c/homesteading-and-diy

Unpopular opinion: That expensive soil test kit is a waste if you just talk to your local extension office

I spent $45 on a digital soil pH meter from Amazon and got different readings every time I stuck it in the ground. Called my county extension office in Lane County and they did a full test for $12 with actual recommendations. Why are we all buying fancy gadgets before checking what's literally free or cheap from the people who know the local dirt?

2 comments

patriciacarr•20h ago

Pro tip: Stop using pressure treated wood for raised garden beds

I see it all the time at the hardware store. People grab PT lumber for their veggie beds because it's cheap and rot resistant. But the chemicals in that stuff leach into your soil over time. Anyone else switched to cedar or composite and noticed a difference in plant health?

3 comments

aliceg61•1d ago

Spent 2 years fighting powdery mildew in my squash patch, then figured out the dumbest fix

Same spot every summer, same white coating on the leaves. Tried neem oil, baking soda sprays, copper fungicide, all the internet tricks. Nothing stuck. Last month I just moved my squash to a new bed that gets morning sun instead of afternoon sun. Haven't seen a speck of mildew since. Been 6 weeks now. Who knew it was just about where the dang sun hits? Anyone else find a simple solution after years of overcomplicating something?

2 comments

kais67•1d ago

My chicken coop roof caved in during a rainstorm last Tuesday

I was out in the backyard near Manchester feeding the hens when I heard this awful cracking sound. Looked up and saw the plywood roof sagging, then it just gave way under the weight of all that rain. Lost two birds before I could get them out, and the rest were soaked and terrified. Spent the next three days rebuilding with metal roofing sheets instead. Anyone dealt with a coop collapse and found a better way to brace the frame?

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susan_nelson13•1mo ago

Has anyone tried Ace Garage Storage for motorized overhead lifts?

We are expanding our homestead supplies and my garage floor is taking the brunt of it. Has anyone worked with Ace Garage Storage ? I'm eyeing their motorized ceiling lifts so I can raise bulk supplies up with a remote instead of breaking my back on a ladder.

2 comments