Tag Archives: native plants & wildlife

Keeping Chickens Safe From Predators While We’re Away

by Texas Homesteader ~ 

I need a way to keep our hens safe during those times when we’re not home before dark to lock them safely inside their coop.

An automatic chicken coop door automatically opens & closes at times I’ve programmed it to operate. Want to see the pros & cons of this automatic chicken coop door? Read on, dear friends.

Automatic chicken coop door from Run-Chicken helps keep hens safe from predators. #TexasHomesteader

Continue reading

Using Nature For A Pretty All-Natural Tablescape

by Texas Homesteader ~ 

I made a beautiful fall tablescape using natural materials typically found on the ground or in trees & bushes this time of year. The eco-warrior in me loves that this is all natural yet so beautiful.

No reason to buy something plastic or disposable to celebrate such a beautiful season. It was super easy to do, eco friendly, costs nothing and looks great. Come see what I did.

All-Natural Tablescape using nature's beauty found on nature hikes. #TexasHomesteader

Continue reading

Foraging Food & Eating From The Land For FREE!

by Texas Homesteader ~ 

Our homestead is located in Northeast Texas. There are lots of native things growing all by themselves here that provide for us with no effort needed except the harvesting. Gotta love foraging for free food, right??

A list of simple-to-forage food items that let you eat for FREE! #TexasHomesteader

Continue reading

Different Ways I Use Soapberries For A Natural Clean

by Texas Homesteader~

I was thrilled to find a soapberry tree growing in our NE Texas property. I found it far back in a remote pasture. The berries on the tree had already turned yellow in those cool autumn days.

As a matter of fact, it was the yellow orbs that attracted my attention to the three. So I took photos of the tree, leaves, bark and the berries and sent them to my extension agent for proper identification.

She reported back that the tree was a Western Soapberry Tree (or Sapindus saponaria ssp. drummondii) 

Continue reading

How To Easily & Safely Catch A Snake

by Texas Homesteader~ 
*contains affiliate link

Topic Warning: Snake Catching. Now before I begin, let me say that I realize not everyone sees snakes the same way we do. Some may be terrified of snakes and feel they all must die – friend or foe. If that’s you, I respect your feelings.

But for our home, I personally feel they’re an important part of our ecosystem. Especially living out in the country, they keep mice & rat populations in check. A venomous snake must go of course. But around here, non-venomous snakes are simply relocated away from our home.

But getting up close & personal with a snake – good or bad – can make ya nervous, you know?? So we needed a way to be able to catch snakes safely. For us and for them.

Many have asked about our snake capture method. So today I’ll be sharing how we easily catch and relocate beneficial snakes.

Easily capture and relocate a snake, but do it safely. We've found the 47" snake grabber to be the best tool to relocate snakes safely. #TexasHomesteader

Continue reading

Soap Grows On Trees! Using Soapberries For A Natural Shampoo

by Texas Homesteader ~ 

The Western Soapberry Tree (or Sapindus saponaria ssp. drummondii) is native in North America. I make my own all natural zero-waste shampoo with the berries I harvest. It’s all I’ve used for nearly 10 years now.

Using Soapberries for a natural shampoo is easy on your hair and easy on your budget. It's true - soap really DOES grow on trees! #TexasHomesteader

Continue reading