Make it stand out
Homesteading
Welcome
Homesteading isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning, adapting, and finding joy in the process of doing things yourself. This blog series is a reflection of that path. You'll find stories, experiments, and ideas from life on the land, where every season teaches something new.
Here, you’ll find practical projects, old skills brought back to life, and new ways of thinking about self-reliance. Whether you’re building a fence, rendering tallow, canning garden surplus, or dealing with a compost pile that’s gone a little sideways, this space is for you.
What works on one homestead might flop on another. That’s part of the beauty. These blogs don’t hand out rules—they offer observations, options, and a little encouragement. Because homesteading isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing what matters most in a way that fits your life.
So if you’re looking for grounded guidance, thoughtful reflection, and a reminder that you’re not in this alone, you’re in the right place.
Pull up a chair. Let’s get to work.
Slower, On Purpose
At some point, the noise fades and a quieter rhythm takes over. This blog explores what it means to choose a slower path—on purpose. Whether you call it stewardship, rewilding, or simply a shift in focus, this is a season worth naming.
Local Harvesting Worms
A simple bucket, a patch of shade, and the worms already living on your land—that's all it takes to start a native worm farm. In this post, I share my method for harvesting local earthworms without disrupting the ecosystem.
Naturally Repel Ants
Looking for a safe, natural way to get rid of ants? Cedarwood oil is a powerful essential oil that disrupts ant trails, repels invaders, and protects your home and garden—without harsh chemicals. Learn how to use it indoors and outdoors with simple DIY recipes.
Planting by the Signs
In Tennessee, planting by the signs isn't just tradition—it’s smart gardening. Learn how to time your lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more by watching for natural cues like Daffodil Winter, Redbud Winter, and Blackberry Winter. This guide breaks down which crops to plant with each False Winter so your garden thrives with the rhythms of the land.
Three Frog Blooms and the False Winters of Tennessee
In Tennessee, the arrival of spring is a slow dance—full of starts, stops, and old-time wisdom. Learn the meaning behind sayings like "three frog blooms" and explore the natural rhythm of our region’s False Winters, from Daffodil Winter to Cotton Britches Winter. These folklore-based weather patterns still help gardeners and farmers plan their seasons today.
Boosting Soil & Plant Health
Spring brings rain, renewal—and the perfect opportunity to reset your garden’s microbiome. In this post, I share how I use a mycology wash to revitalize soil with beneficial fungi, and how I time OHN (Oriental Herbal Nutrient) applications to boost plant immunity without disrupting microbial life. Includes recipes, timing tips, and how to sync applications with the weather.
growing Potatoes
Learn how to grow potatoes in 10-gallon grow bags for high yields using the right soil mix, proper spacing, and natural Korean Natural Farming (KNF) methods. Discover whether to hill or not, how to choose between determinate and indeterminate varieties, and boost your harvest with simple organic inputs.