Old Skills For A Changing World

We don’t know what the world is going to look like on the other side of what’s going on now, so - as always - we are learning and bringing back old skills to help us take better care of ourselves for the future.
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Our basic kombucha recipe: hollarhomestead.wordpress.com...
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[@sharonanspach2734]

now you need a farm cat to keep the mice away from the feed :)

[@judibohn1548]

And the snakes

[@jennifercase393]

It is so much fun to watch your family build your homestead from the ground up. Thank you for letting us share in your lives!

[@susansharphaynes555]

Get some galvanized metal trash cans or tain barrels for that feed before the rats start chewing through the bags!

[@gruntqueen]

It is honestly worth the investment. Once you get rats, then you've got rats. They'll eat your compost, admittedly churning it up, but you don't want them camping in your new insulation. I speak from experience.

[@Jeslik]

I was thinking- hes got a machine shop already. Should be able to order some sheet metal, bend, form and weld up a galvanized feed box that fits that storage shed, to solve the vermin issue. because, yeah, they're gonna get into it. also, was worried about the sacks on the bottom on that gravel - their going to get damp. feed bin is the way to go.

[@neppeta56]

what an opening! 'welcome to april, y'all survived march, you arent dead yet.' LOVED IT!

[@wastelandacres3423]

LMAO!!! "You saved my life." when Ben took the bug off of you!! That made me chuckle pretty good!

[@susanr791]

That brings back memories. I recall my Grandma S saving seeds - in particular tomatoes. She had little swatches of cheesecloth everywhere in the kitchen drying seeds. She wrote the names of each on the cheesecloth.

[@gloriagloria716]

Yup. We have been spending our isolated easter weekend getting our garden into shape. Digging beds. My lettuce is growing strong. Yes, getting seeds has been hard. This year I will deffo save seeds. I was eight and a half months pregnant with my youngest daughter in '90. We used to trade as a woodcraft stall at music festivals. We had an ambulance, towing a caravan. Me, five kids and a dog and all the stall set up in the back of the ambulance, in July. Set up, run the stall, look after the kids, see some music!!! I was huge, daughter was born underwater two weeks later. Best birth ever.

[@allonesame6467]

Chest freezers, (found on Craigslist) make a good grainery. Secures your feed investment. Keeps the rodents out and has more capacity than metal cans. Blessings!

[@senorpuertas]

Ben, having a daughter means having a lifetime best friend.

[@cathleencaratan3373]

My starter is named Doughlores.

[@marcialittle7893]

That is hilarious!

[@ruthbrown9729]

Marcia Little p

[@ruthbrown9729]

Marcia Little time I love

[@jerryj3854]

LOL. :D

[@thaliahelene]

The farmer at Red Gardens deals with compost rats in an interesting way, he actually leaves paths for them to nest in the compost where he wants them, then he digs them up and disposes of them in the pinkie stage. You could probably feed to pigs. He keeps track of time between litters so he knows when to look.

[@karenlundquist8767]

Adorable is my favorite word for your family!! This old Grammy is excited with you !! God bless! Keep on keeping on!!

[@gloriatwiggs467]

I planted 25 broccoli plants last fall and the have all gone to bloom and seeds. II pulled them up and hung the plants on the fence so that the seeds would dry and then I could cut off the stalks and let them rest in the workshop. I only planted one type so the seeds will be true as nothing else was blooming the garden. I will probably get a pint of seeds. Ben be careful when leaving your homestead as now some areas require a face mask. We lost a neighbor this afternoon to the effects of the Virus. Take care my friends.

[@HansQuistorff]

I harvested 3 pounds of Kale seed. When the pods turn yellow and before they burst put the seed stalks in a tote and when they start to split stomp on them, strip the stalks, scoop out the hulls them winnow them from one tub to another.

[@tanapittsford5067]

I was in track with the garden, then it got cold again. Feels like February in Indiana. So, we switched to field work, which isn't going like planned. On Saturday we blew two turbos, ran out of fuel with the fuel tank two hours away, and dumped part of a load of potash in a pile in the field because the telehandler broke down. We gotta love Spring. I will get back in the garden next week. I'm glad you are feeling great. 👣👣. We went to our seed store today. They are having a record year for seed sales. Everyone is learning new skills. They said they are giving lots of new gardener instructions. 👍 I love it!

[@SuesSecretGarden3]

There you guys are. It's good you have the skills to do the things you have to do. Proud of you guys Ben you are Awesome and little Meg too. Love u guys. Keep living that Dream family💓🙏 The little helpers are the best👍

[@grahamecarter]

You both look SO SO happy right now.

[@jeanmuehlfelt7942]

We've remodeled four homes and by far, Lowes, was the BEST. So sorry for your experience. No doubt, much of it is a generational problem. We always walked toward the grey-headed staff because most of them had retired from the trades. They were working at Lowes in order to help others and to stay active. Wish you hadn't lost so many days. We always thought they were unrecoverable, but we learned a lot along the way. Keep the faith, and have a blessed Easter. 💖💗

[@sonyajackson324]

as an elder i love watching your families journey i cant wait to see your new addition to your family

[@SandraNelson063]

I worked retail / customer service for most of the years I was able to work. I am DISGUSTED with how Lowe's has been giving you the run around. It is unacceptable. Cancel the remainder of the order, return the unwanted materials, and find yourself a store that actually wants your continued business. Because Lowe's has clearly demonstrated that it doesn't want your business. Sorry. I'm really cranky when I see inadequate customer service. Hats off for Reedy Fork. Love to The Bump.

[@genesnyder2985]

As bad as Lowe’s it’s still the best big box home improvement store and it may just be that store or district I’ve had good luck with them

[@therealz360z7]

Cut them some slack we are in the middle of a pandemic.

[@janetstarr9554]

Farm Baby!!!!! Congratulations on your upcoming delight. I remember you two wanted another person addition. So happy for you!

[@phyllistene]

I have 5 boys... 7,5,4,3, and 6 months ..... I was the SAME.. i was totally fine with all boys. and I love it!

[@biointheknow]

FYI - plant the bush beans via seed every two weeks to perfectly time and extend your harvest

[@sherristinchcomb3857]

Meg and Ben, we've watched you since you took your trip down to Primal Pastures for the Rhodes' Meet Up in So. Cal. We drive from San Diego north to Menifee/Murrieta to do our weekend farming. We love seeing you step out of your trailer into your homesteading enterprises. We also stay in a trailer (at this farm). You're like our online "friends" who *get* us. Thanks from some of the "Beautiful People" you greet each episode. :)

[@ladykatza]

My first was an August baby and it was one of the hottest summers on record. I would go to Costco just so i could hang out in the giant walk in freezer. I feel you lady!

[@judibohn1548]

Yep. My son came home from the hospital a preemie and it was 105 that day.Aug. '89. Sat down to the news and saw a reporter in what had been a pond holding up dust sand. Never 4got that. Eastern NC.

[@soniaspangenberg6892]

Same for me. He was born Aug 31st. That was the summer my husband gave up drugs and alcohol and started gardening. Our 75 year old neighbor Lucille was taking Paul under her wings. When ever I couldn't find Paul he'd be out at the fence talking to Lucille. She loaned him her rototiller and he dug up the entire back yard and planted FORTY tomato plants! I spent the summer in my maternity bathing suit and learned to can tomatoes. I believe I canned 40 quarts. God bless Lucelle. That was 39 years ago!

[@marcialittle7893]

Hey, it is 5-30-2023, and I am wearing that shirt right now! So comfeeeee.

[@BrendaJMay]

I Love Your Idea Of A Tee Shirt of "HOMESTEAD STRONG"!!! 💪💪❤❤🙏🏻😇🙏🏻❤❤💪💪

[@nanajack8527]

Love you guys. Stay safe and well. Thank heaven's for families like yours, it means we hope for the future. Your boys are such fine examples, thanks to you.

[@grandiesgarden175]

Bless you all!

[@kimdockery5803]

I adopted my grandson a "teenage " cat. 😊. It is the best little mouser I have ever had. Except when it runs into the house with a live one and let's it go. Then it plays with it. Crazy thing. Lol. Hope y'all had a great Easter. ❤

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

We ordered a lot from Lowe's when we moved to our current place. Everything was supposed to be ready when we arrived, barely anything was. It took two months in several shipments to get it all and some of it was wrong. Our local Lowe's is awesome. It's the shipping department and how they have it organized as a large company that's so screwy.

[@floridagirl330]

I think you’re going to have a girl and she’s going to be a little princess surrounded by her Bubby’s. And they are going to spoil her!❤️

[@katherinewhittenberg8919]

Abigail, Abner.

[@katherinewhittenberg8919]

Abby, Abe.

[@lyncobb7923]

fingers crossed!

[@brandilynauntb]

It's so good to hear that both Meg and Baby Hollar are doing well. I look forward to seeing if your Kombucha thrives next week. Love and Prayers!

[@deeferry6520]

My first grandson was born when his mum was 22 weeks, he was only 12 oz, very poorly but he's now turning 17 in January, yes he has problems but he's an absolute darling and we wouldn't be without him xx

[@TeaQuaker]

01:13 : you said 'Thank you Ann at Customer Service' I AM AN ANN AND I WORK AT CUSTOMER SERVICE but i'm from Canada so this is totally not me. But thank you for the shout out ! I feel appreciated now haha

[@shadowkissed2370]

You are so correct your kids enjoying and learning from planting is all that matters. No need to get upset or frustrated because its more work for you later. I love how you teach and raise your children. you guys are so awesome!

[@struykfamilyfarm9587]

You can build a broody hen brooder. Basically a very large brooder with a heat lamp on one end and the food and water in the center and space for everyone to get away from the heat on the other side. I once had a Broody hen break into my brooder and adopt 25 baby chicks. We ended up removing the heat lamp because the babies NEVER used it

[@gretchenalawneh6059]

Congrats!! My daughter was born at 22 weeks 4 days. She is turning 15 next month and is, thank God, in perfect health.

[@susanphilips4979]

I grew up in a big metropolis with no space for any sort of gardening but I am of farming stock. Farming is in my blood but unfortunately I have not been able to indulge my love for it. Watching your videos is vicarious enjoyment for me. I pray for all of you especially for Megan now. I am from India.

[@sheilak4493]

I miss you so much when you are not on.... so glad to see you!

[@rhondasnair9304]

My family started to watch your channel just as y'all sold your house and started your journey to find your homestead. I wanted you too know your family and so many others showed me that it is possible to have a family and to get what you want out of life. Today we put the down payment on our property. 6.6 acres and we can't believe it's finally happened. Thank you so much for showing us that anything is possible!

[@dianamallory8535]

Ben, please don't take this wrong but it is past time for you to get that trailer livable! Take it from someone who knows. God forbid anything would happen to you, but my husband passed away last Nov. and left me with a project like that, we had put off and procrastinated on! Now I am stuck with project to figure out what to do with it! Please try to getter done! lol! Love your journey! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamieserrano14]

Such a good woman, wife, and mother! Very selfless, mature and low maintenance. You deserve so much! 😊😊😊😊

[@WendyK656]

Oh I am so happy that you are not going to find out what your going to have. Meg you look so beautiful Mama!!! and Ben you have been working so hard and you look like a very Proud Dad with another little Hollar. Praying for y'all

[@miraclefarm1927]

We love that you are finally able to get started planting all you want. Enjoy and don't over do Meg, but I see you have lots of good helpers. Blessings Y'all

[@pinkythechihuahua3156]

I bet you all are going to feel like your living in the Taj Mahal when you move into your home. Its going to make it so much easier with a new life coming. My 11th and last grandbaby came into this world on March 19. We were barred from the hospital when my daughter was born. Shes now 3 weeks old and I haven't been able to even hold her yet, thanks to the virus. Lets pray that we don't get a second go around come this fall.

[@scottshulers373]

Looking good, y'all have been working hard...

[@paigegough6929]

I know the "im so pregnant" feeling i had it the entire pregnancy extremely lethargic and vomited the entire time. I hope you have a happy healthy baby and an easy birth xxx

[@ChiChi_Shaw]

I love your family. I love the way we see you raise your wonderful boys. You're good parents. I pray that you stay safe and stay blessed. Congratulations on the pregnancy.

[@susanknight8961]

I’m so glad your going to be moved into your home. Best wishes with all you do.

[@ronstrobel9227]

"A baby is God's way of saying the world should go on." So happy for you! ~ Kir and Ron in Tennessee

[@leslieMClass80]

Wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter! God bless!

[@sagwafare]

Seeds are a very hot commodity - I ordered some online but had two orders left - a Johnny’s and a Seed Saver’s. Neither taking orders right now. But I do have seeds and I am soooo glad I saved several seeds from my plants last year! Very happy that so many people are getting into growing their own food.

[@marlenekutcher938]

Sprinkle s mix of icing sugar and baking soda, mix it half and half for your ants. Repeat after rain. You can also put it in a plastic container with a lid. Just poke holes in it and the ants will find the mixture. They can not digest the baking soda. Sugar. Brings them in. Nice to see you're feeling so well and are half way through already. Seeing you setting goals is awesome! The gardens look great. Save your seeds from your kale is a great idea. Keep on keeping on. Be well stay safe.

[@cindykrou]

Plant some potatoes in straw or hay. No dig or dirt prep required.

[@toddsherfey6236]

Congratulations on the little one hope it's healthy and a little girl. I had all boys and then I got a girl she almost 21 and she melts my heart. For Ben,a girl would melt him.. prayers for the family God bless y'all

[@Beckaboo1982]

I LOVED the kombucha class. Please start "How To" videos of your own. I want to watch and support you and I'd love to see how you are saving and storing seeds, feeding sourdough starts and making sourdough bread and even preparing for baby on a homestead. Love your videos no matter what they are. Just a thought.

[@marylouise890]

I candled mine with a empty roll of toilet paper. Holding light on one side, long ways. And looking thru tube with one eye. Try it. Worked for me. 👍👍👍

[@MsCaterific]

Letting plants go to seed is wise homesteading. I don't get why so many gardeners buy seeds unless you are starting or trying something new. I've heard of some spending hundreds on just seeds 😮 Your garden makes me feel so excited! It's so beaUtiful.

[@jerrygibs8120]

Great job family. When a family works together, it at gets done. As a nation we can suvive, if we 'Work Together'. Certainly not if there is a constant "who's going to give to me". Blessings...☝🇺🇸🙏💪👉...

[@randyrankin3604]

that's how I am, I like staying home and enjoying my land, well hopefully soon after all this crap gets over

[@ckdreamsOT8]

So nice to see the warm weather and all of you doing well in the Sun..........keep trucking....love your family as well as the Sow the Land and Justin's family................getting fond of North Carolina... was there briefly a couple of years ago.

[@KahlestEnoch]

Peppermint oil is a pregnant woman's best friend for a summer pregnancy. Put about 10 drops in a small spray bottle and spitz yourself regularly. You can also if you take baths, take a separate ice cube tray and put water in it and ad a drop or two of the peppermint oil to each one. Put a couple of cubes in your bath water.

[@tracyzabelle]

Seeing this blog and knowing what buggy looks like today it's such a big change and so wonderful

[@PatrickPoet]

Plant thickly! Thinning is early harvesting. You start having baby green early. Don't thin all the way, just thin as you go so you can keep harvesting and eating that beautiful food.

[@pamalapeterson5352]

God bless y’all and stay safe and healthy! Your homestead is enlarging but by bit!...it really is looking like “H O M E”....job well done!

[@SonniesPlace]

Never stop learning. Life motto. 🤘🏽

[@sentimentalbloke7586]

The paper bags are a great idea, you can use them as a weed barrier on the edges of the garden

[@lindsaybeilby8395]

Surprises are fun! August babies are something else! My son was born August 30th and it was the Hottest summer! But he is the sweetest boy. ❤️

[@windywillowfarmstead898]

Please show us as much seed saving as possible. I think that will be a super hot topic this year. I have been watching homesteaders for over a year now. Going into this gardening season has been different than any before. I find that I automatically know how to do things I've never done before. I didn't learn it intentionally. The knowledge is just there. It is amazing to step back and look at the differences of how I am doing things, as if by second nature. Thank you for teaching us with your lives. I'm excited to learn a lot about seed saving.

[@janetwithers7427]

You guys hustle all the time. Lots of spring projects and self reliance. Way to go!! 💞👍

[@laurakiffmeyer9221]

Baby? I didn't know. so blessed you're getting the house closer. those boys are getting so tall they're going to be sleeping with their feet out the windows.

[@victoriabryce1683]

I’m making a garden for the first time this year! I’m so excited! I have some seeds but also just bought a blueberry bush, 2 strawberry plants, lavender, rosemary bush, a pepper plant & also started inside some tomatoes that are about 4 inches already, Brussel sprouts, sprouting potatoes, cucumbers, and basil! I’m so excited, I also went and bought a battery powered water spigot timer, tubing for irrigation system & soaker hose for the garden beds! I’m so excited! I’m going all in! Wish me luck! Keep up the good work you guys! I love the videos!

[@WayToVibe]

Meg, ever thought about making a soap called Reedy Fork Feed that just smells like that feed? You can put oats and tiny bits of corn and sweet oil in it. Edit: I paused it at that point to write this but when I watched more I now realized you could also make a soap (ever thought of branching into candles?) called "Homebody" and/or "Homestead" that just smells like hearth and home and maybe a little bit like chicken squat.

[@peggywilson9929]

Have a beautiful Easter Sunday 🐰🐰❣️

[@williet.9807]

Real nice people and children. I enjoy watching.

[@jeannel1065]

I’m rooting for you to have a healthy baby, regardless of gender. That’s all that matters. I found out if it was a boy or girl in the delivery room and was thrilled every time. I was wrong on my gender prediction 4 out of 4 (by the fourth, I just assumed I was wrong😉).

[@denisewilson8367]

Love all the stuff you have gotten done, put away, organized. And all the irons you have in the fire right now with the " beer" thing going on. But you need to slow down a little or you are going to get burned out again. Your homestead has jumped into overdrive. Please take care of yourselves. When I saw Ben in the truck on his knees I was thinking why? The boys are better size appropreate to get that feed to the tailgate. Next frame the boys were doing the job. Yay. I know they help a lot. And so proud of them for doing so. Keep up the great work.

[@sovereigns1grace]

Meg is looking good! (preg wise) Mr. Hollar is looking good too ... but that's because he's 'farm fit'!!! LOL You guys are doing great :D Everything happens when it's time. Love your vids :D

[@cindybonem494]

Meanwhile in Michigan it snowed two days ago😒 and if that’s not bad enough our Gov shut down all garden centers saying they are “non essential” so we can’t buy the seeds to plant, even at Lowe’s and Home Depot, the seeds are sitting in the isle that you can walk down but you can’t buy them, it’s crazy!

[@kayashmore4296]

Yours are the first eggs I have ever see laying on their sides. If it works great. Your getting lots done. God bless.

[@susanr791]

That’s funny - I’m a total loving going out and about. Since the shut down of EVERYTHING I’ve only been to work (working for a bank - so a necessary job). Everything I’d had planned since January has been cancelled. Refunds on all concerts, live theater, improv shows, etc - cancelled. Even though I did live a portion of my life on my grandparents farm, I wasn’t a homebody. This has been really tough - lots of organizing (like mega) going on.

[@jodytempleton-jackson1377]

Good morning beautiful family 😀

[@PatrickPoet]

I love them so much. What good people.

[@birchmoonfarm101]

Ugh! Projects are hard enough without adding supplies messed up. Keep up the good work guys!

[@lovintexas2730]

You should tell Lowes that you are going to get the siding up on your mobile home and stop advertising for them. :-(

[@tjwilson1591]

Congrats on the new baby!!! And you've come a long way! So glad you are all well! Keep it up!

[@opalvalentine3330]

I'm so proud of you guys you come a long ways I started watching you from the very start and now there's a new baby coming hope you get the house finished before the new baby gets here or maybe before winter good luck guys I'll be praying for you tell the boys I loved love you guys

[@kansasmisfit7404]

I did not know you were pregnant. Congratulations you guys. The gardens looking wonderful too. I am happy for you.

[@garyhall4355]

ya'll are doing amazing. just FYI reedy fork is in Elon NC.. near Burlington (two hours north of Charlotte).

[@jamjar5716]

Great work Hollar guys!

[@pamelatagert3517]

Lol, My husband and I looked at each other and laughed when you said you are homebodies, and love the ideal of having to stay home. We are also homebodies lol, Unfortunately we both still have to work, but would love it if we had to stay home. Believe me we go no where when we get home from work lol... love you guys

[@mgm2008]

Boys are physically challenging, girls are emotionally challenging! I've had both! 🐱 God bless!

[@kathrynblodgett1969]

Hi, I wasn't sure when you were due, then you said 22weeks, and I realized Summer Pregnancy!! Oh boy! I was pregnant through a Las Vegas summer. No air conditioning in the car, bad idea! Getting all dehydrated 😫😣, went into labor 6weeks early. Learned my lesson. Water water water. And made me think of you 81/2 months crawling around picking weeds. Good thing you've got your boys, and they like to work. Good luck with Lowe's. I know they're extra busy, but that many delivery mistakes is out of line.😁😁💕💕

[@PokerHillFarm]

The upside of a summer pregnancy on the east coast is that you have plenty of fresh vegetables :) My husband and I are homebodies as well-we had plenty of everything so no need to go out. Nothing has really changed for us :)

[@priscillaweaver6938]

Meg I just knew y’all were going to have a 👶 before your announcement by the look in Bens eyes whenever you were around.. Such Love ❤️ so happy for you.

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

Your boys are a great help and strong ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DawnRaeB]

I just wanted to say hi. I've been watching for awhile now (around the time you moved to the land). I also watched your older videos and how you decided where to land. I have bought my land in WV and am hoping to living up there within a year or two. My original plan was to retire up there but with the current events, I'm working hard to make it happen sooner. You two inspire me! (PS. if you know of any WV youtube channels please mention them here. I'd like to find youtubers who homestead in my area.)

[@gloriahohman2790]

How exciting, congratulations on the baby. Stay safe and healthy.

[@vivaldi1236]

Excellent strategy filling your vehicle with feed when correct insulation and flooring were not available. Meg, You might consider wearing a floppy hat with a large brim all day which helps with heat. 😨