About the Author

Rhonda Crank

We live as close to nature as is possible for us in a modern world. We use organic, non-gmo practices based on the wisdom and skills my grandparents taught me, with a little modern ingenuity mixed in.
Read More

Articles by Rhonda Crank

What Planting Zone Am I In?
March 5, 2022 · · Growing

Add to Favorites U.S. planting zones are based on the weather history of any given area. The question “what planting zone am I in?” is one of the most asked …

Read More
Edible Landscaping Ideas for Any Yard
February 28, 2022 · · Growing

In the present state of our economy and breaks in the food supply chain, more and more people are looking for edible landscaping ideas. Landscaping with edibles is finding its place in neighborhoods and homesteads alike as people look for ways to help feed their families.

Read More
You Can Use Salt as a Disinfectant
February 25, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Using salt as a disinfectant is an easy, effective, inexpensive way to kill and prevent bacteria. 

Read More
Recycling Materials on Hand for Compost Bin Plans
January 26, 2022 · · Growing

Add to Favorites There are endless compost bin plans available online. A basic understanding of what components a compost bin must have is essential. Composting is among the easiest, environmentally …

Read More
Breed Profile – The Red Wattle Pig
December 27, 2021 · · Pigs

The docile Red Wattle Pig has a mysterious history among heritage pig breeds. Sadly, it’s on the Threatened list of The Livestock Conservancy.

Read More
A Free Choice Salt Lick is Vital for Livestock Health
December 14, 2021 · · Homesteading

If you have livestock on your homestead, then I’m sure you’re aware of the need they all have for salt and minerals.

Read More
The 6 Best Houseplants for Clean Air Indoors
November 17, 2021 · · Growing

Botanists have a list of plants they consider to be the best houseplants for clean air indoors.

Read More
7 Things to Consider for Insulated Sheds
October 27, 2021 · · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Sheds are used for all sorts of things nowadays. Many of these uses would make insulated sheds a necessity. Certain things, like electronics and specialty

Read More
Cheap Fencing Ideas for the Homestead
October 5, 2021 · · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Well-constructed and maintained electric fencing for sheep is effective for keeping domesticated animals in and predators out. Here’s how. 

Read More
Step-by-Step Guide to Home Canning Meat
June 27, 2021 · · Canning & Kitchen

Add to Favorites I was hesitant about home canning meat, even though I had eaten my grandmother’s home-canned meat all my life. When we lost a whole freezer of meat …

Read More
How to Grow Asparagus — The Garden Wonder
May 13, 2021 · · Growing

Add to Favorites Asparagus is the most worry-free perennial plant there is for the home gardener. If you have bought some lately, then you know how expensive it is. In …

Read More
What is the Best Manure for Gardens?
April 15, 2021 · · Growing

The best manure for gardens is properly composted manure. It’s often called black gold, especially when it contains cow manure. When running a homestead, you have many different types of manure.

Read More
How to Take Care of a Poinsettia Plant for Years of Blooming
December 4, 2020 · · Growing, Holiday

The poinsettia plant has come to represent the holiday season in much of the world. Knowing how to take care of a poinsettia plant can mean years of growth and blooming.

Read More
How to Grow a Christmas Cactus for Generations of Blooms
December 1, 2020 · · Growing, Holiday

Like my grandmother, I have a hard time keeping any houseplant alive. She did know how to grow a Christmas cactus though.

Read More
7 Steps for Preparing Vegetable Gardens for Winter
October 10, 2020 · · Growing

Our farm, Fairhaven Farm, is in U.S. growing zone 8, so we are able to have a garden pretty much year-round. Late January and February is the most down time we see.

Read More