There’s something magical about biting into a sun-warmed strawberry picked fresh from your garden. After months of tending these precious plants, watching them send out runners and produce juicy berries, the last thing you want is to lose them to winter’s harsh embrace. I’ll admit, the first time I faced winter with my strawberry patch, … Read more
You love your flock and you want to know, can chickens eat Rice Krispies? I get it! After raising chickens for more than a decade, I’ve learned a few things. And since living on our off-grid homestead, I’ve learned that chickens will eat just about anything. But should they? Let’s dive into whether Rice Krispies … Read more
September here at Wild Mountain Homestead is unpredictable. Gardening at 8,000 feet elevation, we’re always on the lookout for the first frost. Come September we check nightly lows and keep our fingers crossed that we can get a few more weeks out of the dahlias and have enough time for the cherry tomatoes to ripen. … Read more
Picking baby chick names for your new flock can be fun and exciting. You have so many options to choose from – cute, funny, punny, or clever names that fit each chick’s personality. Some popular choices include food-inspired names like Nugget or Marshmallow, pop culture references like Hennifer or Cluck Norris, and classic chicken puns … Read more
The Colorado Mountain Dog is a livestock guardian dog, bred to have a very friendly personality and excellent guarding skills. They have been bred specifically for small acreage homesteads and eco-tourism operations. With a wide array of desirable traits, it’s no wonder they are growing in popularity. Editor’s note: This article was updated on July … Read more
Rhode Island Red chickens are a popular breed known for their hardiness and egg-laying abilities. These birds have reddish-brown feathers and can adapt well to different climates. They’re a great choice for backyard flocks and small farms. Rhode Island Reds typically lay 200-300 eggs per year. This makes them excellent layers for those wanting a … Read more
Growing cosmos flowers can bring color and beauty to your garden. These easy-to-grow annuals bloom in shades of pink, purple, white, and orange. With the right care, you can enjoy their cheerful blossoms all summer long. To grow cosmos, plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost in spring. Choose a sunny spot … Read more
You want to know – can chickens eat onions? The quick answer is… Yes, Chickens can eat onions in moderation, but too much can be harmful. This is because onions contain thiosulphate, which can cause digestive problems and anemia in large amounts. On the bright side, onions do offer certain benefits when given in small … Read more
Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers for cutting gardens large or small. They can be a bit pricey to start with, but they multiply every year and quickly earn back your initial investment. I started with a just a handful in the first year and between dividing tubers and sprouting dahlias, I’m now planting … Read more
Looking for some great books on raising chickens? You’ve come to the right place, friend. If there’s one thing I like even more than chickens, it’s books! Chicken keeping has become increasingly popular among homesteaders and backyard farmers. Many enthusiasts turn to books for guidance on raising healthy, productive flocks. The Best Books on Raising … Read more
You see everyone else starting their gardens, but you want to know when to start seeds indoors for zone 4! I’ve got you covered. We start thousands of seeds every year at our off-grid, mountain homestead and here’s what we’ve learned. Understanding Zone 4 Climate In the diverse landscapes of Zone 4, timing is crucial … Read more
A frazzle chicken is an unusual and distinct variety that stems from a genetic condition known as frizzling. When two frizzle chickens are bred together, their offspring may possess a singular appearance due to the excessive curling of their feathers, which is recognized as ‘frazzling.’ This condition is an extreme expression of the frizzle gene, … Read more