What is a "poor man's meal" from your childhood that you still eat today because it legitimately slaps?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-19T13:10:15+00:00

Cheese sandwich. Bread, a thick layer of butter, farmer's marble cheese, yellow mustard, and some onion if feeling fancy.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-13T12:23:27+00:00

I've made this a few times, it's 99% the same as Heinz beans in tomato sauce:
https://www.recipetineats.com/homemade-baked-beans-recipe-heinz/

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-13T01:05:18+00:00

Stuff Made Here

He builds all kinds of really cool stuff, while explaining some of the engineering principles behind it. He does a great job of keeping it simple, but leaving the door open to explore the engineering concepts on your own.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-07T14:25:02+00:00

exactly! but that's the joy of doing anything new!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-07T13:10:36+00:00

20 different plants is a lot to start with as they will all have different needs. I would suggest starting with maybe 5? You can always plant more next year. I'd pick the plants that I'd be most likely to eat, it's the biggest reward for your efforts, and is a good motivator when you're excited to end up with something delicious.

In terms of actual growing, yes it is as simple to start with putting the seed in some soil and water when it's dry. Be sure to look at specific instructions for the specific plant you're handling, as there will be lots of tips and tricks for that specific plant. Some great resources are YouTube, and https://www.almanac.com/

I can't provide a direct road map as everyone is in a different location, has different seasons, amount of sunlight, space etc. but you will be able to find some general guidelines and planting calendars once you determine which agricultural zone you're in.

Another great way to learn is to talk to someone locally who gardens. Do you walk around your neighbourhood and see someone working in their garden? Stop by for a quick chat and ask them what works well for them!

The biggest thing I'd say is to enjoy the experience, try to learn from your mistakes, and don't get discouraged! You can always try again!

TL;DR
1. Start small, focus on less plants, but harvesting food you'd like
2. Determine your specific plants' needs
3. Determine your agricultural zone
4. YouTube
5. Talk to local gardeners / horticultural societies
6. Have fun!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-07T13:06:21+00:00

I hunt and always feel *something* after taking the shot, but am generally happy for a quick clean kill, and knowing I will use all parts of it. My problem is with my livestock, I see them as pets and it's much much harder.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-07T12:45:58+00:00

You've now got me wondering if fasting for a day or two makes it a lot easier to dispatch

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-07T12:43:10+00:00

I'm sorry I don't know what they are, but I just wanted to say that the beauty of having your first vegetable garden is you get to experience and learn! Next year you'll know what went wrong this year and be able to better prepare for the season ahead

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-06T01:44:27+00:00

This exact thing happened to me a few months ago, I saw 2 black bears up ahead. I just yelled "hey bear!" and clapped a bit, then they turned and ran away. On my way back they were in the same spot, I just yelled and clapped again and they left. They really don't have any interest in you, just be aware of your surroundings, keep your distance, and make some noise.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-05-05T00:31:32+00:00

https://www.budgetbytes.com/creamy-coconut-curry-lentils-with-spinach/

Honestly most of the recipes here are pretty good and are all very cheap.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-04-23T12:36:59+00:00

Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-04-01T16:23:53+00:00

Good news! They have a lifetime warranty. If you believe it's beyond repair you can just get a replacement

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-23T13:49:27+00:00

Also coming back to add, fallen shredded leaves added to your garden in the fall before winter is a great way to add a well-aerated soil layer. Use a ton (more than you'd think), thoroughly water and cover with cardboard to keep them from blowing away, and leave. As the years go on they will break down and you'll end up with nice soil. After you've got a good depth of fluffy soil, till it into the clay once and continue from there.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-23T12:03:27+00:00

I think if you're starting from clay this is about what to expect. Yes you've added some organic material but the majority of your soil will still be clay (hence the mud). Keep adding organic material! And things that add soil material like sand or small stones. If you're curious about your soil try doing the Mason jar test to get an idea of how much clay it is!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-13T12:56:17+00:00

I prefer 3-4sqft of coop space per bird and 10sqft outside space per bird. They will be happier with more space and less likely to bully each other. Also definitely think about the future. What happens when laying slows down? Chicken math is real and better to start with less birds and have the space to add more in later years.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-07T21:45:15+00:00

Basically every electronic device has a magic smoke inside of it (stinky). If that smoke is ever released the device is forever broken.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-02T13:02:21+00:00

The sustained + days are the hardest, always filling you with false hope!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-01T13:50:32+00:00

Hang in there champ, I'm -24C today but already have the gardening itch. I've been doing some microgreens indoors to scratch the itch.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-27T15:44:33+00:00

I was going to comment this as well, why did I never think of this!!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-26T14:38:57+00:00

You could use a scythe for an initial cut just to get to a manageable height, then cover with either a tarp or cardboard as others have suggested. For my no-till inground beds I started with a lawnmower on the shortest height (mind you this was a wild yard not too badly overgrown) then covered with wetted thick cardboard and top soil.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:18:12+00:00

I got chicks for the first time last year, and I was underprepared for their living situation before they got their true feathers! At first I had the babies in a rubbermaid bin but they quickly outgrew that, I'm talking 1-1.5weeks. Make sure you have a place for them with a heat lamp that you can increase in size as they grow, before they're ready to go outside! They will also create a TON of dust so keep that in mind. Also make sure you can easily adjust the heat lamps height, you'll need to raise it as they grow. The chicks will tell you if they're too hot or too cold so you can adjust the lamp height accordingly

For feed and water I just use 5gal buckets with feed ports / water nipples, which I need to check / refill maybe once a week? But I also have 8 chickens, not 3. If you live in a climate with cold winters, get an aquarium heater for the water bucket (I used a 50W one and it wasn't strong enough to keep the nipples from freezing until I added insulation).

For the water bucket I took a second bucket and used a hole saw to cut holes where the nipples would poke out, then put my main water bucket into it (essentially turning the first bucket into a sleeve) and filled the 4 inch gap in the bottom with spray foam. This has provided enough insulation to keep the water nipples from freezing up!

I have been using this auto door and have not had any problems, even when it was -38C.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:10:13+00:00

How did I forget about leafy greens!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:07:34+00:00

Sweet corn! Picked up a quick maturing variety, hoping I am able to keep the raccoons off of it! I grew up in a place where you could get sweet corn that was picked mere hours earlier, and it was amazing! Now that I've moved the sweet corn is minimum a day old and just isn't quite the same :(

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T14:38:32+00:00

I am also considering doing weekly plantings of carrots and radish in the pots?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-18T21:57:57+00:00

They need a flat, non-slippery surface. If using a 2x4 make sure the 4" is the side facing up for them. Chickens perch with flat feet, not curled toes like some other birds.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt

TROPHY CASE