Perennial Power: Why You Need Perennials in Your Garden
Keeping up with a garden can be a lot of work; luckily, there’s a secret weapon that will take away some of your stress. Perennials are the perfect addition to any garden, and only have to be planted once a decade! The following is from The Resilient Farm and Homestead, Revised and Expanded Edition by…
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Greater Flavor: How to Make A Basic Miso Paste
There are reasons that miso paste has become popular around the world: it’s versatile, relatively inexpensive, and can be made in a range of flavors you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. And better yet, you can even make miso at home! The following is an excerpt from Koji Alchemy by Jeremy Umansky and Rich…
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Medicinal Uses for 8 Herbs Already in your Kitchen
We all know a dash of cayenne pepper is great on roasted sweet potatoes and a little bit of cinnamon goes a long way in a batch of cookies, but did you know many of the kitchen herbs already in your spice rack can also be used medicinally? The following is an excerpt from Energetic Herbalism by…
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Say Cheese! A Simple & Fast Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Cheese lovers, it’s time to add another recipe to your list! Make this easy (and cheesy) ricotta recipe at home in as little as one hour. The following is an excerpt from The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher. It has been adapted for the web. Recipe: Fast Ricotta Cheese Estimated time frame: 1…
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Must-Have Tools for Successful Indoor Gardening
Who says cold weather has to stop you from gardening? With the right tools, you’ll be all set to create your own indoor garden at home. The following is an excerpt from Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening by Peter Burke. It has been adapted for the web. Tools for Indoor Gardening The list of tools you…
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Starting A Flower Farm: 7 Steps to Crop Planning
Thinking about starting your own flower farm? Before putting seeds in the ground, it’s important to plan out which crops you want to plant. The following is an excerpt from Flower Farming for Profit by Lennie Larkin. It has been adapted for the web. Crop Planning for A Flower Farm in 7 Steps Crop planning…
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5 Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter
Looking for some delicious and simple recipes that will keep everyone in your house warm while snow rages outside? You’ve come to the right place! The following recipes are some of our favorites and will help you ward off the cold. Winter Root Veggie Potpie From Black Trumpet by Evan Mallett Looking for new ways…
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Simple Sugars & The Sweet Side of Fermentation
Did you know that simple sugars can ferment on their own? Fruits, plant saps & diluted honey/sugar = spontaneous fermentation! Unlock the power of simple sugars: effortless fermentation awaits.
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Mastering the Actions of Herbs
Want to become a master in medicinal herbs? The first step to using these herbs successfully is understanding the actions of each one and how they work to treat an individual patient’s symptoms. The following excerpt is from Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 2 by Dr. Jill Stansbury. It has been adapted for the…
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The Winter Harvest Project
Four-season farmer Eliot Coleman strikes again with inspiration for all you cold-loving farmers out there! A master of extending the growing season, Eliot explains his strategies for a successful winter harvest and greenhouse design. The following excerpt is from The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition by Eliot Coleman. It has been adapted for the web.…
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How To Make Blue Cheese
Attention, moldy cheese lovers — this recipe is for you! “Moldy” isn’t usually a quality we look for in our food; but when it comes to blue cheese, the mold cultures contribute largely to its unique texture and bold flavor. The following is an excerpt from Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking by Gianaclis Caldwell. It has been adapted…
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Cream of Butternut Squash Soup
During this time of year — when the weather is cold and the sun still sets early — there’s nothing like a good comfort meal to warm you up and boost your spirits. This soup recipe is sure to keep you feeling cozy all season long! The following excerpt is from Full Moon Feast by…
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10 Herbs for Family Health
Growing 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…
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Perfect Pigs: Which Pig Breed Is Best?
Every homestead or 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 or homestead! The following is an excerpt from The New Livestock Farmer by Rebecca Thistlethwaite and…
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Spice Bread: Quick and Easy Pain d’Epices
Need a little spice in your life? This recipe for Pain d’Epices will do the trick! Bring warmth and joy to your table with a slice of this delicious spice bread. An added bonus: Your house will smell amazing while the bread is in the oven. The following is an excerpt from From the Wood-Fired…
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Firm & Crumbly Feta-Style Cheese: An Easy Cheesy Recipe
Want 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…
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How to Decipher and Soothe Coughs: A Guide to Getting Through Cold & Flu Season
During 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…
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Time-Tested Sourdough Starter
Want to make bread this winter? With this low-maintenance sourdough starter recipe, you’ll have a delicious loaf of hot-from-the-oven bread on the table in no time! The following recipe is from Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods by Sandor Katz. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Sourdough Starter Starting…
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9 Books for Backyard Gardeners
Searching for the perfect book to give the gardener in your life? These 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, in-depth…
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Buying Meat for the Holidays? Questions to Ask Your Butcher or Farmer
Getting ready to start planning for festive dinners? Before buying meat for the holidays, it’s important to research a few things about the practices involved in butchering, packaging, and distribution — which directly impact the quality of your meat. The following is an excerpt from The Gourmet Butcher’s Guide to Meat by Cole Ward. It…
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Gifts They’ll Crave: 10 Books for Every Foodie on Your List
Struggling 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…
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Tips for Operating A Successful Farm
Want 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…
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Let’s Get Cheesy! Sandor Katz’s Favorite Homemade Cheese
There’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…
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DIY: How to Make Your Own Hatchet
Ever wanted to make your own hatchet? Then today’s your lucky day! With some scrap steel, a hacksaw, a file, a drill, a bonfire, a bucket of water, and an oven, you can make this simple, hardy, “democratic” axe. The following excerpt is from A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity by William Coperthwaite. It has…
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Red Wine Salt: A Bold and Flavorful Seasoning
Add 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.…
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