Hey there, Ryan here, welcoming you back to our cozy corner of the internet where farm chores meet deep dives into life’s big and small moments. As I gear up for another day on the farm, with the crisp morning air biting at my cheeks, I can’t help but share these moments with you. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the stories, the insights, and the reflections that come with every task, whether I’m tending to the fields or just rambling about the world around us.
This morning’s a brisk one, thirty-something degrees, and it’s got me bundling up as I prepare to fuel up the tractor and lawnmowers. It’s one of those necessary rituals that keep the farm ticking over. Maddie, my ever-enthusiastic companion, is right here by my side, her tail wagging excitedly as I load up the fuel jugs into the trailer. It’s these simple, shared moments that really highlight the day-to-day of farm living.
Today’s task list includes making a pilgrimage for fuel, and while it might seem mundane, there’s a bit of a twist. I find myself musing over the peculiarities of using taxed fuel for farm machinery—after all, it’s not like I’m hitting the road with them. It’s these little inefficiencies, these quirks of farm life, that often get me thinking about the bigger picture, how we navigate the often complex interplay between regulations and the realities of rural living.
So, as I set off with trailer in tow, I’m not just tackling a to-do list; I’m weaving through the thoughts and stories that each day brings. Whether it’s the joy found in companionship, the satisfaction of preparation, or the contemplation of life’s larger questions, it’s all part of the journey. Stick around, and let’s see where today’s chores—and today’s thoughts—take us.
Hello, fellow green thumbs and homestead enthusiasts! It’s Ryan here from Backroads Homestead, and today, we’re diving into the enlightening world of grow lights. Yes, it’s that time of the year when we turn racks into lush, LED-powered growing stations, and I’m thrilled to share every step with you!
BBOUNDER 3FT LED Shop Light Fixture, Super Bright 3300LM, Cool Daylight White 6500K
SZHLUX LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants 2ft 80W https://amzn.to/3uaS6fp
Sunco Lighting 6 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3HF0BlP
Sunco Lighting 4 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3vQ2E3Y
AntLux 4FT LED Grow Lights 50W Full Spectrum Integrated 4 Foot Growing Lamp Fixtures https://amzn.to/48QsYtA
Bolt Dropper 11″ Black Zip Cable Ties (1000 Pack) https://amzn.to/3u7jhaS
Metal 16 Outlet Power Strip – https://amzn.to/3Shrj98
So, we’re in the thick of winter, almost February, and while we might be a tad late, it’s never too late for a good start, right? We’ve unpacked our trusted LED grow lights from our last greenhouse adventure in Wisconsin, and we’re ready to roll. From the vibrant purple lights to the full-spectrum white shop lights and some fancy specialty lights, we’ve got a brilliant array for this season’s seed starting. Fun fact: Most of these gems are from Amazon, competitively priced and just a click away!
The game plan? Daisy-chain six sets together, zip-tie them to the rafters, and voilà – a canopy of light! But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the utility tech zip ties, sturdy and reliable, just like a good old Jeep (and you know I love my Jeeps). Remember, when it comes to zip ties, size does matter – 11 inches is your golden number.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We’ve got our shop lights emitting just the right amount of warmth for our seed trays – cozy and bright. But the real stars? Our staple lights. After a minor tweak (removing the heat shield), they’re ready to nurture our seedlings with their intense glow. A word of caution though – handle them with care as they’re a tad fragile without their metal backbone.
As we wire, snip, and adjust, here’s a revelation for you: Full-spectrum is the key. Yes, those regular shop lights from your local store can work wonders, just like the fancier grow lights. My experiments over the years have shown that as long as the light is full spectrum, your plants will thrive. So, there’s a handy tip to save some bucks and still have a lush, thriving green oasis!
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into seed trays and the magic of sprouting life. And hey, if you love what we’re doing, show some love! Subscribe, hit that notification bell, and spread the word. YouTube might be giving us a hard time, but with your support, we’ll keep this sustainable living dream alive and thriving.
And remember, Affiliate Links support our channel at no cost to you. So, let’s grow together, one seed, one light, one thriving homestead at a time. Until next time, this is Ryan from Backroads Homesteading, signing off. Keep those green thumbs up!
If you’ve been following our journey, you know it’s been a whirlwind of upgrades, fixes, and construction – oh my! This week was no different, but with a little help from our friends and some homestead ingenuity, we’re turning challenges into victories.
Significant progress was made in Link’s room, with assistance from Eric and Jenny from Wisconsin who helped in installing drywall, boards, insulation, and a vapor barrier.
First off, a huge shout-out to Eric and Jeni, our dynamic duo from Wisconsin, who swooped in like superheroes to help us hang drywall, install insulation, and put up vapor barriers in Link’s room. Their help was invaluable, and we made some serious progress.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Mother Nature decided to throw a curveball our way with a hefty dose of ice and snow. Despite the picturesque view, the melting ice sheets from the roof were more villainous than charming, threatening to damage our new roof. It’s moments like these that remind us that homesteading is as much about solving unexpected puzzles as it is about enjoying the tranquility of country life.
In the spirit of resilience, we adapted quickly. Armed with a broom handle attached to a painter’s pole, we tackled the snow and ice, ensuring our roof lived to see another day. And speaking of overcoming adversity, our radio practice sessions have been a beacon of connectivity, even in the face of solar flares and atmospheric interference. Thanks to our trusty Texan PL 990, we managed to stay in touch with our homestead network, proving that a little ingenuity goes a long way.
As we continue this journey, each challenge, each leak, and each unexpected weather twist is a reminder that homesteading is about more than just the land – it’s about community, perseverance, and the joy of building something with your own two hands. So, here’s to overcoming struggles, celebrating the small victories, and cherishing the support of friends and family.
Before I sign off, remember that your support means the world to us. We post videos on Tuesdays and Thursdays and live stream on Saturdays when we can. Until next time, keep homesteading and stay positive!
So, we found ourselves back at the dealership because our New Holland decided to throw a bit of a tantrum. This time around, the hydraulics were acting up. It’s almost like it was put together on a Friday, if you know what I mean! We were in the midst of laying down some waterline when the tractor, used by our pal Jason, started misbehaving, leaking fluid from the top of the cylinder. Turns out, it was leaking right at the weld seam!
You might remember, this isn’t our first rodeo with the tractor’s quirks. Last time, we grappled with a pesky distribution block, and to this day, our front bucket has a mind of its own, tilting forward even when we’re just idling. But hey, that’s life on a homestead for you!
Despite these hiccups, the importance of a solid warranty can’t be overstated. We invested quite a bit into our sub-compact New Holland, the perfect fit for our 5-acre operation. And guess what? That investment is paying off. New Holland’s warranty is nothing to scoff at, and the local dealership here in the Ozarks has been fantastic – quick and reliable in getting us back on track.
So, what’s the moral of the story? Stuff happens, especially with farm equipment. The more you use it, the more you’ve got to be ready for those unexpected twists. Having a good stock of spare parts and a bit of know-how can make all the difference for a thriving homestead.
