for small cuts, be used as a calming agent, and boost your immune system. Have more control of what goes into your body with these 10 herbs to promote natural…
Read MoreEvery farm could use a few pigs! Add a little “oink” to your life by raising your own. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips for deciding which pig breed is best for your farm! The following is an excerpt from The New Livestock Farmer by Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Jim Dunlop. It has…
Read MoreWant to learn how to make different kinds of cheese this winter? With this simple recipe, you’ll be ready to create a crumbly and decadent feta-style cheese at home. The following is an excerpt from Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking by Gianaclis Caldwell. It has been adapted for the web. How to Make Feta-Style Cheese Fortunately, feta-type…
Read MoreDuring cold and flu season, finding an alternative way to soothe coughs could save you an unnecessary trip to the doctor’s office. Understanding different kinds of coughs and how to identify them can also provide comfort and peace of mind. Keep in mind that for symptoms that go beyond the common cold, you should always…
Read MorePruning is essential for keeping protected crops healthy & balanced through the winter months. Keep reading for some helpful tips on pruning greenhouse and hoophouse plants! The following is an excerpt from The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook by Andrew Mefferd. It has been adapted for the web. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2017…
Read MoreMost people know that the big man in the North Pole has a team of reindeer waiting to deliver presents, but not as many know who is taking care of these animals behind the scenes: the Sámi people of Norway. This is an excerpt from The Reindeer Chronicles by Judith D. Schwartz. It has been…
Read MoreAdd a twist to your dessert dishes this winter! These pears wrapped in pastry not only smell and taste amazing, they’re very easy to make and are ‘pear’-fect for serving guests. The following is an excerpt from The Book of Pears by Joan Morgan. It has been adapted for the web. How to Make Pears…
Read MoreWant to grow year-round, but a greenhouse feels like a big investment? The low tunnel is here to help! Low tunnels are less expensive than greenhouses and allow you to adjust & respond to the climate outside the tunnel. When it comes to cost and flexibility, low tunnels are the all-around winners. The following is…
Read MoreBeat the winter blues with this chicken noodle soup recipe! Delicious and nutritious, this soup is perfect for the whole family. The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen by Sophia Nguyen Eng. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup Yield: 4 to 6 servings This soup is…
Read MoreWant to keep growing great food during the cold months? Try growing winter carrots in your cold house! These carrots, which Eliot Coleman grows on his farm in the winter, are even sweeter and more flavorful than the more conventionally timed “spring carrots.” The following is an excerpt fromThe Winter Harvest Handbook by Eliot Coleman. It has…
Read MoreTired of the same old side dishes taking up the table during holiday dinners? Excite your tastebuds with these unique and flavorful side dish recipes! The following recipes have been adapted for the web. Amazake Rye Bread From Koji Alchemy by Jeremy Umansky and Rich Shih (Note: This recipe calls for koji. If you don’t know…
Read MoreWant to keep your protected crops heated and healthy all season? Get your greenhouse ready for winter with these snow removal tips! The following is an excerpt from The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook by Andrew Mefferd. It has been adapted for the web. (Photographs courtesy of Andrew Mefferd unless otherwise noted.) Dealing with snow…
Read MoreHoliday dinner dishes and sides get all the attention — but the reality is, dessert is where it’s at. Here are some show-stealing desserts to serve at your next holiday celebration. The following recipes have been adapted for the web. Lost Nation Cider Pie From The Apple Grower Make ahead: The recipe calls for making…
Read MoreWant to make the most of the slow gardening season? Lay cover crops to improve the health of your soil and plants! The following is an excerpt from The Celestial Garden by Jane Hawley Stevens. It has been adapted for the web. Benefits of Cover Crops Cover cropping is a management practice that benefits the…
Read MoreSearching for the perfect book to give the gardener in your life? These 8 books are great gifts for gardeners at any level. Head over to our Gardening page for even more great gardening reads! In The Home-Scale Forest Garden, Dani Baker shares what she learned as she became a forest gardener, providing a practical,…
Read MoreFrom clipping the proper branches to tying the right knots, building a wreath takes patience and precision. Create this holiday craft with your family to decorate your home, or spread the joy to others by gifting or selling your homemade wreath. The following is an excerpt from Carving Out a Living on the Land by…
Read MoreNothing is quite as sweet as baking a dessert with ingredients you foraged for yourself. This spruce tip key lime pie recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress all your guests this winter. The following is an excerpt from The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora by Alan Bergo. It has been adapted for the…
Read MoreInterested in micro-farming, but don’t know where to begin? Believe it or not, you only need 9 tools to get started. These easy-to-find tools for micro-farming will set the stage for productive growing! The following is an excerpt from The Lean Micro Farm by Ben Hartman. It has been adapted for the web. Unless otherwise noted, all…
Read MoreStruggling to find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Our wide range of food and drink books will give you plenty of options to choose from! Whether you’re shopping for an adventurous cook who likes foraging for their ingredients, a fermentation aficionado, or a lover of culinary classics, you’ll find something for…
Read MoreWant to run a successful farm, but don’t know where to begin? These tips from two organic farming pioneers will help you learn everything you need to get started. The following is an excerpt from Many Hands Make a Farm by Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson. It has been adapted for the web. Lessons From Farming…
Read MoreThere’s nothing quite like the flavor of fresh, homemade cheese — especially when there’s a story behind it. This cheese recipe, a favorite of fermentation expert Sandor Ellix Katz, requires a few simple ingredients that you can find in your fridge. The following is an excerpt from Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys by Sandor Ellix Katz. It…
Read MoreLooking for a unique way to cook with turkey this holiday season? This gluten-free and kosher recipe for turkey egg rolls is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Serve these easy-to-make appetizers with a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor! The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen…
Read MoreThese days, there are a record number of people growing their own food and other crops at home. Whether the homesteader in your life is new to the homesteading lifestyle or a seasoned pro, we’ve got your go-to gifts for anyone who grows everything themselves. In the first edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer,…
Read MoreAdd a rich and robust twist to your meals with help from red wine salt! This delicious seasoning is a perfect addition to dishes like short rib, lamb chops, roasted potatoes, and more. The following is an excerpt from Salt and the Art of Seasoning by James Strawbridge. It has been adapted for the web.…
Read More