Here at Homestead Mentors, we believe in the healing properties of nature's bounty. One of our favorite treasures from the wild is the humble elderberry, known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Today, we're excited to share a homemade elderberry syrup recipe that not only tastes delicious but also serves as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and overall wellness.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cleaned elderberries
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 slice of fresh ginger

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until the berries soften and the liquid reduces.
3. Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
4. Mix in honey until dissolved.
5. Store the syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.

Health Benefits:
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can strengthen the immune system and reduce...

Welcome to Homestead Mentors, where we are dedicated to helping homesteaders like you navigate the ins and outs of sustainable living. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricate process of haying, covering everything from when to cut your hay to how to stack it for optimal storage. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to successfully harvest and store your hay.

Timing is Key:

The first step in haying is knowing when to cut your fields. For grass hay, the ideal time to cut is when the grass is in the boot stage, just before it heads out. Alfalfa should be cut in the early bloom stage for maximum protein content. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and aim to cut when you have a stretch of sunny days ahead for optimal drying conditions.

Moisture Matters:

Once your hay is cut, it's essential to monitor the moisture content before baling. Grass hay should have a moisture content...

At the heart of every family, there's that one special recipe passed down through generations that never fails to bring everyone together around the table. For us, that recipe is Grandma Joan's favorite chicken dish, a comforting and delicious meal that has become a staple in our family gatherings.

During a recent visit with Grandma, we couldn't resist the urge to learn her secret chicken recipe and share it with our beloved Homestead Mentors audience. This dish is not just about the flavors; it's about the memories and love that come with every bite.

To recreate Grandma Joan's special chicken dish, here's the recipe she shared with us:

Ingredients:
- Breast of chicken
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:
1. Cut a cross in each breast of chicken.
2. Dip the chicken in flour and season with salt and pepper.
3. Pan fry the chicken in half a cup of...

At Homestead Mentors, we love having banana bread on hand for a quick snack after a long day outside. This simple recipe is perfect for busy homesteaders who want a delicious treat without the fuss.

Ingredients:

•  2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
•  1/3 cup melted butter
•  3/4 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup as a substitute)
•  1 beaten egg
•  1 tsp vanilla extract
•  1 tsp baking soda
•  Pinch of salt
•  1 1/2 cups flour

Instructions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.  Mix the mashed bananas with melted butter.
3.  Add sugar (or substitute), egg, and vanilla. Stir well.
4.  Combine baking soda, salt, and flour into the mixture.
5.  Pour into a greased loaf pan.
6.  Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This banana bread is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for those days when you need a quick, satisfying snack. Whether you’re coming in from the garden or taking a break from chores, a...

Understanding Frost Damage

A heavy frost can be detrimental to your garden, affecting plant cells and leading to damage or death. Frost occurs when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), causing water inside plant cells to freeze and expand, rupturing cell walls.

Why Watering After Frost Helps

Watering your garden the morning after a frost can help mitigate damage. Here’s why:

1.  Temperature Regulation: Water helps to raise the soil temperature. Wet soil absorbs more heat than dry soil, which can help thaw frozen plant cells gradually, reducing shock.
2.  Moisture Levels: Frost can draw moisture out of plants, leading to dehydration. Watering rehydrates plants, helping them recover.

Best Practices for Watering After a Frost

1.  Timing: Water early in the morning when temperatures start to rise. This helps plants recover throughout the day.
2.  Water Temperature: Use water that is slightly warmer than the air temperature. Avoid ice-cold water, which can...

On our homestead, each day brings its own set of challenges and rewards, but nothing quite prepared us for the unexpected arrival of a precious calf. As we reflect on this whirlwind experience, we're reminded of the importance of quick thinking, tender care, and the invaluable support of family.

It all began on a seemingly ordinary day, with the sun sinking low on the horizon and the day's work winding down. Little did we know, our evening was about to take an unexpected turn. Thanks to the keen eyes of our 4-year-old son, we were alerted to the presence of a sweet bundle of joy—a calf born a whole 8 weeks earlier than anticipated!

With gratitude for our son's sharp observation, we sprang into action, swiftly separating mother and calf into their own safe haven. With only the resources at hand—a bit of fresh hay, water, and pine shavings—we ensured their immediate comfort and well-being.

As the evening unfolded, our attention turned to the welfare of our own...

Hey there, green thumbs and budding gardeners! 

This week, we dove into the great gardening debate: Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardening. It’s like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream—both are delightful, but each has its unique flavor! We've explored every nook and cranny of these gardening styles on our social media, and here's the scoop on what makes each method special.

Raised Beds: These are the modern marvels of gardening! Imagine less bending over, fewer weeds, and an early start to the planting season. Raised beds are like luxury condos for your plants, offering excellent drainage, custom soil blends, and a chic aesthetic to any backyard. They're particularly great for those with limited space, seeking to maximize their gardening game. 

In-Ground Gardening: Then, we have the classic in-ground gardens, the traditionalists' dream. This method connects you directly with the earth, letting your plants sprawl and root deeply in their...

As we bid farewell to the lingering winter chill and welcome the gentle warmth of spring, let's take a moment to reflect on the parallels between the changing seasons and the sacred observance of Good Friday. Just as winter surrenders to the promise of new life in spring, so too does Good Friday mark the solemn transition from darkness to the hope of resurrection.

This week we talked about the importance of prepping our garden beds. Whether you’re breaking ground for a new plot or rejuvenating an old one, giving your soil the TLC it needs with compost and a good turning can make all the difference. We shared some fantastic tips for testing your soil to see exactly what it needs to be its most productive self. Remember, happy soil equals happy plants!

Then, we ventured into the exciting world of seed selection. Deciding what to grow is like planning a menu for the months ahead – do you go for the classics, experiment with something exotic, or a little bit of both? We...

Hey there, wonderful Homesteaders!

With the birds chirping and the flowers beginning to bloom, it's clear that spring has finally sprung on our homesteads. And you know what that means—it's time for a bit of spring cleaning! But let's not forget about our furry and feathered friends during this seasonal refresh. This week, we've been all about giving our animal shelters a thorough clean-up, and I wanted to share some highlights and tips that we've covered on our social media platforms.

First off, let's talk about the importance of starting fresh. Just like us, our animals appreciate a clean environment. It keeps them healthy, happy, and in the case of our chickens, maybe even laying more eggs. We discussed the essentials of clearing out old bedding, removing any cobwebs or dust, and ensuring that our shelters are not just visually clean but sanitized and safe from any lurking pathogens. Remember, a little elbow grease now can save us a lot of trouble down the line.

We also...

Hello Homestead Champions!

Week 2 on our homesteading journey has wrapped up, and wow, what a ride!  From emergency preparedness to community challenges, we've been knee-deep in knowledge, and we're delighted to bring you the highlights.

We kicked off the week by exploring the nuts and bolts of emergency preparedness. Picture this – your homestead as a well-oiled machine ready to face any unexpected twists. From stocking up on essentials to creating a personalized emergency kit, we covered it all. The heart of homesteading is not just about growing crops; it’s about nurturing a prepared and resilient lifestyle.

The highlight of the week was the #HomesteadPrepChallenge! We threw down the gauntlet, and you, our amazing community, responded with gusto. Your emergency preparedness setups and tips flooded our [Instagram/Facebook], turning it into a vibrant hub of shared wisdom. Homesteading isn’t just about individual efforts;...