Building our self-sufficient lifestyle one level at a time.
Here is an in-depth article on how to, where to, best time to and why you’d want to plant a fruit tree. This also includes information on companion plants for fruit trees, beneficial insect and animal habitats and what a permaculture orchard looks like. If you need to know how to REALLY plant a fruit tree and why the ones you’ve planted in the past haven’t thrived, this is the article for you! 
…
If you’re planting backyard fruit trees or small orchard, you may have heard that mason bees can help with pollination. Here are 4 simple steps that can help you attract mason bees to your fruit trees. Step 4 includes directions for making your own mason bee house. 
…
Sometimes you just don’t have time to wait for spring, or you’ve waited too long to get the spring garden started. Other times, you’re stuck at home with illness or pregnancy but still need to feed your family. Ah, quarantines! Here are six ideas for foods you can quickly produce – grow food fast on your counter and in the garden (including pots)! 
…
Direct sow means you can plant these herb seeds right into your garden so they’re close to your kitchen and easy to harvest. With direct sow herbs you don’t need to mess with indoor seed starting or transplanting! These direct sow herbs are great for beginners, small space gardeners, and DIYers alike. 
…
Learn how to make herbal holiday wreaths for table decorations, napkin rings and useful gifts. These DIY wreaths can be made from vines and herbs your grown in your own garden. Suitable for any holiday throughout the year using seasonal herbs, these wreaths are so simple even the kids can help make them! In fact, consider these herbal holiday wreaths for your next holiday craft party! 
…
This article is titled “Backyard Chickens for Beginners” for a reason. We hope to help you make decisions about chicken feed, chicken coops, keeping chickens in winter and a few other housekeeping items. Even at a beginner’s level, you can learn quality techniques for keeping a happy, healthy flock. 
…
Learn how to simply and easily plan a medicinal herb garden for all your plant-based wellness needs. Aren’t sure what herbs are traditionally considered medicinal? We can help with that, too! You CAN grow wellness, or medicinal, herbs wherever you live, in whatever space you have. 
…
Would you like to help your children detox from a long day of school and homestead work with a nice, hot bath? We show you simple, herbal bedtime bath teas to use daily or give as gifts. (Tip: these bath teas are great for the grown ups, too!) Here are three combinations for the best bedtime bath teas from herbs you can purchase or even grow!
Don’t forget the FREE printable gift tags at the bottom of the article – they may just have a special coupon inside.
Also below are 23 more Quick Homemade Gift Ideas!
…
Here’s how to make and how to use sun dried tomatoes – the ones that cost so much in the fancy food stores. Sun dried tomatoes are low carb friendly and healthy. You don’t even have to have a dehydrator to make them yourself! 
…
With some simple equipment you can learn to make your own healthy juices from fresh, summer fruits. Not only will these healthy juices be healthier than store bought, but it will most likely be cheaper, too. Not to mention that it makes a great food storage product and is useful in many recipes and drinks. 
…