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How to Split and Transplant Irises (Garden Beds or Pots)
If you’re wondering how to split and transplant irises, you’re in the right place. Irises are hardy, low-maintenance perennials, but every few years, they need a little attention to keep blooming their best. Dividing the rhizomes not only helps manage overcrowding—it also encourages stronger, more vibrant flowers. Late summer to early fall is the perfect time to dig up your iris clumps, separate the healthy pieces, and replant them either in your garden beds or containers. Whether you’re refreshing an existing bed or sharing extras with a friend, splitting irises is a satisfying task that pays off beautifully in spring. In this post, I’ll walk you through when and how…
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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Recipe (Moist, Easy & Freezer-Friendly)
If you’re looking for a moist and easy chocolate chip zucchini bread recipe, this version is the one to try. It’s light and delicious, simple to mix together, and perfect for using up garden zucchini—whether fresh-picked or frozen. This loaf bakes up golden and tender every time, with just the right amount of sweetness and texture. It freezes beautifully, too, so you can make a few loaves ahead for busy morning breakfasts or snacks. In this post, you’ll learn how to prep your zucchini, get tips for add-ins and storage, and discover a few variations to make it your own. For more homemade breads, baking, and cooking favorites, visit my…
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How to Grow Hardneck Garlic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cold Climates
If you’re wondering how to grow hardneck garlic, you’re in the right place. This cold-hardy variety is ideal for northern gardeners and produces bold, flavorful cloves that are easy to peel and full of character. Hardneck garlic thrives in Zones 3–6 and offers a bonus spring harvest: garlic scapes. These curly flower stalks are edible and delicious, making hardneck varieties a great dual-purpose crop. This post walks you through everything—from fall planting and winter care to harvesting, curing, and storage. For more growing tips and seasonal planting advice, explore our full Gardening Guide. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the…
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How To Make Frankincense Whipped Tallow Face & Body Balm
If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe and deeply nourish your skin, this frankincense tallow balm is an easy DIY you’ll love. Made with nutrient-rich grass-fed beef tallow and infused with calming frankincense essential oil, this balm melts beautifully into dry, sensitive, or mature skin to provide lasting moisture and healing. Whether you prefer a light, whipped texture or a firmer, traditional balm, this recipe shows you both methods so you can choose what works best for your skincare routine. Using tallow in skincare is a time-tested tradition, packed with fat-soluble vitamins that help restore and protect your skin barrier naturally. For more simple and effective skin-supporting recipes,…
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How to Dry Yarrow Flowers and Leaves
Drying yarrow at home is a simple and rewarding way to preserve this beautiful and beneficial wild plant. If you’ve been wondering how to dry yarrow for use in teas, salves, herbal remedies, or ornamental bouquets, this guide will walk you through exactly when to harvest and how to dry both the flowers and leaves properly. Whether you’re gathering wild yarrow or growing it in your herb garden, preserving it the right way helps you get the most from its healing properties. From natural wound care to soothing skin care, dried yarrow is a staple in any homestead apothecary. For more herbal tips, remedies, and how-tos, don’t miss our Natural…
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How to Make a Brooder for Chicks (With Tips for Meat Birds Too)
How to make a brooder for chicks is one of the first things every chicken keeper needs to learn—whether you’re raising future egg layers, backyard companions, or fast-growing meat birds. A well-designed brooder keeps your chicks warm, safe, and stress-free during those critical first weeks of life. Setting up a brooder doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but there are a few key things to get right. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best brooder setup, including heat source tips, bedding, feeders, and how to adjust things as your chicks grow. I’ve also added a section with special considerations for meat birds, since they grow faster and…
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How to Make Beef Bone Broth in the Instant Pot
How to make beef bone broth in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to turn leftover bones into a rich, nourishing staple. Whether you’re using ribeye roast bones, soup bones, or a mix of marrow and joint bones, this method delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. Bone broth has long been known for its gut-healing, joint-supporting, and immune-boosting benefits. And with the Instant Pot, you can skip the long stovetop simmer and get a deeply flavorful broth in just a few hours. This recipe uses just bones, veggie scraps, water, and optional vinegar for maximum mineral extraction. It’s a no-waste, no-fuss way to fill your freezer with…
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How to Make a Relaxing Peony Bath Soak at Home
A peony bath soak is a simple and luxurious way to enjoy your garden’s beauty long after the blooms fade. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or looking for a gentle self-care ritual, this floral-infused bath is both soothing and easy to make at home. Peonies aren’t just beautiful — their soft, fragrant petals offer calming benefits for the skin and senses. Combined with mineral-rich salts, they create a relaxing bath soak that’s perfect for unwinding, softening skin, or gifting to a friend. In this post, I’ll show you how to dry your own peony petals, blend them with natural salts, and store your bath soak for later…
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How to Make Canned Rhubarb Pie Filling to Enjoy All Year
Rhubarb pie filling is one of the best ways to capture the bold, tart flavor of early summer rhubarb. Whether you’re growing your own or buying in bulk from the market, this recipe is a great way to preserve it for year-round baking. With just a few simple ingredients and Clear Jel for the perfect texture, this pie filling is ideal for canning. It’s a favorite in our homestead kitchen—easy to make, and even easier to use when you’re ready for a quick dessert. Let’s walk through how to make and can your own rhubarb pie filling at home. If you want more step-by-step tips and recipes, visit my complete…
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How to Make Whipped Lavender Tallow Balm for Nourished Skin
Lavender whipped tallow balm is a deeply nourishing, all-natural moisturizer perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Made with simple, traditional ingredients, this balm soothes, softens, and locks in hydration. If you’re looking for a clean skincare option without synthetic fragrances or fillers, this recipe is for you. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, and you only need a little to see results. In this post, you’ll learn how to make your own whipped balm, what each ingredient does, and how to customize it with different oils or scents. Let’s create something your skin will love. For more simple and effective skin-supporting recipes, visit our Salves and Balms Page. This post…
