The Feed

What is canning? Canning is a way to preserve food in jars by heating them to kill bacteria and sealing them airtight. Done correctly, it keeps food shelf-stable for months (or longer). There are two safe methods: Water Bath Canning – for high-acid foods Pressure Canning – for low-acid foods This matters a LOT for safety. Step 1: Know which method to use (very important) Water Bath Canning (beginner-friendly) Use for high-acid foods, like: Fruits Jams & jellies Pickles Tomato

🧼 CORE HOMESTEAD CLEANING PRODUCTS (From Scratch) 1. All-Purpose Cleaner Ingredients White vinegar Citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit) Water How Pack citrus peels into a jar Cover with vinegar Ferment 2–4 weeks Strain, dilute 1:1 with water ✔ Antibacterial ✔ Zero waste ✔ Smells clean, not chemical 2. Scrub Powder Ingredients Baking soda Wood ash (fine sifted) or salt Mix 2 parts baking soda 1 part ash or salt Use on sinks, tubs, stovetops. 3. Dish Soap (Low-Foam, Tradit

1. Start With the Big Question: Why sheep? Your goal affects everything else. Pets / hobby farming (low pressure, friendly breeds) Wool (spinning, felting, selling fleece) Meat (lamb production) Land management (natural lawnmowers) 👉 If it’s just for learning or enjoyment, start small and simple. 2. How Many Sheep Do You Need? Sheep are flock animals—never keep just one. Minimum: 2 sheep Beginner sweet spot: 3–5 sheep This helps with: Social health Easier management Backup i

1. Start Small (Seriously) Biggest beginner mistake: planting too much . ✔ Start with: 1–3 containers or One small garden bed (4×4 ft is perfect) You can always expand later. 2. Pick Easy Plants (Beginner-Proof) 🥇 Best First Plants Vegetables & Herbs Lettuce Spinach Radishes Green beans Cherry tomatoes Basil Mint (keep in a pot—spreads like crazy) Chives Flowers Marigolds Sunflowers Zinnias Nasturtiums If it says “easy” or “beginner” on the seed packet—believe it. 3. Know

1. Kind of Crabbing There are a few styles. Most beginners start with shore crabbing or dock crabbing . Shore/Dock crabbing – traps or nets from piers, docks, jetties (easiest) Boat crabbing – same gear, just more range Hand lining / snaring – more active, fun, very popular for Dungeness This guide is for recreational crabbing , not commercial. 2. Best Time of Year (Season) This depends on species and location, but broadly: 🗓️ General Rules Late spring → early fall = pe

1. Check the basics first Before you buy chickens: Local laws : Some cities limit the number of chickens or ban roosters. Space : Plan for 4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop 8–10 sq ft per chicken outside (run or yard) 2. Start with the right chickens For beginners, choose calm, hardy breeds : Great starter breeds 🥚 Rhode Island Red – tough, friendly, great egg layers 🥚 Plymouth Rock – calm and cold-hardy 🥚 Australorp – excellent egg production 🥚 Isa Brown – super r

STEP 1: Start Small (Don’t Plant the Whole Homestead at Once) What to do first • Pick 1–3 crops you actually eat • Choose containers, raised beds, or one small ground plot • Learn your growing zone & last frost date Beginner crops • Lettuce • Radishes • Zucchini • Green beans • Herbs (basil, parsley, chives) Key habits to learn • Observe daily • Water consistently • Expect failures (they’re lessons, not losses) STEP 2: Build Your Soil (Soil > Seeds) What matters most • Health

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Into Food Preservation STEP 1: Start With Freezing (Your Training Wheels) What it does: Slows spoilage by stopping microbial growth Skill level: Very easy Tools needed: Freezer, containers or freezer bags Foods you can make / preserve: • Frozen berries & fruit • Blanched vegetables (peas, beans, spinach) • Bone broth & stock • Raw dough (bread, pizza) • Cooked meals (soups, stews) • Meat & fish Good first win: Freeze seasonal produce to save mo