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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…
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How to Make Low Sugar Mixed Berry Jelly from Juice
Making Low-Sugar Mixed Berry Jelly from Juice is a simple and satisfying way to preserve big berry flavor, without needing fresh fruit. This recipe uses store-bought mixed berry juice, so it’s perfect when berries aren’t in season or time is short. A great canning recipe to use during all seasons of the year! With less sugar than traditional jelly and no need for special equipment beyond basic canning tools, it’s ideal for beginners. If you’re new to preserving or just want a quick, flavorful recipe that works, this one’s a great place to start. Visit our Jam and Jelly Recipes page to learn how to make homemade jams and jellies.…
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How to Make Dandelion Salve for Dry Skin
If you’ve been wondering How to Make Dandelion Salve, you’re in the right place. This simple, soothing DIY salve harnesses the natural anti-inflammatory and healing benefits of dandelions. Whether you suffer from cracked hands, seasonal dry patches, or muscle soreness, dandelion-infused oil can bring real relief, without synthetic ingredients. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your own dandelion salve using just a few ingredients and a quick infusion method. Perfect for beginners and herbal enthusiasts alike, this recipe is nourishing, affordable, and totally natural. Whether you’re new to herbal skincare or restocking your stash, DIY Salves and Balms are a great place to start. This post contains affiliate…
