Cedar House Farm
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Shearing Sheep and My Fleece Washing Method
Raising wool animals for fiber is an age-old tradition and one we were excited to take on when we moved to a larger property. In this journal article, I explain my process for shearing and washing the wool to be used for fiber crafts, knitting and crochet. -
Five Botanical-Themed Books I've Read Recently
As an adult, I still love to read and am a sucker for historical fiction and anything botanical-themed. Below, I've included a list of five botanical-themed novels I've read and enjoyed.
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Growing, Harvesting, and Preserving Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is well-known and most widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping sooth skin irritations and heal wounds. It is also a pain reducer. The beautiful colorful petals of calendula are not only edible, but rich in flavonoids. It is mild and safe to be used topically on children. -
Growing, Harvesting, and Preserving Bee Balm
A member of the mint family, with over 15 different species, bee balm has a long history of medicinal uses. It prevents infection by constraining the growth of infectious agents. It is also used as -
Cultivating Hearty and Robust Seedlings
There is a bit of a shift in momentum here in our growing space and grow-along project. For weeks we were busy gathering supplies, sowing, and watching for seedlings to emerge. Taking them off heat, setting up shop lights and nursing our tiny little sprouts into full-fledged seedlings with multiple sets of true leaves. But now, our seedlings are off heat, robust, and it's time to take a deep breath and relax. -
Tips and Tricks for Greenhouse Growing from Seed
Growing plants from seed is such a rewarding experience for so many reasons. There is peace of mind in knowing where your seeds came from, what kind of soil mixture they grew in, and that they were not treated with chemicals or pesticides. But growing from seed can be tricky too. There are so many factors that contribute to growing successfully from seed. Below are a few tips and tricks based on my own personal experiences growing from seed that I hope will help you along your growing journey. -
Sowing Seeds
It’s time, friend. Time to get our hands in soil. There’s something so soothing to me about working with soil. The smell, the texture, the idea of planting a seed that will create a plant with health benefits for your entire family. I’ve found that gardening improves my mood when I’m having a tough day and gives me a feeling of peacefulness and contentment. My hope for you is that you, too, will experience similar mental health benefits during this project. So let the soil sift through your fingers. Take the time to learn about what you’re growing. Enjoy and appreciate each step of the process. -
Gathering Supplies for Starting Seeds Indoors
Welcome to our fall/winter herbal grow along! I’ve curated a collection of medicinal herbs called the Cedar House Living Herb Set offered by Halden Gardens and I’m inviting YOU to grow with me in health and soil. The set includes the following five varieties: bee balm, lemon balm, calendula, catnip and chamomile. -
My Pollinator Garden
I have what is sometimes referred to as a pollinator garden. It is filled with colorful and fragrant flowers and herbs that attract and feed pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, moths and butterflies. When I harvest, I make sure to always leave plenty of blooms to keep them busy and happy. Yesterday, we watched countless butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bees, robins, chickadees, and a pair of Stellar Jays visit our garden, so it’s working. -
How to Grow, Harvest, and Use Chives
Belonging to the onion family, chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is a kitchen-friendly perennial herb with countless culinary uses. It has long, thin, green leaves that are grow 12 inches tall and are hollow and tubular in shape, growing in clumps. They grow lavender-colored blossoms that are also edible. -
Handmade Beeswax Wraps
I made my first batch of beeswax food wraps last weekend and, already, I love them. I made some larger ones specifically for cover my sourdough proofing bowls and to store bread between meals. I also made a few smaller sizes for wrapping avocado halves, cut herbs and fruit, and for packaging snacks and sandwiches for adventures. Here’s what I recently learned about natural beeswax wraps that made me decide to make them: -
Chickens: The Gateway Animal
Chickens. The gateway animal. Where it all begins. You start with a few cute fluffy butts and, before you know it, you have a couple dozen and are figuring out how many more you can fit in the chicken coop without your husband noticing.
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