Growing your own food means that you will always know what you are eating, where the food has come from, and that the produce is toxin-free! These days there are so many ways that you can grow your own produce, from caring for a few small pots on your balcony to running a farm or…
The food forest is a relatively new concept in the United States, and many people think that forests and food forests are the same. So, what is the difference between a forest and a food forest? Food forests are man-made forests that are specifically made to grow food. They have 8 layers and are designed…
Often when I have tried to quickly explain to someone what a swale is a question sometimes gets asked: "what's the difference between a swale and a ditch?" Swales and ditches are similar in a few ways, it is often said about swales that they are ditches on contour. That is true but this fact…
f you're anything like me then you find books to be a great source of education and inspiration. That's why I keep my shelves full of great books. Here is a list of 21 great permaculture books that will help you take your permaculture homestead to a whole new level.
A backyard food forest can be a wonderful long-term addition to any permaculture homestead. However, many avoid starting one because they believe it will take too long to establish and obtain a productive yield. So how long does it take to grow a food forest? For a food forest to reach full maturity at every…
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…
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.…
Aquaculture is the production of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic plants, and algae for food and other purposes. When implemented into a permaculture system a controlled aquaculture system can work to provide benefits for many parts of the design. Some examples would be; fish for food, fish waste for plant nutrients, and…
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…
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…
A few years ago when I started homesteading I had no idea what permaculture was, I was simply growing a few vegetables in some raised beds, planting a couple of fruit trees, and raising a few rabbits. Then permaculture came into my life and it changed everything about the way I was homesteading. Everything I…
