I believe every homestead should be composting in some way if they are growing any food in the soil. Turning organic matter into a valuable garden amendment makes sense for the environment, for your health, and for your bank account. "Nature demands a gift for everything that it gives, so what we have to keep…
When it comes to growing an abundance of berries on your homestead, or as I like to call it, "building your own nature's candy factory," there are a few things to consider like what to grow, how much to grow, where to grow them, and how to maintain them. Even after taking all these things…
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…
