Author Archives: Larry Braley

Larry Braley

About Larry Braley

Blessed husband to a wonderful, virtuous woman and father of five, a daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Raised on a midsize farm in the midwest during my childhood and early teen years. Moved away for several years to live the corporate life. Glad to be back in the country raising my family, teaching life skills and developing our mini-farm.

Favorite Homestead Hand Tools: The Scythe

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Larry Braley

I love using old-time country hand tools on our homestead. Many of these tools are easier and more productive to use than modern motorized tools. One of my favorite tools is the scythe which I purchased from The Marugg Company … Continue reading →

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Garlic in the Spring

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Larry Braley

Garlic!  We love it. Garlic is a mainstay of our garden.  We dedicate at least one bed to garlic each year.  This small bed has about 60 lush plants growing for harvest in late July. We use garlic extensively in our cooking … Continue reading →

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Raising a New Batch of Layer Hens

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Larry Braley

We recently purchased a new batch of chicks to startup our layer flock again. When we first came to our place, we were heavy into raising layers and selling eggs. We got away from keeping chickens for a short time … Continue reading →

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Worm Farming: The Next Level – ESP of MO

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Larry Braley

One of the things I love the most about living in the country is getting to meet other country-loving people, especially those running small businesses. This week I had the great pleasure visiting with Irv and Kathy Huser of Environmentally … Continue reading →

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Alfalfa: The Jewel of the Homestead

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Larry Braley

Alfalfa is one of those crops that should be in every mini-farm or home garden. Although we humans may not necessarily consume or directly enjoy its valuable production–unless eating sprouts–it brings tremendous benefit to animal and soil alike and the … Continue reading →

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Old Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller: Dreams of the Past Come True

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Larry Braley

When I was a teenager living in a small Missouri country town, I would go over to my friend’s house and see his grandparents tilling their garden with an old style Troy-Bilt Horse tiller. This was the big unit with … Continue reading →

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