Small yards are not an excuse to not pursue your homesteading dreams. You can do a lot in a small space and in an urban environment. This property tour is about 5 years into our homesteading journey, recorded in 2018, and even though we are several years past this now, it shows the possibilities. Watch…
When we talk about homesteading in today's context, we generally mean it very differently than the word has been traditionally used. In today's context, it might be better to identify the term as modern homesteading. Modern Homesteading is the pursuit of self-sufficiency and sustainability by adding certain components and acquiring and applying knowledge and skills…
In my opinion, no permaculture homestead is complete without an orchard. Some of my fondest memories as a kid were centered around my grandparent’s and my parent’s orchard. Being able to go out and pick the fruit of your choice for a snack at any time was a great treat, sticky faces, and stained hands.…
A bare-root plant is usually a perennial plant that has been removed from the ground in dormancy and the soil is removed from the roots. Bushes and trees are commonly sold this way especially when purchased online and shipped. Plants such as strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus are also common and beneficial to purchase as bare-root…
When it comes to cover crops, one of my favorite plants to grow is Hairy Vetch. This plant has a few great qualities about it that make it useful on the permaculture homestead. Here's how you can make the most out of this wonderful plant. What Is Hairy Vetch? Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is…
Aquaculture at its core, is simply the practice of farming aquatic plants and animals, like fish, in water-based environments. If you're familiar with permaculture, you already know it's about creating sustainable, resilient systems that work with nature rather than against it. Well, aquaculture fits beautifully into that picture! Let’s dive into what aquaculture is, and…
If you've ever pondered over starting a vegetable garden but felt overwhelmed by the options, you've come to the right place. Let's chat about annual garden plants, specifically vegetables, and explore why they're a fantastic choice for gardeners of all levels. Grab a cup of tea (or get those gardening gloves ready), and let's dive…
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Ever wondered why some plants just don't seem to thrive no matter how much you pamper them? The secret might be right under your feet—literally. Let's dive into the world of soil aeration and uncover why it's the unsung hero of a flourishing garden. What is Soil Aeration? Soil aeration…
The term biomass, in general, refers to using plant and animal material to produce energy usually in the form of electricity or heat. When The Term Is Used In Permaculture Applications Biomass Has An Extended Meaning. Biomass still refers to the organic material produced by plants and animals but permaculture recognizes the energy produced as…
Known as "The Father of Permaculture" Born: May 4, 1928 - Died: September 24 2016 Bill Mollison was an Australian researcher, author, scientist, teacher and biologist. He founded The Permaculture Institute in Tasmania, and created the education system to train others under the umbrella of permaculture. His key works on permaculture formed the basis for…
Based on theory or anecdotal evidence, not science, the idea is that certain plants that accumulate high concentrations of minerals in their tissue release those nutrients back into the soil when they die back on the soil surface. Example: Comfrey is a plant that is often given this distinction based on the belief that its…
Ok, so these 7 things are ways for anyone to make money but these are definitely something a young person can do for some extra cash. Children are the future, nothing profound about that statement but true nonetheless. Because they are the future, we want to raise them to be as prepared and skilled as…
There are three main ways you can improve the soil in a garden bed, You can use organic mulches to cover the bed, work in soil amendments or you can grow cover crops. All of these methods work well and each has its advantages but cover cropping garden beds seems to be the one people…
If you’re like me you like to make use of as many places as possible in your yard to grow food but what do you do when you have a shady spot where plants won’t grow very well? Why not grow some mushrooms! https://youtu.be/iiar3sDNpOM Make Use Of A Shady Spot For a long time, I…
When you take the time to sit down and watch a little TV, why not fill that time with Inspiration, Motivation, and Education by watching a great documentary about permaculture and homesteading. National Geographic isn't the only one that can make a great documentary, many independent filmmakers on this list have changed lives with their…
Have you ever wanted to get started with aquaponics but maybe you thought it looked a little difficult or weren’t sure where to start? Well, I hope this post can convince you to build one and reap the benefits. Here is how to build a simple and inexpensive chop and flip aquaponics system using an…
When you can't grow a garden outside for whatever reason, perhaps you have no land or it's the dead of winter, you can still have fresh homegrown vegetables by setting up an indoor fish tank aquaponics system. Aquaponics is a sustainable form of agriculture that combines raising fish and growing plants. The nutrient-rich water created…
When I was growing up on a homestead we always had pigs and I guess I took for granted just how important they were to our family and our property. Pigs are a great permaculture homestead animal but there are a few things you should know before you get started. A few things you need…
Early on in my gardening journey, I noticed something strange happening to my tomatoes which caused me to do a lot of research. Since then it is a question I get all the time from beginner gardeners and that question is, “Why do my tomatoes split, and what can I do to prevent it?” There…
Growing a garden in raised beds has many benefits but can sometimes be a little costly depending on what you build them out of. I’m all about being frugal and using what I have or what I can get cheap or free for my homestead projects, and pallets seem to be one of those things…
