Author Archives: Slocum's Creak

  Snake Mitigation and Welcoming Reptilian Allies on Your HomesteadSnakes. The very word can evoke a range of emotions, from fear and revulsion to fascination and respect. On a homestead, understanding these often-misunderstood creatures is key to both safety and ecological balance. This post will explore practical strategies for mitigating encounters with venomous snakes whileContinue reading “Striking a balance”

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own PotatoesAh, the humble potato! A culinary cornerstone, a comforting staple, and surprisingly rewarding to grow in your own backyard. Forget those bland, store-bought spuds – imagine the earthy aroma of freshly dug potatoes, their skins still clinging to the soil, bursting with a flavor you just can’t findContinue reading “Growing potatoes at home”

A Deep Dive into the Wonderful World of BlueberriesOh, the humble blueberry! These little spheres of indigo are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a powerhouse of nutrients, a joy to grow, and a rewarding addition to any garden. Let’s delve into the captivating world of blueberries, exploring everything from their cultivation to theContinue reading “Blueberries”

Exploring the Potential of Elm Tree SeedsHere in Syracuse, Kansas, as the days lengthen and a gentle warmth returns to the air, the familiar silhouette of the elm tree begins to stir with new life. While we often admire their majestic canopies and appreciate their shade in the summer heat, there’s a less celebrated aspectContinue reading “The unsung heroes of spring.”

An Exhaustive Guide to Growing PeasPeas! Those delightful little spheres of sweetness that pop with flavor. Whether you dream of snapping sugar peas straight from the vine, shelling plump garden peas for a creamy risotto, or enjoying the delicate tendrils of pea shoots in a salad, growing your own peas is a rewarding experience. ThisContinue reading “Growing peas”

A Deep Dive into LiFePO4 DIYFor a while now, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of home energy independence and the potential for a reliable backup power source.     So, I’ve decided to take the plunge and embark on an exciting DIY project: building my own powerwall using LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries.    InContinue reading “Building our own powerwall.”

A Guide to Growing Your Own Strawberries: There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked, sun-ripened strawberry. Imagine stepping into your garden and plucking those juicy red gems whenever the craving strikes! Growing your own strawberries is a rewarding experience, and with a little know-how, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year afterContinue reading “Sweet sucess”

  Not everyone has heard of or perhaps considered the soil web. However I feel it is important enough to learn everything I can about it. This blog post will be a starting point for my quest for knowledge.   Care to come along? Hopefully this will start a spark for you. The Unseen MetropolisContinue reading “The soil web”

Finding Your Spring Cleaning MotivationThe days are getting longer, the birds are chirping, and a certain freshness hangs in the air. Spring is here! But along with the budding flowers and warmer temperatures often comes a less-than-thrilling task: spring cleaning.Let’s be honest, the thought of tackling cluttered closets, dusty corners, and grimy windows can feelContinue reading “Shake Off the Winter Dust”

  Every spring the youngest and I plant a cherry tomato plant in this container.  I let the dead plant stand all winter and then crumble it back into the container.   We’ve done this for going on five years with no issues at all. I’ve read you shouldn’t grow them in the same placeContinue reading “Tomato triumph.”