The Dirt Cheap DIY Self-Watering Garden System [STEP-BY-STEP]

A wicking bed offers a great opportunity for growing vegetables without taking on the daily necessity of ensuring that all of your plants stay properly watered. Instead, these garden beds actually have their own built-in reservoir of water to draw from, and plant roots and natural soil osmosis make sure that each plant stays properly hydrated. A waterproof lining is put in place at the bottom of the bed, and this is where the reservoir is kept. In a nutshell, a wicking bed is like a much larger version of a Décor self-watering pot. Of course, these beds can come […]

8 Essential Oil Uses for Preppers [DIY REMEDIES]

Essential oils are naturally occurring, and they are usually obtained through the distillation process from flowers and other sources. The result is an oil that has the fragrance of the source it has been extracted from, and each of these oils has been found to offer different benefits. For example, some oils are good for relieving pain, while others are more helpful at calming anxiety. Learning how to properly use essential oils is very important for preppers. After all, as long as the flowers and other plants that these oils are extracted from are still available, you will be able […]

DIY Dentistry: How to Fix a Cavity with Eggshells

Practicing excellent oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental issues such as cavities from occurring. While brushing, flossing and regular visits can help alleviate problems, cavities and other issues can still form in your mouth over time. Although most current dental practices use modern methods to fill a cavity, there are effective natural treatments that can help promote actually healing your teeth. One practice in particular that is very effective involves a common household item you discard every day without thinking about it – eggshells. To effectively rebuild the teeth, you need to find […]

5 Keys Decisions to Make Before Buying a Homestead Property

The old American dream was a nice single family home with a fence and a yard. Recently, however, we’ve noticed a shift in the American dream that’s coming on strong. The new American dream includes a larger, more rural property where folks can spread out, raise chickens in the yard, pick banjos on the porch, and shoot their guns. No, it’s not for everybody. But more and more Americans are seeing the value in the front porch lifestyles their great grandparent enjoyed. There’s a certain level of independence and pride that can only be enjoyed on your very own spread. […]

4 Shocking DIY Tree Trimming Disasters [VIDEO]

No matter what type of chainsaw or axe you’re using, the most important equipment a operator can have is between their ears, as always. This is never more true than when it comes to felling a tree, an activity that involves so many dynamic variables and luck that it could never really be called a “science.” Still, a person’s judgement does factor heavily into the success or failure — and certainly the safety involved — of a tree trimming campaign. RELATED: Top 5 Axes Under $50 Even when you make an A+ attempt at safety and control, mother nature and […]

You Won’t Believe This Simple Headache Cure

Approximately 14 million Americans suffer from chronic daily headaches, and many more occasionally experience tension type headaches or migraines. This not only makes sufferers feel miserable but it can also cause their personal and professional lives to suffer, especially if they have a chronic condition. The good news is that there are several methods that you can utilize to help stop a headache in its tracks, including one technique that you may not have considered before. Photo by Sarah

3 Simple Recipes to Make Awesome Venison Jerky

Making jerky is a great way to get the most out of any meat, including venison. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the drying method that is used to make jerky is one of the oldest food preservation resources in the world. If done properly, jerky can be left in a stable shelf environment instead of needing to be refrigerated. Please note that you must heat venison to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin the dehydrating and drying process. Failure to follow this step could expose you to harmful bacteria. There are numerous recipes and venison […]

Stay Cool and Save Money With a DIY Awning [INSTRUCTIONS]

Awnings are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to cool off your house during the summer without paying an exorbitant amount of energy for air conditioning. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can experience a 77 percent reduction of solar heat gain by simply putting an awning over every window that faces the west. South-facing windows should also be protected by an awning, and this can eliminate 65 percent of your home’s solar heat gain. Even if you can only afford to put one awning in place, the shade that it provides will help […]

How to Create Your Own Hanging Plant Garden [Step-by-Step]

Ready-made hanging plants are products that come with the necessary pot and hanger, along with the plant itself. These are perfect for hanging from any hooks you have available on the exterior or interior of your house, but what if you have limited space or want a more uniform appearance? There are numerous DIY hanging plant garden ideas that can help you get the most out of plants that are either pre-potted or transplanted into attractive containers. To assist you with the process, we have compiled instructions for two simplistic and inexpensive options. Image by Suzette – www.suzette.nu, via Flickr

How to Make Your Own Bacon [PICS]

It’s often been said that variety is the spice of life. Recently, however, Ivy League biologists have determined the true spice of life… Turns out it’s bacon. Given the rise of online recipe sharing through YouTube and Pinterest, it’s plainly obvious that bacon is as popular today as it has ever been — as well it should be. Crispy or rare, bacon is known from coast to coast as the ultimate comfort food and flavor enhancer. It can be added to almost any meal to turn things up a notch, or it can be served the old-fashioned way on a plate with […]