ASK OUR EXPERTS!

April 28, 2008

It’s a good thing you asked because there’s something a whole bunch of experienced deck owners want to warn you about: It’s not easy to create a long-lasting deck finish.

April 4, 2008

Chuck — I ran the idea by several experts who have vast amounts of knowledge and experience with batteries, auto mechanics and general transportation technology. The adamant reactions varied from "nutty" to "no place in reality" to "very dangerous." Laughs aside, the latter is the most imporant point. It's dangerous to tinker with a battery like that, especially with the acid. Don't try this at home.

April 25, 2008

A scythe is a long-handled tool used for cutting grass, grains, weeds and brush. It is an ancient harvesting tool, still used in some rural agricultural areas of the world. A sickle is similar to a scythe, but has a much shorter handle and is used with one hand, while a scythe requires two hands.

March 28, 2008

There’s a lot of information out there about herbs and supplements and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. But if you’re interested in using medicinal herbs, doing your homework first is definitely a good idea.

April 18, 2008

The League of Conservation Voters’ (LCV) Web site is a great place to start. You can find scorecards for each of the 2008 presidential candidates — based on their environmental voting records — here.

May 6, 2008

If you look very closely on the undersides of the leaves, especially along the leaf veins, you will spot the culprits — green worms (see photo) that have hatched from eggs laid by white cabbage butterflies and their cousins. Beneficial insects and birds will reduce the number of worms but broccoli, cabbage and related brassicas often need some human help to fend off these fast-growing butterfly larvae. Our recent online poll shows which methods are most popular:

April 17, 2008

There are several ways to make soup stock, depending on what kind of soup you’re making. The important thing is that you do actually make a stock—instead of starting with water—because that’s what makes soups wonderful and complex.

May 8, 2008

Usually when people say they are living “off the grid” they mean that, very simply, their home doesn’t get its electricity from the power lines. Instead, they’re living without electricity, or generating their own. However, the term is sometimes used to mean something broader. “Living off the grid” can imply that you’re self-sufficient in other ways, too: For example, you may be getting your water from a well, and heating your home with a woodstove. Being completely off grid would make you completely independent of the utility companies!

April 24, 2008

Finding the perfect land (and the funding for it) is not an easy undertaking, but thankfully there are many helpful resources to assist you. For those wishing to delve into the wonderful world of organic farming, the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) is an excellent place to start. Their Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunities page has just what you’re looking for, including advice on how to locate land that suits your purpose, how to obtain financing, and how to specialize your endeavor for today’s market trends. As far as grants for 2008 are concerned, it’s too late to apply for some, but because you’re still looking for land, I assume 2009 is the timeframe you had in mind. The type and availability of grants will vary depending on the outcome of the farm bill, but the current bill is likely to be extended for another year. Watch the regularly updated funding opportunities listed on ATTRA’s (National Sustainable Agriculture Network) Web site, and contact your local USDA Rural Development office (here’s the contact info for North Carolina) for other options regarding grants. You can read more about finding land in How to Find Your Dream Homestead. Best of luck!