Maple Grove Published in "Must Love Chickens"

Maple Grove published in "Must Love Chickens"

to download on your Kindle reader

Visit Maple Grove on Pinterest and Facebook.

Plowing with Pigs - Something (and Much) for Everybody

Plowing with Pigs and Other Creative, Low-Budget Homesteading Solutions
by Oscar H. Will III & Karen K. Will
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: New Society (January, 2013)
ISBN: 978-0-86571-717-6

When I first read the title of this book, Plowing with Pigs I wasn't sure it would be the right read for me.  I don't have pigs, and I don't intend to have pigs.  But the subtitle, and Other Creative, Low-Budget Homesteading Solutions, told me to take a look. I'm glad I did!

Authors Oscar and Karen Will combine their knowledge and experience in homesteading, farming, gardening, resourcing and cooking with their creative writing skills to inspire the reader to "make better use of readily available renewable resources" and strive for a simpler, healthier lifestyle.

Like many people who consider themselves modern homesteaders, I crave a way of life that more closely resembles that of our grandparents and great-grandparents who lived closer to the land, raising animals and food that is healthy and untainted by the modern practices of using chemicals and genetically modifying our food sources.

Plowing With Pigs gives us a look at the past when farm animals were not raised in restrictive enclosures but were valued as hard working farm hands who "thrive at doing what comes quite naturally to them," and "are among the most likely to partner with you on the labor required around your place."  

This easy read provides very practical insights and instructions for making use of your property elements and resources for the "creation of sturdy fences, structures and tools that will benefit your place and your pocketbook."

Plowing With Pigs also includes several chapters on how to grow and harvest crops and then turn them into forage for your animals or food for your table.  The authors' conviction and detailed information makes it possible to envision "a society that values do-it-yourself skills" as they "encourage you to try the methods that make sense in your particular setting rather than blindly following some list of rules from some expert."

The concluding section of the book, "Home(stead) as a Production Center" contains  some heartwarming chapters on cooking from scratch (including lots of great recipes), upgrading your kitchen on a budget, and how to run a home-based food business. From the first chapter to the last, the Wills remind us that "recycling is the name of the game on the homestead, so don't overlook anything."

I was delightfully enthralled by Plowing With Pigs for its nostalgic look at the past, practical, useful information on "how to" be a homesteader today, and the wide gamut of topics that were covered in an easy-to-read, interesting and very instructional format.  It has something (and much) for everybody!  

Maple Sugaring Season

You know that spring is just around the corner when you see the sap buckets hanging on the maple trees.  The fields and trees are still brown and bare, but the air is getting warmer. In late February and early March there is a very short season when the temperatures are above freezing in the daytime and below freezing at night. That is when the sugar sap starts flowing; it is harvest time in the maple groves of the northeastern United States.  

Brooding Chickens

  
We received our second brood of chicks from Meyer Hatchery. This is what they looked like when they arrived, only one day old. Such cute little fluff balls!  For the first month we kept them inside the house in this large plastic storage bin with pine shavings for litter. Since we were keeping them indoors, we didn't use a brooder lamp as is recommended, but we did keep them in a small, well-heated bedroom where we could close the door and keep them warm and draft-free. We placed their brooding box next to a heating register and used a thermometer to check and make sure the temperature was just right for them. I'm not suggesting this is the best way to brood baby chicks, but I am saying we have successfully brooded two flocks in this heated room without a brooder lamp.

Lally Broch Farm Scent Shots

I love these Scent Shots by Lally Broch Farm, handmade on their farm from soy wax and available in 17 wonderful scents.  Warm them up in your tart warmer and enjoy the delicate fragrance all day!  Available at the Lally Broch Farm Etsy Shop.  You might also want to try their Goat's Milk Soap Bars, handmade on their farm from fresh goat's milk.

Visit Maple Grove on Facebook and Pinterest. 

Chicken Feeder Candy Dish

What a cute and inexpensive candy dish in time for spring and Easter!  Buy and wash a galvanized chick feeder from your local Tractor Supply or farm feed store.  Fill a mason jar with candy and attach it to the feeder.  What could be more simple?

Visit Maple Grove on Facebook and Pinterest.

How to Build a Support Structure for a Farm House Sink

In planning for the renovation of our kitchen, we knew that we wanted  a country style. One of the icons of a country kitchen is the farm sink.  These sinks and the necessary hard surface counter to go with them can be costly, so we tried to reduce costs in every other way we could by doing the work ourselves, waiting for a sale on cabinets, and buying lower-end appliances.  The sink and counter top were our splurge. There are many different types of farm house sinks, made of a variety of materials.  We chose a single basin apron front sink made of fireclay.

Make it From Scratch, or Make it Convenient - Corn Chowder and Chili Con Carne

I like to provide nutritional food for my family.  That's why I keep chickens and let them free-range, for the most nutritional eggs.  It's why I can and freeze fresh produce and make my own sauces.  It's why I'm working toward growing fruits and vegetables on our homestead.  I want to feed my family less processed foods and turn more to fresh, wholesome ones.  

Candy Apple Spice Mix for Cider or Tea

Does the cold weather put you in the mood for hot tea or cider?  Here is a spice mix you can add to your hot drinks to give them a burst of flavor and perhaps even give yourself some added health benefits for the cold and flu season.

Why Chickens Take Dust Baths

Any chicken keeper can tell you it's a pretty common sight to see chickens laying or rolling around in the dirt. It's called a "dust bath."