Today we are sharing with you all our tips on how to grow lavender. A few years ago, my daughter and I visited a lavender festival at a charming farm just a few miles away. It was our first experience with lavender fields, and we were completely captivated. The endless rows of lavender plants, their […]
How to Grow Lavender 101 Made Easy for Beginners Read Post »
Homemade sidewalk chalk paint is a colorful, easy recipe to keep younger kids entertained. With simple ingredients like cornstarch and water, you can make your own paints that are washable, safe, and a great way to enjoy long summer days. Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint for Summertime Fun This sidewalk paint recipe is one of our
How to Make Your Own DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint Read Post »
If you’ve ever enjoyed the soft, pillowy goodness of homemade naan bread at a restaurant, you’ll be thrilled to know you can make a quick and easy version right at home. Using simple ingredients and a hot skillet, this yogurt-based naan recipe delivers the same chewy texture and satisfying flavor without the need for yeast—or
Soft Fluffy Easy Homemade Naan Bread No Yeast Read Post »
Make Homemade Paprika with Fresh produce you’re your own garden. Imagine stepping into your garden, picking ripe peppers fresh off the vine, and transforming them into a rich, aromatic spice that will elevate your dishes all year round. Making your own paprika from garden-grown peppers is a rewarding journey that connects you to the land
Homemade Paprika with Fresh Flavors from Garden to Jar Read Post »
Here are our top tips to plan a butterfly garden. There’s something magical about watching butterflies dance from flower to flower in your backyard. With the right plants and a little planning, you can create a thriving space that attracts a variety of butterflies and makes your garden feel alive. Adding a butterfly garden to
Plan a Butterfly Garden: Tips and Top Plant Picks Read Post »
Let’s explore 7 compelling reasons to plant a butterfly garden today and how you can create a productive butterfly garden full of butterfly-friendly plants. Imagine your garden teeming with vibrant blooms and alive with the fluttering wings of countless butterflies. A well-planned butterfly garden isn’t just a treat for the eyes. It’s a lifeline for
7 Compelling Reasons to Plant a Butterfly Garden Today Read Post »
Make this easy banana pancakes recipe from scratch using overripe bananas. Breakfast on the homestead should be hearty, wholesome, and made with ingredients you already have on hand. That’s why these banana pancakes are the perfect recipe to whip up on a cozy morning. Not only do they use ripe bananas that might otherwise go
Easy and Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe from Scratch Read Post »
Let’s learn about How to Stratify Seeds at Home. If you’ve ever struggled with getting certain seeds to sprout, seed stratification might be the answer. Some types of seeds require a period of cold or warm treatment to break their dormancy and start growing into beautiful plants. This natural process mimics the environmental conditions seeds
A Beginner’s Guide How to Stratify Seeds at Home Read Post »
Let’s explore the top pollinator plants for a thriving vegetable garden. Creating a flourishing vegetable garden requires more than just good soil, sunshine, and water. To truly thrive, your garden needs the help of pollinators—nature’s hardworking allies. Pollinator-friendly plants play a crucial role in supporting important pollinators like honeybees, bumble bees, and solitary bees. These
Top Pollinator Plants for a Thriving Vegetable Garden Read Post »
Let’s talk about how to Treat and Prevent Thrush in Equines. Dealing with thrush in our miniature donkey and miniature horse has been a learning experience for us as equine owners. We first noticed the telltale signs. A foul odor and black discharge around their hooves. We quickly realized we needed to act before the
Effective Ways to Treat and Prevent Thrush in Equines Read Post »
These No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies, a cherished treat from my great-grandma Joy’s recipe collection, embody just that. Crafted with simple ingredients and no oven required, these cookies are an ideal addition to your homestead kitchen. At Hobby Homestead, we value recipes that are simple, nostalgic, and perfect for bringing families together. It’s a great way
No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies Perfect for Any Occasion Read Post »
There’s nothing quite like the rich, indulgent taste of homemade chocolate sauce for all your favorite desserts. Whether you’re drizzling it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a swirl to a piping mug of hot chocolate, or elevating your chocolate cake with a glossy chocolate ganache, this simple recipe is bound to become
Easy Homemade Chocolate Sauce Recipe Read Post »
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a batch of homemade brownies from scratch. We love seeing the crinkly top and the super moist and fudgy brownies. While these can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage, that is never an issue at our house. They rarely last more than two days. They
Rich and Chewy Homemade Brownies from Scratch Recipe Read Post »
Essential DIY Homesteading Skills for Every Family: a phrase that evokes the timeless art of self-reliance and the joy of creating a sustainable way of life. Whether you’re nurturing a vegetable garden in your backyard, baking your own bread in the kitchen, or learning how to sew with a sewing machine. It’s a lifestyle that
Essential DIY Homesteading Skills for Every Family Read Post »
While it may sound intimidating, learning how to deep fry a whole turkey safely is easy to master with the right equipment and precautions. Here’s your step-by-step guide to ensure your turkey turns out perfectly, without the danger. When it comes to preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving (or any special meal), deep-frying is an excellent
How to Deep Fry a Whole Turkey Safely Read Post »
Find out how I peel hard boiled eggs virtually every single time. Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be tricky, especially if you’ve encountered egg whites that stick or shells that refuse to come off in larger pieces. But don’t worry. With the right cooking methods and peeling techniques, you can achieve perfect hard-boiled eggs every single
How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs Easily Every Single Time Read Post »
Store fresh eggs safely and maintain their quality and flavor. Knowing the best practices for fresh egg storage can help extend their shelf life and ensure you’re getting the most out of every single one. Whether you have your own backyard chickens, shop at the local farmers market, or buy eggs from the grocery store,
How to Store Fresh Eggs: Keep Them Safe and Fresh Read Post »
This easy recipe for old-fashioned cinnamon quick bread is one of our favorite things to bake on chilly mornings, and it’s perfect for sharing over a warm cup of coffee. There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade cinnamon bread, especially when it’s a quick bread recipe that fills the house with the cozy aroma of cinnamon
Easy Old Fashioned Cinnamon Quick Bread Recipe Read Post »
How to get rid of fruit flies when you can’t figure out why they showed up in the first place? These little pests seem to quickly show up at the first signs of something rotting. What are they? Fruit flies, or Drosophila melanogaster, are tiny pests that seem to multiply overnight, especially around food sources
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: Tested Methods that Work Read Post »
Learn how to clean a front load washing machine yourself rather than calling in an expert. Maintaining fresh, clean clothes and prolonging the life of your washer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step using my own front loader as an example. From tackling soap scum and detergent residue to eliminating any mildew
How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine Read Post »
Good crisp salad greens are key and knowing the best way to store lettuce and keep it fresh and crisp for weeks is a must. If you’ve ever brought home lettuce from the grocery store or harvested it fresh from your own garden, you know how fast those vibrant leaves can lose their crispness. Whether
The Best Way to Store Lettuce to Keep it Fresh for Weeks Read Post »
Making your own homemade cottage cheese is incredibly satisfying to create from scratch. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh, creamy cheese. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to use simple ingredients and avoid store-bought options. Or you are a dairy farmer on a small scale or even a larger scale. When I was
Homemade Cottage Cheese: Simple and Delicious DIY Recipe Read Post »
Every fall, we roast pumpkin seeds. It has become a cherished family tradition every Halloween, turning pumpkin carving into a full fall experience. After cleaning out a fresh pumpkin, especially a sugar or pie pumpkin, it’s so satisfying to turn the mass of seeds into a tasty, crunchy snack. With a few simple steps, you
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds: A Family Favorite Recipe Read Post »
Render pure lard from pork fat and create a liquid gold. It’s a rewarding process that connects homesteaders to traditional cooking practices. When I was first married years ago, my mother-in-law taught me how to render lard. She just used a roasting pan to melt the fat at a very low temperature. On the farm,
Simple Steps to Render Pure Lard for Cooking and Baking Read Post »
Homemade body wash. All natural and leaves my skin soft and smooth. Has also massively helped me acne prone skin. When it comes to personal care, I’ve found that making my own body wash is not only a cost-effective alternative but also a luxurious experience that’s perfect for my sensitive skin. With this DIY body
Natural Homemade Body Wash with Simple Ingredients Read Post »
Cheesy ham and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, homemade creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The homemade bechamel sauce adds a smooth and creamy texture that takes this casserole to the next
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole with Creamy Sauce Read Post »
Did you know that there are things you should not cook in a cast-iron Skillet. Cooking in this pan can be a fantastic way to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges and a hard sear on savory foods like fried chicken or thicker cuts of steak. However, as versatile as cast iron pans are, there are certain
What Things Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet Read Post »
We spend so much time and effort in our gardens, storing squash for the winter is just as important to us. We had to do some research to find the best methods. Don’t worry, we are sharing with you so you can be successful in preserving your harvest too. As the growing season winds down
The Homesteader’s Guide to Storing Squash for Winter Read Post »
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to make use of your fresh grass clippings and yard waste, turning them into mini hay bales is a fantastic idea. Not only is it a great way to recycle lawn clippings for fall decorations, but it’s also a good hay source for small animals like miniature horses,
How to Make Mini Hay Bales from Lawn Grass Clippings Read Post »
Locals love their Upper Michigan Pasties. Each year, they have a tasting contest to see who will reign as the number one best tasting pasty. My love for pasties runs deep, thanks to my mother-in-law, who grew up in Ahmeek, Michigan, and attended school in nearby Calumet. She shared with me the authentic way to
How to Make Upper Michigan Pasties Like a Local Read Post »
When the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing beats the satisfaction of turning a bushel of apples into homemade applesauce. On the farm, apple-picking was always a family tradition. The apple trees were scattered throughout our 200 acres. But we knew where to find them. We’d head out to the apple orchards, and by the
Easy Homemade Applesauce Canning Recipe for Beginners Read Post »
We make large batches of this homemade chicken stock regularly and store it in freezer-safe containers for future use. It’s a staple in our kitchen, ready to be added to soups, stews, and grains or simply enjoyed on its own. Not only does this stock add depth and flavor to our meals, but it’s also
Nourishing Homemade Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) Recipe Read Post »
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest to get a bountiful Autumn harvest. As summer’s heat fades, the fall months bring cooler temperatures, making it a great time to plan your fall vegetable garden in Wisconsin and neighboring areas like northern Illinois. The crisp cool weather is perfect for growing cool-season crops that
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest Read Post »
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways. As the crisp days of fall set in, many gardeners think the harvest season is over. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can extend your gardening season into winter, even in cold climates like Wisconsin. We try and extend our vegetable garden
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways Read Post »
If there’s a recipe that embodies fall, it’s these soft and gooey Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. They’re made with rich browned butter, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of salted apple butter for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Topped with a creamy cinnamon maple glaze, every bite is full
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Read Post »
Making French butter at home is one of those satisfying skills that brings you closer to the roots of traditional homesteading. In a time when convenience often trumps quality, taking a step back and crafting your own butter from fresh cream gives you control over your ingredients and connects you to an age-old process. The
How to Make French Butter at Home Read Post »
Learn how easy it is to make your own butter. Making butter at home is not only a rewarding experience but also a simple way to connect with traditional homesteading practices. If you’ve ever wanted to savor fresh, creamy butter made from scratch, you’re in for a treat. With just a few basic ingredients and
How to Make Your Own Butter: A Simple Homestead Recipe Read Post »
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade tomato sauce made from fresh, ripe tomatoes. Whether you’re using garden tomatoes or the best tomatoes from your local farmers’ market, the deep, rich flavor of a homemade sauce is unbeatable. Are you tired of cooking down tomato juice to make a thick sauce. Are you tired
Easy Hack for Thick Tomato Sauce: Freeze, Blend, and Can Read Post »
If your apple tree looks like it’s struggling, you may be wondering, “Why is my apple tree dying?” The good news is that there are natural ways to revive it, but first, it’s important to understand the root causes. For years and years, we’ve had apple trees growing all over our farm. At the back
Why Is My Apple Tree Dying: How to Revive It Naturally Read Post »
Let’s delve into 17 types of mushrooms, exploring their flavors, textures, and culinary uses across various cuisines. Exploring the vast array of mushrooms available is like uncovering nature’s hidden treasures. From the robust meatiness of shiitake mushrooms to the delicate earthiness of porcini, each variety brings its own unique charm to the table. Navigating the
17 Types of Mushrooms: How to Choose and Cook Read Post »
Let’s talk about how to manage bugs in a compost bin. If you’ve started composting, you’re already contributing to reducing food waste and creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden. But when it comes to managing bugs in your compost bin, things can get a little buggy—literally! You might spot fruit flies, pill bugs, or even
How to Manage Bugs and Unwanted Bugs: Compost Like a Pro Read Post »
Raising animals for meat on a homestead can be a fulfilling and sustainable way to produce your own food. Whether you’re interested in filling your freezer with fresh meat or providing your family with high-quality, locally sourced animal products, there are many livestock options to consider. From backyard chickens to larger animals like dairy cows
Animals for Meat on a Homestead: Livestock Options Read Post »
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home. They are a common household pest that can be both frustrating and difficult to eliminate. Whether you’re dealing with sugar ants, carpenter ants, or odorous house ants, you’re likely searching for effective solutions to keep your home ant-free. The good news is that there are
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home Read Post »
I’ve been making this homemade playdough recipe for my toddler for quite some time now, and it’s become a favorite activity in our house. Not only is it a fun recipe that we can whip up in no time, but it’s also a great way to bond with my little one. The diy playdough recipe
Make the Best Homemade Playdough Easy Recipe Read Post »
Growing onions can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any home gardener. There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing these versatile vegetables from tiny seeds or sets into robust bulbs that grace our kitchens with flavor. The journey from planting to harvest offers invaluable lessons in patience, care, and the joy of cultivating your
Best Soil Choices and Planting Tips for Growing Onions Read Post »
How long does zucchini last? For homesteaders and backyard gardeners, harvesting fresh squash is one of the joys of the growing season. However, zucchini plants are prolific producers. Often leaving you with an excessive amount of squash to enjoy throughout the summer. To make the most of your harvest, it’s important to know how long
How Long Does Zucchini Last After Picked? Read Post »
Learn how to prevent and treat tomato blight. It’s one of the most devastating diseases home gardeners face during the growing season. It can affect your tomato plants, entire tomato crop, and even spread to potato plants. Understanding the different types of blight and how to prevent and treat them is essential to maintaining healthy
How to Prevent and Treat Tomato Blight in Your Garden Read Post »
An easy sourdough starter is made from a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the environment, which will naturally ferment to become the base for many tasty sourdough breads. Creating your own sourdough starter is simpler than it seems, and with a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll
From Scratch: How to Make an Easy Sourdough Starter Read Post »
We love pumpkins in the fall, but how do you keep pumpkins from rotting so fast? As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change, one of the joys of the fall season is adorning your home with vibrant pumpkins. Whether you’ve picked them fresh from the patch or carefully selected them for their
How to Keep Pumpkins from Rotting This Fall Read Post »
This Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe, featuring creamy avocado and a tangy poppy seed dressing, is a real crowd-pleaser. As strawberry season arrives and warmer months beckon, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the sweet, juicy strawberries in a fresh salad. Whether you’re looking for a great side dish or a light main course,
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Read Post »
Your Guide to 9 Different Onion Varieties and Their Uses.They are a staple in kitchens around the world, known for their versatility and ability to enhance flavors in a wide range of dishes. From the everyday yellow onion to the delicate shallot, each type of onion brings its own unique taste and texture to the
Your Guide to 9 Different Onion Varieties and Their Uses Read Post »
We have put together a great guide for beginners on how to press flowers. It’s a beautiful way to preserve the vibrant colors and delicate beauty of your favorite blooms, whether they’re wildflowers, garden favorites, or those from a special occasion. There are different methods for pressing flowers, each offering a unique approach to capturing
How to Press Flowers for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide Read Post »
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a bowl of vinegar and oil coleslaw. For me, it conjures memories of summer cookouts, family gatherings, and picnics in the park. Where the tangy coleslaw was always a perfect side dish for juicy pork sandwiches or crispy fish tacos. Grandma first made this when she cooked in restaurants when
Vinegar and Oil Coleslaw Recipe: A Tangy Tradition Read Post »
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of an old-fashioned homemade apple pie baking in the oven. This classic dessert, with its flaky crust and sweet apple filling, is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious apple pie at home. For
Old Fashioned Homemade Apple Pie Recipe Read Post »
This Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes is such a simple, impressive side dish. If you grow this in your garden, find it at a farmer market, or see it in the grocery store, grab some. I love broccoli rabe. This dish is a great side for any Italian meal, tossed with
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Read Post »
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini or turnip broccoli, is a nutrient-packed cruciferous vegetable that has a unique place in Italian cuisine. Despite its name, broccoli rabe is not the same as broccoli florets or even baby broccoli. Instead, it’s more closely related to mustard greens and turnip tops. This vibrant green vegetable features long
What is Broccoli Rabe and How to Cook it? Read Post »
Here are 18 genius ways to use eggshells that might make you think twice before tossing them in the trash. Eggshells are often discarded without a second thought, but they are incredibly versatile and can be used in various clever ways. Eggshells are far more useful than most people realize. From gardening and pest control
18 Genius Ways to Use Eggshells: Garden to Home Uses Read Post »
If you love cheese as much as my family does, knowing the best cheese storage methods is key. Living in Wisconsin, cheese is a staple at nearly every event, whether it’s featured in a recipe or served as an appetizer. A well-crafted cheese board can easily become the star of the table. Effortless to assemble,
Cheese Storage 101: Soft, Hard, and Shredded Read Post »
Growing an apple tree is a rewarding journey that can provide years of growth and fresh, home-grown apples. Whether you’re planting a standard apple tree in a large garden or dwarf apple trees in small spaces, following these steps will help ensure a bountiful harvest. Embrace the apple-growing journey and enjoy the satisfaction of producing
How to Plant and Grow an Apple Tree Read Post »
What is the best trick to store tomatoes? Storing them the right way can make all the difference between bland, mealy tomatoes and vibrant, flavorful ones. By following these farmer-approved tips, you can ensure your tomatoes maintain their peak flavor and last as long as possible. Whether you’re savoring a simple tomato sandwich or preparing
The Best Trick to Store Tomatoes, According to Farmers Read Post »
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a home cook just starting to experiment, understanding how to render and cook with bacon grease can open up a whole new world of flavor. I first learned as a child how good things taste when this delicious flavor is added to so many dishes. It’s one of those
How to Render and Cook with Bacon Grease Read Post »
If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to season a cast iron skillet, you’re in the right place. Using bacon grease for the seasoning process not only gives your skillet a unique flavor but also ensures a well-seasoned cast iron pan. Some people think a cast-iron skillet is hard to maintain. Actually, it’s as
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Bacon Grease Read Post »
What is Freeze-Dried Fruit and How to Use It in Your Favorite Recipes? If you’re curious about this and how it can enhance your meals, you’re in the right place. It’s more than just a trendy snack. They offer a unique combination of taste, convenience, and nutrition. In this post, we’ll explore what it is
What is Freeze-Dried Fruit and How to Use It Read Post »
Wondering how to start Composting? It’s a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. By composting, you can reduce your household food waste, enrich your garden soil, and contribute to a healthier environment. This guide will walk you through the basics of composting, from understanding what it is to harvesting your finished compost.
How to Start Composting: A Beginner’s Guide Read Post »
This beet pickle recipe is a refrigerator pickle or quick pickle recipe. Unlike pickles processed in a water bath canner, these won’t last as long but are much quicker and easier to make. You won’t need to sterilize jars, prepare a water bath, or wait weeks to enjoy them. These beet pickles are ready to
Easy Refrigerator Pickled Beets Recipe Read Post »
When life throws challenges your way, cooking from home can be a comforting and practical choice. Whether you’re facing financial constraints, health issues, or simply looking to make the most of what you have, home cooking offers a way to nourish both your body and soul. Not only does it help you save money, but
Cooking From Home When Times Get Hard: Simple Solutions for Tough Times Read Post »
All About Wool Dryer Balls. For us, it’s an eco-friendly must have. In today’s eco-conscious world, finding alternatives to single-use products is becoming increasingly important. They are a fantastic natural alternative to traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets. If you’re tired of dealing with static cling and harmful chemicals in your laundry routine, these little
All About Wool Dryer Balls: Eco-Friendly Laundry Must-Haves Read Post »
Yes, my mom’s mother, my grandmother used a float test for good eggs and bad eggs. On certain things, my grandmother had a knack for simplifying kitchen tasks. She rarely bothered with expiration dates, relying instead on practical methods, like the egg float test. This simple water test helps determine the freshness of eggs and
My Grandmother’s Float Test for Good Eggs and Bad Eggs Read Post »
Learn how to use the double digging method to till a garden by hand. This method may be laborious and time consuming, but it does get the job done effectively. It is also great for people that have small gardens planned or do not have access to a rototiller or garden tractor. I decided to
How to Till a Garden by Hand: the Double Digging Method Read Post »
Adopting a zero-waste kitchen approach is a great way to reduce your impact and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Food waste is a significant issue impacting both the environment and our wallets. These are our top ten practical tips for transforming your kitchen into a zero-waste haven. Focusing on small steps that can make a
Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen: Practical Solutions Read Post »
