As a vegetable gardener, you know that the quality of your soil can make or break your harvest. Vegetables need loose, light, fertile soil that holds water well without becoming sodden. Few gardeners are blessed with this soil, known as loam, occurring naturally in their garden. But with patience and a little help, you can slowly build loam soil. The regular addition of organic matter, found in manure and compost, is one of the best ways to make that ideal garden soil. But which manures are best? All livestock manures improve soil texture and drainage,
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Not long ago, the American milk industry consisted almost entirely of cow dairy milk, with only goat milk being available in some rural areas. As goat, soy, and other milk alternatives begin to grow more popular, however, more diversity in dairy and nondairy foods is starting to appear. Today, there is a dizzying variety of
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I admit it—when I first started gardening, I was a little overly ambitious. My approach to growing vegetables was simple. In my mind, any old patch of soil in my backyard would do. All I needed was my green thumb and a few seeds. This approach was met with a rude awakening later that spring. To my dismay, my vegetables refused to grow despite the summer heat. My tomato vines looked wilted and droopy, incapable of producing anything edible. My strawberries looked as though they should star in Alien Vs. Predator rather than be used
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You are considering purchasing a milk cow and preferably have had some basic experience with large animals or knowledgeable friends to help you as you learn. A friendly milk cow is a most enjoyable addition to the family farm. Cows are appealing animals: curious to the point of humorous, good natured (most of the time), and soothing with their general bonhomie. You will likely find researching which bovine would best suit your family a great deal of fun. There seems to be a dairy type to fit every taste and farmstead. Whatever you decide, you
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So you’ve started your homestead, you’re living off the land, at least partly, and you have begun to invest in animals. Maybe you have a goat or two, some rabbits, or chicken. It might be time to think about cows. You may not be ready for a herd of beef cattle, but how about one cow for milking? You can have your own fresh milk every day. You can also make your own butter and cheeses, fresh and preservative free. The idea may seem intimidating at first, but getting one milk cow is not huge
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