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How to Save Tomato Seeds for Next Year’s Garden (Step-by-Step)
Learning how to save tomato seeds is one of the simplest and most rewarding skills you can add to your gardening routine. Whether you’re growing heirlooms or open-pollinated varieties, saving seeds lets you carry your favorite tomatoes into next year, and beyond. It’s also a great way to become more self-reliant and preserve varieties that do especially well in your unique climate. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to collect, ferment, dry, and store your own tomato seeds step by step. No fancy tools needed, just a few tomatoes, a jar, and a little patience. Once you try it, you’ll never want to toss tomato seeds again!…
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How to Make Elderberry Gummies
Elderberry gummies are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the immune-boosting power of elderberries — but if you’ve ever ended up with lumpy, rubbery pieces, you know the frustration. The secret? Blooming your gelatin before mixing. In this recipe, I’ll show you the step-by-step process for smooth, flavorful elderberry gummies every time. Not only are they great for cold and flu season, but they’re also a healthy snack kids love. For more herbal and natural remedy recipes, check out my Herbal Remedies pillar page. Quick Summary at a Glance Why Make Elderberry Gummies Elderberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids, making them a powerhouse for supporting…
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How to Can Tomato Sauce (Two Different Methods)
Homemade canned tomato sauce is the ultimate way to capture the rich, fresh flavor of summer tomatoes for year-round cooking. Whether you prefer a smooth, seed-free sauce or a blended version, learning how to can tomato sauce at home gives you full control over the ingredients and the taste. In this post, you’ll find two simple methods for preparing tomatoes, along with step-by-step canning instructions to make the process easy and safe. For more water bath canning ideas, check out my full Water Bath Canning Page. Quick Summary Why Make Your Own Canned Tomato Sauce? Making your own tomato sauce has the same great benefits of any other homemade food.…
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How to Grow Rhubarb: A Perennial Favorite for the Homestead Garden
If you’ve ever dreamed of harvesting your own fresh rhubarb stalks, you’re in luck; it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding perennials you can grow. This guide will walk you through everything from planting and caring for rhubarb to harvesting and dividing it for years of bounty. Along the way, we’ll cover common problems, seasonal care tips, and culinary uses, with links to my favorite rhubarb recipes. If you want more tips on growing plants, check out our Gardening Page. Why Grow Rhubarb? Benefits of Rhubarb in a Homestead Garden Rhubarb is a low-maintenance perennial that keeps producing for years with minimal care, perfect for busy homesteaders. It thrives…
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How to Make Thimbleberry Crumble
This thimbleberry crumble recipe is the perfect way to showcase the unique flavor of these rare, ruby-red berries. With a buttery, golden topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, this dessert lets the thimbleberries shine. Whether you’re lucky enough to pick them fresh in season or have frozen berries tucked away, this crumble comes together in minutes and bakes into a bubbling, sweet-tart treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a truly unforgettable dessert. For more cozy, from-scratch treats, explore my Desserts from Scratch collection. Thimbleberry Picking Traditions Every year, around the last week of July or the first week of…
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What to Plant in a Fall Garden (By USDA Zone)
Knowing what to plant in a fall garden by zone is the key to getting the most from your growing season. Fall crops often thrive with cooler temperatures and fewer pests, but timing is everything—especially when you’re racing against that first frost. Whether you’re aiming for a late-season harvest of carrots and greens or planning garlic and cover crops, your USDA zone will determine what works best and when to plant it. This guide breaks it all down so you can plant confidently this autumn and enjoy fresh food well into the colder months. Looking for more seasonal planting tips? Explore our Gardening page for practical ideas that grow with…
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Best Herbs for Cold and Flu Tea Blends
Looking for the best herbs for colds and flu to keep your family healthy this season? Herbal remedies have supported wellness for generations, and there are many gentle, effective options to help ease symptoms naturally. From soothing sore throats to calming coughs and boosting immunity, herbs can be powerful allies during cold and flu season. You can use them in homemade tea blends, syrups, or steams depending on your comfort and need. Whether you’re just getting started with herbs or looking for new ways to use what you have on hand, this guide will walk you through some of the most trusted herbs and simple blends you can make at…
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Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe In Mini Loaves
This Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe is one of my favorite fall bakes—perfect for sharing, gifting, or stocking the freezer. It’s warmly spiced, ultra moist from reduced apple cider, and finished with a mouthwatering cinnamon sugar coating. I always bake this recipe in mini loaf pans. They make the bread easier to store, freeze, and portion—and let’s be honest, they’re just really cute on a fall brunch table. Whether you’re baking ahead for guests or whipping up something sweet for the weekend, this is a must-make. You’ll find this and more seasonal ideas in my Cooking from Scratch collection. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything…
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How to Make Apple Pie Spice Seasoning
Making an apple pie spice recipe at home is quick, affordable, and packed with warm, cozy flavor. This simple blend combines common pantry spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into one jar that’s perfect for fall baking and more. I started making it myself when I realized how often I was buying tiny jars of pre-mixed spice, and how much better it tasted fresh. Whether you’re prepping pies, oatmeal, or even applesauce, this homemade mix is a must-have in any from-scratch kitchen. You can find more pantry staple recipes like this on my Cooking from Scratch page. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will…
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How to Make Yogurt at Home (With or Without an Instant Pot
Making yogurt at home is simpler than you might think—and it only takes two ingredients to get started. Whether you’re using raw milk and the stove-top method, or store-bought whole milk and an Instant Pot, making homemade yogurt is a rewarding skill. It’s fresher, more customizable, and often more gut-friendly than the store-bought kind. I started making yogurt as part of my journey toward more nourishing, homemade meals—and it’s becoming a weekly habit in our kitchen. If you’re trying to ditch processed foods and embrace real ingredients, learning how to make your own yogurt is a great step. You’ll find even more inspiration for building a homemade pantry over on…
