In permaculture, cows and poultry can do so much more than provide milk, meat, and eggs; they can play an essential role in maintaining and nourishing the land. When done right and with careful planning, a small herd of cows in conjunction with various poultry can transform fields, clear overgrown areas, and boost soil fertility—all…
The leaves are covering the homestead and as an act of good stewardship, you're wondering what's the best thing to do with them all. Have you ever made leaf mold (leaf mould for our non U.S. friends)? So what is leaf mold, and how do you make it, and use it? Leaf Mold or Mould…
Growing healthy plants starts with healthy roots, and air pruning is a technique that can promote robust root development. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, air pruning can be a valuable practice to help you achieve your gardening goals. In this article, we will explore the benefits of air pruning, how it works,…
https://youtu.be/MnzP2oCy2TQ Discover the secrets to building healthy garden soil with insights from three essential books: Teaming with Microbes, The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments, and The Living Soil Handbook. I share the key takeaways from each book and how they can transform your gardening practices!Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil…
On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel Discuss Several Ways To Feed Your Garden and Maintain Healthy Soil and Healthy Plants. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 242 – May 21, 2024 Listen To The Podcast Why You Need To Feed Your Garden Soil Feeding the soil increases nutrients and water retention, and improves soil structure.…
Rachel interviews Nigel Palmer who is author of The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments, gardener and teacher. They talk about why we should be sourcing our amendments locally, how to, and how easy it is to start with common household kitchen tools. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 239 – April 3, 2024 Listen To…
The discussion about sustainable farming practices often highlights two significant approaches: Regenerative Agriculture and Permaculture. While they share common goals of sustainability and ecological stewardship, these methodologies do have some overlap but differ slightly in principles, practices, and execution. Let's delve into the differences by providing an understanding of both approaches. Introduction to Sustainable Farming…
Composting in the winter comes with unique difficulties, but it can be done effectively. By understanding how the composting process works, knowing the challenges of composting in colder temperatures, and following a few practices, you can keep composting right through the colder months of your climate. Challenges Of Composting In The Winter Composting in winter…
Raised beds are a unique way to grow vegetables or flowers and have recently become more popular as many people have less space in their yards. However, it is important to choose the right kind of soil to ensure healthy plants. An ideal soil mix for raised beds combines topsoil, compost, and some of the…
As gardeners and farmers increasingly recognize the value of building soil health and restoring ecosystems, "The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments" by Nigel Palmer emerges as an essential resource, shedding light on the intricate world of locally sourced materials and how they can be transformed into valuable garden amendments. Authenticity and Depth One of…
In the realm of permaculture, where we seek to mimic nature's most efficient and sustainable systems, fungi play a crucial role. While the common mushroom is the most recognized face of fungi, the hidden world of mycelium and other fungal forms is far more vast and influential than most realize. Let's delve into the fascinating…
"Teaming with Microbes" has played a significant role in educating gardeners about the importance of soil health and the role of microbes in maintaining it. The book has had a broad influence, bringing the concepts of the soil food web and organic gardening to a wide audience. Understanding the Unseen World Below The Authors, Jeff…
On Today's Podcast Episode Harold Has A Conversation With Helen Atthowe about Systems Thinking To Balance Profitable Yields With Minimum Soil Disturbance, Soil-Building For Microbial Abundance and Diversity, and Habitat Building For Natural Enemies and Enhanced Biological Control. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 208 – June 19, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Helen has worked…
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…
Mulch can be one of the greatest assets available for your garden. Here are a few possible resources for free mulch for your homestead.
Sheet mulching is a key strategy in an organic permaculture garden. But if you are new to gardening in a sustainable way, you might be a little confused about sheet mulching and exactly what this strategy entails. So why is sheet mulching a good idea, and how can you adopt this approach in your own…
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…
https://youtube.com/shorts/d911zsB5AYc?feature=share If you’re passionate about soil for market gardening or simply want to improve your home garden, The Living Soil Handbook by Jesse Frost is a book you can’t afford to miss. This book is one of my all-time favorites when it comes to understanding and protecting the soil food web, especially from the perspective…
Organic gardening can sometimes be tough. It comes with a specific set of rules, and each plant is different and has its own needs. Vermiculite is often added to soil mixes to help plants thrive in different situations, but how safe is organic gardening? As a general rule, vermiculite will not add any possible toxins…
On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Discuss Getting Ready For Spring Planting By Testing, Amending, and Preparing Your Garden Soil. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 190 – February 21, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Testing, Amending, and Preparing Your Garden Soil For Spring Planting We Discuss: Why? Preparation for planting…
