Ep. 13 - Cast Iron: Do's & Don't's, Tips, Tricks & Restoration - 2 Gals & Cast Iron

Carol & Jamie of 2GalsHomesteading.com are your homesteading co-hosts. Jamie practices homesteading skills in town. Carol homesteads on the farm. Storing garden seeds on your homestead is crucial for ensuring a bountiful harvest year after year. Proper storage helps maintain seed viability and protects against pests and environmental damage. Here are key points to remember: Container Choice: Use airtight containers such as glass jars, metal tins, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to keep out moisture and pests. Cool, Dry Location: Store seeds in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and seed spoilage. A basement or root cellar is ideal. Temperature Considerations: Seeds last longest when stored at cool, stable temperatures. Aim for 32-41°F (0-5°C) for most seeds. Darkness: Keep seeds in a dark location to protect them from light, which can reduce their viability over time. Humidity Control: Use silica gel packets or dry rice to absorb any excess moisture inside the storage container. Labeling: Properly label each container with the seed type and date of storage to keep track of their age and viability. Seed Saving: Consider saving seeds from your healthiest plants for future use, ensuring you have a supply of seeds adapted to your specific growing conditions.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! Carol & Jamie of 2GalsHomesteading.com are your homesteading co-hosts. Jamie practices homesteading skills in town. Carol homesteads on the farm. Links WhirleyPop UPAN ForJars Save 10% with code 'smallfarm' MagiDome MudMixer HarvestRight

Welcome to another episode of The Homestead Podcast! This time, we're diving deep into the vibrant world of pumpkins. From savoring mouthwatering pumpkin-infused dishes to mastering the art of preserving this autumn treasure, we've got you covered. Join us as we share tips on cooking with pumpkin, roasting those addictive seeds, spicing up chili, freeze-drying for long-lasting freshness, and the art of canning. Get ready for a Pumpkin Palooza – your homesteading adventure starts here! Links WhirleyPop UPAN ForJars Save 10% with code 'smallfarm' MIGardener HarvestRight

Let's talk about weeds In this episode of the Homestead Podcast, co-hosts Carol and Jamie discuss their busy schedules and lack of time for research. They mention their ongoing exploration of homemade lotions and potions but decide to hold off on sharing until they have mastered what they are working on. They also talk about drying herbs, including lemon balm and oregano, but note that they have personal preferences on which herbs they can handle due to their strong scents. Jamie shares her experience with drinking lemon tea, which she found to be refreshing and beneficial for various health concerns. Carol asks about dandelion tea, which Jamie explains can be bitter but is believed to have diuretic properties. They touch on the cost and reluctance to visit the doctor, highlighting the use of herbal books as alternatives for self-care. Carol discusses the herbs plantain, lemon balm and the Mullein plant. Carol ordered "the Lost Book of Herbs" so she can quit bothering Jamie to look up stuff for her. The new cooktop is in the island in Carol's kitchen island Carol canned Rhubarb concentrate using these lids Carol also made toad in a hole British style with our new cast iron UPAN Timestamps 00:00:29 Homesteading and herbal remedies discussed. 00:05:08 Exploring herbal remedies and uses. 00:10:43 Herbs can be used creatively. 00:16:57 Old appliances don't last long. 00:23:29 Beef heart can be disguised. 00:33:08 Cast iron pan worked well. 00:38:10 Setting up drip irrigation system. 00:41:07 Drip irrigation requires ongoing maintenance. 00:44:18 Gardening tips and weather updates.

Over iced-coffee (it's hot out), Carol and Jamie discuss what they have been doing in their kitchens, gardens and on the farm. We talked about: Attending Curdfest, in Brooton, MN Carol's Herd Shares announcement ForJars.shop and a 10% coupon code offer. Coconut oil for fly control Thank-you PeteCoSupply.com PeteCoSupply.com is a generous supporter of this podcast. Their sponsorship gift allows us to pay for the hosting of this podcast. PeteCoSupply PeteCoSupply.com is a small, family-owned business located in the heart of farmland in central Iowa. We take pride in providing you with the best service and products in one place. We bring over 25 years of customer service experience, strong relationships with vendors, and strong product knowledge to one place. PeteCo Supply is where Quality Meets Service, and we're dedicated to making your shopping experience seamless. PeteCo Supply is a financial supporter of this podcast. The financial gift pays for the annual hosting fees neccesary to distribute our episodes. We work closely with our vendors, distributors, and manufacturers, who will often ship the product directly to you. Although we're looking to expand our services, we only ship within the United States at this time. Check out PeteCoSupply