Redbud Blooms: A Sign of Spring to Come I did a hopeful thing today; as the outside temperature registered just above freezing, I collected a small basket full of redbud flowers.  Redbud (Cercis spp.) promises the inevitable arrival of spring for those of faltering faith in late winter.  The deep magenta buds, born precociously on bare branches before any leaves form, waste no time attracting the first eager pollinators of the season.  Redbuds are among the first to bloom in late winter, and as their blossoms open, magenta softens to rosy pink, and the banner and keel petals of ..read more

This post was originally published on March 26, 2015. Written by Kate Grimes   Confession: I haven’t mowed the front lawn in a while, and with the warm days of late winter, it’s starting to get a bit “shaggy.” The front yard had become a nagging and guilt-inducing chore when its sad brownish hue burst into a soft pink glow just the other day.  It was the Henbit (Lamium ssp.), rosy pink and everywhere. The Henbit convinced me to take a closer look, and upon inspection, I found an incredible diversity of plant species in what before had been a green blur.  The grasses were just c ..read more

This article is part of a series on weed gardens and identifying and using the plants you’ll often find there. For other articles in the series, please click here. How long does it take for weeds to invade a garden? Not long. But in a weed garden, that’s a good thing! Checking back in on the weed garden, we find that it’s mostly still a patch of bare soil. But upon closer inspection, we can see several guests starting to invite themselves in. It’s a bit too early to tell what they are at this stage, though I expect the larger leaves to be pokeweed. Plant Identification While we’re waiting on ..read more

I’ve talked to so many people who tried the “herbal medicine” thing and went quickly back to pharmaceuticals because the herbal remedies “didn’t work.” And I understand why that happened. We’ve been conditioned to assume medicine works instantly—that they get rid of our headaches, cure our sinus infections, or get rid of our yeast infections as soon as the pill, cream, or spray reaches our skin or blood. When an antibiotic doesn’t work the first time, we’ve been taught to get a second one to knock out the infection. If one round doesn’t work, we throw more at it. Which makes sense … oh wait—no ..read more

If you are a gardener, you are undoubtedly looking to reap the benefits of your garden for as long as possible. Extending the growing season is far more than rewarding; it enables you to have fresh, homegrown produce well beyond the growing season.  Simple tactics, such as ending your growing season late and starting your garden early, will make a tremendous difference in yields. Here are some strategies to help you get the most out of your gardening season. Plant Early/Late Season Hardy Varieties Many gardeners plant their garden once Spring arrives. But there is a better way! One of th ..read more

Investing in solar power is a wise choice in an era where sustainable energy solutions are more critical than ever. For homesteaders, the convenience of a reliable, renewable energy source can’t be overstated. Enter Jackery Solar Generators, a leading player in the solar energy field, with various solar-powered generators and accessories designed to meet your off-grid power needs. About Jackery Solar Generator Founded with a mission to provide eco-friendly energy solutions, Jackery specializes in creating solar generators, portable power stations, and accessories. They focus on offering reliab ..read more

Winter greenhouses are perfect for growing winter spinach. Spinach loves the cool growing temperatures, and winter greenhouses are the ideal place to grow spinach. Several varieties of spinach do better in the winter greenhouse than others. I will share those varieties and four secrets for getting them through the coldest nights. At The Grow Network, we are committed to helping you grow food year-round, and a greenhouse is an excellent way to accomplish this. Learn from our friend Lynn at The Living Farm as she walks you through growing spinach this winter!    Click here for the special ..read more

Alcohol distillation has long been associated with the production of alcoholic beverages, but its applications extend far beyond intoxication. This ancient technique has many practical uses on the Homestead. Let’s explore some lesser-known benefits of alcohol distillation, from crafting herbal tinctures to producing fuel and preserving fruit. 6 Ways to Use Alcohol Herbal Medicines: Tinctures One of the most celebrated applications of alcohol distillation on the Homestead is producing herbal medicines. Herbal tinctures are solutions in which the active medicinal compounds of medicinal plants ar ..read more

Kale grows exceptionally well in the cold winter months. In fact, is one of the best winter vegetables to grow, especially in a greenhouse. However, several varieties of kale grow better during the winter than others. In this video, we share what variety of Kale grows best in the winter, plus 4 secrets for getting them through the coldest nights. Click here for the special discount on Lynn’s High-Performance Greenhouse eCourse: https://thelivingfarm.org/high-performance-greenhouse-course/  Use Code GREENHOUSETGN to receive $100 OFF   Lynn Gillespie is the creator of the High-Perfo ..read more

Broccoli is one vegetable that grows extraordinarily well in the cold temperatures of the winter months, especially when grown in a greenhouse. One variety of broccoli grows better in the winter greenhouse than others. In this video, Lynn Gillespie of the Living Farm and High-Performance Greenhouses will share what variety of broccoli grows best in winter. In addition, she will reveal her four secrets to getting them through the coldest nights of the season. Click here for the special discount on Lynn’s High-Performance Greenhouse eCourse: https://thelivingfarm.org/high-performance-greenhous ..read more