Because of its nitrogen-fixing ability, clover is a great companion plant for other crops. Clover also makes a great quality forage when mixed with grasses at a 1:3 ratio.A four-leaf clover symbolizes good luck, but you won’t have to rely on luck if you include clover in your farm grazing program. Clover is not only a great soil-building plant, it fixes nitrogen—which lowers the fertilizer bill—offers quality protein and creates highly palatable stands for grazing.

PHOTO: wilaiwan jantra/ShutterstockWhen I first saw peanuts in a seed catalog many years ago, I was immediately intrigued. But I lived in north-central Ohio, and the catalog said peanuts require 120 days or more. Besides, growing in the soil I had at the time was rather like trying to till a parking lot.

Home /Urban Farming /A Cheap Way to Keep Squirrels Out of Your GardenWith cooler temperatures finally arriving in South Carolina, I am starting to see leaves turning colors and a torrent of acorns falling from the nearby oaks. As I sit on the step to my front stoop, I watch the neighborhood squirrels gathering their acorn harvest for the short, mild Carolina winter, and I muse on my experiences with these annoying little mammals.

PHOTO: Theresa/FlickrThe enduring cast iron skillet completes every homesteader’s kitchen collection. Sturdy, resilient and iconic, these cooking vessels are hardy enough to withstand the tests of time, tarnish and high temperatures. When maintained properly, cast iron pans can be passed down through many generations of cooks and serve a multitude of cooking purposes, from searing steaks and braising greens to baking cakes and simmering gravy.

Gabriela has been an online writer for six years. Her articles often focus on how to perform nifty, at-home DIY projects.Pepper Seeds Inside the Pod Why Should You Care About Planting Chili Peppers?The green chili pepper is one of the best types of chilis to grow in your garden. Along with Jalapeños, they are versatile, and you will find lots of recipes where they will shine.

PHOTO: Ana HotalingMy neighbor Grace texted me the other night, very concerned about her week-old Blue Orpington chick. The little fluff had strolled through some droppings and, when she went to clean its feet, Grace noticed something amiss. “Worried about it. Both of its middle toes need help,” she messaged me.