Sam Schipani

Decorating the Christmas tree is often a cherished family tradition, but mass-produced balls and baubles made from non-renewable materials like plastic can feel a little wasteful and impersonal during this special time of year. If you are…
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Many homesteaders want to grow their own food, but getting started can be intimidating, especially for those who have yet to flex their green thumbs. Here are the best crops for first-time growers. Brian Feulner Every wannabe farmer…
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Sarah Walker Caron Fresh herbs can transform an everyday dinner into a special occasion, but herbs at the grocery store can be expensive and difficult to keep fresh. Starting an indoor herb garden is a relatively simple and compact…
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‘Tis the season for aggravated allergies. You may have noticed that when the yuletide season rolls around, so do heightened allergy symptoms: sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, even exacerbated asthma. Not to be a Grinch, but it…
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Growing plants without soil? No, it’s not science fiction -- it’s hydroponics. Lettuce growing in deep flow hydroponics; a student is lifting up part of a Styrofoam board to reveal the roots and the water underneath. | David Wees At…
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Many bakers have treasured sourdough starters that have been passed down for generations. For homesteaders who haven’t inherited a magical bread-making formula, you can make sourdough starter by following a few simple steps. ©Zagorulko…
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Worms held above a worm bin used for vermicompost. | Photo courtesy of Rhonda Sherman Even if worms make you squirm, the benefit that these squishy invertebrates have on gardens is undeniable. Worm waste, or “castings,” are incredibly…
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Most folks can’t get by without that cup of morning joe. But when you’re done brewing, don’t toss those used coffee grounds — they can be as useful as the brew itself. Some cities and municipalities have green recycling programs…
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Believe it or not, you don’t need a greenhouse to grow crops indoors. Whether you are a city dweller pressed for yard space or homesteader looking to add a little green to the winter months, you can easily start an indoor vegetable garden.…
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The holidays are just around the corner, and shopping season is in full swing. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or something else entirely, if you are in the practice of exchanging gifts, you might be clamoring to find the…
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Fresh, local produce can seem scarce in the winter. Though many farmers markets close in the winter months, some markets will continue to operate even after the growing seasons have ended. Winter farmers markets not only bring fresh food…
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Many homesteaders have not heard of the Muscovy. If you are a backyard fowl enthusiast, you may want to add this quirky bird to your flock. A group of muscovies at Metzer Farms in Gonzales, California. | Photo courtesy of John Metzer …
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