Alley cropping is a hot topic in agroforestry and permaculture. Unfortunately, the name doesn't do a great job of explaining what it is. So what is alley cropping and how can you implement it on your homestead? Alley cropping is an agricultural method where annual crops are planted in between rows of trees or other…
Composting in the winter comes with unique difficulties, but it can be done effectively. By understanding how the composting process works, knowing the challenges of composting in colder temperatures, and following a few practices, you can keep composting right through the colder months of your climate. Challenges Of Composting In The Winter Composting in winter…
Regardless of your climate zone, if you experience winter, this guide will help you get a head start on your gardening. In this article, I'm focusing on seeds you can start in January indoors. Don't worry too much about last frost dates; with a few tricks like low tunnels, greenhouses, or even a simple milk…
Raised beds are a unique way to grow vegetables or flowers and have recently become more popular as many people have less space in their yards. However, it is important to choose the right kind of soil to ensure healthy plants. An ideal soil mix for raised beds combines topsoil, compost, and some of the…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold talks with Brad and Starla Walker about their journey into homesteading, healthy eating, large families and a multigenerational perspective, the role their faith plays in homesteading, and their elderberry business. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 229 – November 29, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Brad and…
Vegetable gardening is a rewarding and environmentally friendly hobby that allows you to cultivate fresh, organic produce right in your backyard. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, having the right knowledge and resources can make all the difference in the success of your garden. In this blog post, I will introduce you to…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold talks with Marjory Wildcraft about preparedness, food security, and overcoming the biggest hurdles to growing your own food. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 228 – November 15, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Marjory Wildcraft is the founder of The Grow Network, which is a community of…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold talks with Sophia Nguyen Eng about her family's journey into homesteading, including leaving Silicon Valley to move to the Appalachian Mountains, going back to their roots in food and farming, and growing and cooking nutrient-dense foods using Asian techniques. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 227 –…
On this podcast episode, Harold talks with Bevin Cohen about homestead-level seed and nut oil production, how it's done, and the many beneficial uses of the oil and the byproducts of the process. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 226 – November 1, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Bevin is an author, herbalist, podcast host, and…
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak on three different topics at the 2nd Annual Indiana Homesteading Conference at the Marion County Fairgrounds, October 21-22, 2023. It was encouraging to see so many people interested in becoming more self-sufficient and desire to take charge of their family's food supply. My first session was about Urban…
On today’s podcast episode, Harold and Rachel talk about the apple harvest and all the ways they are processing and preserving the harvest. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 224 – October 18, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Hello and welcome to the Modern Homesteading Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of apple…
Embracing Curiosity and Boldness In a book club that I’m part of, we are reading “The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach” by Ben Falk, and a particular quote struck a chord with me. It reads, “Inaction quickly consumes a lifetime, be curious, be bold, pay close attention to…
