Join us for this episode where we chat with Crystal, the author of the new book "Freeze Fresh" - The ultimate guide to preserving fruits and vegetables. It was such a fun and relatable conversation and one we know you all are going to love! Crystal is such a wealth of knowledge and an asset to the homesteading community! Enjoy!

Find Crystal on Instagram at Wholefedhomestead and you can find her book titled "Freeze Fresh" on Amazon and other book retailers such as Target and Barnes and Noble. 

Cheers! 

Angela: axeandroothomestead
Mandi: wildoakfarms 

This was so much fun! I am sure that if we both could only grow one thing, it would be tomatoes! 

We talked about pruning, trellising, when to harvest, how to store, and more! 

What is your favorite tomato variety? 

Cheers! 

Be sure to come say hi @wildoakfarms and @axeandroothomestead 

What is companion planting?

It's one of the foundations of creating working ecosystems when it comes to permaculture. We can group plants together when planning and planting our growing spaces to help crops deter pests/disease, mine nutrients from the soil, and attract pollinators.

It's a way of creating a symbiotic relationship in your gardens, because the idea is the two plants (or more) that are companions are each providing to the other something that it cannot do. Or cannot do it alone. The plants are working together to benefit one another. Companion planting is also thought to ?confuse? pests even when you are unable to cover or manage intensively. 

It helps support plant diversity and actually helps you intensively manage a small space better. The key in fostering diversity is to increase the number of beneficial pests- thus decreasing the harmful ones. 

Why companion plant?

The result is a higher crop yield, less human intervention by way of fertilizing and pest control, and maximizing garden space. These concepts can be applied to small spaces--even container gardens--to large environments like orchards. It's about getting away from mono-culture (planting rows upon rows of corn, for example) and planting many things together, called poly-culture.

For containers, raised beds or in-ground garden systems, here's some helpful companion plant combinations I use.

Tomatoes

Plant lettuce, carrots, radish underneath and around

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Plant broccoli and cauliflower between rows of garlic and/or sage to deter cabbage moths. Crimson clover acts a great living mulch to attract predatory insects to feed on those cabbage moth larvae also.

Cucumbers

Surround with radishes to deter cucumber beetles

Pumpkins/Squash

Sow 2-3 nasturtium seeds around each seedling after sprouting to deter squash bugs/borersMarigolds and Calendula

Use around borders to attract beneficial pollinators and deter rabbits- and they can add another thing to you homestead arsenal- you can make salves from the petals- they both are from the same family and have anti-inflammatory properties and more. 

Roses

Interplant garlic around roses to deter fungal diseases (some folks say it also encourages a stronger fragrance from the rose blossoms!)

Peas

Peas give nitrogen to the soil so are great for heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, corn, peppers, eggplant, and even potatoes

Strawberries

Interplant with mint to deter pests. Also interplant with borage to attract pollinators and enhance berry sweetness.

Nasturtium

Containing both edible foliage and flowers (and seeds-capers) it fairs well in less fertile soil. Great for pollinators and pest control- so we interplant this easy to grow trailing flower all over the garden. 

Trap crops: the idea of planting crops to ?sacrifice?.  This aids in pest reduction for the plants you want to see to harvest. This is ideally done in close proximity to the plants you are trying to succeed with. For us- we do this with brassicas- greens etc. We will cover (with a lightweight summer cloth) the beds we want to protect and then leave a bed nearby uncovered and unkempt. The easiest form of trickery. 

Plants that add nitrogen back into our soil:

It's no secret- your soil is alive. You want it to be its own little ecosystem right under your feet. We can help the soil (because then it turns around and helps us) by planting crops that are rich in nitrogen. Legumes - peas and beans are some of the more common plants homesteaders will grow for a harvest- and they are also helping improve the soil as they grow a

Do you live in an apartment, condo, and/or are you limited on your growing space? 

This episode is for you! We have covered in previous episodes small space gardening and discussed many tricks we have learned in growing over the years. This just takes it to a little bit more of a niche! 

Be sure to check out those other episodes that might also be helpful from the previous seasons! 

Cheers! 

Hi you all! While at The Homestead Festival in Columbia, Tennessee- on Rory Feek's Homestead, we were able to sit down with Rory himself and chat with him about his dream of putting on this festival come to life.  It was incredible to hear a little more about the why, and also learn this was the first, but not the last! 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Tractor Supply. 

Enjoy! 

Sometimes episode ideas just come to us and we have to hit record. 

Sit down with us as we talk about Homesteading and the associated grief that comes along with it. 
How we process the grief. Maybe how we don't. 
It is bound to be a conversation that we all need to have with one another and this is just the start. 

Cheers to you all. 

Be sure to find us on Instagram 
Angela : @axeandroothomestead
Mandi : @wildoakfarms

Today we wanted to open up the topic about the most recent outbreak of Avian Flu and hear Kirstens real life and very recent experience with Avian Flu and having to cull her whole flock. 

We are so grateful to her for sitting down with us to talk about this very tough topic. 
Kirsten is a published author and is mostly known for being the Homestead Communitys "goose lady". 
You can find Kirsten on Instagram at hostilevalleyliving and at hostilevalleyliving.com
Please join us in listening to what happened, how they dealt with it, and their plans going forward. 

For more information about Avian Influenza please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds 

Everyones FAVORITE topic. Money.

How to make money on your Homestead? How do you do it?
The most common question. 
Join the conversation with us. 

Keeping Goats

If you are just starting out in the goat-raising field, let us help you get prepared a bit. Think of this as a little goat for beginners crash course. We will cover picking the right breed for you, basic care and nutrition, and everyone?s favorite thing. Fencing. I might also add that when starting out in any new journey, it is wise to find what I like to call a mentor! They can be a great resource for you and your new family members.

Breeds to consider:

In the United States, there are 14 common goat breeds.

Buck/Wether Doe/Doeling

Main - Pygmy, Nubian, Nigerian Dwarf, Boer

Pygmy goats are small in stature, comical and densely found across the US. Pygmy goats are actually documented as a meat breed, although I do find they are sometimes crossed and used as a dairy breed. Traditionally, Pygmy goats are very good browsers and used often in a pasture rotation setting with other animals.

Nigerian Dwarf goats are similar in size to the Pygmy, maybe reaching on average 40lbs. They have a more slender appearance and are a very well known dairy goat breed. Widely popular on small farms and homesteads. With their small size, sought after butterfat percentage and amazing milk potential they make a great addition. Nigeria Dwarf goats hold a butterfat percentage that is on average 6-10%!

Butterfat is the fat content found in milk, and is particularly important when it comes to cheesemaking.

Nubian goats. Most often only used as a dairy breed, well known for their long ears and Roman noses, Nubians are quite social and incredible milk producers. Nubians have an on average 5% butterfat content in their milk. Nubians are known for being outgoing and a tad loud. They are the largest of the three breeds we are highlighting, and do require a bit more space.

Boer goats are bred to thrive under extensive livestock farming conditions in hot, arid environments where the quality of grazing is poor. The breed has the ability to convert poor-quality forage into meat at a very low cost, enabling livestock farmers in these arid areas to farm commercially.

Considerations:

Goats need a bare minimum of 20 square feet of inside space and 200 square feet of pasture space per goat.

They are browsers not grazers- the prefer bushes vs grass.

Nutrition needs ? they are ruminants and have 4 stomach quadrants. They regurgitate their food and chew their cud.

The compartments are the reticulum, rumen, omasum and abomasum, or true stomach.

Monogastric or simple-stomached animals such as humans, dogs and cats consume food that

undergoes acidic breakdown in the stomach and enzymatic digestion in the small intestine, where most nutrients are absorbed.

In ruminants, feed first undergoes microbial digestion in the reticulum and rumen ? together, often called the reticulo-rumen ? prior to acidic digestion in the abomasum and enzymatic digestion and nutrient absorption in the small intestine. The microbial digestion in the reticulo-rumen allows ruminants to consume and utilize grass, hay, leaves and browse. ? (Meat Goat Nutrition)

The bacteria in the rumen are capable of synthesizing all B vitamins needed!

Fencing

Basic needs- hoof trim, vaccines, overall care.

Health issues?

Herd animals- they are very social and curious. Some even say intelligent.

What they eat DOES impact how the milk tastes.

Breeding/Milk sharing?

They have many quirks. They move into pressure- not away.

They have a dental pad in the front top- and on top and bottom they have VERY sharp teeth ( in the back) and can actually break a finger. Or a tree limb etc

Lifespan- similar to a dog

Hatching Basics

We cover chickens, ducks, and geese in this episode

Touching on turkeys and quail, the more common poultry species on most

homesteads.

From how to pick your incubator, pick the right eggs to hatch, where to put your

incubator, and how long. There is a lot to know!

While we all can read as much information as we can digest, you do gain a lot of

information once you have a few hatches under your belt.

The difference isn?t too vast when it comes to each species we will talk about, but

there are a few.

Set up and choosing an incubator:

There are SO many.

Simple Styrofoam

Incubators that have auto turners

Cabinet style

How do you choose? Most of us are going to go middle of the road and invest in an

incubator with an auto turner. This allows us to set the eggs and NOT have to turn

then 3-5 times a day.

The incubator is mimicking what would be happening if a broody would elect to

hatch a clutch, so we cant just set the eggs and walk away for 21-28 days.

And then we have to talk about the ?air types? inside the incubator.

There are basically two types of incubators available, forced-air and still-air

incubators. Forced-air incubators have fans that provide internal air circulation. The

capacity of these units may be very large. The still-air incubators are usually small

without fans for air circulation. It is just kind of like a hot box and not as common.

Still-air incubators are trickier to use, and it requires precision to set this kind of

incubator. The radiant heat warms up the air, and since the air will not be able to

circulate, it is very crucial to identify the correct placement of the eggs. The warm

air tends to not be equal, thus making it harder to achieve a successful hatch.

In addition, the setting of still air incubators has to be exact otherwise, temperature

and humidity anomalies might occur inside.

Backing up, in order to have a successful hatch you have to focus on two things.

Temperature and humidity. Remember we are replicating what it would be like if

the hen or goose went broody and hatched these eggs on their own.

We have talked about it before, how we as humans seem to interfere too much when

it comes to many aspects of homesteading, this is no exception.

Chickens 21-days/Lockdown day 18- Temperature 99.5 incubator temp/Humidity

around 45% for first 18 days and then bump up to about 60-65% at lockdown.

Ducks 28 days/Lockdown day 25-26 (besides Muscovys)- Temperature

99.5/Humidity about 50-55% for the first 25 days and then bump up to about 65-

68% at lockdown

Geese 28-35 days-/Lockdown 3 day before hatch day- Temperature 99.5 (if not a

hair lower- 99.4)/Humidity 50-55% for the first 25 days and then bump up to about

65-68% at lockdown.

For waterfowl- a cooling period is even more beneficial/crucial than with chicken

eggs. Again, this is mimicking the mother bird.

Some folks with mist the eggs every day or so, again replicating the mother bird

bathing or swimming.

Place your incubator in a draft free location.

Everyone will have slight variations, we all live in different home environments.

This is why we talk about trialing with a couple of eggs, especially if you are

hatching eggs that are very special or hard to find.

Assisting the hatch?

While you are waiting for the poultry to hat

Raising geese on the homestead. 

Goose facts:

Gander/Goose or Hen

Geese were domesticated over 3,000 years ago! 

Breeds to consider

-A?s breed chart

https://www.axeandroothomestead.com/store/p12/Download%3A_Which_Breed_of_Goose_is_Right_for_my_Farm%3F.html

-We both raise Sebastopol geese- a threatened breed 

Reasons why:

-Geese just kind of have a zest of life! 

Eggs

Guardians

FUN

How to start/where to look:

Local folks

Metzer

Meyer Hatchery

Mypetchicken

Getting one goose isn?t recommended- just like goats for example- they are flock animals.

Housing considerations:

Bedding

Water-pools vs natural water

Everyday needs discussed.

Nutrition!!

-This might be the most critical part of raising goslings/geese. For the first several weeks goslings need a feed that contains roughly 22% protein- chick starter is not suitable and never use medicated. 

Niacin- a B vitamin that is crucial for healthy development of water fowl-specifically geese. Without it you will see stunted growth and leg issues. ?Brewers yeast is an option 

Geese LOVE grass  and are actually excellent weeders. 

Health-

Bumblefoot 

Coccidia

Angel wing

GOOSE EGG CUSTARD RECIPE! 
2 goose eggs

4 cups of whole milk or cream- either works great!

1/2 cup of honey 

A dash of sea salt

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or a dash ( I don't measure much)

Preheat your oven to 350F. 

Scald the milk. In a saucepan heat the milk, stirring regularly, until it begins to simmer. Allow it to cool for a moment while you mix the rest of the ingredients

Mix together goose eggs, honey, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. 

SLOWLY mix in the hot milk, careful you don't want to cook the eggs. Stir until everything is combined. 

Pour the mix into a prepared ramekins or pie pans. Think of this as a creme brûlée! 

Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the custard sets and is jiggly.

Enjoy hot or cold. Top with fruit or homemade whipped cream! YUM

Season 2: Introduction to Beekeeping

Why Keep Bees

Increase pollination for fruit and vegetable crops, contribute to the honeybee population, production benefits of honey, pollen and wax

The Members of a Hive

Queen (only hive member capable of laying eggs)

Workers (female, worker bees who play the roles of guardians, nurses, foragers, comb builders, honey creators, undertakers, etc.)

Drones (male, sole job is to mate with the queen)

Sourcing Bees

Common Honeybee Breeds in the US (not exhaustive list)

https://bees4life.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/bee-races1.jpg

Carniolan - generally more docile disposition, moderate disease resistance, good chance of overwinterItalian: moderately gentle, low disease resistance, good chance of overwinterSaskatraz: generally docile, known for overwintering abilityRussian: High disease resistance, good for overwinter, generally aggressiveAfricanized: resistant to varroa, highly aggressive, high disease resistance, poor overwintering abilityOther races: caucasion, buckfast, german, etc.

Nuc vs Package

Sourcing local is best. They will be successfully overwinter stock (if that applies to your region) and a local beekeeper can assist with treatment and behavioral questions. 

Nuc: A 5-frame working colony with a queen, workers and drones. Frames often include capped brood (eggs and larvae) and honey/pollen.

Package: A package is a collection of bees including one queen, workers and drones compiled into a box or shipping container. They are not a working colony and do not come with frames or food stores. Typically shipped from warmer climates to cooler areas where bees have no experience with overwintering.

Place orders for bees in December-February. Usually nuc pick-up and package shipment is in early spring.

Equipment Needed

Langstroth Hive for Beginners

Most common hive set up. Includes a landing/bottom board, a brood box (where the queen lays her eggs and where the bees ?live?), a honey super (a box dedicated to honey stores), frames, a queen excluder (optional), an inner cover and outer coverBee suit, veil, gloves, hive tool, smoker, entrance reducers, feeders (optional)Hive stand: a set of cinder blocks and 4x4? posts, a pallet, a built table, etc]

Hive Site Selection

A dry, flat location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid slopes where the hive could fall, floodplains, high traffic locations and areas where the bees will often be disturbed.
Bees will travel up to five miles in search of forage. They will travel ¼ mile for water.

The Role of the Beekeeper

Facilitate hive health. The entire beekeeping season is an effort to prepare for the next winter.Treat hives if you feel that falls within your moral codeVarroaSmall Hive BeetlesWax MothsMice/ShrewsRoachesSpidersAntsConduct inspections regularly (generally conducted monthly) to observe the following:Queen health (her size if you can see her, laying patterns)Frames of larvaeFrames of pollen storesFrames of honeyAre there lots of workers and drones?Is there capped brood?Signs of swarming (queen cups, supercedure cells, etc.)Signs of pests/diseaseFeed the bees if that aligns with your methodologySugar syrup in warmer monthsSugar cakes in colder months

How Much Food to Grow Per Person

Different for every grower. Plant quantities are based on tastes, cooking frequency, root cellar availability, preservation skillset, dietary requirements, etc.

Look at your grocery bill

What are you buying frequently from the store? How much are you buying?

Is there something you can grow instead of buying from the produce section?

Is there something you can grow to preserve (tomato sauce)?

Do you want to grow for fresh eating? And preservation? And storage? What about to sell? If so, quantities change.

Example: Angela grows 30-35 tomato plants for fresh eating and canning into sauce for a year. This quantity of plants is based on personal experience.

Example: Mandi grows a shitload of lettuce every season. She has enough for her family to eat daily and also to set out at her Farmacy farm stand.

Set realistic goals for your garden space. Here?s recommended garden size for one year of food:

Vegetarians: 4400 square feet of growing space per person 

Omnivores: 200 square feet of growing space per person

-also found-

4400 square feet of growing space per person for a whole year

200 square feet of growing space per person just for the season

Recommended quantities as a general guide for fresh eating and minimal preservation habits, per person
Asparagus (1 plant/ft. of row), 5-10 plants per person

Bush beans (2 plants/ft. of row), 12-15 plants

Beets (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row), 15-30 plants

Cucumber (1 plant/2 ft. of row), 1 vine, 2 bushes

Carrots (Thin to 12 plants/ft. of row), 48 plants

Corn (1 plant/ft. of row), 10-15 plants (plant in blocks for best pollination)

Eggplant (1 plant/2 ft. of row), 2-3 plants

Kale (10/10 ft. of row), 2-7 plants

Leaf lettuce (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row), 24 plants

Melon (1 plant/6 ft. of row), 1-2 plants

Onion (4 sets/ft. of row), 12-20 sets

Peas (6 plants/ft. of row), 15-20 plants

Pepper (1 plant/ft. of row), 3-5 plants

Potato (1 plant/ft. of row), 10 plants

Radish (thin to 12 plants/ft. of row), 10-15 plants

Spinach (Thin to 6 plants/ft. of row), 30-60 plants

Squash (1 plant/6 ft. of row), 1-2 plants

Tomato (1 plant/2 ft. of row), 2-4 plants

Zucchini (1 plant/3 ft. of row), 1-2 plants

Achieve higher yields in the garden to sustain family members by growing in succession. This saves on space.For example, sow radish seeds every two weeks in a new spot in the garden. You will have continuous harvests for fresh eating and preservation rather than growing and harvesting all at once.Plant extra to ensure a ?bumper crop.? This acts as insurance from crop loss due to pests, disease and unforeseen events.There?s only so much room in the designated garden. Amended raised bed soil and in-ground garden space is premium real estate. To save that growing space for more tender vegetables and annuals, look to other ?places? to grow your own food outside the garden beds.Orchard plantsStart a berry patchGrow pumpkins outside the gardenAsparagus, potatoes, garlic, and onions are all deer tolerant and don?t need to be grown within a fence (though they do offer companion planting benefits)Angela has grown greens in window boxes off the houseResources for further reading:

https://www.almanac.com/video/how-many-garden-to-feed-family

We are SO excited to bring all of this information to you!
As per usual, for more information find us at @axeandroothomestead and @wildoakfarms on Instagram. Cheers!

Quote from Angela?s upcoming book: We have identified many factors and practices that contribute to unhealthy soil ecosystems. But why bother trying to rectify and rehabilitate it? Healthy nutritionally dense soil can produce healthy nutritionally dense food for humans and animals. Ultimately it is the foundation for productive and sustainable agriculture. Farming for soil health creates a land stewardship relationship between land and grower. It fosters carbon absorption, erosion reduction, maximum water absorption, improved nutrient cycling, and overall land resiliency.

According to one study, ?All plants require 17 elements to complete their life cycle, and an additional four elements have been identified as essential for some plants (Havlin et al. 2005). With the exception of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which plants obtain from air and water, plants derive the remaining 14 elements from the soil or through fertilizers, manures, and amendments (Parikh & James 2012).?*

*scientific journal reference: Soil Minerals and Plant Nutrition, By: Balwant Singh, Ph.D. (Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney) & Darrell G. Schulze, Ph.D. (Department of Agronomy, Purdue University) © 2015 Nature Education 

Citation: Singh, B. & Schulze, D. G. (2015) Soil Minerals and Plant Nutrition. Nature Education Knowledge 6(1):1

https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/soil-minerals-and-plant-nutrition-127881474/

Soil Layers
Horizon O = organic material on top of soil (grass, logs, decaying material, etc.)
Topsoil = contains rhizosphere, part of Horizon A

Horizon A = underneath Horizon o and topsoil, contains rhizosphere roots

Horizon E = eluviation  layer, leached minerals and organic matter

Horizon B = subsoil / minerals and salts

Horizon C = parent material (decaying logs, rock)

Horizon R = bedrock

Rhizosphere = layer of soil where root and microgoranism interactions take place. Contains microbes, mycorrhizae, etc.

Mycorrhizae: beneficial fungus surrounding the roots. They help the plant absorb nutrients and moisture in exchange for feeding off plant?s sloughed off cells, sugars, starches, etc.

Microbes: join together to create a protective shield over plant roots to prevent pathogen and harmful bacteria access.

Healthy soil includes microbes, plant roots of varying layers, mycorrhizae, nematodes, protozoa, root exudates, minerals, decomposed and undecomposed plant matter. This creates hummus, a working soil ecosystem.

Farming practices that harm soil:

When we apply fertilizers, a plant no longer requires the assistance of mycorrhizae for nutrient absorption. The plant is absorbing nutrients from the fertilizer, instead of the soil. The fungi begin to die.
***(According to sare.org, ?If not applied properly, up to 40 percent of nitrogen urea fertilizer can escape into the atmosphere as ammonia gas, through a process called volatilization.? A net loss of nitrogen is a result within the soil.Stop amending soil specific to one plant?s needs. Instead, feed the soil.

Too much manufactured nitrogen ? cause overactive soil microbes which feed on organic matter too quickly ? organic matter in soil is depleted and can?t support crops nor absorb carbon and other nutrients ? too little organic matter within soil can?t retain fertilizer and it leaches away which ends up in ground water and atmosphere.

Introduction to Permaculture
Permaculture directly means ?permanent agriculture.? But in its truest form, permaculture is a way of planting crops, keeping animals and sustaining the farm or homestead in a way that mimics the intertwined growing systems found in nature. We can imitate and initiate these natural ecosystems to create healthier crops, less pests, increase crop yields and absorb more carbon into the soil. 
Where to start

Increase reliance on perennial plantsWhy perennials? Perennials have more plant matter (woody stems, strong plant tissue and large root systems). These plants absorb more carbon dioxide as a result as they have more room to store them within their plant fibers.Perennials do not need to be planted year after year which means less work!Perennials offer shelter to beneficial insects, birds and wildlife. This helps to control pests within the garden.Perennial plants help soil structure. Their expansive roots loosen compacted soil, aid in the prevention of erosion and some mine different nutrients from deep under the soil?s surface to help feed their surrounding companions.Think in terms of ?layering plants? with companions when planting anythingGive both annuals and perennials supporting partners to attract pollinators, deter bad bugs, mine nutrients from deep within the soil, mulch and suppress weeds with low-growing groundcovers, fix nitrogen into the soil, and retain moisture with living mulches.Large scale permaculture plantings may include an overstory tree (large tree like chestnut or oak), a lower fruiting tree (apple), caneberries (elder or raspberries), flowering bulbs and herbs (daffodils, garlic, comfrey, etc.), and a groundcover (such as strawberries).An annual bed may include tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and radishes.Resources:Carrots Love TomatoesRestoration AgricultureSolve problems with plants and animals and begin weaving an ecosystemToo many ticks: Add guinea fowlToo many aphids: Employ ladybugsCabbage moth larvae eating brassicas? Interplant garlic.All animals must contribute to the whole and serve more than one purpose (such as just eggs and meat providers, etc.). Horses: Manure for compost, grazing circuit, plowing, parasite control for sheepCows: Manure for compost, grazing circuitSheep and Goats: Fleece which can be used as garden mulch, grazing circuit, clearing grassy brush, parasite control for horses, fertilizerGuinea Fowl: eat ticks and pests without scratching at lawns and gardens, spread manure in pastures looking for insects, fertilizerDucks: snail and slug control, fertilizer, clear garden and crop debrisChickens: insect and pest control (especially in vineyards), fertilizer, clear garden and crop debrisGeese: Snake, rat, mouse control, insects, weeding and pasture management, leave fertilizer behind, eat fallen orchard fruit, clear garden and crop debris

Introduce pasture rotation systems to reduce hay and feed costs, promote faste

Why Grow Your Own Fruit

Convenience and self-sufficiencyPesticide ManagementHigh yields from one plant; lots of fruit for selling, donating, processing, storing and fresh-eating 

Classifications

Space considerations: Note the required space for espaliered (pronounced es-pal-yay-ed), dwarf, semi-dwarf and full/standard-sized tree varietiesEspaliered: Not as much total yield but produces more fruit per square foot, great for small-space growers, flat 2-dimensional shapes, fruit in 3-5 yearsDwarf: 8? in diameter, full-size fruit, smaller yield, yield fruit in 3-5 yearsSemi-Dwarf: 12-15? tall and wide, can produce up to 500 apples/season, produce reliably for 15-20 years, produce fruit in roughly 5 yearsFull/Standard Size: Produce anywhere from 4 to 8 bushels per season (400-800 pounds) depending on species, on average 20-30 in diameterResource: https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/estimated-yield-for-fruit-trees

Pollinator Groups

Pollinator groups have to do with timing of blossom-set. Trees requiring a cross pollinator will need a partner tree of the same species, within the same pollinator group, but of a different variety

Pollinator Groups
Group A or 1: early

Group B or 2: early-mid

Group C or 3: mid

Group D or 4: mid-late

Group E or 5: late

Self-Fertile or Self-Pollinating trees do not require a pollination partner but will still benefit and increase yield if provided with a second treeResourceshttps://www.orangepippintrees.com/articles/planting-growing/pollination-of-fruit-treeshttps://www.cumminsnursery.com/learn-trees/fruit-tree-bloom-dates/

Zone Requirements / Chill Hours

A chill hour is equal to one hour that a tree spends within the temperature range of 32-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Trees will be marked accordingly.If sufficient chill hours are not reached, trees will leaf out later and have a prolonged blossom period. This longer lasting bloom time will open the tree up to disease.Figs, olives, and quince have the lowest natural chill requirementsFollowed by persimmons, pomegranates, almonds, and chestnuts.Cherries, apples, peaches, and plums required breeding to develop low-chill varieties for areas with minimal chillCherries, apples, peaches, and plums require more chill hoursResources:https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16468Low Chill: https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/Fruits_&_Nuts/

Planting Basics

Full sun, plenty of water, large canopy expansion so plan for mature size when plantingPlanting depth is determined by fruit species and size variety - note plant tagSoil pH: On average fruit trees love soil at pH 6.3-6.6 To raise pH add crushed limestoneTo lower pH add nitrogen or elemental sulphurWhen to Plant

Best planted in late fall, winter (if ground isn?t frozen) or early spring when tree has gone dormant. Roots will esta

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Triage

Literally means ?to sort? ? in this practice you are gaining information by looking at the patient and seeing what their needs are.

If it is more than one you are gaining insight on who needs attention first.Looking at any obvious externally wounds/etc. Musculoskeletal/ Respiratory/ cardiovascular- perfusion times etc. you gain most of this information in seconds. And it's important to always think ahead.One thing to note that with animals, the main difference in assessing a patient (animal) is that we have the option of humane euthanasia- unlike our counterpart humans. It's very important to keep that in mind. This should ALWAYS be done by a professional as your very first option to ensure that the animal is treated in a humane way. If you are unsure about anything, please contact a vet.Vet client relationship- important!

Common injuries seen on homestead

Wound/puncture/scrapeBumblefootFrostbiteAbscessBloat/colicDiarrheaDehydrationHeat strokeHot spotsEye injuryGeneral lameness/gait assessment

First aid kit for goat/sheep/chicken/duck/horse/cow

Bandage supplies- gauze, vet wrap (coban) , bandage tapeGlovesThermometerVaselinelubeChlorahexadineIodineNeedles/syringesEpsom saltTweezersElectrolytesRed top tubesScissorsDrench gunOTC meds- Benadryl/famotidine/Pepcid/vitamin C /LA200/penicillinHeat lampBloat releaseBloodstop powderStethoscope- all animalsWire cuttersClean bucket- I like metalHair blow dryerCold packPocket knifelinamentFlashlightPen and paperBanamineDrawing SalveVetRxOphthalmic Ointments

Resources

Backyard Poultry Medicine & Surgery

Horseman?s Veterinary Encyclopedia

First Aid for Horses

Why would you need to grow in a small space? 

Apartment living

Physically close crops without walking to a garden

Moving and want to take crops with you

All About Containers

Anything can be a growing container so long as it provides drainageVertical planter towers offer multiple pots to grow food in one vertical spaceSome folks use fabric shoe organizers that hang on the backside of doors to grow food in pocketsHanging baskets offer a great option growing; think upside down tomato baskets, strawberries, etc.Plastic pots retain moisture betterBlack and other dark-colored pots get hot and heat the soil quickTerra Cotta is attractive and eco-friendly but dries out faster

Pro Tip: ??Double Potting! Place a smaller pot inside a larger one in the summer time. Water the space between the pots so the inner pot can wick moisture as needed. To avoid terra cotta pot dry out, simply place a smaller plastic pot inside a larger terra cotta pot. Same look, more moisture retention.

Pro Tip: Adding one inch of gravel in the bottom of the pots helps with drainage.

Growing in Pots

Consider Sun: Most crops require 6-8+ hours of sunlight per day, crops like lettuces will grow with 4-6 hoursWater: Keeping soil moist but not soggy is essentialWater must be able to drain out! Plants hate soggy feet!Soil: Vegetables need rich, nutrient-dense soil. Source vegetable potting mix (not seed starting, not raised bed mix) for growing vegetables in containers. Fertilizing: Container crops can deplete the nutritional content of their soil quickly. A 2-4 week fertilizing program is recommended. Research which nutrients and fertilizers those crops require? lemons do not need the same food as tomatoes, blueberries need acid, etc.

Container Appropriate Crops

Look at compact varieties (18-24? for bushing varieties)Corn: Tom Thumb has small cobs, grows to around 36? tallTomato: Early Girl, Red Rocket, Tiny TimPeppers: Almapaprika, Habaneros, some Chili varietiesGreen mixes such as mesclun, tatsoi, oak leaf lettuceStrawberries grow well in gutters and flower boxesEspaliered fruit treesMeyer lemons

Other Ways to Grow in a Small Space

Companion Planting can save spacePlant shade loving crops like lettuce under tomatoes in potsRadishes can grow in pots with cucumbersHerbs grow well with many crop varieties like brassicasTrellisingGrow up, not out: Keeping tomatoes trained to a trellis in a pot leaves space for more crops around the base of the tomato plant.Succession Planting: Replacing crops that grow from seed to harvest quickly like lettuce allows for reuse of the space for a new harvest or new crop all together.Typically succession planting is a 2-3 week rotationWindow Sill Gardens: Great for growing herbs, microgreens, vegetable scrap gardensPotato Towers: Grow potatoes ?lasagna-style? within towers to maximize space and increase harvests

Which crops for which containers?

Recommendations from The Farmers? Almanac

Beans, snap

Container: 5-gallon window box

Varieties: Bush ?Blue Lake?, Bush ?Romano?, ?Tender Crop?

Broccoli

Episode 6: Supporting Honeybees and Native Pollinators

Options for supporting bees without the ability to keep a hive, or before jumping into installing an apiary

Why are bees important?
Honeybees and native pollinators travel from flower to flower for pollen and nectar which they bring back to the hive. During this process they transfer pollen attached to the hairs on the legs between the flowers. This pollen transfer is what fertilizes a crop?s reproductive system creating food. Without pollination and bees, there would be far less food. Native and wild plants would also go unpollinated resulting in a major lack of food for wildlife, thus collapsing entire ecosystems.

Why are bee numbers declining?
According to USDA, ?????Beginning in 2006, experts noted significant yearly declines in honey bee colonies...  Years of research determined the decline was likely attributable to a wide range of stressors such as pests, diseases, pesticides, pollutants/toxins, nutritional deficits, habitat loss, effects of climate variability, agricultural production intensification, reduced species or genetic diversity, and pollinator or crop management practices.?
Source

Plant bee friendly trees

Provide more forage for bees in a smaller spaceExample: Crepe Myrtles, Serviceberries, Maples, Fruiting trees, Black LocustResources:
https://www.arborday.org/trees/health/pests/article-trees-for-bees.cfm

Embrace weeds, wildflowers and prairie spaces

Native wild growth perfectly adapted to your specific climate and your native bees? needs (no need to purchase plants, sow seeds, plant transplants, etc., water, maintain, etc.) Stop spraying herbicides, pesticides and chemicals on bees? food sourcesResources

National Wildlife Federation native plant finder by zip code. Ranks plants by use of butterfly and moth species as host plants. Includes trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs
https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/Plants

Lease land to beekeeper

Beekeepers will place hives on your property and maintain them in exchange for honey or payment. Supports local bees and their keepers.Check in with local zoning office for restrictions/ordinances on hive placementResources

Lease Honey connects land owners and farmers with beekeepers looking for space. Helps to increase crop yields, raise bee population numbers and can even cut down on property taxes in some states.
https://leasehoney.com/

Interplant flowers and flowering herbs in the vegetable garden to attract/feed bees and increase crop yields.

Companion plants for crops include lavender, nasturtium, chives, thyme, basil, mint, parsley, dill, fennel, catmintResources

Farmers? Almanac
Chart of companion plants by vegetable. Also lists benefits of various plants.
https://www.almanac.com/companion-planting-chart-vegetables

Pollinator Perennial Garden

Perennials tend to have longer blooming periods and return year after yearExamples include salvia, coneflower, bee balm, rudbeckia, lavender, hyssop, sedum,

Episode 7: Tapping a Tree for Maple Syrup
What to tap and when?

All maples can be tapped for sap. Sugar maples are the sweetest.Can also tap:Birch, walnut, black and english walnut, linden, box elder, butternut, sycamore, palm and gorose. All trees? saps have their own flavor. Maple (Sugar, Silver, Black, Red, Norway, Big Leaf)

40 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

Birch (European White, Paper, Yellow, Black, Gray, River)

110 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are 40-50F (4.4-10C)

Box Elder

60 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

Black and English Walnut 

60 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

Butternut

60 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

Sycamore

40 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

Palm

88 parts of sap yields 11 parts finished syrup

http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd11/1/dali111.htm

Can be tapped year round

Gorosoe

40 parts of sap yields 1 part of finished syrup

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/chugging-maple-sap-30413453/

Tap when daytime temperatures are above 32F (0C) and nighttime temperatures are below

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/world/asia/24iht-maple.1.20393336.html

Tree Identification

Regardless of the variety of tree you are tapping, the process is the same.

Be sure to always tap trees that measure 10? (25.4cm) in diameter or more so as not to damage the heartwood. A tree measuring this size can withstand one tap.A tree measuring 20? (50.8cm) can handle two taps.Finally, a tree measuring larger than 25? (63.5cm) in diameter may have three taps.Never install more than three taps per tree. When installing multiple taps, always place them at a minimum of 6 to 8? (15.24 to 20.32cm) apart from one another.

Sugar Maple Identification

Bright orange, yellow or reddish leaves in the fallSmoother bark than other maples, dark almost black in colorCan often see these trees dripping with sap from holes or cracks in the winter timeLook for five lobes with deep indentations

Equipment for Tapping

A power drill5/16? (.8cm) drill bitSpilesHammerBucket hooks (if hanging buckets)Hoses (for ground buckets)Buckets with lidsHarvesting storage bucketsA large potThermometer

Equipment for Processing

Evaporator (optional)Large pot for boilSmall pot for finishingThermometerCheesecloth or fine strainerBottling jars and sealing lids

How to Tap and Boil

Tap when temperatures rise above freezing by day, and below freezing by nightLocate the s

Breadmaking

Sourdough Bread
What is it: Sourdough is naturally leavened bread using wild yeast from the atmosphere with the help of a ?starter.? Starters need to be fed.

Basic Tools: Starter, glass jar, digital scale, bowls, banneton, lame, dutch oven

Why Make It: Sourdough is a more easily-digestible version of bread. Many folks with gluten intolerances can eat sourdough because the fermentation process when the starter is rising breaks down problematic enzymes.

Resources

Elaine Boddy

Whole Grain Sourdough at Home

The Sourdough Whisperer

Instagram: @Elaine_FoodBod

Ash from Turner Farm

Online classes

Instagram: @Turner.Farm

Hannah Dela Cruz

Everyday Sourdough

Yeast-Based
What is it: Bread leavened with yeast often purchased at a market. The process involves combine basic ingredients such as yeast, flour, water and salt. 

Basic Tools: yeast, digital scale, mixing bowls, loaf pans or breadmaking machine

Why Make It: Conventionally made breads sold at most supermarkets are loaded with preservatives and additives plus they are wrapped in packaging. Making bread at home (or hamburger/hot dog buns, rolls, etc.) eliminates these items.

Resources

Ken Forkish

Flour Water Salt Yeast

Kombucha

What is it: A fermented beverage created by feeding a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) with sugar and waterBasic Tools: non-reactive glass container, wooden spoons, scoby, sugar, flavorings (herbs, fruit, etc.), glass bottlesWhy Make It: Many folks believe kombucha aids in digestive health and gut support. By making your own kombucha, you can save on money, packaging and unwanted additives.

Resources

Chad Turner

The Joy of Home-Brewing Kombucha

Dairy

Butter

Milk Source: Cream from Jersey cow has the highest fat content. Butter can also be made from goats and sheep.

Basic Tools: Stand mixer or butter churner

Why Make It: Control salt and flavor quantities, natural fats vs. trans-fats, avoid additives such as colorants, preservatives and flavorings

Cheese

Milk Source: Dairy, sheep, goat

Basic Tools: Heavy-bottom pots, strainers, slotted spoons, cheesecloth, milk thermometer, basket forms, rennet, cultures, calcium chloride (not needed in some soft cheeses)

Why Make It: Cost savings, control colorants and addtiives (preservatives)

Other dairy options

Buttermilk, ice cream, yogurt, coffee

Chickens

Purpose: Fresh eggs, fertilizer for the garden, meat, breeding, tick and insect controlCons: Roosters are loud, roosters have spurs, health concerns, dust from scratching, they scratch up grass and gardens, can fly over fences unless wings are clipped, frostbite in cold climatesHousing Requirements: 2-3 square feet per bird, roosting bards, predator-proof coop and run, nesting boxes, access to food and water

Ducks

Purpose: Fresh eggs, meat, cold climate hardy, slug and snail control, don?t scratch up garden spaces, the only manure that can be directly applied to the garden, domesticated breeds with the exception of Muscovies can?t flyCons: Rooting with their bills, can be loud, wet manure and mess, more mess requires more cleaning/new bedding, heavyweight breeds are more prone to bumblefoot and leg fracturesHousing Requirements: Roughly 4 square feet per bird, no nesting boxes, predator proof coop and run, access to bathing water is ideal, access to fresh food and water, no roosting bars

Turkeys

Purpose: Meat, eggs, friendly disposition, fertilizer, pest control (eat stink bugs, grasshoppers, ground beetles, snails and slugs)Cons: Large birds require more space and feed, ability to fly, Blackhead illness (chickens can be asymptomatic carriers; ill birds can affect young turkeys which results in death), not as winter hardy, seasonal egg layersHousing Requirements: 5 square feet of space per bird, predator-proof coop and run are ideal with nesting bars, (unless they have a high place to roost at night outdoors), access to food and water, nesting boxes

Quail

Purpose: Meat, eggs, breeding, small size requires little living space, train hunting dogs, garden fertilizer, quiet, hardy/healthy, don?t need plucking during process, many municipalities that outlaw chickens may allow quailCons: Because so small require protection from small predators like rats, specialized cages and equipment add an additional cost, can?t be mixed in a flock with other birds, lots of waste in proportion to other bird options, manure has to be composted, flying away, quail are known for aggressive bullying within flocksHousing Requirements: 1 square foot of space per bird, wire flooring is essential to allow droppings to pass through, nest boxes required, no roosting bars, access to food and water

Guinea Fowl

Purpose: Pest control (ticks, snakes, rats, Asian beetles), won?t scratch garden spaces while working, eggs (up to 60 per year for free ranging birds), meat, alarm call for predators/unusual farm activity, roost anywhere outdoors so no coop maintenance is required with the exception of the first three months when constantly enclosed.Cons: Loud, don?t overwinter well since don?t like being cooped up at night, prone to roaming, dumb, they can be hard to find since they sleep anywhere, live up to 15 years, must search for eggsHousing Requirements: 3 square feet of space per bird when cooped up, no nest boxes, roosting bars if being kept in a coop, access to food and water

Geese

Purpose: Eggs, meat, down feathers, weed control, pasture maintenance, flock guardians, climate hardy (Sebastopols need shelter), fat renderingCons: Larger size requires more space per bird, loud, some breeds are aggressive, territorial during mating season, seasonal egg layers onlyHousing Requirements: 6-8 square feet per bird, large size-predator-proof coop and run, access to bathing water is appreciated, no nest boxes, no roosting bars, access to food and water

Note: Never use hay or straw for bedding. Urine and wet droppings are not absorbed and ammonia bui

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Hi you all! Welcome back! 

Today we take a deep dive into seed starting, GMO, Heirloom, Open-Pollinated... what? 
When it comes to being one with nature, homesteading, self reliance- the first thing we think about is growing our own food. 

Below are some helpful tips discussed in the episode and stay tuned for the next episode of the series.. Starting a Homestead Garden. 


DIY Easy Seed Starting Mix Recipe
1 part perlite
1 part vermiculite
1 part sphagnum peat moss
Mix equal parts (example: two cups perlite, two cups vermiculite, two cups sphagnum peat moss) and mix well. Fill your seed starting containers and sow seeds according to seed packet instructions.

Zone Hardiness Map
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/pages/view-maps

Grow Lightbulb:Grow Light BR30 LED Light Bulb for Indoor Plants, Full Spectrum, 9-Watts, 1-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NN6SVG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QKWJJCT8BGCF81NQYTXN

Soil thermometer:Luster Leaf 1625 Digital Soil Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MDEKIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BEMYGZH36Q9JBWHF9ZNF

Find Angela on Instagram at @axeandroothomestead
Find Mandi on Instagram at @ wildoakfarms

Welcome! 
We are SO happy you are here! Cheers! 

We are Angela and Mandi, both homesteaders found in New Jersey and Missouri.
Both of us crave a life full of purpose and new adventures. We have been homesteading collectively for over 12 years and have learned so much. Most importantly, we have so much to share! 

This podcast will help you gain insight of the homesteading lifestyle, help you learn, make you laugh, and bring you along with our adventures. 
Thank you for tuning in! 

Find Angela on Instagram at @axeandroothomestead
Find Mandi on Instagram at @ wildoakfarms 

Coming in January 2022, a podcast for those who are looking to slow down, return to their roots and feel more self-sufficient. Join Mandi of Wild Oak Farms and Angela of Axe & Root Homestead in their new podcast HOMESTEADucation, created by homesteaders for homesteaders. 

This podcast will explore different facets of homesteading in detail including vegetable gardening, fruit orchard care, animal husbandry, and more. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts.