One of the most common questions I get is "how do I design the perfect homestead layout?" The bad news? There isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. The good news? Once you understand a handful of concepts, you'll have the tools to know what your unique site needs to thrive. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead for this enlightening and inspiring conversation into permaculture, ...Continue Reading
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Season 12: Episode 7: A Year of No Garbage… (Really!)
What does trash have to do with homesteading? Well, everything. As we progress on our old-fashioned journeys, it quickly becomes apparent that everything is connected-- our food, our health, and our environments. And trash, specifically plastic, is a huge issue. However, once again, and old-fashioned mindset is the answer to this very modern problem. In this podcast episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by internationally published ...Continue Reading
Why Good Potting Soil is Important (and the Story of My Dead Tomato Seedlings)
Last spring, I couldn't get my tomato seedlings to grow. I tried everything. After using multiple different seeds and seed companies, trying different pots, changing the lighting, watering differently, and even replanting everything, I threw up my hands in despair. Maybe I just wouldn't be growing tomatoes for the year... But then I thought of the one variable that I hadn't considered before: the potting soil. Later into ...Continue Reading
Season 10: Episode 13: When Fertilizer Turns Toxic with Julie Lay
In this podcast episode, I'm uncovering the toxic story behind what folks want us to think is a harmless fertilizer. I'm talking with Julie Lay. Julie has a BS in Animal Science from Auburn University and until 2020 spent her entire career working in the food safety industry, which you could argue she’s still doing, but in a very different way, today. Podcast Episode Highlights What is bio-sludge? Why did Julie get so ...Continue Reading
Season 10: Episode 12: The Mystery of the Poisonous Potting Soil
In this podcast episode, I'm taking a little break from our current theme to fill you in on the major soil saga we had on the homestead this spring. If you have ever purchased potting soil or dirt, or if you keep a compost pile, my story has ramifications for you too. Podcast Episode Highlights Background of what happened this spring with our soil... What I learned when I experimented with various potting soils What I ...Continue Reading