This post was originally published on 1/25/13. Grandma’s House My Grandma M didn’t have a lot of fancy things in her house. She had a few nice dishes, most had little chips from 5 farm boys passing them around like bulls in, well, in a china shop. I have a…
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What is Self Sufficiency?
“No man is an island, entire of itself.” John Donne What is Self Sufficiency? In the purest sense of the term, self sufficiency means the ability to survive on only that which you are able to gather, grow, make, or raise on your own. The thought of self sufficiency…
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Autumn Photo Tour of the Homestead
Happy Autumn to all of my readers!
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Black Beauty Zucchini
Black Beauty Zucchini – Mary’s Heirloom Seeds This page contains affiliate links. You will not pay any extra when you purchase products through these links, but I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting The Self Sufficient HomeAcre! Mary’s Heirloom Seeds (#ad) sponsored a review and giveaway on…
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Sunflowers and Squash Blossoms
A Blue Sky and Pretty Yellow Flowers The last day we spent at my parents’ house in New York was gorgeous, with vivid blue skies and wonderful sunshine. I took my camera and headed out to my Dad’s garden to snap a few photos before taking my sister, Beth, to…
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Grandma and Grandpa’s Farm
Grandma’s House & Grandpa’s Barn I had a chance to shoot a few photos of my grandparents’ farm while we visited our families in NY. My Uncle Dean lives here now, and I’m so happy that he is taking such good care of the place, but it will always be…
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A Gift of Home Canned Goodies
I grew up in a family that canned and froze lots of veggies and fruits for the winter. Every summer we would put up dozens and dozens of jars of jams, jellies, applesauce, beans, corn, beets, carrots, pickles, sauerkraut, berries, and juice. I’d go on excursions with my Gram…
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Are You Going Back to School or Homeschooling this Year?
Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? I know that this topic can be a rather polarizing one, with some people feeling that public or private schools are the best thing for their children, and others want to teach their children themselves. No one can decide what is best for your…
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The Pickle Crock
Making Dill Pickles in a Crock When we returned from our visit out east there were plenty of cucumbers in the garden. A few had grown to the size of small watermelons and those went to the chickens. They love cucumbers! The rest were just right for filling my crock…
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Can You Make a Living on a Small Farm?
For more information, check out my article Resources for Small Farmers and Homesteaders. Can a Small Farmer Make it in Today’s World? There is no easy, one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You might think that small farmers are a thing of the past, but many new small farm businesses make…
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How to Deal with Homesteader Burnout
Are you suffering from homesteader burnout? Here are some tips to help you cut down on chores and stop feeling so overwhelmed by the chores!
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How to Make Brine Cured Pickles
Making Brine Cured Pickles Curing foods in brine is an old-fashioned way of preserving them without refrigeration. A salt solution is used to cover the food and keep it from spoiling. Brine cured pickles were a staple in many homes. I remember my Grandma M making large crocks full of…
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Sunday on Our Homestead
The past week has been a busy one here on our little homestead. Our son went to the DMV and now has his drivers’ permit…watch out Northern Illinois! As homeschoolers we really took our time with this process. Joe is almost 18 and most kids run out to get their…
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Fruit Trees for Self Sufficiency
Why Grow Your Own Fruit Trees? Many people are interested in growing more of their own fruits and vegetables. Planting fruit trees for self-sufficiency is a great way to provide for your family. You have control over what is sprayed on your food, there will often be a surplus, and…
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How to Increase Self-Reliance by Growing Herbs
Planting herbs is a great way to provide your own herbal tea, seasoning for food, and herbal remedies for treating minor illness.
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Spring Chores on the Homestead
Taking Care of My Spring Chores The rain has barely given us a break the last couple of weeks, so I’m having trouble getting out in the garden to do my spring clean up duties. Our soil is heavy clay and will turn into a brick if I mess with…