Minimize Inputs With Ecological Soil and Habitat Building Systems: Guest Helen Atthowe

On Today's Podcast Episode Harold Has A Conversation With Helen Atthowe about Systems Thinking To Balance Profitable Yields With Minimum Soil Disturbance, Soil-Building For Microbial Abundance and Diversity, and Habitat Building For Natural Enemies and Enhanced Biological Control. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 208 – June 19, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Helen has worked…

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June 19, 2023

Product Reviews

Review Of The “Garden Master Course” – Learn To Grow Beyond Organic

After completing the 17-Video, 35-hour Garden Master Course, and 232-page accompanying eBook from Permies, I have a few things to say about it. Here is a brief review of the course and ultimately my recommendation to anyone who wants to learn to grow beyond organic. What Is The Garden Master Course? About The Instructor Pros…

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June 19, 2023

Product Reviews

The Hoss Stirrup Hoe: Tackling Garden Weeds With Ease

The Hoss Stirrup Hoe is a versatile and efficient gardening tool designed to make weeding an effortless task. It's built to last a lifetime and is highly functional, making it a great tool for a wide range of garden applications. Design and Construction The Hoss Stirrup Hoe is made in the USA and features a…

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June 7, 2023

Book Reviews

Weeds and What They Tell Us by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer

"Weeds and What They Tell Us" by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer is a compact guide that aims to provide a thorough understanding of the types of plants commonly known as weeds, their growth patterns, and their relation to soil health. The book presents both theoretical and practical aspects of combating weeds, making it a versatile resource…

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June 7, 2023

The Modern Homesteading Podcast

Homesteading For The Enjoyment Of The Lifestyle: Guest Mandy Roth

On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold has a conversation with Mandy Roth of Evergreen Winds Homestead about her homestead, the things she and her family are doing, and the reasons she is doing it. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 206 – June 7, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Embracing Homesteading: A Conversation with Mandy Roth on…

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June 7, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

The 7 Best Tools for Weeding Your Vegetable Garden

Maintaining a pristine and productive garden is a labor of love, requiring patience, dedication, and the right tools for the job. When it comes to weeding, it's crucial to have efficient equipment that can help you remove unwanted plants quickly and effectively without causing damage to the plants you want to keep. Here's a detailed…

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June 6, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

Watering Your Vegetable Garden: How Much and How Often

Successful vegetable gardening is much more than just planting seeds and waiting for a bountiful harvest. Among the many factors that determine a healthy, productive garden, proper watering habits stand out as a fundamental necessity. This article will offer guidance on how often and how much to water your vegetable garden, the specific needs of…

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June 2, 2023

The Modern Homesteading Podcast

Off Grid Living, Restoring Land, and Transforming Conventional Farms To Regenerative Farms: Guest Eddy Garcia

On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold has a conversation with Eddy Garcia of Living Earth Systems about his journey into off-grid living and regenerative agriculture. We also dive into methods for transforming a conventional farm into a profitable and productive regenerative farm quickly. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 205 – June 1, 2023 Listen To The…

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June 1, 2023

Product Reviews

Oligei Plastic Plant Support Clips: My Favorite Clips For Growing Vertically

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned green thumb, the right gardening tools can make a world of difference in your experience. With the myriad of products available, it can be challenging to identify the best resources that can help your plants thrive. The Oligei Plastic Plant Support Clips have been marketed as an essential…

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May 25, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

What Livestock Can You Raise On An Urban or Suburban Homestead?

Urban homesteading is a movement on the rise, with many city-dwelling individuals and families eager to adopt more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyles. This interest often extends to raising livestock. However, there are several challenges and considerations to keep in mind, from legal regulations to space limitations. So what livestock, if any, can you raise on an…

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May 25, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

Urban and Suburban Homesteading: It’s Popular But Is It Worth It?

In a rapidly urbanizing world, many are seeking to reclaim control over their lives through the practice of urban and suburban homesteading. Despite potential challenges such as limited space and complex regulations, this way of life has numerous merits, demonstrating that it is indeed worth the effort. What is Urban and Suburban Homesteading? At its…

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May 23, 2023

The Modern Homesteading Podcast

Garden Is Planted, Now What? Weeding, Watering, and Watching

On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel Discuss What To Do After The Garden Is Planted; Such As Weeding, Watering, and Watching For Things Like Nutrient Deficiencies, Insect Pressure, and Disease Issues. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 203 – May 23, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Nurturing Your Garden: Post-Planting Care and Maintenance In this…

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May 23, 2023

Support the work of Redemption Permaculture at the Small Town Homestead and the Modern Homesteading Podcast

Yew on The Benefits Of Urine In Permaculture
How often can urine be used on plants? Is there any other uses for urine? I'm thinking I will have…
Elaine on Honey Locust vs Black Locust: What’s The Difference Between Both
Thanks! I was about to go check Sam's book because I was sure I ate a whole bunch of the…
Lori on Is Purslane a Friend or Foe of the Garden?
Purslane is easy to grow and tasty! I recommend it highly to folks looking for new goodies to add to…
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You ve got me hooked. thank you so much for sharing your education with the world. You are a good…
Nadya on Jostaberry: A Homesteader’s Dream Berry for Permaculture Gardens
Thank you for this lovely overview. I was delighted to find a Jostaberry at our Edible Landscaping of Yamhill Co.…

Lessons from the Hive
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Today I spent some time watching the activity around my honey bee hive. It seemed like every bee had a purpose. Some were leaving the hive in search of nectar and pollen. Others were returning with their legs covered in golden pollen. There was a constant flow of movement—busy, organized, and productive.

As I stood there watching, I was reminded that none of those bees were working for immediate reward. They weren't gathering nectar to enjoy it that afternoon. They were working for something larger than themselves. Every trip, every flower visited, every load carried was contributing to the health and future of the hive.

It made me think about my own life.

So much of what I do on the homestead feels like that. Planting seeds. Building soil. Repairing fences. Pruning fruit trees. Many of these tasks don't produce immediate results. They require faith that the effort invested today will bear fruit tomorrow.

The Christian life is often the same.

Galatians 6:9 reminds me not to grow weary in doing good. Sometimes I want to see results right away. I want the garden to grow faster, the project to be finished sooner, or the answer to prayer to come immediately. But God often works through seasons of patient faithfulness.

The bees don't quit because they haven't made honey yet. They continue their work day after day, trusting the process God designed for them. Likewise, God calls me to remain faithful in the work He has given me, trusting that in His timing there will be a harvest.

Watching that hive today reminded me that small acts of obedience matter. A prayer offered. A kind word spoken. A task completed. A seed planted. None of it is wasted when it is done for the Lord.

One day, the harvest comes. The honey is stored. The fruit ripens. The prayers are answered. But until then, God calls me to keep working faithfully.

Reflection Questions
- Am I growing weary in an area where God is calling me to remain faithful?
- What "small acts" of obedience might God be using to accomplish something much larger?
- Where do I need to trust God's timing instead of demanding immediate results?
Prayer

Lord, thank You for the lessons You teach through Your creation. As I watched the bees today, remind me that faithfulness matters even when results are not immediately visible. Help me to work diligently in the tasks You have given me and trust that You are bringing a harvest in Your perfect timing. Keep me from growing weary and strengthen me to continue doing good. Amen.