Trees can supply abundantly for the homestead and should be grown for various reasons. Not only do trees provide food, beauty, and shade, but they can also help improve soil quality, prevent erosion, and provide a habitat for wildlife. First, however, you have to plant your trees. In this article, you'll get a step-by-step guide…
Edible Forest Gardens is a two-volume set written by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier that explores the concept of creating food forests, which are designed to mimic the structure and function of natural forests, but with a focus on growing edible plants. This comprehensive work is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in permaculture, agroforestry,…
Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture by J. Russell Smith is a classic book on agroforestry that was first published in 1929. Despite being nearly a century old, the book remains relevant and influential today. It is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of agroforestry. One of the key themes in Part 1…
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,…
On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Talk About Their Picks For Some Of The Best Places To Get Trees, Bushes, Vines, and Canes For Your Homestead. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 182 – January 12, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Where To Get Trees, Bushes, Vines, and Canes For Your…
Join Rachel as she interviews Nick Ferguson and Discusses Fodder Tree Crops for your Homestead and Animals To Increase Self Sufficiency, Sustainability, and Resilience. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 173 – December 8, 2022 Listen To The Podcast Nick Ferguson is an Ecosystems Engineering consultant who works all over the USA and internationally. He specializes…
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…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I Have A Discussion With Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest About Her Journey Into Homesteading and Permaculture As Well As Small Scale Food Forests. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 164 – November 4, 2022 Listen To The Podcast Homesteading on a Small Property: Jess's Journey Introduction…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Have A Conversation About Preparing Trees, Vines, Canes, and Bushes For Winter. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 153 – August 31, 2022 Listen To The Podcast Topics of Discussion Preparing Trees, Vines, Canes, and Bushes For Winter TreesMulch The BaseKeep Away From TrunkMulch OptionsLiving…
On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast I talk all about hazelnut; how to plant it, care for it and reap all the benefits from it. Listen To The Podcast The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 146 – June 13, 2022 – Why And How To Integrate Hazelnut Into A Food Forest. Topics I Discuss…
If you have pine trees in your garden, you are probably already aware that they can stunt the growth of some plants, and you may be wondering how you can deal with this issue. Growing edible vegetables under a pine tree can be challenging, but it is possible if you choose your plants with care…
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…
Raspberry bushes are best planted in the spring in a place where they will get plenty of sunshine. They need nutrient rich soil and plenty of hydration during the summer months. Raspberries are a delicious fruit, and fortunately they are one of the easiest types of fruit that you can plant in your own backyard.…
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…
It can take months, if not years, to create a sufficient amount of traditional compost in compost bins. While it's a wonderful way to create healthy, fertile soil, it's labor-intensive and very time-consuming. Thankfully, there's another, simpler way to improve your soil: the chop and drop system. The chop and drop system in gardening is…
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…
It’s late summer and the last of the warm weather flowers are blooming – so are your allergies. Goldenrod and ragweed are growing side by side along the road and in your backyard. They’re both the same thing, right? Left: Ragweed, Right: Goldenrod Goldenrod and ragweed are two different plants. Goldenrod is a perennial that…
