Backyard Homesteading

03/24/2026

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03/23/2026

🍅 How to Use 7-Gallon Grow Bags to Grow LOTS of Tomatoes in a Small Space 🌿

One of the easiest ways to grow a serious tomato harvest without a big garden is by using 7-gallon fabric grow bags. These VIVOSUN grow bags are perfect for patios, driveways, decks, and small backyard spaces—and they make tomato growing simple, neat, and productive.

Here’s how to use them the right way:

Start with one tomato plant per bag. A 7-gallon bag gives roots enough room to grow strong without overcrowding. Fill each bag with a high-quality potting mix, not heavy garden soil. Mixing in a little compost gives your plants an even better start.

When planting, remove the lower leaves and bury the stem deeply. Tomatoes grow extra roots along the buried stem, which helps create a stronger, healthier plant. Right after planting, add a cage, stake, or trellis so the plant can grow upward instead of sprawling out.

Place the bags where they’ll get at least 6–8 hours of direct sun each day. Fabric pots drain well and help prevent soggy roots, but that also means they dry out faster in hot weather. Check moisture often and water deeply and consistently, especially once plants begin flowering and setting fruit.

To keep tomatoes producing heavily, start feeding with a tomato fertilizer every 1–2 weeks after blooms appear. A layer of mulch on top helps hold moisture and keeps roots cooler.

One of the best parts? These bags have handles, so you can move plants to catch better sun or protect them from rough weather.

Small space doesn’t mean small harvests. With the right setup, grow bags can turn almost any sunny corner into a tomato-producing powerhouse.

👇 Would you grow tomatoes in bags this year?

Use this link (not an affiliate link) https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-5-Pack-Thickened-Nonwoven-Handles/dp/B00TF9E9PY?th=1

VIVOSUN Nonwoven Fabric Grow Bag for Transplanting

03/23/2026

🐣 Raising Baby Chicks the Right Way — A Simple Guide to Strong, Healthy Birds 🐣

Bringing home baby chicks is one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading—but those first few weeks are absolutely critical. A strong start makes all the difference between thriving hens and constant setbacks.

Start with a safe, warm brooder. Chicks need about 95°F their first week, then reduce the temperature by 5 degrees each week. Watch their behavior: if they huddle, they’re cold; if they spread out far from the heat, they’re too hot. They’ll tell you what they need.

Clean water and quality feed are non-negotiable. Use a good chick starter feed, and always keep fresh water available. Adding electrolytes during the first few days can give them a helpful boost after transport.

One of the most common issues is “pasty butt”, where droppings block the vent. Check chicks daily and gently clean if needed—this simple step can save lives.

Keep the brooder dry and clean. Damp bedding leads to sickness quickly, so change it often and provide good airflow without drafts.

Handle your chicks gently and regularly. This builds trust and results in calmer, friendlier birds as they grow.

Finally, don’t rush the move outdoors. Wait until they are fully feathered (around 5–8 weeks) and the weather is warm enough, especially in cooler climates.

A little extra care early on leads to a healthy, productive flock for years to come. 🌱🐔

👉 What’s your #1 tip for raising chicks successfully? Share below!

10/23/2025

Here's a pretty impressive machine for clearing some land! Makes quick work of it!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/18/2025

🍁 October Homestead Chore: Check Fences, Roofs & Gutters Before Winter 🏡

As the air turns crisper and storms begin to whisper through the trees, now is the perfect time to give your homestead its seasonal check-up. One of the most important chores this month is inspecting and repairing fences, roofs, and gutters before winter weather arrives.

Here’s why it matters: clogged gutters can cause ice dams, overflow, and water damage to siding and foundations.
IKO North America
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California Casualty
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A small leak or loose shingle today can turn into a major roof repair in spring.
A & J Reliable, Inc.
Fences, weakened by rot or loose posts, won’t stand up to snow, wind, or pressure from wildlife.

Your October checklist:

Walk your fence lines and tighten or replace loose boards, posts, or wire

Inspect your roof from a safe vantage point—look for missing or curling shingles, damaged flashing, or moss buildup

Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs, and debris so that melting snow and rain flow freely

Check for sagging gutters, leaks, or joints that need resealing

Look at fascia boards and roof edges for signs of rot or water damage

Doing this work before snow or ice sets in can save you from costly repairs later and protect the integrity of your homestead.

👉 Want a video walkthrough? Here’s a helpful one:

In this video, Dennis Poulette from HomeMembership.com shares essential fall maintenance tips to prepare your home for winter. Learn how to clean gutters, in...

10/16/2025

🪴 Homestead Tip: Cleaning & Storing Your Garden Tools for Winter 🧹

As the growing season winds down, it’s easy to set your tools aside and forget them until spring. But taking a little time now to clean and store them properly will make your life so much easier later — and help your tools last for years!

A good end-of-season cleanup includes:
✅ Washing off soil and sap buildup
✅ Sharpening blades and pruners
✅ Oiling metal parts to prevent rust
✅ Lightly sanding and conditioning wooden handles
✅ Hanging or storing tools in a dry place

It’s a small job that pays off big — come spring, your tools will be ready to work the moment you are!

🎥 Check out this helpful video for simple, step-by-step guidance on keeping your garden tools in top shape:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef4kicp99bA

A little fall maintenance now means more time planting and less time fixing later. 🌿

How to Winterize your Garden Tools http://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_Gardening-101_how-to-winterize-your-gardening-tools.htmlProper maintenance extends t...

10/13/2025

Here's something to think about!

You don't need a giant garden to feed your family...Stay ready with Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — up to 14-day fridge backup when the power’s out.Shop Early ...

10/04/2025

Whoa! Here's job that may not be your favorite! But...your hens will appreciate it!

It might not be the most glamorous job on the homestead, but October is the perfect time to give the chicken coop a good clean-out. A fresh, tidy space means healthier, happier hens—and that means better eggs and a stronger flock.

Think of it as a reset for the season ahead: clearing out the old bedding, adding fresh straw, and making sure your birds are comfortable as the cooler months roll in. It’s one of those simple acts of care that pays you back every single day when your girls reward you with fresh eggs. 🥚🐓

The process of cleaning a chicken coop might seem straightforward to you. It is, in a sense. You can, however, do a better job of cleaning your coop than simply removing all the filthy bedding if you wish to deter flies, protect your flock from...

10/02/2025

Hi Folks, here's some bee keeping tips for October!

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Beekeeping is crazy in the month of October. Fall can be very challenging for beekeepers. Here are three tips that will help you strengthen your bees in Octo...

09/30/2025

Ground Cellars: The Advantages and How to use them!

Do you have a root cellar! Can you tell about how you use it, what you store here, and the pro's and con's? We'd love to hear from your!

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With a renewed interest in gardening and sustainable living, root cellars have returned! Here are some advantages of storing food in a root cellar and a few different types.

09/28/2025

Try this Pumpkin Pie Recipe with fresh Pumpkins. Your family and friends will love you for it!

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The BEST Pumpkin Pie recipe is easy and perfect! Serve with a simple homemade caramel pecan topping that takes it over the top!

02/09/2024

🌱 Calling all fellow vegetable garden enthusiasts! Please invite your friends to follow this page🌱

February is the perfect time to kickstart your gardening journey, whether you're sowing seeds indoors or stepping out into the warmer outdoors. If you're eager to get your hands dirty, this article has got you covered with some helpful pointers on what veggies to start this month!

But hey, gardening is all about sharing wisdom and experiences, right? If you're a seasoned indoor gardener, why not spread the green love and drop some knowledge for those eager to dip their toes into the soil for the first time? Share your top tips on everything from container choices to watering routines – every little insight counts!

Need some inspiration? How about sharing where you snag your favorite containers or the ideal spot in your home where your seedlings thrive? Let's make it easy for everyone to get started on their green journey!

Let's get the conversation blooming! Mention you know who's been itching to dive into gardening. Together, let's cultivate as many green thumbs as we can this summer! 🌿💚

February is a great month to start getting your favorite vegetables winter sown, into containers, or even into the ground in warmer climates. In this article, gardening expert and former organic vegetable farmer Logan Hailey walks through 11 popular vegetables you can start planting this February in...