Author

Julia Bayly

Julia Bayly, staff writer for Hello Homestead, has worked in print journalism for more than three decades covering the unique characters and life of northern Maine. When not wrangling critters on her Rusty Metal Farm, Julia travels the world seeking adventure and great food wherever she can find it. She loves dogs and chickens, tolerates cats, is unsure of ducks and does not trust goats.

News

Tiny house thefts are happening

Julia Bayly Feb 8, 2019 0

Love the idea of living tiny? We hear you. But tiny house thefts are something law enforcement is now dealing with. Here's what you should know. People in the Manatee County region of Florida are asked to be on the lookout for…
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Garden & farm

What you should know about healthy garden soil

Julia Bayly Jan 31, 2019 0

Do you have healthy garden soil? Ensuring that you do is a continuing task. Here's what you need to know. Photo by Gabor Degre Sure, it’s January and in many parts of the country spring is weeks -- even months -- away. But it’s never…
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Your home

How to dispose of ashes

Julia Bayly Jan 30, 2019 1

Fireplace ashes need to be cleaned out regularly. Here's what you need to know and how to dispose of ashes. To safely dispose of wood ash, use metal buckets and immediately take them outside and away from any buildings. | Julia Bayly …
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Garden & farm

Are eco-friendly electric tractors the machines of farming future?

Julia Bayly Jan 25, 2019 0

A future farmer checks out an electric powered farm tractor during a demonstration at the University of Oregon. |Lynn Kethum The familiar noisy and exhaust-spewing sights, sounds and smells of the traditional gas or diesel-powered farm…
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Garden & farm

The secret to keeping bad odors and rats out of your compost pile

Julia Bayly Jan 8, 2019 0

When done well, food composting is an excellent way to dispose of waste while creating garden-friendly soil additives. But, when done in a slipshod manner, all that organic waste becomes a convenient and smelly buffet for rats, mice and…
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Garden & farm

Good records are key to surviving tax time for farmers, homesteaders

Julia Bayly Jan 4, 2019 0

It's a new year and that means ... it's almost time to start thinking about filing taxes. Good organization and records are key surviving tax time for farmers and homesteaders. Photo by Gabor Degre Living off the land on a homestead…
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Your home

Why the snow load on your roof should never be taken for granted

Julia Bayly Dec 31, 2018 0

Is the snow gathering on your roof? Be careful of snow load — unchecked, it can lead to roof collapses, leaks and more. Here's what you need to know. When snow piles up on a roof, it can exceed the structure's snow load and cause…
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Animals & livestock

How to set up and prepare for backyard poultry first aid

Julia Bayly Dec 20, 2018 2

A poultry first aid kit is necessary for poultry keepers to administer basic first aid when chickens, ducks and more need it. Here's how to make one. Pet nail clippers allow backyard poultry keepers to clip the nails of their birds if…
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Pests

How to keep mice away from your car and other vehicles

Julia Bayly Dec 19, 2018 0

Oh rodents. As coldness sets in, they seek a place to nest for winter. Here's how to keep mice away from your car and other vehicles. Photo by erdenebayar via Morguefile For a lot of rural dwellers having seasonal vehicles — cars for…
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News

Feeling stressed or anxious? Try ecotherapy

Julia Bayly Dec 14, 2018 0

Aislinn Sarnacki It’s not a regulated or licensed form of mental health therapy, but the field of “ecotherapy” is gaining ground around the country with practitioners advising clients to get outside and connect with nature as part of an…
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Garden & farm

The 2018 Farm Bill has passed the House and Senate. What does it mean for farmers and homesteaders?

Julia Bayly Dec 13, 2018 0

After passing in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 87-13, and making it through the U.S. House of Representatives with a 389-47 vote on Wednesday, the 2018 Farm Bill now heads to the desk of President Donald Trump to be signed into…
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Your home

What should you think about before moving into a tiny house?

Julia Bayly Dec 12, 2018 0

Considering going tiny with your living space? The simpler life is alluring. Here's what you should consider before moving into a tiny house. Gabor Degre The decision to go tiny is all about setting priorities, according to tiny…
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