Featured Stories

DIY Grey Water System for an Off-Grid Homestead
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

This simple DIY grey water system is such a great way to recycle precious water while saving lots of money! When I moved into my partner’s owner-built, off-grid homestead in the woods, it had an outhouse, a deep well with a hand pump, and a kitchen sink with no running water and a five-gallon bucket under the open drain.

Read More
Tips for How to Germinate Seeds Indoors
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Need some tips on how to germinate or start seeds indoors? Learn to start seeds from testing seeds to soil and tray selection.

Read More
Rainwater Harvesting: It’s a Good Idea (Even if You Have Running Water)
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

In my grandparents’ day, rainwater harvesting was one of the best ways of conserving water. My grandmother collected rainwater in a barrel at the corner of the house for decades.

Read More
Successfully Growing Arugula From Seed Indoors
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Arugula, if you’re not familiar, is a jagged-edged, leafy green with thin stems and is what I believe, one of the best vegetables for container gardening.

Read More
Using Grey Water in the Garden
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Using pure, fresh water in the garden—while sending only “slightly used” grey water into the septic or sewer system—is considered wasteful in some situations. Where water is extremely scarce, some people consider it insane.

Read More
A Beginner’s Guide to Container Potatoes
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By Lori Fontanes I know what you’re thinking: what’s so special about potatoes? With all those ubiquitous orders of fries and mashed platters, why do I need to …

Read More
Sack Plants: Go Landless
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

When weighing the costs and efforts of traditional gardening, the quality of soil is crucial. It must be properly tilled and nourished for plants to thrive.

Read More
Pruning Shear Options
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

While the purpose of the pruners is the same, know that each has different qualities that will speak to you more than others.

Read More
Understanding Forage Production and Forage Quality
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By John Hibma – Forages are the foundation of all livestock diets. The production and feeding of high-quality forages will help ensure that livestock grows at an optimal …

Read More
Growing Tepary Beans: The Most Heat-Tolerant Crop in the World
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By Kevin Geer – I grow beans every year on the ranch. One of my favorite meals includes fresh-picked Blue Lake Green beans. They’re so delicious! Just thinking …

Read More
The Fall and Resurrection of Hemp Plants
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By Karin Deneke, Colorado A common crop George Washington raised during the 1760s on his farms in Virginia was declared illegal in the 1930s. Also known as …

Read More
Small-Scale Agritourism Ideas to Boost Profits
February 25, 2019 · · Homesteading

Whether a farm is full-time or part-time, many very small farms are coming up with agritourism ideas to increase the bottom line.

Read More
Small-Scale Agritourism Ideas to Boost Profits
February 25, 2019 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites By Barbara Berst Adams – On-farm visitors can help even the smallest farms increase the bottom line. Whether a farm is full-time or part-time, many very small farms …

Read More
Old and New Methods of Agriculture in The San Luis Valley
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By Karin Deneke, Photos by Chuck Reel and Karin Deneke The San Luis Valley’s farming legacy includes old and new methods of agriculture within a historically sustainable …

Read More
10 Best Agriculture Schools
February 25, 2019 · · Growing

Add to Favorites By Doug Ottinger, Minnesota – Academia, I learned, is not all about laptops and college football games these days. In a few corners around the country, some of …

Read More