The third and final post of the strawberry series will make you think twice before throwing away your fruit scraps. Strawbery syrup made from strawberry tops is a no-waste method that is yummy and versatile.
Preserving Strawberries: Part 2-Strawberry Jam
Part 2 of the series is Strawberry Jam. I have made this recipe several times and it doesn’t disappoint in flavor or consistency. Everyone loves this jam. Everyone wants to take a jar home. Everyone asks me to make them some.
Preserving Strawberries: Part 1-Canning Strawberry Compote
This post is the first in a three-part series on preserving strawberries. This compote may be the easiest thing to can and is very beginner friendly.
Pasture Rotation: Because the grass really is greener on the other side.
What can be said about the simplicity of a cow eating grass? We see it almost every time we go for a drive out in the country. It’s what they do. Eat grass…all day…every day. When we first moved into this house in 2021, before we even had our own cows, there were some cattle READ MORE
Canned Apple Pie filling
You can enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long with this fairly quick and easy recipe. You can make pies, crisps and turnovers with this filling. Heck, you can even warm it up on the stove and pour on top of pancakes or waffles, or stir into your oatmeal. Simply pick apples from READ MORE
There’s No Crying In Gardening: Planning and Planting Our First Cut Flower Garden
I know better. 10 years in the military, and 20+ years working for the Federal Government…I know better. I know that no matter how much you plan, you can never completely plan for the unplanned. Dang it, I know this! So why was I in tears at 8:00 in the morning standing in the middle READ MORE
Deep Litter Method–Don’t scoop that poop from your coop!
There is one thing there is no shortage of here on the Hartman Homestead, and that is poop! So of course poop management is an essential aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy operation. It is surprising how much poop can accumulate in a chicken coop, and not only does coop poop need to be READ MORE
Baby Chicks — Do I really need to create a great chickie nation?
Actually, yes. Yes I do. Why? Two reasons… One, because I have too many roosters and not enough hens. The ideal ratio is one rooster for 10 hens. I have 9 hens and 2 roosters. It’s going ok, but I need to balance it out better because I don’t want my hens to be overworked. READ MORE
Direct Sow vs. Transplant — An Early Start to a Bountiful Season
I always start my seeds too late… I inevitably think I have more time and then by the time the right time comes, time has run out. Be better than me! Use your first and last frost dates, trust them, and start your seeds when you are supposed to. Now, you also have the option READ MORE
First year on the Hartman Homestead
First let me say, welcome to the Hartman Homestead! We are so very grateful for the opportunity to live out the dream we fantasized about for 6 years. And even more gratifying is knowing that you are interested in what we have been doing since we left our jobs in the city and moved to READ MORE