Why and How to Plant Jerusalem Artichokes in Your Food Forest

If you are looking for an easy to grow, colorful, and nutrient rich plant to add to your food forest then Jerusalem artichoke, also known as Sunchoke, is exactly what you need. Jerusalem artichoke can be harvested for its tubers which can be cooked up like potatoes and provide iron, vitamins, and other health benefits,…

5 Common Rainwater Harvesting Problems and How To Fix Them

Harvesting rainwater is an excellent practice for any homestead, but rainwater collection systems aren't without problems. However, there are many solutions to the common issues. 1. Algae Buildup In Water Catchment Here are some steps to address algae buildup in a water catchment system: Increase water circulation Algae thrive in still, warm water. Increasing water…

8 Reasons Why Permaculture Is Sustainable Farming

Growing more food on less land, with more people involved, is an excellent way to bring people together from different regions all over the world and to also learn about how we can grow our food in a way that restores our health and also the health of the landscape. Permaculture is a holistic design…

21 Common Seed Starting Questions From First Time Gardeners

With summer right around the corner, many people consider planting their own garden to grow and nurture during the warmer months. While many plants can be bought in stores, it can be just as fun, if not more rewarding, and certainly cheaper to plant your seeds from scratch and grow them yourself. Planting seeds can be…

Permaculture Quotes To Inspire and Motivate

It has been my experience that passion and inspiration can motivate you and take you a long way. That's not to say that knowledge and skill aren't important, but rather are the tools that require the fuel that drive them. Quotes can be that fuel! They can create a spark that can start a fire…

9 Great Reasons To Raise Quail On Your Homestead

Raising small livestock on a homestead can have many advantages over large livestock, especially on an urban or suburban farm. Of all the livestock I've raised, Coturnix Quail are my favorite for a lot of reasons. Here Are 9 Reasons You Might Want To Start Raising Coturnix Quail 1. Raising Quail Has A Small Footprint…

5 Tips For Permaculture Design Near A Septic System

A septic system is often considered a taboo area that is best left alone and not featured in your garden planning. However, utilizing this area of your property is not only useful and part of the permaculture ethos, but it can also be beneficial to the septic system. We have some tips you can implement…

A Modern Homesteader’s Poem

Reflections On The Pursuit Of Modern Homesteading by Harold Thornbro Busy commutes, demands of a job,Freedom and peace, these things do rob.Long hours away, little time at home,Can things be better? Must I be owned?Is there an answer? Can I escape?It seems there’s a way but a new life I must shape.Getting back to the…

8 Reasons Why Organic Soil Is Better

Think of the soil in your garden as a living, breathing, dynamic ecosystem. For soil to be healthy, it requires microorganisms, earthworms, etc., to break down the decaying plant and animal matter into nutrients and other minerals. Organic matter like mulch, manure, and compost are used to turn sandy soil into rich organic soil packed…

Pollarding and Coppicing Trees and Shrubs (Why and How)

Pollarding and Coppicing techniques are very similar but achieve slightly different goals. Each involves a method of pruning which ultimately results in more growth over time and shapes the tree in the desired way. What Is Coppicing? Coppicing is a very traditional method used to manage woodland areas. It is done by trimming the tree…

8 Great Chainsaws For Homesteading You Can Get On Amazon

Working the homestead can be physically taxing but fulfilling. There’s something about shaping your lived environment that makes you feel well integrated where you live. But the work gets to be backbreaking. Picking the right tools can save hours of fruitless frustration. The best chainsaws for homesteading are chosen according to the homesteader's vegetation and…

10 Reasons To Start Homesteading Now, Right Where You Are

Homesteading is a dream for many people but most are waiting because they either haven't thought through the many benefits of homesteading or they think they can't do it where they are. Well, here are 10 reasons you should start homesteading right now, right where you are. Back in March of 2018, I recorded episode…

How To Make And Use Leaf Mold For Better Soil

The leaves are covering the homestead and as an act of good stewardship, you're wondering what's the best thing to do with them all. Have you ever made leaf mold (leaf mould for our non U.S. friends)? So what is leaf mold, and how do you make it, and use it? Leaf Mold or Mould…

12 Easy Ways To Keep Rabbits Out Of Your Organic Garden

Rabbits can be very cute and charming creatures…until they get into your garden and eat all the fruits and vegetables that you’ve worked so hard to grow. You can keep rabbits out of your garden with a combination of physical barriers, adding plants that rabbits tend to avoid, and removing any elements around your garden…