Small Farms Sitemap - Page 2
Do You Really Need a Small Farm Business Plan?
Do You Really Need a Small Farm Business Plan?
Do-It-Yourself Projects for Fall
Fall is a great time to sneak in a few projects before the winter weather hits! My list is about a mile long, and I'm sure I'll only get to a third of it,
Dog Training Collar Review - SportDOG SportHunter 1225 Electronic Dog Training Collar Review
This is a review that looks at the features of the SportDOG SportHunter 1225 electronic dog training collar.
Double Digging - Definition of Double Digging
Learn what double digging is and why you might want to use this method to improve the soil on your small farm, hobby farm or homestead.
Drowning in Produce? Sell It at the Market
Even if you've only been growing for your family, you may find yourself in midsummer with an overload of eggs, zucchini, lettuce, even elderflower syrup,
Dry Beans - Description and Varieties of Dry Beans
Varieties of dry beans, description and Latin name, growing conditions, hardiness zones.
Easy Plants - 7 Easy-to-Grow Plants for Beginning Farmers
If you're just beginning your small farm or homestead, try these 7 easy-to-grow plants.
Eat What You Grow
The earliest harvests are often the most tenderly delicious. So far we've enjoyed dandelion crowns, fiddlehead ferns, dandelion greens, all gathered on our own
Eat Your Tree
Yum? Ever thought your living Christmas or Yule tree could become part of a delicious meal? If the thought never occurred to you, check out The Giving Tree,
Eat Your Weeds!
With all this rain, my garden is completely overrun with weeds. I was pretty excited, though, to find out that most of the weeds are edible - and delicious!
Education, Down on the Small Farm
According to The Boston Globe, the youngest generation is enjoying spending weekends and vacations
Egg Eating - Why Chickens Do It and How to Stop It
Have a problem with egg eating among your laying hens? Learn these crucial tips to stop your chickens from eating their own eggs. Your investment in those hens will pay off with fresh, delicious eggs that you get to eat instead of your hens!
Egg Frittata Recipe
Swimming in eggs? Learn how to make a delicious egg frittata with any ingredients you may have on hand.
Eggs For Sale
A new startup called Eggzy looks like a neat tool for farmers and consumers who care about where their eggs come from. They aim to create an interactive
Eggs From Pastured Poultry: Surprising (?) Health Benefits!
The folks at Mother Earth News have been compiling nutritional data on eggs from hens who feast on pasture - fresh grass, bugs, and all the goodness they
Elderberry Jelly Recipe - How to Make Elderberry Jelly - Easy Elderberry Jelly
A recipe for delicious elderberry jelly you can make on your small farm or homestead.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe - How to Make Elderberry Syrup - Easy Elderberry Syrup
A recipe for delicious and healthy elderberry syrup you can make on your small farm or homestead.
Elderberry-licious!
Elderberry-licious!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Electric Net Fencing: How to Set Up and Move Electric Net Fencing or Electronet
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Embrace the Cycle
It can be tempting to start farming without realizing what you're getting into. A few chickens, maybe some ducks, even a goat or a couple of sheep - it's all
Energize Your Compost Pile
If you'd like to try something new, consider diving into biodynamic farming. While biodynamic agriculture is a complex and complete ecological system of
Essential Small Farm Books - Top 10 Must-Read Small Farming and Homesteading Books
This list of recommended books for small farms and homesteads makes a great start to your library.
Excalibur Food Dehydrator - Review of Excalibur Dehydrator
A review of the Excalibur 3000 series food dehydrator.
Extend Your Season
We've had a few crisp nights here in the north country already, although in some respects it feels like summer is only getting underway (the sun is finally
Extend the Season
Extend the Season
Extreme Homestead Makeover, Anyone?
Extreme Homestead Makeover, Anyone?
FAQs and Glossary
You've got questions, we've got answers. The glossary defines common and less common terms used in farming.
Fact Check: What Might HR 875 Mean for Small Farms?
There's still a lot of confusion swirling around HR 875, the food safety bill that was introduced in the House of Representatives. First of all, note that: the
Fall Beekeeping Tasks - How to Take Care of Your Bees in the Autumn
A comprehensive list of what you need to do in the fall to prepare your bees for winter.
Fall Cover Crops
Fall Cover Crops
Farm Aid 2009
Yesterday, Farm Aid 2009, a music concert to benefit small farmers, was held in St. Louis, featuring musicians Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave
Farm Animals
Animals are the heart of any homestead or small farm. Learn the basics of caring for chickens, sheep, goats, and more. Put on your chore boots and let's begin.
Farm Business and Management
Do you need farm insurance? What about an alarm system? Read on to learn about managing your small farm.
Farm Land Preparation - How to Prepare the Land for Farming
Preparing your land for crops, pasture, or animals is critical to success as a small farmer. With the proper preparation, veggies and animals will thrive and flourish. If you skimp here, you may end up with more maintenance later on – repairing downed fences, desperately weeding an overgrown garden, or scrambling to get water to animals in the winter. So take the time to learn a bit about what’s needed to prepare your land. You’ll find it’s well worth the time and effort up front.
Farm Maintenance - How to Maintain Your Farm Property
Your animals are all settled in, your garden is producing well, and you’re already thinking about next season’s improvements. But of course, you still need to maintain what you already have. With a little bit of attention and care, you can keep your farm infrastructure well-maintained and functioning smoothly.
Farm Needed for Design Make-Over
Do you direct market your products to consumers via a farm stand or other means? Is your farm's website and logo in need of a redesign? Don't even have a logo?
Farm School for Women
Farm School for Women
Farm Stays
Farm Stays
Farm Together Now
I wanted to share a great new farming book with you: Farm Together Now, by Amy Franceschini & Daniel Tucker. The book's subtitle, A portrait of people,
Farm and Food Bills: What About the Small Farm?
The New York Times ran a piece on Friday from Greenwire.com about the reaction of small farmers to the handful of bills in Congress right now (HR 875 just one
Farm to Plate
Is there a Farm to Plate initiative in your state? Vermont, my adopted home state, just developed its Farm to Plate Initiative, a ten-year strategic plan to
Farm to School Opportunities
The national Farm to School program is taking off in many parts of the United States! More and more schools are setting up programs where they purchase food
Farmers Markets - How to Make a Bundle at the Farmers Market
Learn how to sell your small farm's produce, meat, eggs, dairy and poultry at the farmers market. What are the best strategies for success?
Farmers Markets, Emphasis on "Farmers"
Are you gearing up to sell at a farmers market this season? What do you think about the presence of resellers who purchase wholesale produce to resell at the
Farmers Raising Specialty Market Crops
Ever thought about raising food for a specific cuisine or culture? Have a local demand for specialty crops? If you have wondered about how other farmers are
Farmers and Irene
Farmers and Irene
Farming Conferences
It's the weekend of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Vermont conference in Burlington, and many farmers and homesteaders are making the trek to
Farming Fanatics
The Boston Globe reports an uptick in farming-related endeavors in Massachusetts in the past few years, citing figures from the US Department of Agriculture
Farming Tasks for April
Are you planning your month today? Things are really picking up steam and the busy season is almost here. Here are some tasks to make sure you put on your list
Farming as a Social Movement
I was very pleased to discover the irresistible fleet of bicycles, a visionary and engaging blog by Severine von Tscharner Fleming, a young farmer and director
Farming, Cooking and the Rural Experience
Sterling College, near in location and dear to my heart as a center of sustainable farming, local food and educational goodness, is offering a new curricular
Feed Your Bees - When to Feed Honey Bees
Learn how, when and why to feed - and not feed - your honey bees.
Feed Your Honey Bees - Types of Feeders for Beekeeping
All the information you need about the various types of feeders for your beehive and the pros and cons of each one.
Feeding Bees Sugar Syrup and Sugar Candy - Beekeeping - Sugar Syrup Recipes
It can sometimes be necessary to feed bees sugar syrup or sugar candy. Here is a collection of sugar syrup and sugar candy recipes and information on when and how to feed your honey bees.
Feeding Bees in the Spring
Feeding Bees in the Spring
Feeding Your Bees
Feeding Your Bees
Feeding and Watering Your Chickens
Feeding and Watering Your Chickens
Fence on the Farm - Types of Fencing on Farms
An overview of the types of fence and fencing methods most commonly used on small farms today and why you'd choose a particular type of fence. Includes maintenance procedures for each option.
Fencing on the Farm
Fencing on the Farm
Fencing on the Farm - Electric Net Fencing
Electric net fencing is a popular choice to keep poultry and sheep contained on the farm. Learn the pros and cons and decide for yourself whether electric net fencing is right for your management method.
Fencing on the Farm - High-Tensile Wire Fencing
High-tensile wire or woven wire fencing can be a low-cost, long-lasting fencing solution for the small farm or homestead. Especially suited to sheep and cattle, it is also useful for horses and goats.
Fencing on the Farm - Poly Tape and Poly Wire Fencing
Electric tape or wire fencing, often called poly tape or poly wire, can be an effective temporary fencing solution for many animals on the farm.
Financial Farming Difficulties
Financial Farming Difficulties
Find Grants, Money and Resources for Your Small Farm
Looking for grants or money to start your small farm? Look no further; we've gathered the best resources for you to find the grants you need.
Finding Grants, Loans and Information
Finding Grants, Loans and Information
Fizz Up Your Kombucha
Fizz Up Your Kombucha
Food Independence Day
Show some patriotism - support local food - and local farmers! Food Independence Day, a campaign coordinated by Kitchen Gardeners International, in partnership
Food Safety Bill Passes Senate
Today, the Senate passed the massive Food Safety Modernization Act, giving the FDA broad powers to police potentially unsafe foods before large-scale outbreaks
Freedom Ranger Hatchery Review - Review of Chick Supplier Freedom Ranger Hatchery
A review of Freedom Ranger Hatchery, which provides meat birds aka broilers that free range and pasture well.
Fresh Food in Winter
Getting frosty in your neck of the woods? It sure is here. But even when the nights are cold, you can continue to grow vegetables. For those in southern
Fresh, Delicious Microgreens
Fresh, Delicious Microgreens
Frozen Eggs
With so much of the country in a deep freeze (welcome to my world!), I thought a little bit of information on freezing and, well, unfreezing, eggs might be
Frozen Eggs - What to Do With Frozen Eggs
If it's wintertime, your chicken eggs might have frozen. Can you still use them?
Gardening Season Isn't Over Yet!
Although fall is well under way (here in the north country we are already having frosts), I'm still harvesting delicious veggies from the garden with a few
Garlic - Description and Varieties of Garlic
Learn all about the types of garlic - hardneck and softneck - and various varieties, and basic information on what type of soil, pH, and other key factors you need to grow it.
Get Ready For Spring!
Although it's still firmly - or squishily - mud season here in Vermont, spring's official start on March 20 has those of us in northern climates rejoicing. We
Get Ready for Sugaring Season
It's getting close to time to tap the maple trees and gather their prolific sap, boiling it down into delicious maple syrup. Whether you're using lines or
Get Ready to Sugar
I know, I know. I'm completely ignoring the deep freeze that has most of the Northeast in its grip. We're inside huddling around the woodstove. (Actually,
Get Spring Started Early With Season Extending Tips
Do you live in the far North like me, where there's still snow on the ground? I admit things are pretty muddy here, but I live at a significant elevation and
Get Supplied
Get Supplied
Get Your Chickens to Lay Eggs in Nest Boxes - 5 Tips for Getting Hens to Lay Eggs in Nest Boxes
Do your chickens lay their eggs everywhere but in the nest boxes? These tips will have you collecting fresh, clean eggs out of the nest boxes in no time.
Get Your Hens Ready for Winter
Now's the time to start thinking about that chicken coop and how the girls are going to like it when they stay in it 24/7, with no fresh grass and bugs to
Get a Grant for a High Tunnel
The NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service - has a program in place to provide high tunnels, sometimes called hoop houses, to farmers to extend the
Get the Scoop on Coops
This is what I've been busy doing with my weekends. Building a movable chicken coop for my 3 dozen hens. It is actually a little bit undersized for that
Getting Started in Farming
Often it can be overwhelming to know just where to start with your farm. A business plan is a good place to begin, if you're planning to earn any income with
Gifts for Farmers
Gifts for Farmers
Gifts for a Father Who Farms
Gifts for a Father Who Farms
Give a Gift to the Farmer on Your List
Stumped as to what to get the farmer on your list? A baby animal is always a great idea - well, maybe not! Be careful with gifting livestock unless you know for
Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks
Glossary of Farming Terms
Don’t know a grain-fed steer from a grass-fed cow? Don’t worry! Just check this handy glossary for help deciphering common words you’ll hear used in farming circles or in one of my articles.
Good Fences Make...
good neighbors. They keep animals in, keep predators out, and keep different species of animal separate from one another if needed - or keep males from females
Got Eggs?
My 38 hens are producing roughly 20 eggs a day. Not bad, especially considering 16 of them are on their third winter of production. I do suspect a good
Got Eggs?
This is our year
Got Eggs? Make a Frittata
Got Eggs? Make a Frittata
Got Sugaring Supplies?
In some parts of the country, sugaring time is upon us. Here in New England we flirted briefly with warm daytime temps and frosty nights before plunging
Grants for Small Farmers
Wondering about where to find money for your small farm startup or expansion? Need equipment but don't know how to pay for it? Well, there are resources for
Grass Fed Dairy Gets a Boost
Grass Fed Dairy Gets a Boost
Great Elderberry Recipes
Have some elderberry bushes just overflowing with ripe, yummy-looking elderberries? These recipes will give you plenty to do with these healthful, tasty berries.
Grow Blueberries - How to Grow Blueberries
Instructions and tips teach you how to grow blueberries on your small farm or homestead.
Grow Dry Beans - How to Grow and Harvest Dry Beans
Learn how to grow and harvest dry beans. Covers planting time, spacing, growing notes, pests and problems, maintenance, harvesting, seed saving, storage and preservation.
Grow Garlic This Fall
Garlic - yum! Who doesn't love garlic? And now's the time to prepare your soil, order your bulbs and choose your varieties. Will it be Inchelium Red Garlic, a
Grow Some Sprouts
It is so cold and dismal outside here! The days are almost at the shortest point, the Winter Solstice. Everything is white. It was 2 below zero this morning
Grow a White House Garden
Not a fan of poring over seed packets? Just want to grow the easy basics while you focus on breeding livestock or beekeeping? Or do you want to be just
Growing Ginseng?
Is there anyone out there who has tried growing ginseng? We have this question from someone on the forums about it, asking for input and for folks to share
Growing High-end Produce for Chefs
The New York Times recently ran an article on a new phenomenon: farmers who provide chefs with unusual, heirloom, and specialty vegetables for their culinary
Growing, Washing and Selling Baby Salad Greens
Growing, Washing and Selling Baby Salad Greens
HR 2479 - What Does It Mean for the Small Farmer?
By now you've probably heard that HR 2479, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, passed in the House by a vote of 283-142, on July 29th. The Senate will
Happy Food Independence Day!
Food Independence Day is a movement to source your Fourth of July food as locally, sustainably, and deliciously as possible! Here's a snippet from the
Happy New Year!
Well, it's a new year and a new decade. Did you make some resolutions? What new projects are you planning for your farm this year? New crops, new livestock, or
Harvest Longer With Succession Planting
Hey, all you lucky folks already pulling in the first of this year's harvest! Be sure you continue to plant, especially crops like lettuces (if it isn't too hot
Healthy Eggs From Healthy Hens
The widespread egg recall has many people thinking about getting their eggs from local farms instead of the supermarket. Are you experiencing an increase in
Help Bring Food to Haiti
Food First is an organization committed to bringing much-needed food to Haiti. They're working with farmers in other areas of Haiti to get food to people in
Help for Young Farmers
Help for Young Farmers
Help! What Do I Do With These Chicks?
No, this post isn't about juggling girlfriends! It's about baby chicks - poultry! This is a hot week for getting chickens in many parts of the US. Easter
Hobby Farming Gains Popularity
The Associated Press reported last week that more Americans are starting small-scale and hobby farms. Farms under 50 acres grew 15 percent last year according
Hobby Sugaring - How to Collect Maple Sap and Make Maple Syrup
Do you have some sugar maples, or even just one maple tree, on your land? Then you can make maple syrup. I'll give you the rundown on equipment and the sugaring process so you can get started.
Home Sweet Homestead
I love July! It means finally getting to eat entire meals that are totally grown on our little homestead. This was today's lunch: egg salad with homemade
Home Sweet Homestead
Are you more of a homesteader than a farmer? Is your focus becoming self-sufficient rather than reaping in the profits at the market (ha! a little farm humor
Honey Bee Supplier Review - BeeWeaver Apiaries Review
A review of BeeWeaver Apiaries, a supplier of honey bees and queens.
How Bees Make Honey - Learn How Honeybees Make Honey
Learn how honeybees take nectar and make it into sweet, delicious honey.
How Much Wood Is in a Cord?
Do you heat with wood? Want to be clear how much wood you're really buying when you buy
How Much Wood is in a Cord?
© Lauren Ware Many small farmers heat their homes with wood. It's cost efficient, especially if you can harvest your own wood from your land. But many of
How to Barter - Bartering for Goods and Services on the Small Farm or Homestead
Bartering for what you need with products from your small farm or homestead can be beneficial and great fun, too! Learn what you need to get started trading or bartering goods and services.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How to Build Raised Beds
A complete guide to building your own raised beds for small farming, homesteading and hobby farming intensive growing methods.
How to Build a Movable Chicken Coop - Designing and Building a Chicken Tractor
Learn how to build a simple chicken tractor or movable coop for your laying hens' needs. What are the essential elements of a design?
How to Build a Raised Bed - Build and Fill a Raised Bed for Gardening
Learn, step by step, how to build a raised bed to grow plants in. Grow strawberries, tomatoes, or any vegetable in a raised bed. Excellent choice for urban homesteaders needing to conserve space.
How to Build a Root Cellar
Building a root cellar doesn't have to involve a backhoe. Learn some simple ways to store vegetables and crops for winter, and some guidelines for going big and digging one out of the earth.
How to Build or Buy a High Tunnel
A high tunnel, or unheated greenhouse, is a great way to expand your small farm to the shoulder seasons and to grow warm-climate crops such as tomatoes in northern climates. Learn why you might want to invest in a high tunnel and how to build or buy one.
How to Clean Chicken Eggs
Learn all about how to clean your chicken eggs so that they are safe and healthy for eating and selling to consumers.
How to Combine Beehives - Combine Two Hives
In beekeeping it is sometimes necessary to combine hives. Learn when and why to combine colonies or hives, and how to combine beehives in the right way.
How to Feed Your Chickens
What do chickens eat? What kind of chicken feed do I need to get for them? What table scraps can they eat? If you're a small farmer or homesteader just getting started with keeping chickens, this will help you feed them right.
How to Grow Microgreens on the Small Farm
Microgreens are a tasty, nutritious addition to salads and meals, and high-end restaurants and chefs use them to top dishes with extra bursts of flavor. It's easy to grow microgreens and this article will tell you how to do it whether it's on a home or small farm scale.
How to Grow Mixed Salad Greens on the Small Farm
Growing your own specialty salad mix can be fun and rewarding for the small farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer. Learn how to grow salad mix - an easy, enjoyable and profitable crop on the small farm.
How to Grow Sprouts on the Small Farm
Growing sprouts can be done on a windowsill, but you can also grow sprouts on the small farm to sell at farmers markets or to food stores. Sprouts are a delicious, nutritious crop that's easy to grow.
How to Grow Sprouts on the Small Farm
How to Grow Sprouts on the Small Farm
How to Grow and Plant Garlic - Become a Small Scale Garlic Farmer
Ever wondered: hardneck or softneck? How do I grow garlic? Can I sell it profitably as a crop on my small farm? Find out the answers to all your garlic growing questions.
How to Hatch Chicks Naturally - Hatch Baby Chicks with a Broody Hen
You don't always need an incubator to hatch chicken eggs. Some hens take to the task of hatching baby chicks naturally, going broody on a clutch of eggs that you or she collects.
How to Hobby Farm - Top 10 Tips for Starting Your Hobby Farm
These tips will get you started on your hobby farm.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Finding Eggs
Tips and tricks for finding eggs during your beehive inspection.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Gather Supplies
Learn how to inspect your beehive for the health of your colony.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Inspect Frames
The heart of a beehive inspection - inspecting the frames one by one.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Open the Hive
After getting your supplies together, it's time to open up the beehive.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Remove Inner Cover
Now you will remove the inner cover of the beehive.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Remove Outer Cover
Next, you will remove the outer cover of the beehive.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Remove Second Deep
Remove the second deep.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Remove the Super
Now it's time to remove the super.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Replace Inner Cover
Slide the inner cover on carefully.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Replace Outer Cover
The final step in your inspection - replacing the outer cover on your beehive.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Replacing the Frames
Time to replace the frames and put the hive back together.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Smoke Bees and Remove First Frame
Now you will begin your inspection.
How to Inspect a Beehive - Smoke the Deep Hive Box
Smoke the second deep before removing it.
How to Inspect a Beehive - What Larvae Look Like
What you're looking for in the beehive.
How to Keep Bees - A Beginner's Guide to Beekeeping
If you're ready to start beekeeping, you've come to the right place. Learn how to set up your hive, when to harvest the honey, and what supplies you really need to keep honeybees.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture - DIY Herbal Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
How to Make Fizzy Kombucha - Secondary Stage Fermenting
Take delicious homemade kombucha and add carbonation, fizziness and flavors like raspberry, elderberry, ginger, lemon-ginger and more.
How to Make Your Own Chicken or Poultry Feed
Move toward greater self-sufficiency when you make your own chicken or other poultry feed on your small farm or homestead. This will get you started toward a custom mix that meets your needs for chicken feed and keeps your hens healthy.
How to Make Your Own DIY Seed Starting Mix
Learn how to create your own recipe for a seed starting mix for growing your own plants from seed. It is easy to do and will save you money on your small farm, hobby farm or homestead.
How to Make a DIY Seed Starting Shelf
Learn how to make your own shelf for starting plants from seed indoors. Handy if you don't have a high tunnel or greenhouse but still need to start lots of plants for your small farm, hobby farm or homestead.
How to Market Your Small Farm Products
If you're wondering where and how to market your small farm products, find out the best places: the farmers market, direct farm sales, community supported agriculture or CSA shares, and the Internet.
How to Predator Proof Your Chicken Coop
Keep your chickens safe from predators like weasels, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs, in a predator-proof chicken coop.
How to Process Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and process chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Raise Chickens - Chicken Litter Management - Deep Litter Method for Poultry
The deep litter method of litter management is used to keep chickens healthy and happy in their coop on small farms and homesteads. Laying hens are particularly suited for this method of litter management.
How to Raise Chickens for Meat - How to Raise Meat Birds
Ready to raise your own chickens for meat? Learn everything you need to know about how to raise meat birds from fluffy chicks to slaughtering and processing time.
How to Raise Goats
If you know how to raise goats, they can make a great addition to the small farm or homestead. The basics are here to help you get started.
How to Raise Sheep and Lamb
Raising sheep and lambs can be intimidating when you don't know where to begin. Learn the basics here so you can have happy, healthy ewes, rams and lambs.
How to Raise Turkeys
Learn how to raise heritage or standard turkeys from day-old poults into delicious birds for the table - or as pets. From feeding and watering to how to range them, you'll find out everything you need to know about raising turkeys.
How to Requeen a Beehive - Buy a New Queen
The next step in requeening your beehive is to buy a new, newly mated queen bee.
How to Requeen a Beehive - Install the New Queen Bee
Next it's time to install the new queen bee in the cage, in the beehive.
How to Requeen a Beehive - Open the Hive
Now it's time to install the queen. Begin by opening the hive.
How to Requeen a Beehive - Remove Old Queen
If you're requeening but there is still a live queen in your hive, you need to remove her.
How to Requeen a Beehive - When to Requeen
The first step in requeening a hive is knowing when to replace an ailing queen, or how to identify a queenless hive.
How to Requeen a Hive - Inspect the Hive
You've installed the queen and left the bees to do their thing. Now it's time to check on your new queen.
How to Requeen a Hive - Leave the Hive Alone
It's time to wait, leave the hive alone, and let the bees accept their new queen.
How to Sell Chicken Eggs - Selling Chicken Eggs From Your Small Farm
Learn how to sell your homegrown, pastured chicken eggs from your small farm or homestead.
How to Sell Small Farm Products Online on the Internet
Learn the basics for how to take your small farm to the web and sell products - produce, value-added goods, and anything your farm crates - online.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Slaughter and Butcher Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and butcher chickens and other poultry for meat.
How to Start Seeds
Learn how to start seeds to grow indoors or in a greenhouse. Starting plants from seed is a key skill for the small farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer.
How to Start a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture Share Program
CSA or community supported agriculture programs allow small farm customers to buy shares in a farm's entire season, resulting in a weekly box of produce and farm goods. Learn how to start your own CSA on your small farm.
How to Start a Small Farm
Is it time to make your dream a reality and start a small farm? These are the basic steps to follow to start farming, whether you're beginning this season or in five years.
How to Start a Small Farm Business
You may want to start a small farm business and be wondering where to begin. Let me guide you step by step through the process of starting your small farm business.
How to Wash Baby Salad Greens
After you've harvested baby salad greens to sell at the farmers markets, to restaurants, or through your CSA, you need to get those babies clean and ready for sale - and this article will tell you how.
How to Water Your Chickens - Types of Chicken Waterers
Learn about the different types of chicken waterers and how to water your chickens or laying flock on the small farm or homestead. Keep water from freezing in winter and keep your hens' water clean and fresh.
How to Write a Small Farm Business Plan
Overwhelmed at the thought of writing your small farm business plan? Not sure where to start? Learn the basic components to a small farm business plan so you can start writing one for your farm. Take it one step at a time!
Hunker Down and Read
We're in for a cold spell here - the next three or four days are looking, well, like we'll be in the deep freeze. With weather too cold to be outside for
Hybrid vs. Heirloom?
Is it even a valid question? The New York Times interviewed seed purveyors and discussed the difference between hybrid and heirloom seeds, but neglected some of
I Live in a City. Can I Keep Chickens?
Do you live in the city, suburbs or an urban area? Wondering if you can keep chickens, or have a rooster?
Ideas for Alternative Crops and Enterprises
I stumbled across this list of alternative crops and enterprises put out by the USDA's Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, and thought I'd pass it
If I Could Turn Back Time...
Have you ever thought back on your years of homesteading or farming and considered what you would have done differently, knowing what you know now? Or do you
Inspecting a Beehive
Inspecting a Beehive
Internet in the Boonies
Do you live out of reach of DSL, cable or cell phones? I do. And as I sit here at the library because I've exceeded my 30-day bandwidth limit on satellite
Is It Safe to Order Baby Chicks at an Online Hatchery?
Are you wondering if your precious new baby chicks will survive shipping from an online hatchery? I will address common concerns about shipping baby chicks.
It's Elderberry Season
I feel lucky that when I bought this land, it came with three established elderberry bushes. When we first moved in, I wasn't quite sure what they were (it
It's National Farmers Market Week
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has declared August 2-8 National Farmers Market Week. If you're not already doing it, bringing your farm products to one
It's Not Easy Being Bees
Newly-named 2010 MacArthur Fellow Marla Spivak knows something about the tough times honeybees have been going through. She's an entomologist whose work
It's Not Too Early to Order Your Bees
January is traditionally the time to order honey bees for spring hives, but many bee suppliers are taking orders now! Some are already sold out of certain
It's Sugaring Time!
With temperatures peeking into the upper 30s here in northern Vermont this past weekend, everyone's thinking about tapping maple trees and getting maple
Joel Salatin on the Big Screen
A new documentary is opening on June 12th. Called Food Inc., it contrasts and compares large industrial agriculture with small, diversified farms like Joel
Join the Campaign for a Healthy Farm Bill
Healthy Food Action has set up a campaign for a Healthy Farm Bill. You can add your name to the list if you support their charter. The $300 billion Farm Bill is
Keep Chickens for Eggs - How to Raise Chickens - Keep A Flock of Laying Hens
Ready to raise your own chickens on your small farm for delicious eggs, meat, or just for pets? Everything you need to know to raise and keep chickens on your small farm or homestead is right here.
Keep Chickens in the City - Top 10 Tips for Urban and Suburban Chicken Keepers
Many people successfully live in the city or suburbs and have a small flock of laying hens. With these tips, you can keep your neighbors happy and avoid any written warnings or fines.
Keeping Chicken Basics - Ongoing Care of Chickens and Laying Hens
Learn the basics of how to keep up with your flock of laying hens or meat chickens. Collecting eggs, refilling feed and water, and maintaining a clean chicken coop.
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
The USDA recently launched a new initiative - Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food. Its aim is
Know Your Soil - How to Improve Soil on the Small Farm
Learn about the different soil types, how to tell what type of soil you have, and the basics of how to amend your soil to produce delicious, high yields of your crops.
Kombucha - Definition of Kombucha
What exactly is kombucha or kombucha tea?
Last-chance Garlic
I know it's a bit late for some of us northern gardeners, but if your soil hasn't frozen yet, you can still get some cloves of garlic in the ground this fall
Learn About Biodynamics
Wondering about planting by the moon? What all those biodynamic farmers are talking about when they say they're spraying a preparation onto their crops or
Learn More This Winter
As winter blankets much of the United States and the active farming season winds down for many of us, it's a great time to brush up on some skills, learn
Let There Be Light!
If your hens have mysteriously stopped laying, especially if you live in a northern area, the culprit just might be a lack of light. Hens' pituitary glands
Light in the Chicken Coop - Using Supplemental Lighting in the Coop in Winter
If winter has come and with it, egg production of your laying hens has slowed or stopped, learn how a supplemental lighting program can induce laying again.
Link Love: Food for Thought
Link Love: Food for Thought
Locking Season
November and December are sometimes called
Magazines for Winter Reading
Curling up by the fire with the post-Christmas relaxing going on full force? How about some great magazine recommendations to keep you busy? Most of the small
Making Maple Syrup
Making Maple Syrup
Making a Living at Farming
A recent article by Heather Rogers in The American Prospect brings up some really big issues surrounding small-scale, local farmers - even in an age of
Maple Sugaring Season is Coming
Can you believe it's almost time to start sugaring? Here in New England, sugaring season is a harbinger of spring, and a good excuse to stand around outside
Maple Sugaring Supplies - Supplies You Need For Making Maple Syrup
This handy list breaks down all the supplies you need for hobby maple syrup production.
Maple Sugaring Time!
We have had temps above freezing for the past few days. The dirt roads are turning into mud, the birds are singing, the - the sap is running! Is the
Marketing Your Farm Products
Marketing Your Farm Products
McMurray Hatchery Review - Review of Chick Supplier Murray McMurray
A review of Murray McMurray hatchery chicks, one of the biggest hatcheries in the United States.
Moon Phase Planting
Wondering about planting by the moon? What all those biodynamic farmers are talking about when they say they're spraying a preparation onto their crops or
More Cows Not Always a Good Thing
The dairy industry has been in crisis for quite a while, but this piece in the New York Times highlights some of the downsides of ever-increasing levels of
Moving Baby Chicks Outdoors.
A poster asked,
My City Girl Farming Chicken Coop - Reader Submissions: About My Chicken Coop
Share how you built your coop - did you use plans? Make it from recycled and scavenged materials? Buy a coop already built or assemble it yourself? And share a photo of it!
National Farm-City Week is Underway
The National Farm-City Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking urban dwellers and farm families. With a grassroots, educational focus, National
Nest Box - Definition of Nest Box
Wondering what a nest box is? Wonder no more; here's an explanation.
New Farm Book Reviews
New Farm Book Reviews
New Farmer Realities
It's all too easy to have a rosy outlook of the future when you begin farming. You're doing what you love - the money will follow, right? Isn't that what
New Hampshire Red - Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of New Hampshire Reds, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
New Year, New Goals
A shiny new year - a great time to assess where you are, where you want to go, and if you're not living it yet - time to plan your small farm dream. What
No Raw Milk for Wisconsin
A Wisconsin senate bill that would have legalized direct farm-to-consumer raw milk sales was vetoed by the governor yesterday. Gov. Jim Doyle cited
Not Too Late to Plant!
Need to plant something to fill a bare patch of ground right now? Think you can't get started with your food plot this year? You can! Just choose from one of
Nourishing New Farmers
There's no doubt about it: the US population of farmers is aging. There's no shortage of young people eager to begin farming, but most often, they lack the
Of Bees and ....Beef?
Of Bees and ....Beef?
On-Farm Processing
On-Farm Processing
Orchards and Berries
If biting into a crisp, delicious apple that you grew yourself sounds good, read on. We'll cover growing apples, pears, strawberries, and more on your small farm.
Ordering Package Bees Online
Ordering Package Bees Online
Organic Farming: Actually Better Than Conventional?
Nature published a new study that shows that organic methods result in better pest control and larger plants than conventional methods when it comes to
Organic Milk Beats Conventional
A new study freshly published in the Journal of Dairy Science compared milk from organically-raised cows to milk from cows raised in a conventional way, and
Organic Poultry Farms Cleaner Than Conventional
Organic Poultry Farms Cleaner Than Conventional
Orpington Chicken - Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Orpingtons, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Parts of a Beehive - How to Make a Beehive for Beekeeping
Learn the essential components of a beehive and how to put one together to keep bees. Whether you're a beekeeper in the country or city, you'll need a hive to get started beekeeping.
Pasture Perfect
If you have even a small number of acres, you can pasture poultry. If you have a little bit more, you can pasture sheep, goats, and cows. Many people feel
Pasture Your Chickens
Want to pasture your chickens, but think you have too many for a small, portable chicken coop? Think again. You can do it! Coops don't have to be tiny to
Photo of the Week: Bear Attack
Photo of the Week: Bear Attack
Photo of the Week: Blueberries
Photo of the Week: Blueberries
Photo of the Week: Farm Breakfast
Photo of the Week: Farm Breakfast
Photo of the Week: Peak
Photo of the Week: Peak
Photo of the Week: Sunflower
Photo of the Week: Sunflower
Photo of the Week: Tractor
Photo of the Week: Tractor
Pick New Chicks
Have you gotten a hatchery catalog (or two, or three) in the mail yet? I have. I'm already trying to decide what new layers I want to add to the flock this
Pick Your Chicks
It's baby season on the farm! Chickens remain the most popular first farm animal for beginning farmers and homesteaders, and baby chicks are so much fun.
Plan Your Garden to Feed Your Family - How to Plan a Farm and Garden to Feed a Family
Wondering how much to plant on your small farm to feed your family? Is 5 tomato plants enough, or would 15 be better? Get started planning your garden so that you have fresh, delicious produce for your family all year.
Planning Next Season's Animals? Consider Sheep.
If you're like me, as soon as the snow flies and the garden is put to bed, you're planning and dreaming for next year. What new and delicious heirloom
Planning Your Season
I always plant too much. It's some kind of sickness. I plant like I'm feeding my entire town of 170 people. Of course, my soil still needs improvement, so my
Planning a Garden for Family Eating
Are you planning to eat from the garden this year? Do you want to grow enough to last you through winter and into next spring, so that you can really slash your
Plant a Fall Greens Bed
It's not too late to plant some delicious lettuces, kale and chard to take you through fall and into winter. In many places, you can grow hearty greens
Plymouth Rock Chicken - Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Plymouth Rocks, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Political Activism for Small Farms
Very soon - within 24 hours! - the Senate will vote on the Food Safety Modernization Act. Food Democracy Now! writes: While this bill has been
Poop, Glorious Poop
What's a farm without poop, after all? Not much at all. Manure is what closes the loop, completes the cycle. We all need to compost in order to have a truly
Poult - Definition of Poult
What is a poult?
Poultry Protection
As I was driving down the road this morning, I saw a massive red-shouldered hawk take flight and powerfully flap its wings as it flew along the road ahead of me
Prepare Your Soil - Till Your Soil
Learn how to prepare your soil for planting: tillage methods from conventional to no-till to reduced tillage will be discussed. Whether you have a homestead, a tiny hobby farm or a small-scale farm, you'll find the right method for tilling your soil here.
Prepare for Beekeeping - Get Started With Bees - Beekeeping For Beginners
If you're starting a beehive this year and you're a beginner, learn what you need for a successful beekeeping operation.
Preparing for Winter
Winter is upon us! At least here in northern Vermont - you may have a bit more time. But, it's coming! So, what do you need to do? Make sure your
Preserving Food
Now, although it's not food-preserving season yet, it's not a bad time to dust off your canning jars, take stock, and make a plan to start gathering what you'll
Process Your Birds on the Farm
I thought I might scare away too many readers if I put
Projects
Do it yourself! Here are some ideas for projects you can do on your small farm or homestead. You'll find everything from canning food to building a chicken coop.
Protect Bees and Beehives from Bears - Keep Your Bee Colony Safe from Predators
Bears can seriously damage or totally destroy a beehive. Learn how to keep your honey bees safe from these large predators who happen to love to eat honey and bee brood.
Protect Your Chickens From Predators - How to Protect Poultry from Predators
It seems that more animals are after chickens and poultry than any other farm animal - so learn what predators put your chickens at risk and how to best protect them.
Protect Your Poultry
As I was driving down the road this morning, I saw a massive red-shouldered hawk take flight and powerfully flap its wings as it flew along the road ahead of
Protecting Bees from Bears
Protecting Bees from Bears
Protective Clothing for Beekeeping - Veil, Gloves and Bee Suit
The proper clothing can help protect you from bee stings. What do you really need? A veil, gloves, a bee suit - all of it? Find out.
Pullet - Definition of Pullet
What kind of chicken is a pullet, exactly?
Pumpkin Shortage
Pumpkin Shortage
Raise Animals
Learn how to raise chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, sheep, goats, bees, cows, and more. Everything the small farmer or homesteader needs to know about animal husbandry.
Raise Pastured Poultry - How to Raised Pastured Poultry
Why keep your lovely hens confined to a coop and fixed run, when they can roam over fresh green grass and eat bugs and grubs to their hearts' content? Learn about the options for pasturing poultry, especially chickens, on the small farm or homestead.
Raised Beds for Farming
Raised Beds for Farming
Raising Baby Chicks - How to Raise Chickens from Day-Old Chicks
Want to raise baby chicks on your small farm or homestead? Learn how to take care of and raise happy chickens.
Raising Baby Chicks Right
Raising Baby Chicks Right
Raising Chickens - Pick Your Management Method - Free Roaming, Pastured, or Coop and Run
When it comes to housing your chickens, you have several different options for containment - everything from allowing them to range or roam freely, to having them contained within movable electric net fencing, to a traditional coop and run.
Raising Chickens for Meat
Raising Chickens for Meat
Raising Sheep and Goats
Raising Sheep and Goats
Raw Milk Debates Rage On
An op-ed in The New York Times the other day discusses the protests going on in Wisconsin after the Raw Milk Act, which would allow sales of raw milk in the
Reader Submissions: About My Chicken Coop
Share how you built your coop - did you use plans? Make it from recycled and scavenged materials? Buy a coop already built or assemble it yourself? And share a photo of it!
Reality Farm TV?
Tomorrow night on Planet Green, a new kind of reality TV show will debut. It's called The Fabulous Beekman Boys.
Renewing the Countryside
Renewing the Countryside is a non-profit organization devoted to, well, I'll let them use their own words: Renewing the Countryside strengthens rural areas
Requeening a Beehive
Requeening a Beehive
Reviews of Books on Farming - 5 Great Books on Farming
This list of book reviews focuses on books on hobby farming, self-sufficiency, and beekeeping.
Rhode Island Red Chicken - Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Rhode Islands, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Rooftop Greenhouses
A new farming model is emerging in cities, it seems. Because sure, a rooftop garden is fantastic - but in Montreal? You're stuck with a short growing season due
Root Cellaring
Do you have a root cellar? I found this interview with Chris Chaisson fascinating. Building a proper root cellar, either in our basement or standalone, has been
Roundup Ready or Not
First Monsanto developed seed stock for corn, cotton and soybean that was resistant to Roundup, a pesticide used to kill weeds en masse across acres of crops.
Saving Seeds
Do you save the seeds from your homesteading garden or crops from year to year? Seed saving can be a boon for the homesteader and market grower alike, allowing
Scoby - Definition of Scoby
What exactly is a scoby?
Season Extension - Starting Spring Seeds Early And Harvesting Late Winter Crops
Want to get a jump on planting crops and your food garden this season? With season extension ideas like cold frames and polytunnels, you can get your small farm or homestead garden going earlier than you ever imagined.
Seed Catalog Time!
Anyone else drooling over seed catalogs yet? Can you believe it will ever be spring? Before we know it, it'll be time to dig our hands into warm, fresh soil
Seed Suppliers - Seed Catalogs - Where to Buy Seeds for Your Homestead, Garden or Farm
Learn where to buy the best seeds and garden supplies for your small farm and homestead. Use this list of seed suppliers and seed catalogs for your farm and garden planning.
Seed Suppliers Review - Seed Savers Exchange Review
A review of a non-profit heirloom seed company, Seed Savers Exchange.
Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
If you don't yet have a mailbox overflowing with seed catalogs, this is going to save you. Because it's definitely time to get ordering! Whether you need
Sell to Local Restaurants
Do you sell your food to local restaurants? If not, it's definitely something to start thinking about. With a growing awareness of local food, many restaurants
Selling Chicken Eggs
Selling Chicken Eggs
Send Me Your Questions.
I'm compiling FAQs for the site and would love readers to send in questions you may have about small farming and homesteading. From raising animals, to
September: National Honey Month
It's National Honey Month! If you have bees, you are probably harvesting some honey right now. If not, it's a great time to read up on keeping bees in
Set Farming Goals - How to Set Goals for Your Small Farm or Homestead
Not sure if you're in this to create a market garden, if you're trying to become self-sufficient, or if you're simply hobby farming for pleasure? Ask yourself these essential questions and figure out your overarching goals for your small farm.
Set Up Baby Chicks: Bring The Baby Chicks Home
It's time to bring home baby! Your chicks are at the post office and ready to be picked up. Now what?
Set Up Baby Chicks: Check Your Shipment
Once your baby chicks are safely at home, you'll need to make sure they arrived safe and sound.
Set Up Baby Chicks: Fill Waterers and Feeders
It's critical to fill the chicks' waterers and feeders before they arrive.
Set Up Baby Chicks: Gather Your Supplies
Before your chicks arrive in the mail, make sure you have all the supplies you will need for them.
Set Up Baby Chicks: Set Up the Brooder
Before your chicks arrive, set up their brooder area and get it up to the right temperature.
Set Up Baby Chicks: Sit Back and Watch Them
Now they're all happily drinking and eating. Learn what to watch for in the first minutes and hours after your chicks arrive.
Set Up Chicks: Check for Pasting Up
Learn how to check for pasting up, a potentially serious condition with baby chicks.
Set Up Chicks: Dip Beaks in Water
As you remove each chick from the box, dip its beak in the water so it knows where to find water.
Set Up Chicks: Keep Bedding Clean
Keeping the baby chicks' bedding clean is an important part of keeping them healthy and growing.
Should I Build or Buy a High Tunnel?
Learn why you might, or might not, want to invest in a high tunnel - an unheated, plastic-covered space for growing vegetables and other small farm crops.
Should You Keep Bees - Decide Whether Beekeeping is Right for Your Farm
Learn what you need to consider when deciding whether to keep bees in the city, country, on a small farm or homestead.