As the chill of January settles in, it’s easy to feel like the garden is a distant dream. But for those of us who cherish the simple joys of growing our own food, this quiet month is the perfect time to start planning for the bounty of spring.

Garlic is a rewarding crop for gardeners in North Carolina’s Zone 7, offering fresh, flavorful bulbs that enhance countless dishes. However, choosing the right type of garlic and planting it properly can make a big difference in your harvest. This guide explains how to plant garlic in NC Zone 7, highlights the differences between softneck and hardneck varieties, and explains why softneck garlic tends to perform better in this region. Softneck garlic bulbs prepared for plantin

Holiday decorations often bring warmth and charm to our homes. One simple, natural way to add a festive touch is by using dried citrus fruit. Their bright colors and unique shapes create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Drying citrus fruit is easy, affordable, and offers endless creative possibilities for holiday decor. This guide explores practical methods to dry citrus fruit and inspiring ideas to use them in your seasonal decorations. Dried orange slices arranged on rustic woo

The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy simple comforts. One of the best ways to make Christmas feel extra cozy is by having homemade mixes ready to whip up delicious treats and drinks in minutes. Whether it’s a warm cup of hot cocoa, a batch of fudgy brownies, or a soothing cup of tea, these mixes bring warmth and joy to cold winter days. This guide shares easy recipes for homemade mixes you can prepare ahead and keep on hand al

Creating a beautiful wreath starts with gathering the right materials. In North Carolina, evergreens offer a rich variety of textures, colors, and scents that bring holiday wreaths to life. If you want to craft a wreath that stands out this season, knowing where and how to forage for evergreens is key. This guide shares practical tips to help you find the best evergreens around North Carolina and prepare them for your wreath-making projects. Plus, if you want hands-on experie

The Homestead Kitchen Reality Check Let’s be honest, we all picture the same thing when we think of the ideal homestead kitchen: the sun streaming through the window, a warm pot of stew simmering, and you, effortlessly kneading a perfect, pillowy dough by hand, humming a cheerful tune. It’s a beautiful picture, isn't it? Now, let’s talk about the real picture. The one where you’ve spent three hours mending a fence, half an hour separating an argument between the kids and the

That Aren’t Just Pie (But Don’t Worry — Pie Lovers Are Covered!)   Thanksgiving dessert is where cozy fall flavors truly shine. Whether you love the classics or prefer something a little different, these five desserts bring warmth, nostalgia, and just the right amount of sweetness to your holiday table. Each recipe is simple, homestead-friendly, and perfect for making ahead.   Let’s bake something wonderful!     🎃 1. Classic Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream Ingredients F

Your Family Will Actually Ask For Again   Thanksgiving is the perfect blend of comfort food, tradition, and those dishes we look forward to all year long. These top 5 sides are classics with a cozy homestead twist — simple ingredients, warm flavors, and totally crowd-pleasing. Enjoy the full printable recipes below!   ---   🥔 1. Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes   Ingredients   ·         3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed ·         6 tbsp butter ·         4 cloves r0ast

Cover crops protecting soil from erosion and improving fertility Cover crops are transforming the way farmers protect and enrich their soil. The phrase "No naked dirt here!" captures a powerful farming practice that keeps soil covered year-round, preventing erosion and boosting soil health. This post explores what cover crops are, why they matter, and how they support sustainable farming. What Are Cover Crops? Cover crops are plants grown primarily to cover the soil rather t