Homesteading

This “CLEAN” Compost Trick Will Make Your Veggies Grow Huge

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

It’s spring, and for many gardeners around the country, it is time to prepare garden beds and start planting. One of the best things you can do for your plants is to supercharge your soil with rich, nutrient-dense compost. Don’t have time for composting? Don’t fret; there is one really neat compost trick that takes little time and effort but pays off big – building up the soil and making nutrients available to hungry plants and beneficial critters deep inside the soil.

NEVER Cook with These Dangerous Oils

8 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

There’s a lot of rumor, speculation, and misinformation surrounding the topic of cooking oils. We rely on them every single day to lubricate our frying pan, bolster our marinades, baste our roasts and dress our salads. And yet, the majority of us know next to nothing about them. Typically, if you happen to strike up a conversation about cooking oils with someone, it’ll conclude with them swearing by one particular oil, which they use in almost all their dishes. Ask them why they swear by this oil, however, and they’ll likely feed you a series of rumors and second-hand information which justifies why that particular oil is better than the rest.

From Corporate Control to Community Farms: How We Can Re-Claim Our Food System

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

The USDA reports that in just one year, the U.S. lost 14,950 farms and 2,100,000 acres of farmland. This continues a decades-long trend, bringing the total loss to 150,000 farms since 2017.

A generational shift is underway. With the average American farmer over 60 and nearly 40% now over 65, farmland is changing hands at an unprecedented rate.

How to Get Your Chickens to Lay More Eggs (#3 may surprise you)

6 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

So, you have decided to get a few backyard hens. I congratulate you on this The chicken movement is on fire, even in urban areas, as more and more people realize the benefits of having fresh farm eggs at their fingertips. Well, as long as your girls are laying, that is. Contrary to what you might think, there are a few key things to consider to ensure your chickens produce healthy and nutritious eggs consistently. Let’s take a look at how you can be sure you are always in eggs!

The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride: Utah Takes a Stand Against Forced Medication

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Utah is on the verge of passing a groundbreaking bill that would ban the addition of fluoride in all public water systems, removing the ability of local governments to mandate its use. The bill, now awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s decision, aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal opposition to forced fluoridation and his advocacy for public health transparency.

The Fractured Case Against Eggs

6 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Eggs for breakfast? Not anymore, according to a newly released study. A group of researchers has eggs back in the spotlight for seemingly negative health impacts. This time, they are blamed for an increased risk of developing diabetes. But… are there other factors that need to be considered? You bet there are. Also, eggs have recently been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Why the conflict? Let’s unpack and find the truth about this popular breakfast food.

6 Foods Proven To Kill Breast Cancer Cells

4 min read | Author - The Backyard Vitality Team

Being in my late 20s, it is hard to imagine going through something as frightening and traumatic as a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, I already know two girls my age who developed breast cancer — one is no longer with us. The uncertainty of cancer is unnerving, which has so many of us wonder how to actively prevent the ugly “c-word” from forming. Considering around one in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, prevention is more important than ever.

Banish Ear Fungi and Ease Pain With ACV

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Apple cider vinegar is an ancient remedy made from fermented apple juice that has been used for thousands of years to alleviate many conditions and ailments. You’ve probably heard of apple cider vinegar for things like cleaning, soothing a sore throat, and lowering blood sugar, but did you know that it may help relieve an ear infection as well? Read on for our favorite ways to use ACV for ear infections and a few other helpful hints.

Good Poop, Bad Poop (What Works in Your Garden)

5 min read | Author - The Backyard Vitality Team

You may have heard that poop is good for your garden. If you want to grow big healthy plants and beautiful produce, you need poop! However, all poop is not the same – some types may actually undo all the hard work you’ve put into cultivating your garden. Before you go putting poop on your garden beds, make sure you know the difference between good poop and bad poop.

Ditch the Bug Zappers, Try This Instead

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

It’s summer, your garden is blooming, and you are anxious to host weekend outdoor parties and show off your beautiful patio and yard, but… you live in an area where mosquitoes are like vicious sharks, seemingly waiting in the air to attack. Perhaps you have tried those noisy bug zappers that annoyingly let you know every time they annihilate a flying pest (some of which are not bad pests, either). Between the annoyance and guilt, it may be time to try something more natural to keep the unwanted guests from crashing your party. Here are a few great options.

9 Best Foods to Feed Your Brain and Boost Mental Power

5 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Your brain is your body’s command center, controlling everything from memory and focus to emotions and decision-making. Just like the rest of your body, it needs the right fuel to function at its best. Whether you want to sharpen focus, improve memory, or prevent cognitive decline, eating the right foods can help.

Here are 9 of the best brain-boosting foods backed by science, plus a few daily habits to keep your mind sharp.

This “CLEAN” Compost Trick Will Make Your Veggies Grow Huge

NEVER Cook with These Dangerous Oils

From Corporate Control to Community Farms: How We Can Re-Claim Our Food System

How to Get Your Chickens to Lay More Eggs (#3 may surprise you)

The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride: Utah Takes a Stand Against Forced Medication

The Fractured Case Against Eggs

6 Foods Proven To Kill Breast Cancer Cells

Banish Ear Fungi and Ease Pain With ACV

Good Poop, Bad Poop (What Works in Your Garden)

Ditch the Bug Zappers, Try This Instead

9 Best Foods to Feed Your Brain and Boost Mental Power

Wood vs Plastic Cutting Board: The Winner May Surprise You

Why Everyone Should “Low-Key” Prep and What to Pack

The Surprising Gardening Hack: Singing to Your Plants May Help Them Grow

This “CLEAN” Compost Trick Will Make Your Veggies Grow Huge

California Vegetable Recall Alert: Botulism Risk Poses Serious Health Threat – Check Your Kitchen Now

FDA Recall Alert: Salad Kits Pulled Due to Undeclared Allergens – Stay Safe with Homegrown Greens

Timeless Truth: 1,500-Year-Old Mosaic Proves the Enduring Legacy of the Bible

How One Backyard Garden Transformed a Community – No Farming Experience Required

Banish Armpit Bacteria and Odor with Lemons: It Works

Eat Blueberries Daily – But Choose Your Source Wisely

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home gardening guru!

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Meet Susan, yourhome gardening guru!

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Get Social

Meet Susan, your
home gardening guru!