Shakadoo

Everything to do with your shak.

You are here: Home / Archives for Homestead

Rain Barrel Tutorial

by

Why should you have to pay for water for your garden when it literally falls out of the sky for free? Rainy days are great for our lawns- they keep them lush and hydrated. But what about all the other days? You can waste money by watering your plants yourself, or you can try out this awesome idea by Alina Cheng at Greener By The Week and build your own rain barrel! Collect your own rain water with this tutorial:

-Get a large plastic garbage can with a matching, dome-shaped lid

-Cut out a circle in the middle of the top of the lid, place a mesh sink strainer in the hole, use duct tape to create a secure seal.

-Place the lid upside down on the garbage can

-Use rubber bands to secure the lid onto the can

Wait for the rain to come!

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Warm Chickens In Winter

by

Everyone knows to bring your dogs and cats inside when it’s cold out; it’s just common sense. If you raise other animals, they more than likely have a warm barn or shelter they can go into when Winter hits. But what about chickens? You can’t bring them in the house (though I know some people that do…). Is their coop really warm enough for them when the temperature is below freezing? Check out this post by Meredith Skyer at Backyard Chicken Project for tips on keeping them nice and toasty:

-Get the right chickens for your climate- if you live in a colder area, get a cold-hardy chicken breed.

-Insulate the coop with foam or fiberglass, then cover with plywood (so the chickens don’t pick at it)

-Provide quality roosts- make sure they are big enough so a chicken can wrap its toes under their body.

Photo Credit: Annie Kavanaugh 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Becoming Self Sufficient

by

Sometimes, it worries me how dependent I’ve become on the modern world. I don’t think I could survive without a cell phone, let alone a supermarket and electricity. No, I’m not one of those crazy “doomsday preppers,” I just think it would be nice to be able to depend on myself more, rather than corporations. That’s why I love this article by Karissa at The Crunchy Chronicles. Here are ways to become more self sufficient, even if you live in an apartment:

-Plant windowsill herbs, or grow veggies in a container

-Cook your meals from scratch, rather than dining out or buying things pre-packaged. Stock your pantry with basic ingredients and staples instead of boxed or frozen meals.

-Make your own soap and bodywash (it’s easy, and you can control the ingredients!)

-Buy from local farmers and ranchers.

-Learn how to can and preserve.

Photo Credit: Cliff 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Drying Lavender

by

I love making my own soap! I enjoy the creative process of combining oils, fragrances, colors, and other additives to make my own signature bars. It’s a little bit science and a little bit art, and it’s super fun. Something I’ve been playing with lately is adding my own ingredients. I’ve tried cocoa, almonds, and flax seeds. I recently planted a lavender seedling in my yard, and thought it would be a great additive as well! If you need dried lavender for soap, a recipe, aromatherapy, or just for decoration, check out these tips by Plants and Oils at Hubpages:

-You should pick your lavender when it is just fully-opened, smelling fragrant, but not at all going over

-Cut your lavender carefully, avoiding crushing the flowers.

-Group about half a dozen lavender stalks together, and tie the bunch firmly with string.

-It’s important that the stalks and flowers are in a dark, warm, and dry place, so that they do not get mould or rot before they dry properly. It takes about a month.

Photo Credit: Jen 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Backyard Foraging

by

Gardening is hard, especially if you have a gray thumb. Keeping the soil healthy, the plants watered (just the right amount), and keeping bugs and pests away is a challenge. While I love eating garden fresh tomatoes and squash, and seasoning my food with fresh herbs, it can sometimes definitely be a hassle! However, there is a way to get your own home-grown food without all the work: foraging! Leave the gardening to mother nature! There are tons of wild, edible plants that can spice up any dish. Check out this post by Ariana Mullins at And Here We Are to find new food sources in your own backyard:

-Violets- The leaves and stems can be eaten either raw or cooked, and have a very mild flavor.  The flowers are aromatic and tart– lovely for garnishing desserts with. 

-Primrose- I love the flavor of primrose flowers, and they do have a rosey smell and taste.  Some people make wine with primroses!

-Field Garlic- They have the flavor of both garlic and onion.  They are pungent and so tasty. 

-Dandelion- This is one of the most well-known edible “weeds.” I have used the flowers, buds, leaves and roots– both for food and medicine. You can even use the leaves for a salad.

Photo Credit: Jenny Downing 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Basil In Winter

by

I love growing my own herbs. I use fresh oregano and basil in my cooking, and I use lavender and eucalyptus in homemade bath products. The best thing about herbs is that they’re easy to grow, and easy to transport, meaning you can grow them indoors during the colder months. Check out this post by Melissa at Melissa K. Norris on how to grow basil during the winter for some tips:

Buy one or two bunches of basil (usually about three plants are inside each package). Growing basil in water during the winter months is actually preferable, as you don’t have to worry about your soil molding.

Choose a planter, and add a bit of water.

Place your basil plants in the water. Find your warmest and sunniest window, usually this is a southern exposure side of the house. 

Photo Credit: Isaac Wedin 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Homestead Idea: Soap Making

by

I love the idea of homesteading- learning skills that let you provide for yourself and your family. Now, I don’t live on a farm. I don’t raise any animals, or grow my own food- yet. Eventually, I hope to have a huge garden and a flock of chickens. But, I do try to learn things that make me more self sufficient. I know how to crochet, and I’m learning how to knit. My current obsession, though- is learning how to make my own soap. I love the idea of choosing the scents and colors that I want, as well as knowing exactly what I’m using for my bath products. All you need is lye (found in hardware stores), and oil (olive oil from the grocery store works just fine)! You can also add herbs and plants from your garden for fragrance (rose petals, oats, seeds, lavender- the list goes on and on). I’m going to try my hand at it soon, and here is a recipe by Tracy Ariza at The Things We’ll Make that I’m going to try. (Note- lye is extremely caustic and produces strong fumes, and can cause chemical burns. Keep it far, far away from children and pets, and always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling it.)

Mix your lye into your water (Not the other way around!!!) in a heat safe bowl outdoors. Let it cool.

Mix your oil.

Mix the cooled-down lye water with the oil mixture.

Let it thicken, then add your fragrance or essential oils- then pour it into molds

Let set for around a month, turning every day or two at first, and then every week later on.  This is to let your soap dry out and harden.

Photo Credit: Kim Becker 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Cheap Chicken House Ideas

by

Last week, I went camping at my friend’s family farm. The s’mores were delicious, the weather was perfect, and the scenery was gorgeous. But, the best time I had that night was before we even got to the campsite. It was when we were visiting her mother at the house….and she introduced us to her new chickens. They were so sweet and loving- especially when you had bread to give them. The best part? They were “easter egg” chickens- and their eggs came in a rainbow of colors. Olive green, light tan, dark brown, sky blue, and pale pink– and they were absolutely delicious when cooked over a camp fire the next morning. Her mother also told me that they are expecting two new chicks sometime in December, and it took every ounce of my willpower to turn down her offer of taking them. One day though, when I have the time and the land, I will have my own chickens. And when that day comes, I’ll be ready! If you are thinking of getting chickens, read this post by Hal Gall at Hubpages for easy and cheap chicken coop ideas:

-Use recycled materials, like scrap wood

-Choose the correct size for your needs

-Always choose long lasting quality over cheap materials to get your money’s worth

-Build a fence to keep predators out

Photo Credit: Annie Kavanagh 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0

Yes You CAN! Beginner Canning Recipe

by

Canning is an amazing way to store food for extremely long periods of time. You can save your summer harvest for the winter, or even for longer. It’s a staple for most homesteaders, and can also save you tons of money. The only downside is that it’s a bit intimidating to newcomers, and can be difficult to learn with no prior experience. However, if you want to get into canning but have no idea where to start- fear not! Check out this post by Jill Winger at The Prairie Homestead. She has written an excellent intro on canning techniques, what is best for beginners, and even provides a beginner recipe for canned applesauce.

In my opinion, water bath canning is the best way to learn how to can. It’s slightly less intimidating than pressure canning, and water bath canners can often be found at yard sales or thrift stores.

If you are new to canning, I can’t think of anything easier to learn on than applesauce!It’s frugal (if you buy the apples in season), versatile (great as a side to any meal), and very forgiving.

Photo Credit: The Bitten Word 

+1
Share
Share
Pin
Shares 0