Whistling Rooster Homestead

01/17/2026

How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Both my husband and I (and now unfortunately our son) suffer from excessively sensitive skin. For decades we had no other choice than to use expensive hypo-allergenic detergents that shroud their ingredients in a veil of (somewhat suspicious) secrecy. But after I saw a multitude of recipes on Pinterest I decided to give my own concoction a shot. We've been using this powdered mix for over a decade and it's been invaluable for the health of our skin, clothes, and wallets!...

https://thewhistlingroosterhomestead.com/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent/

10/27/2025

This super-healing concoction is not for the faint of heart! Whether you're a die-hard "sweat it out" kind of healer, or just a seeker of spicy deliciousness, this recipe is packed full of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as smoking-hot flavor. You'll love this hot honey fermented garlic!

This super-healing concoction is not for the faint of heart! Whether you're a die-hard "sweat it out" kind of healer, or just a seeker of spicy deliciousness, this recipe is packed full of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as smoking-hot flavor. You'll love this....

07/15/2024

If you’re a home vegetable gardener you’ve probably heard of USDA Hardiness Zone or Growing Zones. Even if you haven’t we’re going to discuss all on today’s episode.

02/26/2024

Tomatoes are quite arguably the most popular garden-variety vegetable of all time. They are the quintessential home garden fruit and are quite often the "gateway" plant into growing vegetables not just because they're relatively easy to grow.....

Tomatoes are quite arguably the most popular garden-variety vegetable of all time. They are the quintessential home garden fruit and are quite often the "gateway" plant into growing vegetables not just because they're relatively easy to grow, but because the quality and flavor of home-grown tomatoes...

02/19/2024

In this first introductory episode of Cats In The Garden, I ramble on about what's been going on here at the homestead and what to expect from the podcast.

In this first introductory episode of Cats In The Garden, I ramble on about what's been going on here at the homestead and what to expect from the podcast.

02/03/2024

You can use your starter in any stage to make these absolutely scrumptious Belgian-style waffles, since they're really leavened with baking soda and baking powder as a traditional recipe is. However, sourdough waffles and pancakes are a great way to....

You can use your starter in any stage to make these absolutely scrumptious Belgian-style waffles, since they're really leavened with baking soda and baking powder as a traditional recipe is. However, sourdough waffles and pancakes are a great way to use up discard if you do have to get rid of some d...

01/21/2024

What is the difference between a determinate tomato and an indeterminate tomato, and does it even matter to home gardeners? The answers may surprise you! We will explore all in this post on tomato types and varieties.

What is the difference between a determinate tomato and an indeterminate tomato, and does it even matter to home gardeners? The answers may surprise you! We will explore all in this post on tomato types and varieties. If you stick around I'll even share some of my favorite seed sources!

01/13/2024

Day length is the term for different durations of photoperiod response for daylight-sensitive plants. That sounds really scary and complicated but the point is this: an onion, in particular, will wait until the hours of sunlight in a day have reached a ce

Day length is the term for different durations of photoperiod response for daylight-sensitive plants. That sounds really scary and complicated but the point is this: an onion, in particular, will wait until the hours of sunlight in a day have reached a certain point before it starts to form a big, d...

12/29/2023

While it's gaining relative momentum in the online community, soil blocking is still mysterious and even misunderstood by the average home gardener. I discovered it while scrolling through Instagram and when I saw the tidy little squares....

While it's gaining relative momentum in the online community, soil blocking is still mysterious and even misunderstood by the average home gardener. I discovered it while scrolling through Instagram and when I saw the tidy little squares with their beautifully formed seedlings, my mouth dropped open...

12/18/2023

Who doesn't love a homemade rice krispie treat? I doubled the classic recipe for a large-batch option, always a necessity in our home, and a fun sprinkle assortment pressed into the top makes for a festive touch.

Who doesn’t love a homemade rice krispie treat? I doubled the classic recipe for a large-batch option, always a necessity in our home, and a fun sprinkle assortment pressed into the top makes for a festive touch. They come together in a flash for delicious weeknight treat or a last-minute party fa...

12/13/2023

While you can easily buy prepackaged seed starting mix anywhere that gardening supplies are sold it can be very beneficial (and cost-effective) to make your own seed starting medium.

While you can easily buy prepackaged seed starting mix anywhere that gardening supplies are sold it can be very beneficial (and cost-effective) to make your own seed starting medium. There are dozens of recipes to be found online, but I’ve narrowed them down in this post as well as providing an in...

12/05/2023

I was reading a vintage cookbook and found an astonishingly simple yet delicious-sounding recipe for Christmas Jam, a festive fruit preserve made of strawberries, cranberries, and sometimes citrus juice and various spices. From what I can find online....

I really wanted to up my game this year with homemade Christmas gifts. I love to make candy, put together bread mixes, or crochet cute little presents for my friends and family each year. I was reading a vintage cookbook and found an astonishingly simple yet delicious-sounding recipe for Christmas J...