Thanks for humoring me last week as we took a step back together and walked through a how to podcast episode. I know you may be wondering what does that have to do with a walk to independence or homesteading? Well there is this thing we all need on the homestead - cash. And one way to generate income is to use tools like podcasting to promote your products. Plus, a podcast is a great way to capture what you are learning as you start on an adventure. You get the double bonus of helping others as they start a similar adventure.

This week, though, we are back to a homesteading topic with a show about mushrooms. I have never seen so many oyster mushrooms as we have had this year here in the south and that has taken me on a bit of a foray in what to do with them all - Because when nature gives us bounty, it is best to take advantage of it! There must be a reason I need vitamin D this year because the mushrooms have the D - and come to think of it - it has been darker than usual this winter.

We’ve passed a benchmark. 100 listeners!

What mother nature is providing

• Wild Garlic
• Watercress
• Stinging Nettle Abounds
• Chickens are laying eggs again! Just in time for Fat Tuesday Crepes!
• Comfrey is peeking up and the garlic looks happy
• Make your own sweet potato slips

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• The weekly squash - week 6: Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
• Mashed potatoes
• Salad Corn
• Bread, bread, bread!

Stories from the Holler

• Many hands make light work
• A weekend of fun and good living
• 120 pound of green beans have arrived

Storing and Using Oyster Mushrooms

Storing Dry and in the fridge for a week Dried and vacuum sealed Diced and frozen Canned Pickled

Pickling Brines can be found here.

Using

• Sauteed in butter - always try this!
• Add to soups and stews
• Oyster mushroom/corn chowder
• Pizza
• Stir fried vegetables
• Wild mushroom turnovers
• On your hamburger
• Wild Mushroom Crepes

Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway

This week: Chapter 4 Next Week: Chapter 5

Observation about this chapter:

• Growing soil seems to be the best place to focus my attention.
• A test can be helpful, but if you can’t get one, don’t let it stop you. Look at what grows there, how well it grows and learn.
• There is no silver bullet
• Questions to ask yourself: What is the state of my soil and what can I do to make it better? What resources (like forrest loam) do I have access to as I take on the yard? Where do I want to start first? The whole enchilada, or just a small part of my land? How can I manufacture fertility on my homestead? Chickens, rabbits, table scraps, etc.

Spring is coming. Make it a great week!

Song: Strange Child, Sauce