Americans produce almost 40 million tons of food waste each year – that means we’re putting about a pound of food into the trash each day when this is totally unnecessary. Composting is a great way to reduce your household’s food waste and to make fertile, nutrient-rich planting matter that you can use in your … Read more
Whether you practice permaculture, agriculture or traditional gardening, you will come across the words nitrogen fixing more than once. The practical application of using nitrogen fixers is universal. Whether you are a small traditional gardener or a sustainable permaculture operation, the same rules apply. A healthy garden or food forest is all about the levels, … Read more
As homesteaders, we’re always striving to reduce our carbon footprint and upcycle as much as possible. Nothing goes to waste. Whenever possible, we find ways to upcycle things and reuse them to the best of our advantage. This includes food waste and other organic materials in and around the homestead. By composting, we’re taking advantage … Read more
Adding fertilizer to a pasture or hayfield can help infuse nutrients back into the soil and bring about robust growth of highly nutritious hay or field grass for the livestock to eat … if you do it right. Making mistakes when fertilizing livestock areas can not only bring about a vastly disappointing hay or straw … Read more
A normal person looks at an egg and thinks “breakfast.” As a homesteader, I look at an egg and think of all the various ways I can use the shells in my garden. I am a huge fan of repurposing common materials around the homestead. I believe that, in doing so, I can not only … Read more
If you’re a homesteader, growing delicious, healthy crops is likely a top priority for you. However, this can be a challenge if you’re dealing with infertile, uncooperative soil. Adding fertilizer to your garden soil is a great way to increase your yields and to make gardening just a little bit easier. However, knowing the difference … Read more
When it came to achieving “the perfect nitrogen to carbon ratio”, I was totally lost. Did it have to be so complicated? Actually, it doesn’t! Here’s all you need to know to start making your own ‘black gold’ in no time!
If you’re a homesteader or aspire to be one, sooner or later you’re going to make a compost bin. Turning yard waste, kitchen scraps, and manure into rich fertile compost is just plain common sense, right? If you’ve always wanted to have a compost bin, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry; this article … Read more