On today’s podcast episode I will be giving my thoughts on some questions from you, the listeners. I will be answering questions today on seed starting, how and when to add finished compost to a garden, I’ll give my thoughts on health insurance for the self-employed, tanning rabbit hides, the software I use to do my “techy stuff” and what life looks like a little further along in the homesteading journey.
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Your Questions Answered
Seed Starting: A Key Homesteading Skill
Helen asks – I’d love to hear your seed starting tips. I’ll be starting to sow seed for this season in mid-February so it’s coming up fast! My soil is heavy clay and our season is relatively short so I prefer to start seeds in trays, pots even guttering. What are your favorite methods or does it depend on the crop?
Let’s talk about seed starting. This is something that a lot of homesteaders focus on during the colder months when they’re prepping for the growing season ahead. Starting seeds indoors in trays or pots allows you to get a jump on the growing season, especially if you live in an area with a short growing season.
Here’s a helpful tip: back up about five weeks from your last frost date to start your seeds. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are great to start indoors. Make sure to use a good quality seed-starting mix (not garden soil) to give your plants the best chance to grow strong. And don’t forget to “harden them off” before transplanting them outside. This means gradually introducing them to the outdoor conditions, so they don’t get shocked when you plant them.
When Should You Add Compost?
Danny asks – I have some finished compost ready to be added to the garden. I’ve read lots of articles on making compost. I’ve read lots of articles on finishing compost. I’ve never had anyone write an article on when to add compost. So when and how do you add compost to a raised bed garden?
A lot of people wonder, “When is the best time to add compost to the garden?” Add compost to your raised beds in early spring, about two to three weeks before planting. Spread a few inches over the soil, and then gently work it in with a pitchfork. This gives the compost time to start breaking down and enriching the soil before you put your plants in the ground.
In the fall, you can also cover your garden beds with a thick layer of leaves. By spring, most of the leaves will have broken down, adding organic matter to your soil. This creates a rich, healthy environment for your plants to thrive.
Tanning Rabbit Hides
Jessie asks – Have you ever done any hide tanning with your rabbits’ pelts? If so, can you give us some tips?
Tanning rabbit hides can be a rewarding skill to learn, but it might not always be the most cost-effective option. If you’re raising rabbits for meat, especially young ones, their hides are often too thin for tanning. Instead, focus on older rabbits, like breeders that have been in your flock for a couple of years. These older hides are thicker and easier to work with, making the process much more successful.
There are several methods to tan hides, with alum tanning being one of the more popular, easier options. It involves using aluminum sulfate, a mild chemical, along with salt to preserve the hide. Though it’s a lengthy process, with soaking, drying, and stretching, it’s worth the effort if you’ve got a use for the pelts. Just be prepared for some work, especially with the fleshing and handling of the hides. If you’re up for the challenge, tanning can be a great way to make use of every part of your animals!
Resources:
- Alum Tanning Method
- Aluminum Sulfate – 10 Pound Bag
- Egg Yolk Tanning Method
- Battery Acid Tanning Method
- Brain Tanning Method
Health Insurance for the Self-Employed Homesteader
Lori asks – I’m curious about what your thoughts are on health insurance for a family with kids that is self-employed – I’ve listened to many of your podcasts recently that deal with income generating ideas for self-employment but that side of it was untouched. I have done some research on the matter, but am always interested in hearing more first-hand experiences with this side of self-employment.
This might sound like an odd topic for a homesteading blog, but it’s actually really important. Many homesteaders are self-employed, which means they don’t have the traditional benefits that come with working for a company. Health insurance can be a big concern. One option is to look into healthcare-sharing programs, like Medi-Share or Liberty HealthShare. These programs are a bit different from traditional insurance but can be more affordable for self-employed folks.
Resources:
- https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed/coverage/
- http://www.libertyhealthshare.org/
- https://mychristiancare.org/medi-share/
Tech Tools for Homesteading Content Creation
Amy asks – I want to start sharing our homesteading experiences like you do. Would you mind sharing what software you use for the techy stuff like blogging, Youtube videos, podcasting, and picture editing?
If you’re thinking about sharing your homesteading journey through a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel, there’s no need to break the bank on expensive software. One of my go-to tools for content creation is Canva, a free online platform that’s perfect for designing blog images, social media posts, or even YouTube thumbnails. It’s user-friendly, and you can upload your own photos to customize their templates, making it easy to create professional-looking visuals.
For podcasting, I use Audacity, another free program, to record and edit audio. It’s simple, reliable, and does a great job at editing episodes. If you’re making videos, consider OBS Studio, a free, open-source software for recording and streaming. While it has a bit of a learning curve, there are tons of tutorials online to help you get started. These tools have been key in helping me share my homesteading experiences without spending a fortune, and they can work for you too!
Resources:
- Image Creation – Canva
- Audio Editing – Audacity
- WordPress Platform
- Video Creation – OBS Studio
Looking Ahead: The Future of Your Homestead
Aaron Asks – Give us a picture of what it looks like further along the homestead journey.
One question that really stood out to me from the podcast was: “What does it look like to be further along in the homesteading journey?” Honestly, it looks a lot like when you first start, just with more experience under your belt. Homesteading is a lifelong journey. You’re always learning, adding new skills, and finding better ways to do things. It doesn’t ever feel like “done.” It’s about growth, both in your garden and in yourself.
Final Thoughts
Homesteading is about living a life connected to the land, learning how to care for plants, animals, and yourself in ways that feel rewarding and sustainable. Whether you’re just starting with a few pots of herbs on a windowsill or managing a large farm, there’s always something new to learn.
So, if you’re curious about homesteading, don’t be afraid to start small. Plant a seed, raise a few chickens, or just learn to bake bread from scratch. Every little step you take brings you closer to a life that’s more connected to the earth and the food you eat. And trust me, it’s a journey worth taking!