Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let’s face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn’t mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during “the most wonderful time of the year.” It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That’s why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Yard Decor Solar Wind Spinner Wind spinners have been a popular yard decoration for many years. But … [Read more...] about Gifts For Gardeners This Holiday Season
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Off Grid Solar and Wind Power for Your Homestead
Off grid solar and wind power for your homestead enables you say goodbye to power bills. Why pay high costs to bring power from a utility company when you can generate your own clean, renewable energy? An off-grid power system is a stand-alone system. It operates completely on its own to supply all your power needs. The cost of and off grid solar and wind power system for a homestead or ranch can be less than bringing in utility power. Especially if you live in an area where it's expensive to bring in utilities. We chose an off-grid power for our home because the start-up cost for utility power was over $10,000! Self-Sufficiency with a Clean, Renewable Resource There is a real feeling of independence and accomplishment that comes with being self-sufficient. We live on an acreage, and we also have our own well, septic system, and a wood stove for heating. We use propane for cooking, hot water, and a small backup heater. This is our only utility expense. If the power goes … [Read more...] about Off Grid Solar and Wind Power for Your Homestead
How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Garden
Do you want to get rid of rats in your garden? There are few things more annoying than dealing with garden pests, and rats are certainly pests. These rodents can eat your garden crops. Plus, rats are vermin that can spread diseases. The good news is there are some proven ways to get rid of rats in your garden and yard. Signs of a Rat Problem First, though, let’s briefly look at some of the signs that you have a rat infestation. One of the clearest signs of a problem is an accumulation of rat droppings. You might also notice burrow holes in the ground. A single rat burrow can house up to eight rats. Another common sign that there is a problem is the greasy trails that the rats leave behind. These will contain rat pheromones and might include pieces of their fur. This is how they mark a path around your garden. If you spot rat trails, you can use a cloth to remove these pathways. While this won’t be enough to get rid of the rat, it will help disrupt their passage around your … [Read more...] about How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Garden
How Does Solar Power Work?
How does solar power work? In just one hour, the sun delivers more energy to our planet than the entire population uses in a year. We are just beginning to scratch the surface of solar power potential. As solar panels pop up across the US, more and more people are wondering how they work. Will installing panels on your home save you money? Or benefit the environment? The simple answer to both questions is yes. But let’s slow down a bit and first look at the basic process of creating solar energy. In a Nutshell: How Does Solar Power Work The answer to the question "How does solar power work?" begins with solar panels. Most solar panels are made of two layers of silicon. One layer has silicon plus a material that will create a negative charge, and the other layer has silicon plus a material that will create a positive charge. When the silicon layers are activated by sunlight, the opposing charges in the layers form an electric field. The collected energy is a direct … [Read more...] about How Does Solar Power Work?
19 Ways to Save Energy at Home
Looking for ways to save energy at home? If you are like many homeowners, you want to make your home more energy efficient. After all, sustainability starts on the homefront. The good news is that you don’t have to dramatically overhaul your lifestyle or invest tons of money in renovations. Here are some simple ways to save energy and create an energy efficient home. It’s easy and you will do your part to keep the planet clean and green. Plus, you will save money, too! Editor's Note: Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission for sales generated by the Amazon links in this story. Thanks for supporting this website! 1. Power Down What if you could become more energy-efficient while improving your relationships with those you hold nearest and dearest? You can. The answer is as simple as locating the button on your phone, tablet and computer that turns off the power. Those devices you rely on to run much of your modern life use a considerable amount of … [Read more...] about 19 Ways to Save Energy at Home
