About the Author

Janet Garman

Janet Garman is a farmer, writer, instructor, and fiber artist living in central Maryland on the family's farm. She loves all subjects related to small farms and homesteading. Raising chickens, ducks, sheep, and fiber goats led her to write her most recent books, 50 Do it Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens, (Skyhorse Publishing 2018) and The Good Living Guide to Raising Sheep and Other Fiber Animals, (Skyhorse Publishing -February 2019)

6 Pig Farming Equipment Essentials for Your Farm

September 27, 2021 · Janet Garman · Pigs

There are not a lot of must-have pig farming equipment items for homestead hog raising. Besides the infrastructure needed for almost any livestock, other tools are rarely used. Shelter, secure fencing, and a container to hold plenty of fresh water are the bare bones of hog raising.

Homesteading After Retirement: Part 5

August 23, 2021 · Janet Garman · Homesteading

Retirement dreams often include plans to travel both near and far. Depending on your previous occupation, travel may not have been possible very often.

How to Start a Cattle Farm on Small Acreage

August 22, 2021 · Janet Garman · Cattle

Learning how to start a cattle farm throws you into the deep end of the homesteading pool. Cattle are large beasts and require strong fencing, water, grazing land or feed and a plan.

The Dorper Sheep: A Hardy Adaptable Breed

August 9, 2021 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Would you like to raise Dorper sheep, one of the fastest growing breeds in the United States and many other countries? There is good reason for the popularity of the Dorper sheep breed.

Try Suffolk Sheep for Meat and Wool on the Farm

August 2, 2021 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Suffolk sheep were first recognized in 1797 in sheep breed books. Since 1888, the Suffolk sheep have traveled to new continents and become a staple of American and Canadian sheep farms.

What to Feed Sheep for Prime Wool Production

July 25, 2021 · Janet Garman · Sheep

A large part of raising wool animals is knowing what to feed sheep in order to obtain good quality wool. Feeding choices will vary from place to place.

Canning Green Beans to Enjoy Later

July 13, 2021 · Janet Garman · Canning & Kitchen

Canning green beans fresh from the garden, preserves the taste of summer. Once you know how to grow green beans, you will want to enjoy the fresh beans all year long.

Homesteading After Retirement: Part 4

June 29, 2021 · Janet Garman · Homesteading

When we first began homesteading, I had zero thoughts about infrastructure for retirement in the future. Later when we first brought sheep to the farm, I had no idea what would help me manage the flock.

Picking the Best Tractor for Small Farms

May 11, 2021 · Janet Garman · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Buying the best tractor for small farm work requires searching for the right tractor for the job. Tractors can be used for many reasons.

Raising Miniature Goats, Cows, Chickens, and Sheep

May 2, 2021 · Janet Garman · Homesteading

What is driving the recent trend in raising miniature goats, cows, chickens, and other livestock? As more people move toward a simpler way of life, and are living in a more self-sustainable way, they may be interested in having a family milk provider.

Wool-Yielding Animals for Yarn and Fiber

May 2, 2021 · Janet Garman · Homesteading

Yarn weights are considerations when deciding which fiber breed or species to raise for your yarn. Wool, fleece, and fiber can be harvested from a number of wool-yielding animals, including sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpaca, bison, and yak!

What You Can Do with Countryside as Your Guide!

Research-based stories and actionable guidance on growing and preserving food, raising healthy animals, DIY projects, cooking simply and naturally, herbal remedies, and fixing what is broken.

Grow and preserve the most nutritious food for you and your family
Raise healthy animals from pasture to plate
Cook simply and naturally
Build things yourself and take pride in your handiwork
Treat ailments naturally and take control of your own health and longevity
Fix what is broken so you get the most out of your investments
Create your own certainty in an uncertain world
And more!

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