Countryside Contributor, Author at Countryside

Growing Cold-Hardy Vegetables

October 12, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Many of us put our gardens to bed once winter arrives. However, by using an abundance of strategies and knowing which cold-hardy crops to plant, we can harvest food, even in snow-driven territories where temperatures may drop to zero degrees F.

Planting Bulbs in Fall for Early Spring Flowers

October 12, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

You will find that planting bulbs in fall will bring great joy come spring. Discovering the first crocus emerging from the barren ground in late winter gives us a clear message that spring is not far behind.

Making Herb Salts and Garlic Oil: Recipes for Imperfect Harvests

October 7, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

When insects attack your growing basil or your garlic doesn’t grow to a desired size, don’t worry, you can still make delicious infused garlic oil recipes and salts with your imperfect herbs.

The Lincoln Longwool Sheep

October 5, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

Canadian Kate Michalska is farming the endangered Lincoln Longwool sheep as a conservation project but says their meat is lovely and mild to eat.

Your Guide to Dairy and Beef Cattle Breeds

October 5, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Cattle

Add to Favorites By Heather Smith Thomas – There are so many cattle breeds and crosses that it’s hard to know which ones to choose when researching how to start …

Springing Through Fall and Winter With Cover Crops

September 29, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Cover crops are named because of the role they play in preserving soil health. They cover the ground to reduce exposure and the negative impacts that come with it.

Hunting for Food in the Wild

September 29, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

Recent food shortages at grocery stores around the country got me thinking. In this age of pandemics, when the food supply we’ve taken for granted is suddenly disrupted, having the ability to stock your freezer with wild game during hunting season is a comforting thought.

Prevent Sheep Bloat by Managing Your Flock

September 27, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

“What does a bloated sheep look like?” was the question on the phone late Sunday evening. The question brought back some nightmarish images to my mind from the first time I saw sheep bloat:

Winter Cover Crops And Green Manure Strategies

September 23, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Cover crop strategies refer to cover crops scheduled into a crop rotation plan. Organic farming relies on soil health and cycling of nutrients through the soil using natural processes.

Using Natural Fertilizers on the Homestead

September 15, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Gardens are hungry creatures, demanding endless applications of fertilizer to keep vegetables, fruits, and flowers growing throughout the season. Unfortunately, many find their plot’s needs increase each passing year despite frequent feedings.

Dexter Cattle – The Ideal Family Cow

September 13, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Cattle

Homesteading is about simplicity, self reliance, and doing as much as you can with as little as possible, always with an eye on the bottom line.

So when it comes to considering large livestock, selecting an animal species or specific breed that provides multiple benefits should be the goal.

Sea Buckthorn: It Started With a Prayer

September 8, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Studies have shown sea buckthorn is able to actually remove cholesterol from arteries. The seed and berry oil are used topically after radiation exposure due to medical treatments, accidental exposure or severe frostbite/sunburn.

Heritage Sheep Breeds: Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em

September 3, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

Heritage sheep are rare, but their wool is special. The Livestock Conservancy’s new Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em project is focusing fiber artists on using rare breed wool and yarns to draw attention to their unusual and fine qualities.