Many of the plants and animals we take for granted are not native to North America. Some of them were brought from over seas.
Category: Home and Garden
Simple Living, Handcrafted by You
Welcome to a place where old-fashioned wisdom meets modern life. Since 1999, we’ve been sharing the joy of making things from scratch—whether it’s a batch of botanical soap, a thriving garden, or a cozy, chemical-free home.
We believe the “pioneer spirit” isn’t just about the past; it’s about the intentional choices we make today. Explore our collection of heritage skills, natural recipes, and time-tested tips designed to help you live a more self-reliant and beautiful life. Grab a cup of tea, stay a while, and let’s get back to basics together.
Oh no! Your pet got sprayed by a skunk. What should you do now? The first thing many people think of is tomato juice. Don’t bother, because it doesn’t work. I will explain why later in this article. So, if tomato juice won’t work, then what will?
The cleaning chapter from the Iowa Settlers Manual of 1881 explains how to make a basic liquid laundry detergent using available materials. Washing clothes in the days of the pioneers and settlers was an elaborate ritual.
Survival gardens differ from backyard gardens in that they’re more about prepping for long-term survival and self-sufficiency.
Discover the benefits of talking to plants. Learn how nurturing conversations can promote healthy, happy plants in your garden.
I hope organic gardeners will follow some of the guidelines presented in this article. These are basic ways to incorporate manures safely into your garden.
Dryer balls help to cut down on the time your clothes have to spend in the dryer. They help to separate the clothes and eliminate the static. If you do not want to buy them or you want a more natural option, it is simple to make your own.
Protect and enhance your wooden fence with the right stain. Find out how to choose the best staining materials for a long-lasting finish.
Discover the art of organizing: tips and tricks to declutter your life and make the most of your belongings.
Discover the dynamics between kids and animals. Learn how to foster a positive and safe relationship between children and pets.
It doesn’t take very much to make the bedroom more natural or “green.” Here are three easy and effective tips.
Growing tomatoes indoors is not difficult. Anyone can grow tomatoes indoors.
In this article, we’ll reveal the secrets to getting large heads of broccoli. We’ll show you the basics of how to plant, grow, harvest, and store broccoli.
When should you not mulch garlic? Why should you not mulch garlic with straw? Does garlic keep bad insects out of your garden? These questions and more are answered in this article on growing organic garlic.
Growing lavender indoors can have a difficult learning curve, but in the long run should be a pleasure.