If you’ve just planted a new tree or have saplings around your property, one of the biggest threats to their healthy growth can be damage from wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and other foraging animals. Deer often use young tree trunks as rubbing posts for their antlers or browse new growth; rabbits and rodents can…
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is often overshadowed by more commonly grown orchard fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and plums. Yet, quince holds a special place in culinary traditions worldwide and offers a distinctive charm that sets it apart. If you’re looking for a way to diversify your orchard or your home garden, this fragrant, old-world fruit…
On this podcast episode, Harold and Rachel continue the series on getting back to basics with getting started with trees and bushes. They discuss the benefits, selection, planting, and care of trees and bushes. Modern Homesteading Podcast Episode 270 Listen To The Podcast Trees and bushes are integral to creating a healthy, productive, and visually…
Permaculture, a system of agricultural and social design centered on mimicking the patterns observed in natural ecosystems, has long embraced the concept of guild planting. At the heart of this method is the belief that plants, much like people, benefit from having the right companions. But what is a guild, and how can understanding them…
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! 🌱 Ever noticed that sometimes, no matter how much love and care you give, certain plants just don't thrive next to each other? Well, there might be a sneaky culprit at play called allelopathy. Let's dive into what allelopathy is all about, how it might be affecting your beloved garden,…
Water management is an essential practice for gardeners, especially in regions prone to drought or periodic heavy rainfall. One of the most effective methods to manage rainwater sustainably is by using contour swales and berms. These simple, yet highly functional landscaping features can dramatically improve water retention, reduce erosion, and increase the resilience of your…
https://youtu.be/9P6RRUSEi6o Comfrey is a cherished plant in many gardens, known for its medicinal properties, soil-improving abilities, and rapid growth. However, not all comfrey varieties are created equal. Two of the most popular types are Common Comfrey and Russian Comfrey. Understanding the differences between these varieties can help you choose the best one for your gardening…
On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel Discuss Nitrogen Fixing Plants. How Do They Work, What They Are, and How Best To Incorporate Them Into Your Homestead. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 247 – July 6, 2024 Listen To The Podcast Permaculture gardening is a great way to improve sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems. One of…
Alley cropping is a hot topic in agroforestry and permaculture. Unfortunately, the name doesn't do a great job of explaining what it is. So what is alley cropping and how can you implement it on your homestead? Alley cropping is an agricultural method where annual crops are planted in between rows of trees or other…
On today’s podcast episode, Harold and Rachel talk about the apple harvest and all the ways they are processing and preserving the harvest. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 224 – October 18, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Hello and welcome to the Modern Homesteading Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of apple…
On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold Has A Conversation With Market Farmer and Nurseryman David Hughes. They talk all about nut trees, from picking the right trees to plant, tree maintenance, and how to utilize the harvest. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 221 – September 27, 2023 Listen To The Podcast David has been a market…
On Today’s Podcast Episode Harold Has A Conversation With William Horvath From PermacultureApprentice.com About Farm And Homestead Management To Accomplish Your Goals, Maintain The Operation, and Avoid Overwhelm. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 209 – June 26, 2023 Listen To The Podcast William Horvath is a geologist turned permaculture farmer and educator. He runs a…
On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold has a conversation with Mandy Roth of Evergreen Winds Homestead about her homestead, the things she and her family are doing, and the reasons she is doing it. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 206 – June 7, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Embracing Homesteading: A Conversation with Mandy Roth on…
On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold has a conversation with Eddy Garcia of Living Earth Systems about his journey into off-grid living and regenerative agriculture. We also dive into methods for transforming a conventional farm into a profitable and productive regenerative farm quickly. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 205 – June 1, 2023 Listen To The…
Borage is an incredibly useful annual herb to grow in an organic garden. It can work well in mixed beds and borders, alongside perennials, and even in your kitchen vegetable garden. Borage is one of my favorite permaculture-friendly plants for those who wish to garden in a sustainable, wildlife-friendly, and organic way. In this article,…
On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Talk About Useful Perennials You Can Grow On Your Homestead That Multiply Through Division To Expand Your Garden. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 196 – April 11, 2023 Listen To The Podcast A Few Useful Perennials You Can Multiply Through Division What are Crowns…
If you're looking for a versatile and resilient berry plant for your homesteading or permaculture garden, look no further than the Jostaberry. This hardy plant, a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry, offers a unique flavor and abundant harvests, making it an ideal choice for any garden. In this article, we'll explore the…
On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold Talks About Plant Guilds. What They Are, The Benefits Of Guilds, and How To Build Them On Your Permaculture Homestead. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 195 – March 28, 2023 Listen To The Podcast What Is A Guild? A plant guild is a grouping of plants…
Trees can be a tremendous benefit to a homestead in many ways, but one way that isn't often considered is how trees can enhance soil quality. Trees are good for soil health for several reasons: Trees add organic matter to the soil, help prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, help maintain soil moisture, and promote…
On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Talk All About The Why, When, and How Of Tree Pruning On The Homestead For Healthy and Productive Trees. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 193 – March 14, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Tools You Might Need Pruning Shears Loppers Pole Saw - https://amzn.to/3Lljld9…
