Hey everyone, welcome back to Backroads Homesteading! Today was another vibrant day out here, filled with gardening, bread-making, and some unexpected guests from nature.
We started our day planning to plant some lovely tomato seedlings given to us by our friends Jason and Tara. With our trellis ready to support their growth, we’re excited about the bounty of tomatoes we’ll harvest this year. We’re planting them a bit further apart this time to ensure they grow upwards rather than outwards, which helps in preventing any spoilage and maintaining good airflow around each plant.
In the midst of our planting, I decided to multitask by recording an audio podcast. For those of you who love tuning into our talks, check out our podcasts on Backroads Homesteading. We’ve got a whole series available that you can download or stream during your commute or while you’re gardening!
While gardening, we tackled some bread-making as well. I tried my hand at a sourdough loaf using a starter from Terry – and let me tell you, it turned out deliciously warm and comforting. It’s these small victories in the kitchen that make homesteading so rewarding.
Our work didn’t stop at the garden and kitchen. We moved on to some DIY projects, trying to get the ceiling up in Link’s room. We’re working with natural wood and figuring out installations for low-profile can lights. It’s a learning curve, but each step teaches us something new.
Interestingly, while working we encountered some curious salamanders and a toad, reminding us that we share this space with many other creatures. It’s essential to observe and respect these little fellows, ensuring our homesteading activities don’t disrupt their habitats.
By the end of the day, we managed to install new lighting and planned out the ceiling fan installation. Tomorrow promises more tasks, with a mini-split installation and flooring on the agenda. It’s busy here, but that’s how we like it.
If you enjoy peeking into our daily life and ongoing projects, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates. We appreciate you joining us on this journey and look forward to sharing more of our adventures. See you in the next video!
It’s been a busy time filled with various projects, from setting up a new chicken coop to smoking our first ham and tackling some home improvement tasks. Let’s dive into the details of our week and share some insights and experiences from our homesteading journey.
Setting Up the Chicken Coop
Our week started with getting the chicken coop ready for our feathered friends. We moved the coop inside and set up the chickens temporarily to get them acclimated to their new surroundings. Em has been diligently checking on them to ensure they’re comfortable and adjusting well. It’s always a joy to see them exploring their new home and settling in.
Smoking Our First Ham
One of the highlights of the week was smoking our first ham. Although we didn’t raise the pig entirely on our homestead, we were involved in most of the process, making it a special experience. We used the East Oak smoker, a budget-friendly option we found on Amazon, which worked surprisingly well for our first attempt.
The marinade for the ham was a simple yet delicious combination of brown sugar, molasses from Roy’s place, and some honey mustard dipping sauce. The result was a tasty ham that, while not perfect, was certainly enjoyable. There’s room for improvement, but for a first attempt, we were pretty pleased with the outcome.
Preparing for Spring Planting
With the threat of freezing temperatures seemingly behind us, we’ve moved our produce out of the pole barn. This week, we also invested in some cattle panels to set up a trellis system for our beans, peas, and tomatoes. However, we mistakenly got the more expensive horse panels, which put us over budget. Despite this, we’re excited to see how the trellis system will support our plants as they grow.
Maintenance Work on the Pole Barn
Maintaining our pole barn was another task on our list this week. We’re replacing the roof screws on the main building and the original lean-to. Over time, the sun and weather can degrade the rubber washers on the screws, leading to leaks and deterioration. It’s important to replace these every few years to keep the roof in good condition.
Home Improvement: Spraying Knockdown Texture
We also tackled a home improvement project by spraying knockdown texture on the walls. It’s been a while since we’ve done this, so it was a bit of a learning curve to get the right consistency and technique. The knockdown texture adds a nice finish to the walls, covering up any inconsistencies between drywall pieces. We’re pleased with how it’s turning out and can’t wait to see the finished result.
Spending Time with Friends
One of the joys of homesteading is the community of like-minded individuals we get to interact with. This week, we spent some time with friends on the ridge, helping them build something for their homestead. It’s always great to share stories, enjoy good food, and support each other in our homesteading endeavors.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this week, we’re excited about the projects and challenges that lie ahead. Homesteading is a journey filled with learning, growth, and the satisfaction of building something with our own hands. We’re grateful for the support of our community, both online and offline, and look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you.
Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, and subscribed to our channel. Your support means the world to us. Don’t forget to check out our newsletter on BackroadsHomesteading.com and follow us on Facebook and X for more updates on our homesteading journey. Until next time, happy homesteading!
Hey there, Ryan here, welcoming you back to our cozy corner of the internet where farm chores meet deep dives into life’s big and small moments. As I gear up for another day on the farm, with the crisp morning air biting at my cheeks, I can’t help but share these moments with you. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the stories, the insights, and the reflections that come with every task, whether I’m tending to the fields or just rambling about the world around us.
This morning’s a brisk one, thirty-something degrees, and it’s got me bundling up as I prepare to fuel up the tractor and lawnmowers. It’s one of those necessary rituals that keep the farm ticking over. Maddie, my ever-enthusiastic companion, is right here by my side, her tail wagging excitedly as I load up the fuel jugs into the trailer. It’s these simple, shared moments that really highlight the day-to-day of farm living.
Today’s task list includes making a pilgrimage for fuel, and while it might seem mundane, there’s a bit of a twist. I find myself musing over the peculiarities of using taxed fuel for farm machinery—after all, it’s not like I’m hitting the road with them. It’s these little inefficiencies, these quirks of farm life, that often get me thinking about the bigger picture, how we navigate the often complex interplay between regulations and the realities of rural living.
So, as I set off with trailer in tow, I’m not just tackling a to-do list; I’m weaving through the thoughts and stories that each day brings. Whether it’s the joy found in companionship, the satisfaction of preparation, or the contemplation of life’s larger questions, it’s all part of the journey. Stick around, and let’s see where today’s chores—and today’s thoughts—take us.
As you know, we’re always up for a challenge, and this time it’s Arkansas’ first-ever polar vortex. That’s right, our homestead is bracing for some icy temps, and I’m here to share our frosty adventures and how we’re keeping things snug and secure.
First off, this whole crawl space situation is new to us. We’re used to basements back in Wisconsin, so dealing with exposed plumbing is a bit of a curveball. We’re mitigating risks by turning off water where we can and letting faucets drip to prevent freezing. Homesteading tip: always stay one step ahead of the weather!
Now, let’s talk about our new colossal buddy – a 20-foot ladder, courtesy of Warner. This giant isn’t just any ladder; it’s a double-sided, 600 lb capacity beast that’s making our high-altitude tasks a breeze. And, as our homesteading pals wisely say, safety first! This ladder’s wide base is a game-changer for stability.
Despite the prep, we faced a deluge of rain and wind recently, really putting our homestead to the test. We found a few leaks around window seals and screws needing adjustments. But hey, it’s all part of the homesteading journey, right?
On a brighter note, I’ve been juggling indoor tasks like video editing and web design. Still, I’m sneaking in time to enjoy the outdoors and tend to our garden. Speaking of which, our wild chives are thriving, and I’m hustling to harvest them before the frost. Fun fact: the grass here in Arkansas doesn’t demand as much mowing as back in Wisconsin – talk about a gas saver!
Our Decora bamboo is facing its own chilly challenge. It’s cold-tolerant, but these upcoming zero temps are a real concern. We’re doing our best to insulate it with extra mulch and care. And about our hydroponic cacti experiment… well, let’s just say they prefer warmer weather.
We’re also reinforcing our orchard against the strong winds and cold. The good news is our berries and fruit trees are holding up well. Homesteading is all about adapting, and we’re learning to roll with nature’s punches.
As the vortex approaches, we’re sealing up the homestead, layering extra protection on our plants, and ensuring our bamboo’s root system is safeguarded from the freeze. It’s all hands on deck here, and we’re determined to protect our little slice of Arkansas heaven.
In our workshop, we’re prepping with plenty of wood for the furnace and strategizing to keep the warmth circulating. Homesteading isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s about resilience, innovation, and a whole lot of heart.
So, as we wrap up and brace for the cold, remember, this is just another chapter in our homesteading story. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button. Thanks for joining our frosty journey, and remember, Affiliate Links support our channel at no cost to you. Stay warm and see you in the next video!
