Smitty's Little Farm Journals, Articles & Guides

At Smitty's Little Farm we take pride in sharing information, including what we know as herbalists and how we can help. Below you'll find the listings for each of our constantly growing Journals section, all with an amazing amount of information, including images and detailed "how-to's." If you ever have any questions or need any clarification, please don't hesitate to call/text/email or visit with us at our Delta Farmers Market & Bazaar booth. We're always glad to help!

The Smitty's Little Farm Field JournalResearch & tips about plants, gardening, foraging and the botanicals we use.▶

• Beginner's Guide to Growing Herbs
• The First Flowers of Spring ~ Early Blooms & Pollinators on the Western Slope
• Why Skin Feels So Dry on the Western Slope And How Plants Help Protect It
• Safe Herbs for Dogs & Their Traditional Benefits
• 10 Common Backyard Plants That Are Dangerous for Dogs
• Why Many People Prefer Natural Products, and Why They Often Cost More
• The First Flowers of Spring: Early Blooms and Pollinators on Colorado's Western Slope

The Western Slope Skincare SeriesThe science behind Western Slope skincare, high altitude sun, and preparations to keep your skin hydrated and beautiful.▶

• Living on the Western Slope (and What It Means for Our Skin)
• Why High Altitude Sun Ages Skin Faster (And How to Protect It Naturally)
• How To Patch Test Skin
• Why Western Colorado Destroys Your Skin And What Actually Helps
• Skin Type Glossary & Facts
• Routine Builder ~ Build a Simple Ritual for Your Skin
• Understanding Comedogenic Values
• Western Slope Sun & Your Skin
• Why Dry Climates Challenge the Skin & How to Protect It Naturally
• How Wind Damages Skin
• The Truth About Sun Exposure at Elevation
• Why Winter Skin Gets So Rough
• An Easy Western Slope Skin Routine
• Spring Skin on the Western Slope: A Simple Botanical Routine for Wind, Sun & Dry Air
• Why Your Skin Changes ~ and It's Not Just the Weather
• Wind in Your Hair, Sun on Your Face: Skincare for the Ride

The Old Ways of Root & LeafLore, historical significance and ancient knowledge of herbs, oils and botanical ingredients.▶

• Welcome to The Old Ways of Root & Leaf
• The Herbs That Remember Us - Part I
• The Herbs That Remember Us - Part II
• The Herbs That Remember Us - Part III
• The Herbs That Remember Us - Part IV
• ROOTS AND LEAVES THEMSELVES ALONE ~ Walt Whitman, "Leaves of Grass", 1881
• The Ancient Art of Herbal Bathing
• The Village Witch and the Apothecary ~ A Small Historical Amusement
• The Traveling Herbal Peddlers of Early America
• Why Medieval Herb Gardens Were Planted Beside Kitchens
• Why Rosemary Hung Above Cottage Doors
• The Surprising Truth About "Witches' Gardens"
• Why Lavender Was Stuffed Into Mattresses in Old Europe
• The Herb That Medieval Students Wore in Their Hair
• Why Garlic Hung in So Many Cottage Windows
• The Original Meaning of a "Kitchen Witch"
• Why Monks Became Europe's Herbalists
• The Herb Gardens That Saved Medicine After Rome Fell

The Apothecary NotebookExploring the oils, herbs, waxes, resins, and ingredients traditionally found in an old apothecary shop.▶

• How Long Do Herbal Skincare Products Stay Fresh?
• Magnesium Matters: What It Is & the Common Types
• The Oils That Carry Everything: A Closer Look at Beneficial Carrier Oils in Botanical Skincare
• The Fragrant Heart of Botanical Skincare: Common Essential Oils, Their Traditional Uses, and Why They Matter
• Why Natural Products Vary: The Honest Beauty of Botanical Ingredients
• The Quiet Science of Spoilage
• How to Help Preserve Your Smitty's Little Farm Natural Products

The Old Herbs of the ApothecaryExamine the herbs that are used every day, entrusted to perform as they have for centuries, and how it came to be that certain herbs are used all around the World.▶

• Calendula ~ The Skin Soother
• Plantain ~ The Field Healer
• Dandelion ~ The Persistent Healer
• Comfrey ~ The Bone-Knit Herb
• Yarrow ~ The Warrior's Herb
• Mullein ~ The Keeper of the Lungs
• Stinging Nettle ~ The Strengthening Herb
• Arnica ~ The Bruise Herb

Trees & Shrubs of the Western SlopeGrowing, harvesting and usage information on many of the trees that grow on the Colorado Western Slope and the area's high country.▶

• Cottonwood ~ Shade Beside the Water
• Serviceberry ~ Sweetness at the Edge of Spring
• Wild Rose ~ Beauty with Thorns
• Chokecherry ~ Dark Fruit on the Fence Line
• Juniper ~ Wild Spice of the Western Slope

Wildflowers of the Colorado Western SlopeA gathering of botanical information about the wild & native plants that live with us here on the Western Slope.▶

• Wildflowers of the Western Slope ~ The Introduction
• Arrowleaf Balsamroot ~ The Hillside Sun
• Blanket Flower ~ The Heat Keeper
• Indian Paintbrush ~ The Flame on the Hillside
• Lupine ~ Blue on the High Meadow
• Columbine ~ The Mountain Dancer
• Evening Primrose ~ Light at Dusk
• Penstemon ~ Bells on the Dry Wind
• Rocky Mountain Iris ~ Silk in the Mountain Grass
• Scarlet Gilia ~ Ember in the Open Air
• Blue Flax ~ Sky Scattered in the Grass
• Sulphur Flower Buckwheat ~ Gold on the Dry Stone
• Showy Milkweed ~ Silk and Shelter on the Open Ground
• Larkspur ~ Blue Fire on the High Meadow
• Yarrow ~ White Fire in the Field

The Time Honored Apothecary ~ What's on the Shelf?This section explores old-world ingredients that were used for centuries and are still in use today.▶

• Tallow ~ The Original Skin Balm
• Beeswax ~ The Keeper of Moisture
• Lard ~ The Forgotten Softener
• Lanolin ~ The Shepherd's Balm
• Honey ~ The Preserver
• Castor Oil ~ The Deep Draw
• Olive Oil ~ The Foundation Oil
• Coconut Oil ~ The Tropical Oil

Plants of Power: Herbs of Folklore, Magic & the Old TraditionsThis series explores the history, symbolism, and folklore surrounding certain plants believed to carry unusual influence over the unseen world.▶

• The Witch's Garden: Plants Once Feared & Revered
• Mandrake: The Root of Legends
• Belladonna: The Beautiful Poison
• Henbane: The Herb of Prophecy
• Wolfsbane: The Plant of Myth & Shadow
• Mugwort: The Herb of Dreams
• Plants of Protection: Herbs That Guarded the Home

Exploring Historical Plant Magic ~ The history & usage of natural ingredients used in witchcraftThrough the years, many have used plants to attain magical outcomes. This section explores this use of plants, oils, and other natural & mystical ingredients.▶

• Articles coming soon.

Documented Plant Traditions of Native American Tribes of the Plains, Southwest & WestShared in honor of Native People of the Plains, Southwest & West whose deep knowledge of the land & its plants shaped the history of this region.▶

• Traditional Native American Skin Care Practices
• Cottonwood Buds: The Balm of the Plains, West & Southwest
• Yucca: Nature's Original Soap
• The Plants of Healing: Traditional Skin Remedies of the Plains and Desert Southwest
• Red Earth: Clay, Ochre, and Natural Sun Protection

Natural Pet Care for Real LifePractical, honest pet care for dogs and cats — simple ingredients, safe choices, and real-life routines for Western Slope animals.▶

• Natural Pet Care for Real Life ~ Why Simple Ingredients Matter for Dogs and Cats
• Reading Pet Product Labels Without Losing Your Mind
• The Farm Apothecary Guide to Dry Dog Paws
• Cats Are Not Small Dogs: Why Natural Cat Care Needs Extra Care
• Homemade Dog Treats: Simple Pantry Ingredients, Smarter Snacks with Recipes!
• Beyond Cat Treats ~ Why Everyday Nutrition Matters