Casual Homesteader

  How to Protect Your Chickens from Mosquitoes (and Why It Matters) If you've spent any time outside this year, you've probably noticed one thing: the mosquitoes are relentless. Unfortunately, we aren't the only ones they're bothering. Our chickens can become easy targets too, especially during Florida's hot, humid summers. While a few mosquito bites may seem harmless, large numbers of mosquitoes can stress your flock and even spread disease. The good news is that there are plenty of simple, natural ways to make your coop and run less inviting to these unwanted pests. Why Mosquitoes Are a Problem for Chickens Mosquitoes don't just annoy chickens. They can affect their health as well. Heavy mosquito activity can increase stress, reduce egg production, irritate combs and wattles, and spread diseases such as fowl pox and avian malaria in some areas. The healthier and less stressed your chickens are, the happier they'll be and the better they'll lay. Elimin...

  Battling Mosquitoes & No-See-Ums in the Garden: How to Enjoy Your Homestead Again There are plenty of things I expect to deal with while gardening in Florida: heat, humidity, weeds, and the occasional surprise snake. But this year? The mosquitoes and no-see-ums have been absolutely relentless. It seems like the second I step outside to weed the garden, water the plants, or check on the chickens, I'm instantly covered in bites. Some days, I spend more time swatting bugs than actually getting any work done! If you've been dealing with the same thing, you're definitely not alone. While we may never get rid of every mosquito or no-see-um, there are several things we can do to make spending time outside much more enjoyable. What's the Difference Between Mosquitoes and No-See-Ums? Even though they both leave you itching, they're different insects. Mosquitoes are larger, easy to spot, and breed in standing water. They're usually most active around dawn and dusk....

  Homesteading and Walking With God: Finding Faith in the Everyday Work When people think about homesteading, they often picture peaceful mornings in the garden, baskets full of fresh vegetables, homemade bread cooling on the counter, and chickens happily scratching around the yard... and sometimes, it really does look like that. Other times, it looks like standing outside in the Florida heat wondering what ate your plants overnight, trying to figure out why a chicken suddenly stopped laying, watching a fruit tree struggle despite your best efforts, or realizing that the garden has absolutely no respect for your schedule. Homesteading has a way of humbling you, and maybe that is part of what makes it such a beautiful place to walk with God. The more I learn to grow, raise, preserve, repair, reuse, and make do with what we have, the more I realize how little control I actually have and how much there is to be thankful for. Planting Seeds Is an Act of Faith There is something almost ...

Why I Switched to the Cash Budgeting Method (And Why It's Actually Working) One of the biggest goals for our family has been becoming more intentional with our money. As we've worked toward a simpler lifestyle and financial freedom, I realized that using my debit card and credit cards made it far too easy to lose track of small purchases. A few dollars here. A quick stop there. An extra item in the grocery cart. Individually, they didn't seem like much. But by the end of the month, those little purchases added up. That's when I decided to give the cash envelope method a try. It has been one of the simplest changes we've made, but it's also been one of the most effective. Why I Chose Cash When money stays on a debit or credit card, it can almost feel invisible. You know it's there, but you don't physically see it leaving. Cash is different. Handing someone a $20 bill makes you think about the purchase in a way that swiping a card simply doesn't. As th...

How to Freeze Fresh Sweet Corn (The Easy Way) There's nothing quite like fresh sweet corn in the middle of summer. Every year, our local farm sets up a roadside stand, and it's one of those traditions I look forward to. This year I picked up a dozen ears for just $8, and instead of trying to eat it all before it spoiled, I decided to preserve it for later. Freezing sweet corn is surprisingly simple, and it means you'll have delicious, farm-fresh corn ready for soups, casseroles, side dishes, and skillet meals all year long. Why Freeze Fresh Corn? Fresh-picked corn begins losing sweetness shortly after it's harvested. Freezing it soon after buying helps preserve both the flavor and texture. Benefits include: Saves money when corn is in season Reduces food waste Keeps fresh corn available year-round Quick side dish for busy weeknights Perfect for soups, chowders, and casseroles Supplies You'll Need Fresh sweet corn Large stock pot Ice (I used ice packs)  L...

  👉🏼 Disclosure:  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Pros and Cons of Line Drying Laundry If you're looking for a simple way to reduce household expenses and make your clothes last longer, line drying your laundry might be worth considering. While clothes dryers offer convenience, they are also one of the more energy-intensive appliances in many homes. Line drying can help lower energy use, reduce wear on clothing, and lessen environmental impact. However, it isn't without drawbacks. Here's a closer look at the benefits and challenges of hanging clothes to dry. Benefits of Line Drying Clothes 1. Reduced Energy Consumption One of the biggest advantages of line drying is the reduction in energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that clothes dryers are significant household energy consumers, and reducing dryer use can lower household energy costs (U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.). Research from the University of Michigan found that household...