What’s Inside

From Anna Sakawsky, Editor-in-Chief:

“In this issue of Homesteading Monthly, we’re highlighting some of the different ways that homesteaders can produce what they need and provide for themselves and for others, as well as why what we produce is just as important as how we produce it. Whether it’s creating your own cookware, catching your dinner,  growing your own food, or crafting your own handmade gifts, there are so many ways we can live a more “production-based lifestyle,” with or without the full-on homestead.”

From coppersmithing (something we wonder if you’ve thought about trying before?) to year-round gardening, the April 2024 issue of Homesteading Monthly is a must have on your coffee table …

A Smith’s Journey by Anna Sakawsky

This inspiring article will encourage you to explore these materials for both their historical significance and, more importantly, their actual use in your cooking. Sara Dahmen’s journey as the only known female coppersmith in America offers a unique perspective on traditional cookware materials like copper, iron, and clay, and their practical uses in the modern kitchen.

Coppersmithing 101 by Sara Dahmen

Sara Dahmen provides a wonderful introduction to the art of coppersmithing and restoring traditional cookware. This unique article illustrates the benefits of using non-ferrous metals like copper, tin, bronze, and brass in cookware due to their durability and non-rusting properties, as well as a beginner’s guide to restoring and building your own copper cookware.

Food For Thought by Joel Salatin

The quality of the food we eat directly affects our health, with poorly raised food potentially leading to various (and sometimes serious) health issues. The way we farm impacts the environment, with industrial farming practices causing problems like dead zones in the ocean and superweeds and superbugs. Joel Salatin bravely calls us to examine the importance of these issues, raising the question of whether our food choices align with our values and beliefs, as well as our responsibility to care for God’s creation.

Mastering the Art of Fish Cooking by Hank Shaw

Become competent and even confident in cooking fish at home! Chef Hank Shaw gives us his invaluable tips for mastering fish cooking, offering three easy and delicious recipes that are perfectly suitable for beginners. From a comforting Southern Fish Stew to crispy fried fish nuggets with pine nuts and a more sophisticated seared fish with spring vegetables.

Venturing Beyond the Valley by Sophia Eng

Sophia Eng’s journey from Silicon Valley to the Appalachian Mountains is extraordinary. Her article showcases her shift from city and suburban life towards homesteading and reconnecting with traditional Vietnamese culinary practices. Via this story, she shares her insights into more sustainable living, rediscovering your cultural heritage through food, and finding inspiration to pursue a more fulfilling and grounded lifestyle.

Year-Round Gardening by Melissa K. Norris

Year-round gardening is absolutely doable, mostly through understanding your growing seasons and selecting the right crops for each of those seasons. In this incredibly useful article, Melissa K. Norris shows you how, by teaching you how to identify frost-free days, plan for cool and warm weather crops, and utilize succession planting and intercropping strategies, all of which can ensure a continuous harvest throughout the year.

Celebrating Spring by Kristen Davidson

It’s time to celebrate spring with three delightful dessert recipes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients! Kristen Davidson shares her “perfect for special occasions and everyday moments” recipes for Blank Canvas Panna Cotta, Rosemary, Orange, and Buckwheat Biscotti, and Chamomile-Honey Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Spring Blossoms.

Herbal Treasures by Bevin Cohen

If you’ve found yourself in a rut looking for a truly unique and special gift for someone – at any point in the year – Bevin Cohen comes to your rescue in this article! Crafting beautiful and personal herbal gifts from plants grown or gathered on your homestead is possible, from recipes for a Sore Muscle Salve to Calendula Lip Balm to a Moisturizing Chamomile Lotion, if you start slow and observe the plants already growing on your land, you can give wonderful gifts any time of year.

Don’t miss out on this incredible collection of generational homesteading wisdom, order your copy of the April 2024 Homesteading Monthly issue today!

*NOTE: Purchase of this single issue will NOT start a monthly subscription to Homesteading Monthly. You can do that right here 😉

From Anna Sakawsky, Editor-in-Chief:

“Whether you’re hoping to save a little money by being resourceful and producing what you need at home, or you’re looking to earn an income off of your land—or both!—homesteading offers some very real financial benefits, and that’s a huge bonus in this time of global economic uncertainty. This issue highlights some of the ways that homesteading contributes to the home economy, and offers stories of hope, inspiration, and practical advice to help guide and encourage you.”

From the basics of smoking meat to the medicinal properties of honey, the May 2024 issue of Homesteading Monthly is a must have on your coffee table …

America’s Farmer by Anna Sakawsky

Joel Salatin’s journey from struggling farmer to sustainable farming icon offers a roadmap to abundance, community building, and rethinking our relationship with food. His story also highlights the power consumers hold in shaping a more sustainable food system, and creating a better future for our families through traditional skills and intentional living.

The Soil Solution by Joel Salatin

Long live the soil! Joel provides us with actionable strategies for increasing soil fertility and cultivating real abundance on our homesteads. Learn how to transition from destructive agricultural practices, harness the power of compost and carbon, and mimic natural ecosystems so we can restore and maintain the long term health of our soil.

More Than A Sweetener by Kaylee Richardson

Get ready to explore the many medicinal benefits of honey, Kaylee offers incredibly valuable insights into its healing properties and practical ways to incorporate honey into our daily lives. From wound healing and digestive health to soothing sore throats and boosting the immune system, harnessing the power of honey’s holistic health advantages is for everyone.

Urban Homesteading On A Shoestring by Lindsay Hamby

Looking for ways to make your urban homestead pay for itself? Lindsay Hamby shares practical strategies for sourcing free or low-cost materials and even generating revenue through creative services and events. Through her own experiences, you’ll learn how to minimize costs on your homestead, and even start to make an income!

Homestead Economics by Melissa K. Norris

It’s critically important to understand the true value of what you produce on your homestead, not just in terms of cost but also time, effort, and intrinsic benefits like health and sustainability. Get ready to learn how you can make more informed decisions to increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance the overall value of your homestead adventure.

The Case for CSAs by Kristen Davidson

If you’re interested in the business side of homesteading, Kristen’s story of running her herbal CSA program is a must read. With practical insights and personal experiences, she offers guidance on product development, marketing strategies, and the importance of building relationships. Is bootstrapping and running a CSA in your future?

Up In Smoke by “Irish” Mike Smith

Ah, the art and science of smoking meat. “Irish” Mike gives us the good stuff here, including how to make your own DIY smoker and homemade smoked bacon! He also drops the basics of smoking, cold vs hot smoking, and the different types of smokers available to you.

How to Build A Homesteading Family by Carolyn Thomas

Please don’t miss this article if you’re looking for practical advice on getting your kids involved in your homesteading journey. Carolyn has a lot of experience in this department, and she gives us her very best wisdom on character development, teamwork, and spotting and nurturing unique talents in your children.

Don’t miss out on this incredible collection of generational homesteading wisdom, order your copy of the May 2024 Homesteading Monthly issue today!

*NOTE: Purchase of this single issue will NOT start a monthly subscription to Homesteading Monthly. You can do that right here 😉