Jamie Moreno

That’s an interesting question! Organic corn, especially if it's an older cultivar, can sometimes have a slightly higher nutrient profile, but the protein difference between organic and conventional corn isn’t usually that significant. Modern corn varieties, whether organic or inorganic, tend to hover around the same protein levels—usually in the range of 6-9%. It could be worth looking into specific organic seed varieties though, as some farmers do grow corn with different nutrient profiles. I often use barley grass powder together with corn to keep the amount of vitamins in the norm

I get why you’re disappointed—stinging nettle has so many cool uses! Unfortunately, horsenettle doesn’t have the same range of benefits.
Redeeming qualities? Well, horsenettle has a few, but they’re pretty limited compared to stinging nettle.
It can provide habitat and food for some wildlife, though it's not as beneficial as other plants.
Some traditional uses exist, but they’re less well-documented and less effective compared to other herbs. It’s not known to help with arthritis, and it definitely doesn’t have the beneficial properties of true nettle.
Its spiny leaves can act as a deterrent to some pests, though this is a bit of a stretch.
It doesn’t stop stinging when wilted like true nettle does. The plant is toxic, and it’s generally best to avoid handling or consuming it.
watch this video about horse nettle  

In the story from the dog kennel, the removal of snakes led to an unexpected rate explosion, highlighting how important these reptiles are in controlling rodent populations. It’s a classic case of unintended consequences when we disrupt natural predator-prey relationships.For gardeners, having snakes around can be a real boon. They keep the rodent populations in check, preventing these pests from wreaking havoc on your vegetable garden. Grass snakes, like the one you spotted, are especially beneficial since they’re not aggressive toward humans and help manage smaller rodents and insects.As for vipers, while their venom can be dangerous, they typically prefer to avoid humans and use their venom primarily for hunting rather than defense. The chance of a serious bite is low if you’re careful and respectful of their space

Make sure the system suits your climate—if you’re in a sunny spot, it’s a great fit. For areas with less sun, you might need a backup heating method. Also, you’ll need a well-insulated tank to keep the water hot.
And if you’re looking to make your home even more sustainable, consider adding greywater systems, passive solar design, or energy-efficient building materials. Collecting rainwater and installing green roofs can also be cool additions.It’s awesome that you’re thinking about integrating these features into your dream home. It’s all about making a place that’s both comfy and kind to the planet. Good luck with your project I think this video might be useful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_3gK83bePQ

Siberian elm could potentially be used for tree hay, but there's not a lot of specific info out there about it. Since you’re already making tree hay from willows, you’d probably follow a similar process. The leaves are eaten by goats, so they might be okay for your cows and chickens too. Just make sure you dry and store the elm properly to keep it from going bad.It might be a good idea to test it out with a small batch first and see how your animals like it. Keep an eye on them for any issues. If you’re unsure, it could be helpful to chat with a local expert or nutritionist to get some advice.  If possible, consult with a local agricultural extension office or a livestock nutritionist to get more tailored advice and ensure that the feed meets the dietary needs of your animals.

The density plays a big role because denser woods generally have tighter cell structures, which can make them more resistant to rot and fungal invasion. The extractives are like natural preservatives that can fend off pests and fungi, but without the density, even the best extractives might not fully protect the wood from decay.
Regarding your sawdust idea, density would indeed matter. Denser sawdust might be less prone to quick decomposition compared to lighter, less dense sawdust. Pine, maple, and white oak have different densities, so their sawdust would likely decompose at different rates. Pine is lighter and tends to break down faster, while maple and white oak are denser and might resist decay longer. If you’re experimenting with sawdust for things like insulation or fillers, considering these differences could definitely impact the effectiveness and longevity of your projects.

So, for a WOFATI earth roof, keeping that dirt from sliding off is all about the layers and proper drainage. The key is to use a combination of materials and techniques. You’ll want a solid, waterproof membrane at the base to prevent leaks, and then a layer of coarse material like gravel or broken bricks to help with drainage and prevent erosion. Above that, you can add your dirt and wood duff. Make sure you create a slight pitch or slope to encourage water to drain away rather than pool. Adding some erosion control mats or planting ground cover can also help stabilize the dirt and keep it from sliding off. It’s all about layering and making sure everything’s properly secured and drained!

That sounds like a tricky situation. From what I understand, your frame being 8' wide while the trailer is 100" means you've got an extra 2" on each side. If your plans were meant for a 96" wide frame, then your friend's right—the frame should ideally match the trailer's width to fit properly. Since you’ve already built some walls, you might not need to start over. One option is to add some additional framing to fill the gap and make the sides of your trailer flush with the frame. This way, you won’t need to scrap your existing work or buy new plans. Just make sure whatever adjustments you make are solid and secure to keep everything aligned and safe.

It looks really good, I like to watch the construction process

I haven’t tried them myself, but I’ve heard some buzz about how they work. Basically, they’re supposed to heat up your room by radiating warmth, kinda like your big mass stove but without all the hassle. Installation might be a bit of a project, but if you’re looking for an easier way to stay warm, it could be worth it. Maybe check out some reviews or talk to folks who’ve actually installed them to get the lowdown on how they perform and if they’re worth the investment for you and your wife. I have heard that the house can be well optimized for heat distribution in order to save on energy costs, I think such windows can help in this