Getting Started Vermicomposting – Raising Worms

 Getting Started  2 Responses »
Feb 222013
 

Getting Started Vermicomposting - Raising Worms @ Common Sense Homesteading

Vermiculture composting (Vermicomposting) is the act of creating rich, organic humus for your garden or lawn by allowing red worms to help in the decomposition process. The resulting castings enrich soil by improving texture, increasing nitrogen, trace minerals, and natural growth hormones from the worms themselves.

In this article I will discuss how to get the absolute most out of small scale, indoor vermicomposting without expensive or complicated equipment.  You probably already have most of the tools you’ll need to get started. Continue reading »

Getting Started Beekeeping – Iron Oak Farm’s First Hive

 Homesteading  1 Response »
Sep 142012
 

Getting Started Beekeeping @ Common Sense Homesteading

This is a guest post by Jennifer Sartell of Iron Oak Farm sharing their experience with getting started beekeeping.

It’s amazing to see our little farm growing, taking shape in the nooks and crannies of our property. So steady, so quiet, it moves along. I look out over our pumpkin patch and see the giant gourds, orange and globular, almost alien-like against the green grass. I think back to the spring, where the little sleeping seeds awoke in the ground. With time, rain and sunshine we now have enormous trailing vines, wrinkled star- like blooms and huge voluptuous fruit. Continue reading »

For the Ladies – Getting Started with Firearms (Part 2)

 Getting Started  9 Responses »
Apr 172012
 

revolvers01

This is part two of a guest post mostly for the ladies, but I suspect some gentlemen may find this useful as well. To those who have considered getting a gun for self-defense, this is for you.  Today we cover selecting a firearm, some common gun related terms, and why you need proper training.

How to Find a Firearm

“No – you don’t want the P220, you need something that’s girl sized”. The last time I heard that was from the gun store employee who DIDN’T make a $850 sale.

It’s not as common as it used to be, but on occasion you will find a gun store employee who either ignores you or suggests a “girl gun”.  Take your business elsewhere.  You wouldn’t buy a new outfit at a store where the clerk thought you were fat when you’re not, so why buy a gun at a place where they assume you’re an idiot because you have breasts.  It’s getting better all the time ladies. On a business trip to St. Louis I walked into the Gander Mountain in St. Louis, asked about 1911′s in .45 and the store clerk didn’t bat an eye though his smile went up about 2000 watt at a new customer. Continue reading »

For the Ladies – Getting Started with Firearms (Part 1)

 Getting Started  25 Responses »
Apr 162012
 
revolver2

Today I’m featuring a guest post mostly for the ladies, but I suspect some gentlemen may find this useful as well.  To those who have considered getting a gun for self-defense, this is for you.

Why should I learn how to shoot?  I’ve never been a victim. I’ve never been robbed.

The best way to survive a criminal attack is to have a safety strategy BEFORE you need it, not after.  That is why I strongly support the Second Amendment and the right for law abiding citizens to own guns for sport and self defense.  Man, his other traits notwithstanding, biologically considered, is simply the most formidable of all the beasts of prey, and, indeed, the only one that preys systematically on its own species. A thug or a professional criminal has disassociated himself from humanity and views us simply as a hawk views a sparrow. Face it ladies, we are prey. Continue reading »

Your Custom Homestead – Awakening a Fresh Vision of Homesteading

 Book Reviews, Getting Started, Homesteading  17 Responses »
Mar 202012
 

Your Custom Homestead Giveaway

Looking for a homesteading how-to that’s practical, inspirational and real? If you’ve been thinking about homesteading and weren’t sure how to get started, Jill has put together a great resource in Your Custom Homestead to give you the “nudge” you need to get motivated. Continue reading »

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