Rusty Roots

01/19/2025

03/23/2024

https://gardeningsoul.com/20-vegetables-you-can-re-grow-from-scraps/?fbclid=IwAR1TIe-QFqO1JoyiibAU4DsoxY8TbHMTPjEmLjME-LZKUj1Z5LKnyO-r73g

03/16/2024

SAVE THE FAT!

Grinding down a bunch of fat from a whole strip loin we got at a super price. So many uses for this including:
*Homemade bird/chicken suet
*Adding to lean ground meats
*Frying veggies
*Oiling cast iron

I plan on freezing some in 1 cup increments and making a some suet blocks when rendered down. It will last in the refrigerator for a month or two and in the freezer for a year or so.

03/08/2024

It's time to get back to it!

I know I'm not on this page a lot but I try to share a lot of useful information, whether it be from other pages, something I've researched, or my own trials and errors, during the gardening season here in Northeast Ohio.

That being said, I want to know what questions you guys have. What are you trying new this year? Have you started seeds? What did you learn from last year's growing season? Please share your thoughts, ideas, achievements, and even your sh*tty harvests!

Spring is almost here!

01/20/2024

Greenhouse update: still standing! Just knocked down some of the snow. All my iceburg lettuce and spinach did not make it though 😢, but all baby trees, bushes, and berry plants still seem to be pulling through on the porch. Fingers crossed 🤞I can get them some much needed water and get them back in here when we have this warm up. I have a lot of work to do come March. Also, Jes will be plumbing a small camp stove in here once the weather breaks and she starts feeling better. Praying we don't get any more 60mph winds.

Harvesting microgreens tonight and will be ready to sell. Starting some seeds tonight like lettuce, celery, spinach, and maybe some petunias. Remember some seeds can take three to four weeks to germinate.

If you are wanting to buy plants from me this year, I need to know ASAP and put yours on the list. Have questions or need more information, reach out to me!

01/20/2024

How to make great garden compost from waste!🏡😀 Best tutorials here- https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/how-to-compost/

01/04/2024

Finally got my hands on some Elderberry Syrup 😍

Benefits: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may help boost your immune system. This includes helping prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries also can help reduce stress and inflammation.

I found a gem of a homestead in Rome, Ohio selling this and multiple other homemade products. She also teaches classes on different topics of self sufficiency. Check her out at: https://www.facebook.com/MamaSaidHomestead?mibextid=2JQ9oc

12/08/2023

Second batch of vanilla extract but this time with Madagascar beans and doing 2 small jars of bacardi to trial in Puerto Rican Coquito...which won't be ready for 1 1/2 years.

If making your own, a couple of notes.
*use 1oz beans per 8oz spirit. Make sure the beans are completely submerged.
*shake every now and then. Leave in a dark, cool area.
*Do not refrigerate or freeze.
*Dry out your extra beans or bean tips in sugar or make a "mother" jar.
*fall deeper down the rabbit hole of extracts and have fun experimenting your own creations like the crazy homesteader you are!

11/20/2023

Homemade vallina extract and sugar. The extract won't be ready until next November and the sugar should be ready just before Christmas this year. Seriously cannot wait! I've had homemade vanilla extract and it's SO much better than store bought! The sugar will add that extra touch to whatever I bake this holiday season. The beans are from New Gu**na and hopefully my Madagascar ones will be shipped soon to place in spiced rum later this week. Once that is prepped, I can't touch it for 18 to 24 months!

And, yes, I will be selling 4oz bottles next year of this for the holiday season!

10/13/2023

Planted around 90 cloves of garlic. 3 inches deep, 6 to 8 inches apart, and about 4inches of straw.