There are divided opinions on the use of Epsom salts in the garden, and some have observed that there is not much research to prove that their application is beneficial. However, many gardeners swear by this practice, and Epsom salts have been used to amend the soil for generations. Epsom salts can be sprinkled around…
Soil is the foundation of permaculture gardens, so it is vital to prevent the loss of soils through erosion. Luckily, there are a variety of commonly-used permaculture practices that can effectively control soil erosion. Soil erosion in permaculture gardens can be controlled by cover-cropping, mulching, incorporating organic matter into the soil, and growing perennial plants.…
Successful gardening is as much about chemistry as botany. Soil chemistry, for example, has an enormous influence on plant health. Have you ever wondered how soil pH affects the growth of your plants? You might also be wondering how to raise your soil pH to a better level using only organic soil amendments. If so,…
So, you’ve adopted the philosophy of permaculture and are working with nature in the management of your homestead. You thoughtfully observe what’s happening on the land and see how everything works together to be self-sustaining. Well, what could be more natural than urine, right? Urine can be used in permaculture as a nitrogen boost for…
It is easy and cheap to make your bloom booster fertilizer at home. There is no need to purchase costly fertilizer products from garden stores because you can make a superior quality fertilizer - fermented fruit juice (FFJ) - for pennies on the dollar. Fermented fruit juice (FFJ) is an effective homemade bloom booster containing…
Organic gardening has long been seen as a safe way of producing uncontaminated healthy food. With growing concern over a variety of pesticides containing harmful chemicals, a lot of people are turning toward organic pest control options like Diatomaceous Earth. But how safe is Diatomaceous Earth when it comes to gardening? Diatomaceous Earth is an…
As gardeners, we are always looking for ways to keep our growing as natural as possible, and part of that is finding ways to improve the soil without using chemical fertilizers. Wood is about as natural a product as you can get, so gardeners with access to wood, wood chips, and sawdust may see this…
Many families like to choose organic foods when shopping at the grocery stores to avoid toxic chemicals. But even farmers who grow organic crops can add some herbicides and pesticides. What can be used? You may be surprised but many crops have glyphosate, even though with organic crops, it isn’t supposed to be used. You…
Organic herbicides are made from natural ingredients and are far less harmful to the environment than chemical herbicides. Many gardeners are switching to organic products to control unwanted weeds. However, there are still relatively few commercial organic weeds killers on the market. Organic herbicide products, like Avenger, WeedZap, Weed Pharm, AllDown, and GreenMatch EX, are…
I’m sure you’ve probably heard of neem tree oil and its excellent uses in the garden. It’s famous for eliminating powdery mildew. But neem oil has so many more benefits. And we all know how difficult it can be to find an excellent organic fertilizer that causes no harm when sprayed on both the plants…
Nature despises bare soil in your garden and it will work to cover it with something if you don't (usually weeds you don't want there). Mulch it a great option to cover that bare soil and has many benefits, but what kind of mulch should you use. The Benefits Of Using Mulch In A Vegetable…
Bokashi is a form of composting that is different than other types of composting since it is an anaerobic rather than aerobic process that ferments organic material instead of fully decomposing it. Bokashi composting requires some special equipment and materials but can produce finished compost in a short period of time. Bokashi compost is highly…
I believe every homestead should be composting in some way if they are growing any food in the soil. Turning organic matter into a valuable garden amendment makes sense for the environment, for your health, and for your bank account. "Nature demands a gift for everything that it gives, so what we have to keep…
When it comes to cover crops, one of my favorite plants to grow is Hairy Vetch. This plant has a few great qualities about it that make it useful on the permaculture homestead. Here's how you can make the most out of this wonderful plant. What Is Hairy Vetch? Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is…
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Ever wondered why some plants just don't seem to thrive no matter how much you pamper them? The secret might be right under your feet—literally. Let's dive into the world of soil aeration and uncover why it's the unsung hero of a flourishing garden. What is Soil Aeration? Soil aeration…
The term biomass, in general, refers to using plant and animal material to produce energy usually in the form of electricity or heat. When The Term Is Used In Permaculture Applications Biomass Has An Extended Meaning. Biomass still refers to the organic material produced by plants and animals but permaculture recognizes the energy produced as…
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…
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.…
Today is Day 19 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading. Today’s question is “What’s the best way to compost without the smell? I don’t have a big yard…
