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