A homestead’s water supply often faces pressure during dry seasons. Without careful use, wells will drop, and storage tanks can empty faster than expected. Many homesteads operate without backup water systems, making every gallon of water even more valuable during hot weather. Water conservation on homesteads supports healthy crop growth and protects soil by keeping moisture in place. Why Do You Need to Conserve Water in Your Homestead Homesteads that waste water often face weaker plants and soil erosion. Overwatering encourages shallow root systems, which leave the soil vulnerable. Dry winds and high heat then remove moisture even faster when water is mismanaged. Conservation steps protect wells and help plants survive hot spells without daily watering. With better water use, gardens, orchards, and pastures stay productive while using fewer gallons each week. There are several simple ways to conserve water on the homestead. Each method focuses on keeping moisture where plants need it most while reducing waste. Drip Irrigation: Deliver Water at the Right Spot Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant’s roots. The system uses tubes and emitters to release steady water along rows or around trees. Key benefits include: Water stays low at the soil level Leaves remain dry, lowering disease risk Water doesn’t pool or run off Drip systems work in gardens, berry rows, and orchards. Simple kits include tubing, emitters, filters, and timers. With careful setup, each plant receives steady water without flooding nearby soil. Mulching: Hold Moisture in the Soil Mulch shields the soil from wind and sun, slowing evaporation after each rain or watering. The barrier also reduces weeds that compete for moisture. Effective mulch choices: Straw or shredded grass for vegetable beds Wood chips under trees and bushes Leaves spread in perennial beds Apply mulch 2 to 4 inches deep. This depth keeps moisture in the root zone and allows rain to pass through. Keep mulch clear of plant stems to prevent mold and insect problems. Rainwater Harvesting: Store Water for Dry Days Rainwater harvesting collects runoff during storms. The water can supply gardens, animals, and outdoor cleaning during dry spells. Simple harvesting systems use: Gutters to channel roof runoff into barrels or tanks Filters to block leaves and debris Covered tanks that limit algae growth Collected rainwater works for irrigation and livestock. Use filters and tests before using rainwater for household drinking. The EPA’s Rainwater Harvesting Guide provides clear setup options. Smart Watering Habits The timing and method of watering affect how well plants absorb moisture. Simple changes in watering habits often save more water than new equipment. Helpful habits include: Water early in the morning Water deeply and less often Use soaker hoses for long rows Plant together based on water needs Shallow watering keeps roots close to the surface. Deep watering pushes roots downward where moisture remains longer. Monitoring Soil Moisture Many homesteaders water too often by following a set schedule rather than checking soil conditions. Watching soil moisture helps prevent waste. Simple tools include: Finger tests a few inches below the surface Moisture meters for deeper readings Rain gauges to track total rainfall Water only when plants need it. Cooler weeks may allow longer breaks between watering cycles. Preventing Runoff and Soil Loss Water conservation includes protecting the soil. Bare ground loses moisture quickly and leads to runoff after storms. Prevention steps include: Build rows along natural slopes to slow runoff Plant cover crops to hold soil Mulch bare areas heavily Keeping water in place allows it to soak into the ground instead of carrying soil away. Homestead Water Conservation: Building Lasting Systems Homestead water conservation supports healthy soil and stable harvests. Drip irrigation, mulching, rainwater collection, and improved watering habits conserve water where it matters most. These methods protect wells, stretch stored supplies, and reduce daily workloads during periods of high temperatures. Start with one system that fits your homestead. Over time, better water habits strengthen both your land and your harvests. Share your water-saving ideas or questions in the comments. FAQs How much water do vegetable gardens need each week? Most vegetables need 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly based on soil type and weather. Is rainwater safe for garden use? Yes. Filter collected rainwater to remove debris before use. How thick should mulch be? Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch to hold moisture and block weeds. Can drip irrigation work for trees? Yes. Place emitters along the dripline where feeder roots grow. How often should I check soil moisture? Check soil weekly and adjust watering based on recent rain and plant growth.

Come learn how to make calendula oil with our simple step-by-step recipe. It’s exceptionally easy and affordable to do! All you need is oil, dry calendula flowers, and a little time! Then you can use your super-soothing homemade calendula oil on its own, or as an ingredient in other DIY natural skincare recipes like salve, soap, or lotion. This guide also explores the healing benefits of calendula oil and 7 ways to use it. Calendula is one of my favorite all-time herbs to grow. We’ve been making calendula infused oil for nearly 10 years, so I have plenty of tips on how to make the most luxurious and nourishing oil possible! Note: This post was originally published in October 2019 but has been significantly updated. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products for your convenience, such as to items on Amazon. Homestead and Chill gains a small commission from purchases made through those links, at no additional cost to you. What is Calendula Oil? Calendula oil is made by soaking or infusing dry calendula flowers in a carrier oil of choice (such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil) for several weeks or longer. As they steep, the natural healing resins and other beneficial compounds found in calendula flowers are drawn out and into the surrounding oil. The result is a highly therapeutic oil that can be used to soothe a wide variety of skin issues including eczema, rashes, and more. Learn more about the benefits and uses of calendula oil below! Note that calendula is sometimes referred to as “pot marigold” – but don’t confuse it with true marigolds, such as french marigolds! They’re distinctly different, and not nearly as medicinal in nature. Benefits of Calendula Oil Calendula officinalis is a key ingredient in many natural skin care products, and for a good reason! The medicinal resins found in calendula promote cell repair and growth (e.g. wound healing) and have proven natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. When used topically, calendula can soothe, heal, or otherwise treat a huge array of skin conditions including rashes, sunburn, swelling, eczema, acne, stings, bites, wounds, burns, scrapes, psoriasis, scars, cold sores and more. In her book Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner’s Guide, expert Rosemary Gladstar suggests using calendula oil or salve on babies to safely soothe cradle cap, diaper rash, or other skin irritations. It also calms my skin after shaving, to prevent or treat razor burn. It’s hard to put into words just how magical this herb is… and it really works! Our organic calendula salve is the most popular item in our shop; its helped thousands of people heal stubborn skin issues, even when prescription medications did not! EXPERT TIP: Instead of using petals alone, we prefer to make calendula oil using whole dried calendula flower heads – because the base of the flower actually has the most medicinal resin, not the petals! Supplies Needed Dried calendula flowers or petals, enough to fill your chosen jar or container at least two-thirds full. You can use homegrown or store-bought dried calendula, as long as it’s 100% dry. If the flowers are not fully dry, the leftover moisture can cause the calendula oil to grow mold or spoil! Using dry flowers also helps to extract the maximum essential oils possible. See four ways to dry fresh herbs here. Carrier oil of choice – such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. You’ll need about the same volume of oil as the size container you select. See more information about choosing the best carrier oil below. A glass jar or other container with a lid. Something like a 1/2 pint jar would be great if you only need a small amount. Yet if you intend to make calendula salve or other homemade body care products, I recommend using at least a pint jar or more. A fine mesh strainer, sieve, and/or organic cheesecloth Optional: organic essential oils to lightly scent it EXPERT TIP: To create the most therapeutic calendula oil possible, harvest young fresh flowers instead of using older, fading blooms. The flowers should also be dehydrated on very low heat to preserve the maximum beneficial compounds. Don’t miss our guide on how to grow and harvest calendula flowers – including tips on how to dry it. Since we also sell calendula salve in our shop, we soak big jars! Best Carrier Oils to Make Calendula Oil Popular carrier oils used to make calendula oil include extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and more. No matter what you choose, I highly suggest using a high-quality, unrefined, cold-pressed oil. Certified organic is all the better. The goal is to create a healing medicinal oil after all!  If you’re making calendula oil primarily for topical use, choose a carrier oil that’s compatible and beneficial for your skin type (e.g. consider comedogenic ratings). Organic jojoba oil is my personal favorite, especially for my face! We also sometimes blend two types of oils, such as almond and jojoba oil. LEARN MORE: Visit our guide on the best 11 Carrier Oil Options for Skin Care, Salves and Infusions to learn more about the unique benefits and properties of each. Instructions 1) Infuse Fill a glass container at least three-quarters full of dried calendula flowers or petals. Pour your carrier oil of choice over the calendula, filling the container enough so that all the flowers can be fully submerged and move freely in the oil. Add a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a moderately warm location, such as near a sunny window, inside a warm cabinet, or on top of a warm appliance. While some herbalists may have a preference, it doesn’t make much of a difference if the jar is stored in the dark or light – but a little warmth does help it infuse better! 2) Wait Allow the calendula oil to to infuse for at least two weeks* or up to 1 month (or longer) for the best results and maximum extraction possible. If possible, set the jar somewhere you’ll remember to stop by and gently shake it on occasion to stir things up. *I much prefer this slow, passive infusion process (since many therapeutic compounds can be destroyed by heat) but it’s also possible to gently heat calendula and oil on the stove to get same-day results. Learn more in this separate guide on how to make herb infused oil. 3) Strain When the time is up, strain the calendula flowers and reserve the oil. We usually do this by positioning a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pouring it all through. Let it sit to fully drip and drain for at least 15 minutes. I like to line our strainer with cheesecloth or a reusable nut milk bag for extra-fine filtration. That way, I can also wring out the cloth or bag of calendula to squeeze out every bit of oil possible. (I’ve also lined a canning funnel with cheesecloth over a clean jar, as shown in the photos.) Finally, pour the strained oil into a clean jar for storage. If you wash and re-use the same jar, be sure it’s fully dry before storing the oil in it! Optional: Since calendula oil has a very mild earthy aroma, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite organic essential oils to lightly scent it. I especially enjoy the addition of chamomile and lavender essential oil. Squeeze it all out! Storage and Shelf Life Store the finished calendula oil in a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container in a dry, cool, dark location. You can also store calendula oil in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. The shelf life of homemade calendula oil varies and depends on the type of carrier oil (check the bottle) and condition of flowers used. Some oils are more prone to becoming rancid faster than others. Most have an average shelf life of about 1 year. (Another reason I love jojoba oil: it’s good for up to 5 years!) 7 Ways to Use Calendula Oil As a soothing facial moisturizer to help with redness, dry skin, acne, and more. A little goes a long way! You’ll only need a few drops. As an ingredient in other homemade skincare products. Many natural body care recipes call for oil, such as in body butter, lotion, salve, soap, and more! Learn how to make our popular homemade calendula salve here. For more ideas, I highly recommend this organic body care recipe book. As a luxurious and nourishing massage oil. Other topical applications: You can use calendula oil directly on other parts of your body as a general moisturizer, on bug bites, sunburns, eczema, stings, rashes, scars, scrapes, and more! As a hair treatment to condition hair, moisturize your scalp, and potentially thicken hair. Coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil are especially popular for deep moisturizing hair treatments. Simply apply an even coat of oil to your hair, massage it into your scalp, pin your hair up away from your clothes, and allow it to sit for anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. Then use shampoo as usual to wash away the oil. To remove makeup. Calendula oil makes a great natural makeup remover! Oil naturally draws out impurities, while the calendula soothes redness, inflammation, and targets acne. Avoid contact with sensitive areas around your eyes. Give it as a gift. Make a bigger batch and divvy it up into cute little bottles or jars to share with friends and family. Include a note or label to share the many ways to use it, or direct them here! See this list of my favorite 27+ DIY gift ideas, including mason jar gifts, food, sustainable crafts and more. Isn’t that beautifully simple? So, what do you think? Are you excited to go make your own calendula oil? If you found this post useful, please leave a review below – and feel free to ask questions. Thank you for tuning in, and happy infusing! You may also enjoy: How to Make Homemade Lavender Salve to Soothe Skin & Nerves How to Make Soothing Chickweed Salve Recipe and Infused Oil  Natural Lip Balm Recipe: How to Make Homemade Lip Balm How to Make Nourishing Rosehip Oil + 12 Ways to Use It DIY Bath Salts Recipe: Beautiful Natural Herbal Bath Salts How to Make Salve or Balms 101: Simple Flexible Recipe Print Homemade Calendula Oil Recipe Learn how to make calendula oil with our easy step-by-step guide. All you need is a carrier oil, dry calendula flowers, and a little time! Then you can use homemade calendula oil on it's own to soothe skin issues, as an ingredient in DIY skincare products like soap, salve, lotion and more. Use calendula oil to soothe rashes, sunburn, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, bites/stings, burns, scrapes, scars and other skin irritation. Keyword calendula infused oil, calendula oil, calendula oil recipe, how to make calendula oil Prep Time 10 minutes minutesInfusion time 30 days days IngredientsDried calendula flower or petals, homegrown or organic if possibleCarrier oil of choice. Select a high-quality, unrefined, cold-pressed, and organic oils for the most healthy and healing calendula oil. Popular options for natural skincare include jojoba oil, olive oil, argan oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, and more! **Choose an amount that matches your infusion container.1 glass container for infusing, such as a half-pint or pint jar InstructionsFill a clean glass container at least ¾ full of dried calendula flower heads, or about half full of loose dry petals.Pour your choice of oil over the dried calendula flowers, until the container is full and/or until the flowers are completely submerged. Place a lid on the container, and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance infusion. A bright windowsill is a popular choice! Allow the oil and flowers to infuse for at least three weeks, or up to a couple of months.When the time is up, strain the flowers from the oil. I line a canning funnel with cheesecloth, place it over a clean similar-size glass jar, and then pour the oil and flowers in to drain. Squeeze the cheesecloth sack of flowers to extract every last bit of oil! Store the finished calendula oil in a cool, dry location. It can also be stored in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life. Read the information on your carrier oil bottle to determine the recommended shelf life of your calendula oil. Enjoy! Use your calendula oil as a daily facial moisturizer (only a few drops needed), as a massage or body oil, as part of your oil cleansing method, an ingredient in other homemade skincare recipes, to condition hair, as a makeup remover, as salad dressing or other finishing oil (if an edible oil was used), or give it as a gift! Did you enjoy this article? Want to hear more? Stay in touch! Sign up below to receive weekly updates on new posts from Homestead and Chill. The post How to Make Calendula Oil (Easy Calendula Infused Oil Recipe) appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Read the original post "How to Can Peaches in Syrup" on A Modern Homestead. This easy recipe for canning peaches at home is a delicious and easy way to preserve peaches for later. It’s a great water bath canning recipe for beginners. Plus, learn how to can peaches with sugar, honey, or plain water! Our 10-year old peach trees produce 30-50 pounds of peaches each year, so I always... Read More The post "How to Can Peaches in Syrup" appeared first on A Modern Homestead.

Midsummer brings rapid growth inside the hive. As nectar fills the combs, colonies expand brood chambers and raise new workers. If space becomes scarce, bees may swarm or face increased stress from pests and heat. Hive management at this stage prevents population strain and protects honey production. Midsummer care focuses on inspections, space adjustments, honey harvesting, and pest control as nectar flow reaches its peak. Why Midsummer Hive Management Matters When nectar is abundant, the hive population grows quickly. New bees emerge, honey stores increase, and brood frames fill. If colonies expand faster than available space allows, conditions inside the hive become crowded. Limited space triggers swarming behavior and weakens the hive. Midsummer management helps prevent crowding, monitors brood development, catches pests early, and optimizes your honey harvest timing. Inspecting the Hive Without Over-Stressing Bees Hive inspections monitor colony health and inform seasonal management decisions. Inspections must stay brief to avoid unnecessary disruption. Short inspections protect both colony productivity and brood stability. Follow these inspection steps: Check hives on calm mornings when most foragers are active outside. Use light smoke at the entrance to calm bees before opening. Examine brood frames for capped cells, eggs, and larvae. Look for steady egg patterns as signs of queen health. Evaluate honey supers to track fill levels. Watch for signs of mites, hive beetles, or brood disease. Preventing Swarming and Overcrowding As bees store nectar, hive space shrinks. Without space management, colonies prepare to swarm and divide. Use these steps to reduce overcrowding: Add supers early to give bees more storage space. Shift open brood frames toward the center to provide laying room. Split large colonies when populations grow quickly. Remove queen cells if swarm signs appear early. Managing space reduces swarming risk and keeps bees focused on building honey stores. Harvesting Honey at the Right Time Honey is ready to harvest after bees cap most of the cells. Capped cells indicate that the honey’s moisture level has dropped sufficiently for safe storage. Follow these steps for safe extraction: Select frames that are mostly capped. Clear bees from frames with a brush or escape board. Uncap sealed cells with a heated knife or fork. Spin frames in an extractor. Filter honey through fine cheesecloth. Store honey in clean, sealed glass jars. Protect finished honey from heat and light to preserve quality. The University of Minnesota Bee Lab provides detailed extraction guidelines. Supporting Hive Health During Peak Nectar Flow Strong colonies face rising pest pressure during midsummer growth. Routine care helps prevent long-term damage. Use these hive health steps: Test mite levels using sugar roll or alcohol wash methods. Replace old brood comb to reduce contamination risks. Keep hive entrances clear for steady airflow. Provide shallow water sources near the apiary. Clean spills after harvesting to discourage robbing. The Honey Bee Health Coalition offers additional mite management tools. Preparing for Late Summer and Fall Transition As nectar flow slows, colonies must shift toward winter preparation. Early work strengthens colonies for colder months. Focus on these late-season tasks: Remove empty supers once populations stabilize. Confirm honey stores meet winter feeding needs. Replace weak queens if brood patterns decline. Treat mite levels before fall brood expansion. Strong fall preparation supports higher survival rates through winter. DIY Beekeeping: Keeping Hives Productive Through Summer DIY beekeeping requires hands-on care throughout summer. Inspect hives weekly to track colony size, brood patterns, and queen activity. Add space as needed so bees continue working without crowding. Harvest honey carefully to maintain stability and prevent disruption. These actions protect the colony while allowing you to collect usable surplus. Pest control also matters during peak heat. Watch for signs of varroa mites, beetles, or ventilation issues that could weaken your hive. Use sticky boards, screen bottoms, or powdered sugar tests to monitor levels. Stay on schedule with treatments so infestations don’t build. With consistent steps, your hive stays productive through changing summer conditions. Share your midsummer hive tips or honey-harvesting experiences in the comments. FAQs When should I harvest honey? Harvest after most cells are capped. Uncapped honey holds too much moisture and may spoil. How often should I inspect hives in midsummer? Inspect every 10 to 14 days to track growth and brood health. Can I fully prevent swarming? Swarming risk lowers when you expand space early and split strong colonies. How do I check for mites? Use sugar roll or alcohol wash tests to monitor mite levels regularly. Is midsummer too late to start a hive? Late starts work in strong nectar areas but require extra feeding before winter.

Read the original post "Mexican Street Corn Recipe" on A Modern Homestead. Skip the grill and enjoy this Mexican street corn recipe in just a few minutes! Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn for the perfect side dish. With a creamy texture and bold flavors, this is a recipe you’ll make over and over again! If you’ve ever had authentic Mexican street corn (elote) at a fair... Read More The post "Mexican Street Corn Recipe" appeared first on A Modern Homestead.