Companion planting is when two or more plants are grown close together for the benefit of one or both of those plants.
Have you ever wondered what edible plants you can grow if you are trying to plant them near walnut trees? Black walnut trees are infamous for putting out a chemical that will kill off many other plants as a way of ensuring its own survival– so you need to choose what to grow near one…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast I discuss food forests and whether or not you can or should grow one on your property. Listen To The Podcast The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 144 – May 30, 2022 – Should You Grow A Food Forest On Your Property?. Resources What Is A Food Forest?…
Strawberries are a welcome addition to any garden and are a plant that fits well with many other plants as a companion. However, there are some things that should never be planted near strawberries for a variety of reasons. When I first introduced strawberries to my homestead many years ago I broke quite of a…
Soil fertility is key in any sustainable food growing operation. Without proper management, plants will drain the soil of its fertility, leading to reduced productivity and plant health. Most synthetic fertilizers are very harmful for the environment. Thankfully, certain plants can help increase soil fertility. The best plants for increasing soil fertility are those that…
With rising food costs and even occasional food shortages in the store, many people desire to grow at least some of their food. The problem is that many homes are located in areas with strict regulations or very limited space. The solution to these problems is edible landscaping which can create beautiful curb appeal, a…
Because they look so similar at certain times during the year, yellow wood sorrel and clover are often confused for one another. While clover is often considered to be a beneficial nitrogen-fixing plant, yellow wood sorrel is a pesky stubborn weed. So what's the difference between them, and how can you tell which you have…
Permaculture isn’t just a trend; it is a way of life for many. Sure, some people do it for social media likes and woke points. But there are those, such as the Jaguar de Madera project, that are changing their communities by lifting people out of poverty while restoring dignity. To do it properly requires…
Completing a hügelkultur bed is a huge undertaking and should be something you are proud of. As you want people to see your new creation, you want it to look pretty and be functional. So what are some plants you can plant in your hügelkultur beds? If you want to plant biennials, go for Black-eyed…
The reward of gardening rhubarb, the harvest, is the best part of growing it. Its fleshy stalks work wonders in meals, salads, and desserts. However, if you value the space in your garden or food forest and want to get the most from it, then rhubarb shouldn't be the only plant there. The only problem…
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…
Blueberries have been a welcomed addition to our permaculture homestead since the very beginning but it took time to get the soil conditions right for their optimal growth. As most blueberry growers know, this finicky bush plant likes its soil a little different than most plants do. Blueberries like to grow in acidic soil conditions…
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…
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…
One focus of homesteading and gardening the "Permaculture Way" is recognizing the natural relationships and functions of every created thing in your sphere of influence. By always looking for this we can notice when something is out of balance and work to maintain a proper and beneficial relationship. This is important to understand when answering…
A few years ago I heard a little about some great qualities of the comfrey plant and added three plants to my small permaculture homestead and have never regretted it. It is now the most abundant, useful, and most loved plant on my property. Comfrey is a perennial herb often used as fertilizer and herbal…
In this episode, I discuss a few ways to help soil fertility in ways normally exercised in permaculture practices. These are ways that are simulated in nature to create balanced, rich, and living soil. Listen To The Podcast The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 125 – September 3, 2019 - Increasing Soil Fertility Through Permaculture Practices.…
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 85 – May 25, 2018 – Protecting Plants In The Heat of Summer. Question For Today’s Podcast Episode: Randy Asks – What are some strategies for protecting veggie plants in heat of summer? We have a lot of 95+ degree days here and it would be nice to hear some…
Gardening is a joy, but nothing can ruin the excitement of watching your plants grow like destructive insects munching away at your hard work. In an organic garden, pest control requires a hands-on approach and smart planning. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can keep these pests under control and enjoy…
Let me tell you about a little gardening secret of mine: not all weeds are the enemy! In fact, there are a few weeds that I actually let grow in my garden on purpose. I know, sounds crazy, right? But before you go pulling every last one of those “pesky” plants, hear me out. Some…
