Countryside Contributor, Author at Countryside

So, You Want to Raise Farm Kids.

June 3, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Homesteading

I only really thought about the benefits of rural life and didn’t consider the potential drawbacks. Like most things in life, there are both good and bad things about raising farm kids, just ask my teens!

Be Careful With Plants: They May Be Toxic!

June 3, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Some plants are toxic to people or pets. So before handling plants afield, bringing home that new houseplant, or growing that new addition to the garden, do research about any dangers that might exist.

Bear Country? It Bears Watching!

June 2, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

They’re interesting. They’re unlike other animals. They’re wild. And they’re dangerous. Bears can inflict serious injury or even cause a fatality. They bear watching.

Go Fish!

May 27, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Homesteading

Remember catching your first fish? I do. Mine was hooked using a wooden stick baited with a nightcrawler — a backwoods fishing rig if ever there was.

Springtime Rhubarb Pie

May 23, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Canning & Kitchen

The first fresh pie filling available in my part of Wisconsin is rhubarb. It’s ready to pull at 8 to 10 inches tall.

Secrets of Raising Katahdin Sheep

May 18, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

Add to Favorites By John Kirchhoff – For many people, mentioning hair sheep evokes either “I wouldn’t have anything else” or a “No way would I have them” response. My wife …

Raising Heritage Breeds

May 11, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Homesteading

Heritage livestock breeds are facing extinction worldwide, and some in the United States are in critical danger. Heritage livestock breeders play a critical role in conservation, but raising them is not the best choice for everyone.

Much Ado About Mulch

May 9, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

From flower gardens to homestead veggie gardens, mulching is an integral part of bed cultivation. But are you mulching the right way?

An Introduction to Angora Rabbits

May 5, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Homesteading, Rabbits

Angora rabbits can be an adorable and productive addition to a homestead because of their wonderful capacity to produce a fiber that is highly sought-after by hand spinners and mills.

All About Beans

May 3, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Even in prehistoric times, our ancestors were enjoying the flavor and nutrition of beans. For thousands of years, beans have served us as a source of good nutrition, especially in protein, B vitamins, and fiber.

Tips for Growing Sweet Corn

May 3, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

When I was a kid, it seemed like everyone in our rural community had tips for growing sweet corn as everyone grew it. I can remember that we planted a field full of it and harvest time was rather busy.

Florida Weave Tomato Trellising System

May 2, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

I don’t know about you, but there’s one thing about growing tomatoes that I don’t care for — caging them.

Disposing of Disposables

April 27, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

It’s time to rediscover the wonders of reusables — and a healthier bank account once you’re no longer wasting money on single-use products. Dispose the disposables.

How to Take an Accurate Soil Sample

April 19, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Do you want your garden to produce the best-tasting food in town? Do you want to maximize production to fill your farmers market stands?

5 Best Rural Rice Recipes

April 15, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Canning & Kitchen, Recipes

Rice is extremely versatile and a rice recipe can go with just about any cuisine. According to Ricepedia, more than half of the world’s population (or 3.5 billion people) derive 20% of their daily calorie intake from rice — and for good reason.

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