Midwest Tried & True

Midwest Tried & True Real opinions. Real recommendations. Straight from the Midwest

Sharing the tools, hunting gear, homestead ideas, and everyday products that help real families

01/13/2026

One of the simplest fire starters is already around you.

Dry grasses and natural plant material can catch quickly when prepped right, even in colder conditions.

This is a real example of what I look for outside when building a fire — nothing fancy, just paying attention to what nature provides.

Not a tutorial, just sharing what I’ve learned from time outdoors.

Always be mindful of fire safety and local regulations.

01/11/2026

Starting a fire in the winter can be harder than people expect. Wood is wet, the ground is damp, and everything wants to smolder instead of catch.

One simple trick that helps is lighting a candle first. It gives you a steady flame that won’t blow out right away and buys you time while your kindling starts to catch.

Small details like this make a big difference when conditions aren’t ideal.

01/10/2026

Before the week wraps up, I check on the chickens and barn cats to make sure food and water are set for the night. Simple routines, but they matter, especially in colder weather.

This is just part of the responsibility that comes with keeping animals. No shortcuts.

01/10/2026

Friday nights look a little different out here.

Before the week wraps up, I do a quick check on the animals. Making sure the chickens and cats have food, fresh water, and everything they need before settling in for the night.

There’s nothing exciting about it, but it matters. Animals don’t care what day it is, and consistency is part of the responsibility.

Simple routines. Quiet work. End the week right.

simpleliving countrylife animalcare midwestlife selfreliance

01/07/2026

Quick Potato update!

About 4 months after harvesting from the garden, this is what they’re doing now. It’s always wild how easily potatoes start sprouting on their own, even in a cellar or cupboard. Makes planting them in the garden that much more fun.

01/05/2026

It’s wild how easy potatoes want to grow.

Leave them sitting in a cupboard or cellar long enough and they’ll start sprouting on their own. No effort. No special setup. They just go.

That’s part of what makes planting potatoes so fun in the garden. They’re forgiving, productive, and they don’t need much to get started. If they can sprout in the dark, they’ll do just fine once they’re in the ground.

One of those small reminders that some things really want to grow if you give them a chance.

01/02/2026

Fresh eggs have a natural protective coating called the bloom. This thin layer helps seal the shell’s pores and reduces the chance of bacteria getting inside. Because of that, unwashed eggs from laying hens don’t technically need to be refrigerated right away.

That said, we still store ours in the fridge. Refrigeration helps eggs last longer, and it’s simply our personal preference.

One important thing to keep in mind: once eggs are washed, the bloom is removed. At that point, eggs should always be refrigerated.

This is shared for educational purposes only. Always follow local food safety guidelines and do what works best for your household.

eggs

12/28/2025

So, turns out cats don't eat uncontrollably - unlike dogs.

Cats only eat when they need to. This makes it way easier to go out of town for the weekend while they have enough food!

12/27/2025

How to keep cats safe from predetors n the winter? HonestlyWinter changes everything.

Years ago, we lost barn cats to predators once the weather turned cold. Food gets scarce, predators get bold, and mistakes happen fast. That experience forced us to rethink how we manage our animals in the winter.

Now, once temperatures drop near freezing, our barn cats stay locked inside unless we’re outside with them. It’s a simple change, but it has made a big difference.
Predators are hungrier in winter. They take more risks. And barn cats are especially vulnerable if they’re left out overnight.

This isn’t fear-based advice. It’s hard-earned experience.

If you keep barn cats, outdoor cats, or farm animals, winter safety matters more than most people realize.

12/27/2025

How to keep cats safe from predators n the winter?

Honestly,Winter changes everything.

Years ago, we lost barn cats to predators once the weather turned cold. Food gets scarce and predators get bold.That experience forced us to rethink how we manage our animals in the winter.

Now, once temperatures drop near freezing, our barn cats stay locked inside unless we’re outside with them. It’s a simple change, but it has made a big difference.
Predators are hungrier in winter. They take more risks. And barn cats are especially vulnerable if they’re left out overnight.

This isn’t fear-based advice. It’s hard-earned experience.

If you keep barn cats, outdoor cats, or farm animals, winter safety matters more than most people realize.

12/27/2025

If you’re dealing with mice, especially in winter, you don’t always need poison or traps.

These are three natural ways to deter mice that focus on prevention:
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic
• Hanging food off the ground

Mice go where food is easy. Remove access, add natural deterrents, and you can drastically reduce activity over time.

This works well in chicken coops, garages, sheds, and barns—anywhere feed or grain is stored.

Simple changes like this can save you a lot of frustration.

farmlife simpleliving rurallife

12/26/2025

If you’re raising chickens, your nesting box design matters more than most people realize.

This is my favorite nesting box style because it hinges down from the side. That simple detail makes cleaning fast, easy, and way less frustrating. Bedding slides right out, eggs are easy to access, and there’s no awkward reaching or mess falling back into the box.

Most nesting boxes hinge from the front or top. They work, but once things get dirty, they’re harder to clean and maintain. Over time, that leads to messier boxes and more work.

Small design choices like this make a huge difference when you’re cleaning a coop regularly. Less effort means better habits, and better habits mean healthier birds.

chickenkeeping coopdesign farmlife simpleliving homesteadingtips

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