Microgreens and sprouts are both highly regarded for their nutritional benefits and have gained popularity as health foods. You might find these terms used interchangeably, but they represent distinct stages in the life cycle of a plant. Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed, usually within one to three … Read more
I love carrots, but they have not always been the easiest thing for us to grow. Between being newbie farmers and living at 8,000 feet elevation, it took a few seasons before we were consistently growing large, tasty carrots. These three steps will help your carrot seed germination rate, and once you have them growing … Read more
Do you see what I did there with that title?! Wooee, we’re off to a good start. You love your chickens, you love olives, and you want to know can chickens eat olives? The short answer is yes, chickens can eat olives, but there are important considerations to keep in mind before introducing olives into … Read more
Are sunflower seeds safe for chickens? This is a common question among chicken owners who want to provide their flock with a varied and nutritious diet. The good news is that chickens can indeed eat sunflower seeds, and they can even benefit from them! Sunflower seeds are packed with protein, vitamin E, and antioxidants, making … Read more
Are you tired of dirty, broken eggs? Then this nesting box is for you. There’s nothing more annoying than having your beautiful brown and blue eggs get filthy in a traditional nesting box. Add in fighting off broody hens and I wanted to find a better solution. I recently added the Homestead Essentials 3 Compartment … Read more
As you relish the vibrant hues and crisp flavors of summer produce, like hot peppers and tender berries, you might find yourself pondering the possibilities of food preservation. If you’ve wondered, “can you freeze glass Mason jars?” the affirmative answer brings good news to your eco-friendly food storage endeavors. Follow these tips to successfully freeze … Read more
Chickens are known for their ability to eat a wide variety of foods, making many backyard bird enthusiasts wonder if their feathered friends can enjoy the tasty treat of bananas. The good news is that chickens can indeed safely consume bananas in moderation. Bananas provide nutritional benefits to chickens as well as a fun and … Read more
Are you a backyard chicken enthusiast looking to diversify your feathered family? Imagine stepping into your garden to find a colorful egg basket speckled with shades of blue—sounds enchanting, right? You can bring this picturesque vision to life by introducing blue egg layers to your coop! Breeds known for laying blue eggs are becoming a … Read more
We had an unbelievably long and beautiful fall in Colorado this year. The growing season came to an end in September, but the warmth and golden-red leaves lingered throughout October. Once the garden is put to rest, the focus changes to structural projects that must be completed before winter sets in. With that in mind, … Read more
The Speckled Sussex chicken breed is known for its unique beauty and versatility. It is prized for its ability to lay plenty of light brown eggs and can also be raised for meat. With their charming appearance and economical eating habits, Speckled Sussex chickens are a top choice for backyard chicken enthusiasts. Key Takeaways: Speckled … Read more
Are you looking to enhance the health and well-being of your beloved flock? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top 10 herbs that can benefit your chickens and promote their overall vitality. By incorporating these herbs into their diet, you can improve their immunity, keep them parasite-free, reduce stress, and prevent … Read more
The Black Australorp chicken breed has gained popularity in backyard farms as they are known for their beautiful black feathers with a vibrant iridescent sheen. They are highly regarded for their prolific egg-laying abilities, with an average of 250+ eggs per year. They are also known to be good mothers and have a calm and … Read more