If you haven’t seen vole damage in your yard or garden this spring, consider yourself lucky! The sustained snow over our long winter created the perfect environment for these voracious rodents to nibble on shrubs, trees, and perennial plants with impunity! It’s definitely disheartening to see years of growth disappear over the winter. As I […]
Vole Damage? Here are some strategies… Read More »
Permaculture is definitely one of the most misunderstood and obscure terms in the sustainability and gardening field. Is it a technique? A way of gardening? A philosophy? Catherine Kirchner from Uncommon Pastures recently interviewed me about permaculture. Catherine owns a small, diverse, regenerative farm near Big Timber, MT where she raises grassfed & grass finished
What is Permaculture? Read More »
If you’re in a cold climate, having a greenhouse is a really effective way to extend your growing season on both ends. In March and April, greenhouses are great for early season greens and to grow out your seedlings. They also allow for additional growing time beyond our first frost date in the fall. With
Don’t want to heat your greenhouse? Here’s what to do instead… Read More »
This week’s ‘Q&A with Kareen’ is all about pears. In the video, I answer Elizabeth’s questions about what pears I grow, an explanation about the kitchen tool I use the most for pear preservation, and what to do about codling moths. The pears in my food forest are one of the yields that I look
This is the first video in my winter series, Q&A with Kareen. In it, I answer Sandra’s question about ventilating a greenhouse as well as her questions about growing tomatoes in our cold climate. An overheating greenhouse is a common problem, especially if you have a small one. I’ve found that even with windows or
Chickens are one of the easier and more useful animals to have in your backyard gardens. In permaculture, they are often the example of ‘each element performing multiple functions.’ In other words, having chickens as part of your backyard ecosystem accomplishes several functions at once. Not only can they provide you with eggs and meat
Raising Chickens in Cold Climates Read More »
One of the most frequent comments I get from potential clients is, “I recently moved to our site, and have no clue where to start.” It’s common to be immediately overwhelmed by the possibilities. How big should your garden be? How many fruit trees do you want and where do you plant them? Should you
My Top 3 Questions to Ask When Designing your Homestead Read More »
We are in full-on winter now and I have to admit, this time of year is often challenging for me. Though I appreciate the opportunity to slow down and rest, the cold, snow, shorter days, and dry brittle plants often leave me feeling stagnant and stuck. There is an absolute beauty in all of it,
Reasons for Hope – Two Books to add to your Winter Reading List! Read More »
My latest video is out and in it, I give you a quick tour of my herb spiral. It’s one of my favorite features in the garden. A combination of perennials, annuals and self-seeding annuals, I love changing its look every season. It’s like painting a new canvas every spring. With the additional heat from
Tour of My Herb Spiral Polyculture! Read More »
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 »
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