Can you really homestead on 1 acre of land or less? Yes! Here's how to make the most of your small homestead by choosing the best livestock and plants!
“I've just bought a home with a nice-sized backyard and would love to create a more sustainable garden there. However, I’m a little unsure if I can actually create a permaculture garden at home. I’ve heard it’s quite complicated and takes a lot of time. I live in a region that gets both really hot summers and cold winters, so I’m also worried about whether permaculture is something that works in such a climate. Can you give me some advice on how to start and whether it’s practical for someone like me to try this on my own?” Thanks, Brian,
Permaculture is a well-designed garden or landscape where you see the harmony between nature and available resources. In permaculture, we adopt different techniques and principles…
'Hey there! I'm trying to start a permaculture food forest in my suburban backyard, but I'm not quite sure where to begin. We have about a quarter-acre of land behind our house that's half sun and half shade. I want to create a beautiful, low-maintenance space that will provide food for our family for years to come. Could you guide me through the steps involved? Thanks a ton!' Anna, Victoria, Australia. Figuring Out Your Space First things first, Anna—let’s talk about that quarter-acre of land you’ve got. Understanding your space is the foundation of permaculture. Spend some time observing how
Currant (Ribes) bushes are often grown solely for their ornamental appeal, but the berries are a highly nutritious and tasty treat that should be enjoyed too.
Planting perennial vegetables lets you plant once and harvest delicious (and unusual) veggies for years to come. Find out about more than 50 plants to choose from, many cold hardy to zone 3, or even colder! #perennialvegetables #permaculture
We've all seen them. Those huge listicles with ideas for making money on your homestead. A laundry list of things that could potentially bring in income, but mostly just a few dollars here or there.
The less work and more productive way to garden
Embrace permaculture and learn to garden smarter not harder. These 4 permaculture principles will get you growing more food, in less space with less effort.
Today I have 150 plants in my permaculture garden.This is not a complete list of my plants - still working on that, and of course, it is seasonal too.
Apartment homesteading or homesteading in a rental is a great way to learn to homestead and become more self-reliant.
A permaculture swale is a technique for capturing and storing water in a garden. Learn how to build a swale in the home landscape.
What’s the Lady Farmer cure for the January doldrums? Planning the next season’s garden, of course!
How to setup and use a homestead layout planner so you can map out what to include and where to locate each area of your homestead setup.
Permaculture gardening isn't only for big pieces of property, it can also be implemented in suburban backyards! These six easy backyard permaculture projects for beginners will get you on your way to a mini permaculture paradise!
Interested in backyard permaculture design principles? Visit these 13 websites and learn permaculture basics.
Do you want to quit your job and create a sustainable income from your homestead? Here are 100+ ways to make money farming just to get you started!
How to setup and use a homestead layout planner so you can map out what to include and where to locate each area of your homestead setup.
Permaculture Design Principles and Practices Nowadays, as the world is inevitably confronted with increasing ecological problems, permaculture, through its principles and methods, becomes the light of faith for those who want to live by nature. Permaculture, the practice of which is based on the integration of biological functions with each other and also providing food and shelter, is considered a parallel approach that could be an alternative to the conventional productive and intensive methods that have come to rule modern societies. Permaculture consists of a set of deeply thought-through design fundamentals. These are the reins that hold practitioners and empower them to construct stable and self-sufficient ecosystems. These principles are not only principles, but the philosophy behind these conceptions inspires us to keep up with the nature around us, which involves our observation, interaction, and adaptation to it. When we come to grips with and act on these tenets, we discover the way to a more sustainable and meaningful way of organizing life. Permaculture is organized around twelve conditions. Observe and Interact: Permaculture targets at the beginning point to establish a very profound appreciation of the indigenous/local environment, as well as its network of interdependent systems. Through its close observation of the prevailing natural patterns, the canvas on which the permaculture designers draw looks for opportunities to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and create integrated systems that function synergistically with the landscape. Catch and Store Energy: Permaculture makes us realize that renewable or non-renewable resources have to be conserved and used properly, and it doesn't matter what types of these resources they are: sunlight, water, or organic matter. Based on this doctrine, they are going to apply such energy sources as solar, water harvesting, and composting systems to minimize waste while aiming to maximize productivity. Obtain a Yield: Although most people associate the idea of permaculture with self-reliance, it is simultaneously understood that a system has to produce on-ground results too. Through the development of systems that reliably give input, these communities would then be able to provide food, energy, or other resources, which would in turn create a thriving, self-sustaining community. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: In applying the permaculture principle, practitioners are aware that every action bears any purpose whatsoever, not only the intended outcomes. Many times, the companies may not seem to provide solutions to customers' problems. Remote support is necessary for such issues, and it is the only way they may be able to make adjustments and adapt. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services: Permaculture solutions provide for the implementation of renewable resources, inclusive of solar, wind, and biomass, as well as finite and non-renewable resources. The principle extends further to support the fact that all ecosystems, starting from the smallest, have countless
Trees are a homesteader’s best friend. They provide shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. And they often have medicinal properties.
Discover essential tips and insights for starting your homesteading journey. Perfect for beginners looking to embrace self-sufficient living.
Come learn the top 8 tips for kombucha carbonation, including how to bottle, flavor, and second ferment your homemade kombucha.
Make organic raisins with this simple tutorial using a dehydrator or your regular oven l Includes sourcing, preparing, and storing raisins.
9 Dwarf Trees With High Yield Great For Small Areas! When it comes to gardening in small spaces, dwarf trees are a fantastic choice. These compact beauties not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide
The farm grosses six figures annually and feeds more than 200 families through CSA shares and farmer's markets. Only 1.5 acres of land are cultivated in permanent beds.
If you are just starting out on your homestead journey, you're going to love this collection of tips and ideas from some amazing frugal homesteading blogs. Be sure to save for later!
Editor's Note: This post is a good reminder to ensure you take good before, during and after photos as you implement projects! Case studies like this become an awesome portfolio for yourselves, and he
Sheet mulching, or lasagna gardening, is an easy way to build a new garden while building great soil. Plus, you won't disturb the soil!
Planting perennial vegetables lets you plant once and harvest delicious (and unusual) veggies for years to come. Find out about more than 50 plants to choose from, many cold hardy to zone 3, or even colder! #perennialvegetables #permaculture
Like many of us I saw the Life in Syntropy video a few years ago and was immediately intrigued. Syntropic farming looked like the type of agroforestry that I envisioned in my personal and professional work. I dug around for more information, but was slowed by the Portuguese language barrier an
Having a small homestead orchard is a great way to add to your self sufficiency and grow your gardening repertoire. Learn how to plan and plant one today.
Permaculture food forests are autopilot gardens that need little human intervention except in the beginning. Here's how to build one.
Trees are great for firewood and shade, but planting certain trees can offer other benefits such as medicine and tools.