A Year on the Homestead: Weekly Insights, Tips, and Projects

This Week On The Homestead – Week 20

This week, focus on building resilience in your garden through polyculture. By planting a variety of species together, you can create a system that’s more resistant to pests and disease, all while increasing yields.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 19

This week, focus on improving your garden’s water storage capacity. From rain barrels to ponds, water catchment systems are essential for ensuring your garden has enough moisture throughout the hot months.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 18

As your garden starts to grow, it’s important to think about biodiversity. This week, focus on incorporating a wider variety of plants and animals into your system, supporting a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 17

This week, as the temperature rises, it’s a good time to focus on natural pest control methods. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting flowers such as marigolds and dill, reducing your reliance on chemical pesticides.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 16

April showers bring more than just May flowers—they can also bring the risk of soil erosion. This week, explore strategies for preventing erosion, such as using ground covers and building swales to manage water flow.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 15

Spring is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to establish a pollinator garden. By planting native flowers, you can support local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds while boosting your garden’s productivity.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 14

With warmer days ahead, it’s time to focus on building healthy soil. Mulching not only suppresses weeds but also retains moisture and fosters the microbial life that’s vital to a thriving permaculture garden.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 13

As spring settles in, think about starting a compost tea regimen to boost plant health. Compost tea delivers a nutrient-rich solution directly to the soil, enhancing microbial life and promoting vigorous growth. - Learn more about compost tea

This Week On The Homestead – Week 12

This week, let’s dive into the art of permaculture zones. By strategically placing elements in your garden according to how frequently you use them, you can create a more efficient and sustainable design.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 11

The first signs of spring are appearing, and depending on where you live it might be the time to sow cool-weather crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce. These hardy plants can thrive in the unpredictable weather of early spring.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 10

As you start seedlings indoors, consider experimenting with heirloom varieties. Not only are these plants often hardier and more flavorful, but saving their seeds also helps preserve genetic diversity in your garden.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 9

This week, explore the benefits of creating microclimates in your garden. By using natural elements like rocks, water features, and trees, you can moderate temperature extremes and protect more sensitive plants from harsh weather.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 8

As winter begins to thaw, now is the ideal time to check in on your perennial plants. Prune fruit trees, clean up dead growth, and assess the health of your soil. Early spring maintenance is key to a thriving garden.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 7

Permaculture isn't just about plants—it's about creating a sustainable, self-sufficient system. This week, look into water conservation techniques such as rainwater harvesting and swales, preparing your garden for efficient water use in the upcoming growing season.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 6

Let’s focus on using winter downtime to sharpen your tools and improve your infrastructure. Properly maintained tools make garden tasks more efficient and will last longer, saving resources in the long run.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 5

With frost still on the ground, it’s time to explore the concept of food forests. By integrating trees, shrubs, and perennials into your garden, you can create a resilient system that mimics natural ecosystems and provide abundance for your homestead.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 4

With snow on the ground (depending on where you live), now is an excellent time to research the best companion planting strategies. By grouping beneficial plants together, you can boost your garden’s resilience and reduce pest pressure in the coming seasons.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 3

As the days slowly start to lengthen, consider focusing on planning perennial guilds. These plant combinations mimic natural ecosystems, reducing the need for external inputs while improving the health of your garden.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 2

Winter is a time for reflection and planning. Now is the perfect moment to dig into seed catalogs and research the best varieties for your local climate. Consider native plants that require fewer inputs and foster biodiversity.

This Week On The Homestead – Week 1

The new year offers a fresh start in the garden. This week, focus on designing your permaculture space. Map out zones and elements, keeping in mind the flow of water, sunlight, and wind to create an efficient, productive system.