Country life (or rural life for some folks): What sort of images come to your mind at this phrase? The beauty of nature on full display? The fresh smell of grass? Large open fields of grain under a picturesque blue sky with fluffy white clouds? A small town with cows lowing and sheep bleating in Originally published on Things They Don’t Tell You About Living in the Country © Insteading ..read more

Swiss chard is a colorful leafy vegetable that can brighten up your garden and meals. Learn different varieties of swiss chard, their unique characteristics and growth needs with this comprehensive guide! Originally published on Types of Swiss Chard © Insteading ..read more

Over the last couple of years, modern discussions about meat consumption have reached a strange, sensitive place. Some unequivocally state that all our global problems would be solved if we stopped eating meat and switched to alternative protein sources. Others staunchly defend their right to eat as much meat as they want, while still others Originally published on How to Feed a Family With a Cup of Meat or Less © Insteading ..read more

“Isn’t that a weed?” I asked, staring at the gangly plant growing with vigor between the cracks of the patio. The white flowers dangled from tall stems that waved in the wind. My friend shrugged and chuckled. “One person’s weed is another person’s wildflower.” She reached down and tore off one of the leaves spread Originally published on All About Ribwort Plantain © Insteading ..read more

Whether you like them raw or cooked, zucchinis are one of the most versatile crops you can grow a home. Discover different zucchini varieties and their unique traits with this comprehensive guide! Originally published on Types of Zucchini © Insteading ..read more

“Don’t throw that out,” my friend scolded (I was about to compost the core of a lettuce head)! “Why not?” I asked. “It’ll grow more lettuce and provide you with an economical source of food. Most produce can easily be regrown, so to speak. Leafy veggies, root crops, and many others.” I was keen to Originally published on Growing Food From Scraps © Insteading ..read more

Summer is waning, which means if you’re in elderberry territory — and most of us are — there are literal buckets on buckets of fruit available to anyone who doesn’t mind having purple fingers. If you read my last article on foraging for American elder, you should be a pro at finding and identifying this Originally published on Making American Elderberry Syrup © Insteading ..read more

I have an awkward confession to make. I’m watching “The Office” for the first time (belatedly), and getting up to speed with all the jokes my friends made back in 2007. While I have enjoyed the show (all the while giving thanks that I don’t work in an office anymore), I couldn’t let this scene Originally published on The Difference Between Hay and Straw © Insteading ..read more

Fire can be beautiful, pleasant, and calming when properly tended. Fire can also be hazardous and full of rage. Depending on where you find yourself homesteading in the United States, you may not be aware that it is wildfire season. For those of us who are in fire-prone areas, it feels strange to know there […] Originally published on Practicing Wildfire Safety on Your Homestead © Insteading ..read more

Multiple uses of pumpkin make it one of the most beneficial crop to plant in your home garden. Get to know these popular pumpkin varieties and their unique characteristics before purchasing your seeds. Originally published on Types of Pumpkins © Insteading ..read more