How to Build a Rain Barrel System for Your GardenA rain barrel system captures water from your roof and stores it for garden use. Even a modest tank can supply seedlings, fruit trees, and vegetable beds…
Growing Melons in Cold Climates with Black PlasticMelons need warmth, sunlight and a long growing season, which can make them seem unsuitable for Australia’s cooler districts. However, black plastic mulch can…
Managing A Worm Farm For Compost And CastingsA worm farm turns kitchen scraps, shredded paper and a little garden waste into two useful products: stable worm castings for improving soil and a…
Making fruit leather from excess harvestWhen the fruit trees begin dropping ripe plums, peaches or apricots faster than the family can eat them, fruit leather turns the surplus into a compact pantry…
How to Build a Solar-Powered Pond Pump for IrrigationA solar-powered pond pump can move water from a dam, wildlife pond, or lined storage basin to vegetable beds without adding much to your power bill. The system…
Using cover crops to build soil over winterUsing cover crops to build soil over winter is one of the most useful jobs a spare bed can do. Oats, field peas, vetch, lupins and other useful plants are sown…
How to make your own beeswax candles at homeMaking beeswax candles is a straightforward homesteading project that turns a natural by-product into something useful, attractive and long-lasting. With a…
Growing Potatoes In Bags And ContainersPotatoes are among the most rewarding crops for a small garden because they do not require a large bed or perfect soil. A few seed potatoes, a suitable…
Building a Root Cellar in a Small BasementA cool storage room can extend the life of vegetables, fruit and preserves without relying entirely on a second refrigerator. In a small basement, the aim is…