Harvest season is now in full swing on the homestead and I am so grateful. The other day, I dug up all my garlic, harvested fava beans, and am enjoying broccoli, zucchinis, basil and cucumbers from the garden. Meanwhile, the tomatoes are starting to ripen, the winter squash plants are sprawling, and the peppers are loving these hot […]
Top 4 Most Effective Groundcovers in a Food Forest Read More »
When we first moved to our property, there was a mature apple tree already in the backyard. Not only was a excited about having an immediate source of fruit but I was eager to make the apple tree less lonely. Surrounded by grass and not much else, I set to work on creating an apple
My apple tree guild Read More »
As you may know, having animals as part of your permaculture site is one of the easiest ways to cycle nutrients on your property while increasing your fertility. Though you can grow many plants that help with soil fertility, nothing quite beats the ability of some animals, like rabbits, who can convert an otherwise inedible
In our gardens, we always want to follow the permaculture principle of “obtaining a yield”, whether that be a yield in food, medicine, pollinator habitat or fertility. Then, especially in a cold climate, we work to extend that yield in time so that we can be eating from our gardens 365 days/year. We can do
What we’re still eating from last year’s garden Read More »
The video that I’m sharing with you today has been on my list of to do’s for several months, if not years! In fact, ever since we dug our garden pond a few years ago, I’ve been wanting to make it. People love the idea of having a pond but are often intimidated about all
Building a Garden Pond Read More »
There are always firsts when you become a gardener – the first time you grow lettuce, or peas, or a zucchini; the first time you save seeds, start plants from seed, or build a compost pile. As far as I can remember, this is the first year that I have had plants in my outdoor
Late Fall Garden: What’s still Growing Read More »
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I’m a big fan of permaculture. I use permaculture practices on our homestead and in the way that I design sites for my clients. That’s why I’m excited to share my latest video with you. In it, I discuss my favorite permaculture definition. I think one
My Favorite Permaculture Definition Read More »
As I like to teach to my students and clients, we are always striving to create the most resilient site possible. One that will respond to adverse conditions, which, in our case, can be anything from late frosts, to hail, to hot and dry summers. This question of resilience always brings me back to the
Two Common Mistakes in Planting Food Forests and How to Prevent Them Read More »
On our homesteads, we’re always striving for a bit more self-reliance. With our annual garden and some fruit trees and berry bushes, we can have many of our vegetables and fruit covered. But we can take it a step further by growing our own tea. In this way, we continue to expand the products that
Top 5 Perennial Tea Plants for Cold Climates Read More »
If, as gardeners, we are aiming to grow as much of our own food as possible, then season extension strategies are so important, especially in a cold climate. The ability to extend our season, both in the early spring and late fall, is integral to maximizing the yield that you can have in any given
April Greenhouse Tour! Read More »
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