HOMESTEADucation

The Truth About Peat Moss

Peat moss is used for terrestrial plants both indoors and outdoors. It is spongy and holds enough water without being sopping wet, and is derived from digested Sphagnum moss, making it organic.  Most people say that peat is not a renewable resource and therefore should not be used. And it turns out…most people would be correct.   Really I think the confusion is peat moss vs. sphagnum moss  Peat moss usually has that texture that you imagine when you think of moss. It’s thin and bright gre...

Emergencies on your Homestead / Then vs. Now / Does it make you Tough?

Emergencies on your Homestead // Does this lifestyle make you tough?  Where you started vs now? How have you changed? Have you changed? Advice for those starting out. Join us as we sit down and have more of an overall conversation about the above.  It is important to reflect as the years go by, make changes, remember what didn't work and what does.  Here are a few stats that we talk about. 1in 5 Americans live in rural America- a non metropolitan area.  Mostly, Americans live roughly 1...

Natives, Growing Zones, Microclimates

Season 5: Episode 3 / Natives, Growing Zones, Microclimates What is a native species? According to US Forest Service: “Native plants are the indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to European settlement.” What is an invasive species? From US Forest Service: “An "invasive species" is defined as a spec...

Deworming protocols: Yes or No?

Season 5, Episode 2 / To Deworm or Not to Deworm Permaculture Perspective Employ Rotational Grazing methods to manage worm populations Animals should have enough forage for 5-7 days, roughly Animals enter when grass forages reach 8-10” and legume forages reach 10-12” Never allow animals to graze the forage below 4”. This slows forage regrowth and encourages parasite ingestion otherwise A full rotation supplies 21-28 days before animals re-enter the original paddock Pasture rest and su...

We are BACK + Seasons in Homesteading

After a long Summer break, Angela and Mandi are BACK!  Join us as we catch everyone up to speed, chat about "seasons" in homesteading. Maybe it is because we are seasoned? Real life conversation just like we are sitting down with you on your homestead.  Cheers to you all!  Find us on social channels! Angela: @axeandroothomestead Mandi: @wildoakfarms

Spring Crops: Getting your hands dirty now!

Peas: Can be sown when soil temps are between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Shelling peas: for storage Snap peas: fresh eating Sweet peas: flowers, not edible Sow ¼-½” deep in well draining soil. Keep moist through germination and while growing. Trellis is required.  Peas have thigmotropism: the ability to feel with sense of touch Radish: Can be sown when soil temps reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Pay attention to radish size, depth, and soil needs when planting. Grow very quickly! Ca...

Candid Chat About LGD

This is likely one of many chats between the both of us about our Livestock Guardian dogs.  One of many.  Stay tuned for more to come! Cheers.  Angela @axeandroothomestead Mandi @wildoakfarms 

The Brassica Episode

The brassica family includes cole crops, descendants of the mustard family and wild cabbages. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and collards. (cabbage is actually a member of the mustard family- but we lump it into brassicas!) Soil and Temperature These crops prefer well drained soil, kept moist. The seeds require slight warmth to germinate at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or more, but prefer to grow in cool conditions. If grown in peak summer, and n...

Dr. Temple Grandin

We had the extreme honor of speaking with the incredible Dr. Temple Grandin today. She is not only a pioneer in the Agriculture industry as a whole, but an advocate for animal welfare and husbandry, and she has written over 60 scientific papers.  On today's podcast we discuss one of her latest published papers: Grazing Cattle, Sheep, and Goats are Important Parts of a Sustainable Agriculture Future.  https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/16/2092 You all. She is brilliant. Even if you don't far...

Growing Onions- Seeds/Sets/Started

Starting onions from seed: Onion seeds are tiny little black seeds. Go figure, they are like more than 50% of other seeds. They prefer to be planted in loose/fertile soil and or seed starting mix. You *can start them right in the ground if you have a longer growing season, but most gardeners that aren’t planting starts are starting seeds early in the year. Late- Jan- Feb. If you plant directly in your beds plant them an inch deep and keep rows at least 1 foot apart. Onion plants hav...

Homestead Myths

HAPPY 2023!  We will admit, we recorded this right before the holidays and then the holidays happened. :)  We would like to welcome you to the New Year with a fun recording where we talk all about some of the common myths that circulate the homesteading community. Or just the community in general.  We both are very excited to bring you incredible content this year, but let's start with something fun! Cheers!  Angela & Mandi  @axeandroothomestead @wildoakfarms

Homesteading/Homesteader Perception

You'll have to listen. This is a good one.  Mandi asked on social media- "What does being a homesteader mean to you? Are you proud of it? Do you feel like you "fit in?" The responses were all over the board. Some were terribly sad. Some made sense to us. Some were very extreme.  We talked about many of them and gave our own thoughts in this episode.  No matter where you stand. If you are in fact a homesteader or are seeking out a similar lifestyle, you DO fit in. There isn't a box. And yo...

Functional Farming vs. Glamour Farming

Sit down with us as we just have a candid conversation with one another about the difference between functional farming and glamour farming.  Has social media damaged how we look at hard work? Functional work?  Our thoughts on this hot button topic. Join us. And remember one thing.  YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! :)  Cheers  Angela: @axeandroothomestead Mandi: @wildoakfarms

Designing A Greenhouse: Considerations and Challenges

Season 3: Greenhouse Greenhouses can come in a variety of forms: Cold Frame Hoop House Mini Greenhouse Greenhouse Kit Attached 3-sided Structure Independent Structure 3 Things Required for Greenhouse Ventilation Heat Source Thermal mass from other structure Heater Water Barrels Sunlight Things to Consider Flooring Drainage Position of the house relative to sunrise/set Access  Orientation- traditionally greenhouses direct N-S. (Mandi’s does not and we explain why it still ...

We are back! Let's talk about planting garlic!

​​PLANTING: Plant in full sun. Don’t overwater to prevent rotting bulbs. Instead, mulch the area with straw to retain moisture. Plant cloves in mid October before the freeze. Also know what you’re planting. Grow soft neck varieties for storage and hard neck for larger cloves, and mainly consuming sooner than later. Elephant garlic is awesome and easy to peel. But it doesn’t last super long.  Buy quality seed. We like @territorialseedcompany @seed_savers_exchange @pvfsgroworganic @fil...

We are back! Let's talk about planting garlic!

​​PLANTING: Plant in full sun. Don’t overwater to prevent rotting bulbs. Instead, mulch the area with straw to retain moisture. Plant cloves in mid October before the freeze. Also know what you’re planting. Grow soft neck varieties for storage and hard neck for larger cloves, and mainly consuming sooner than later. Elephant garlic is awesome and easy to peel. But it doesn’t last super long.  Buy quality seed. We like @territorialseedcompany @seed_savers_exchange @pvfsgroworganic @fil...

Cover Crops

Season 3: Cover Crops Cover crops are a form of vegetation that is grown in raised beds, in-ground gardens, and animal grazing paddocks to improve soil fertility and tilth. These crops are not harvested for use but are left within the soil. Most often, cover crops are chopped and dropped before seed-set in order to return nutrients to the soil and prevent unwanted spreading.  A lot of folks call cover crops the no cash- cash crop. We don’t harvest it so I think it’s widely underused. Peopl...

Cover Crops

Season 3: Cover Crops Cover crops are a form of vegetation that is grown in raised beds, in-ground gardens, and animal grazing paddocks to improve soil fertility and tilth. These crops are not harvested for use but are left within the soil. Most often, cover crops are chopped and dropped before seed-set in order to return nutrients to the soil and prevent unwanted spreading.  A lot of folks call cover crops the no cash- cash crop. We don’t harvest it so I think it’s widely underused. Peopl...

Freeze Fresh with Author Crystal Schmidt

Join us for this episode where we chat with Crystal, the author of the new book "Freeze Fresh" - The ultimate guide to preserving fruits and vegetables. It was such a fun and relatable conversation and one we know you all are going to love! Crystal is such a wealth of knowledge and an asset to the homesteading community! Enjoy! Find Crystal on Instagram at Wholefedhomestead and you can find her book titled "Freeze Fresh" on Amazon and other book retailers such as Target and Barnes and Noble...

The Tomato Episode

This was so much fun! I am sure that if we both could only grow one thing, it would be tomatoes!  We talked about pruning, trellising, when to harvest, how to store, and more!  What is your favorite tomato variety?  Cheers!  Be sure to come say hi @wildoakfarms and @axeandroothomestead 

The Tomato Episode

This was so much fun! I am sure that if we both could only grow one thing, it would be tomatoes!  We talked about pruning, trellising, when to harvest, how to store, and more!  What is your favorite tomato variety?  Cheers!  Be sure to come say hi @wildoakfarms and @axeandroothomestead 

Companion Planting

What is companion planting? It's one of the foundations of creating working ecosystems when it comes to permaculture. We can group plants together when planning and planting our growing spaces to help crops deter pests/disease, mine nutrients from the soil, and attract pollinators. It's a way of creating a symbiotic relationship in your gardens, because the idea is the two plants (or more) that are companions are each providing to the other something that it cannot do. Or cannot do it alon...

Companion Planting

What is companion planting? It's one of the foundations of creating working ecosystems when it comes to permaculture. We can group plants together when planning and planting our growing spaces to help crops deter pests/disease, mine nutrients from the soil, and attract pollinators. It's a way of creating a symbiotic relationship in your gardens, because the idea is the two plants (or more) that are companions are each providing to the other something that it cannot do. Or cannot do it alon...

Apartment Gardening

Do you live in an apartment, condo, and/or are you limited on your growing space?  This episode is for you! We have covered in previous episodes small space gardening and discussed many tricks we have learned in growing over the years. This just takes it to a little bit more of a niche!  Be sure to check out those other episodes that might also be helpful from the previous seasons!  Cheers! 

THE HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL: LIVE

Hi you all! While at The Homestead Festival in Columbia, Tennessee- on Rory Feek's Homestead, we were able to sit down with Rory himself and chat with him about his dream of putting on this festival come to life.  It was incredible to hear a little more about the why, and also learn this was the first, but not the last!  This episode is proudly sponsored by Tractor Supply.  Enjoy! 

THE HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL: LIVE

Hi you all! While at The Homestead Festival in Columbia, Tennessee- on Rory Feek's Homestead, we were able to sit down with Rory himself and chat with him about his dream of putting on this festival come to life.  It was incredible to hear a little more about the why, and also learn this was the first, but not the last!  This episode is proudly sponsored by Tractor Supply.  Enjoy! 

Homesteading and Grief

Sometimes episode ideas just come to us and we have to hit record.  Sit down with us as we talk about Homesteading and the associated grief that comes along with it.  How we process the grief. Maybe how we don't.  It is bound to be a conversation that we all need to have with one another and this is just the start.  Cheers to you all.  Be sure to find us on Instagram  Angela : @axeandroothomestead Mandi : @wildoakfarms

Special Episode: Avian Influenza with Kirsten at Hostile Valley

Today we wanted to open up the topic about the most recent outbreak of Avian Flu and hear Kirstens real life and very recent experience with Avian Flu and having to cull her whole flock.  We are so grateful to her for sitting down with us to talk about this very tough topic.  Kirsten is a published author and is mostly known for being the Homestead Communitys "goose lady".  You can find Kirsten on Instagram at hostilevalleyliving and at hostilevalleyliving.com Please join us in listening to...

Financing the Homestead

Everyones FAVORITE topic. Money. How to make money on your Homestead? How do you do it? The most common question.  Join the conversation with us. 

Hatching Eggs- Chicks, Ducklings, and Goslings!

Hatching Basics We cover chickens, ducks, and geese in this episode Touching on turkeys and quail, the more common poultry species on most homesteads. From how to pick your incubator, pick the right eggs to hatch, where to put your incubator, and how long. There is a lot to know! While we all can read as much information as we can digest, you do gain a lot of information once you have a few hatches under your belt. The difference isn’t too vast when it comes to each species we will t...

Hatching Eggs- Chicks, Ducklings, and Goslings!

Hatching Basics We cover chickens, ducks, and geese in this episode Touching on turkeys and quail, the more common poultry species on most homesteads. From how to pick your incubator, pick the right eggs to hatch, where to put your incubator, and how long. There is a lot to know! While we all can read as much information as we can digest, you do gain a lot of information once you have a few hatches under your belt. The difference isn’t too vast when it comes to each species we will t...

Keeping Goats on your Homestead

Keeping Goats If you are just starting out in the goat-raising field, let us help you get prepared a bit. Think of this as a little goat for beginners crash course. We will cover picking the right breed for you, basic care and nutrition, and everyone’s favorite thing. Fencing. I might also add that when starting out in any new journey, it is wise to find what I like to call a mentor! They can be a great resource for you and your new family members. Breeds to consider: In the United States...

Introduction to Beekeeping

Season 2: Introduction to Beekeeping Why Keep Bees Increase pollination for fruit and vegetable crops, contribute to the honeybee population, production benefits of honey, pollen and wax The Members of a Hive Queen (only hive member capable of laying eggs) Workers (female, worker bees who play the roles of guardians, nurses, foragers, comb builders, honey creators, undertakers, etc.) Drones (male, sole job is to mate with the queen) Sourcing Bees Common Honeybee Breeds in the US (not...

Keeping Geese on your Homestead

Raising geese on the homestead.  Goose facts: Gander/Goose or Hen Geese were domesticated over 3,000 years ago!  Breeds to consider -A’s breed chart https://www.axeandroothomestead.com/store/p12/Download%3A_Which_Breed_of_Goose_is_Right_for_my_Farm%3F.html -We both raise Sebastopol geese- a threatened breed  Reasons why: -Geese just kind of have a zest of life!  Eggs Guardians FUN How to start/where to look: Local folks Metzer Meyer Hatchery Mypetchicken Getting one goose i...

How Much Food to Grow Per Person

How Much Food to Grow Per Person Different for every grower. Plant quantities are based on tastes, cooking frequency, root cellar availability, preservation skillset, dietary requirements, etc. Look at your grocery bill What are you buying frequently from the store? How much are you buying? Is there something you can grow instead of buying from the produce section? Is there something you can grow to preserve (tomato sauce)? Do you want to grow for fresh eating? And preservation? And st...

Permaculture Approach to Soil Regeneration

We are SO excited to bring all of this information to you! As per usual, for more information find us at @axeandroothomestead and @wildoakfarms on Instagram. Cheers! Quote from Angela’s upcoming book: We have identified many factors and practices that contribute to unhealthy soil ecosystems. But why bother trying to rectify and rehabilitate it? Healthy nutritionally dense soil can produce healthy nutritionally dense food for humans and animals. Ultimately it is the foundation for productiv...

Introduction to Permaculture

Introduction to Permaculture Permaculture directly means “permanent agriculture.” But in its truest form, permaculture is a way of planting crops, keeping animals and sustaining the farm or homestead in a way that mimics the intertwined growing systems found in nature. We can imitate and initiate these natural ecosystems to create healthier crops, less pests, increase crop yields and absorb more carbon into the soil.  Where to start Increase reliance on perennial plants Why perennials? Per...

Tapping Trees on your Homestead

Episode 7: Tapping a Tree for Maple Syrup What to tap and when? All maples can be tapped for sap. Sugar maples are the sweetest. Can also tap: Birch, walnut, black and english walnut, linden, box elder, butternut, sycamore, palm and gorose. All trees’ saps have their own flavor.  Maple (Sugar, Silver, Black, Red, Norway, Big Leaf) 40 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below Birch (European White,...

Introduction of Birds on the Homestead

Chickens Purpose: Fresh eggs, fertilizer for the garden, meat, breeding, tick and insect control Cons: Roosters are loud, roosters have spurs, health concerns, dust from scratching, they scratch up grass and gardens, can fly over fences unless wings are clipped, frostbite in cold climates Housing Requirements: 2-3 square feet per bird, roosting bards, predator-proof coop and run, nesting boxes, access to food and water Ducks Purpose: Fresh eggs, meat, cold climate hardy, slug and snail ...

Quality of Life

Small Space Gardening

Why would you need to grow in a small space?  Apartment living Physically close crops without walking to a garden Moving and want to take crops with you All About Containers Anything can be a growing container so long as it provides drainage Vertical planter towers offer multiple pots to grow food in one vertical space Some folks use fabric shoe organizers that hang on the backside of doors to grow food in pockets Hanging baskets offer a great option growing; think upside down tomato...

Starting a Homestead Garden

Supporting Bees on the Homestead (without being a keeper)

Episode 6: Supporting Honeybees and Native Pollinators Options for supporting bees without the ability to keep a hive, or before jumping into installing an apiary Why are bees important? Honeybees and native pollinators travel from flower to flower for pollen and nectar which they bring back to the hive. During this process they transfer pollen attached to the hairs on the legs between the flowers. This pollen transfer is what fertilizes a crop’s reproductive system creating food. Without ...

Family Milk Cow

Basic Triage

Triage Literally means “to sort” – in this practice you are gaining information by looking at the patient and seeing what their needs are. If it is more than one you are gaining insight on who needs attention first. Looking at any obvious externally wounds/etc. Musculoskeletal/ Respiratory/ cardiovascular- perfusion times etc. you gain most of this information in seconds. And it's important to always think ahead. One thing to note that with animals, the main difference in assessing a pat...

Basic Triage

Triage Literally means “to sort” – in this practice you are gaining information by looking at the patient and seeing what their needs are. If it is more than one you are gaining insight on who needs attention first. Looking at any obvious externally wounds/etc. Musculoskeletal/ Respiratory/ cardiovascular- perfusion times etc. you gain most of this information in seconds. And it's important to always think ahead. One thing to note that with animals, the main difference in assessing a pat...

A Homestead Orchard

Why Grow Your Own Fruit Convenience and self-sufficiency Pesticide Management High yields from one plant; lots of fruit for selling, donating, processing, storing and fresh-eating  Classifications Space considerations: Note the required space for espaliered (pronounced es-pal-yay-ed), dwarf, semi-dwarf and full/standard-sized tree varieties Espaliered: Not as much total yield but produces more fruit per square foot, great for small-space growers, flat 2-dimensional shapes, fruit in 3-5...

Food Crafting

Breadmaking Sourdough Bread What is it: Sourdough is naturally leavened bread using wild yeast from the atmosphere with the help of a “starter.” Starters need to be fed. Basic Tools: Starter, glass jar, digital scale, bowls, banneton, lame, dutch oven Why Make It: Sourdough is a more easily-digestible version of bread. Many folks with gluten intolerances can eat sourdough because the fermentation process when the starter is rising breaks down problematic enzymes. Resources Elaine Boddy ...

Food Crafting

Breadmaking Sourdough Bread What is it: Sourdough is naturally leavened bread using wild yeast from the atmosphere with the help of a “starter.” Starters need to be fed. Basic Tools: Starter, glass jar, digital scale, bowls, banneton, lame, dutch oven Why Make It: Sourdough is a more easily-digestible version of bread. Many folks with gluten intolerances can eat sourdough because the fermentation process when the starter is rising breaks down problematic enzymes. Resources Elaine Boddy ...

Seed Starting on the Homestead

Hi you all! Welcome back!  Today we take a deep dive into seed starting, GMO, Heirloom, Open-Pollinated... what?  When it comes to being one with nature, homesteading, self reliance- the first thing we think about is growing our own food.  Below are some helpful tips discussed in the episode and stay tuned for the next episode of the series.. Starting a Homestead Garden.  DIY Easy Seed Starting Mix Recipe 1 part perlite 1 part vermiculite 1 part sphagnum peat moss Mix equal parts (example...