soil-health Archives - Countryside

What is the Best Mulch to Prevent Weeds?

May 9, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Growing

Add to Favorites All Photos By Shelley Dedauw The best mulch to prevent weeds depends on where the mulch lies, what else you need it to do…and, of course, cost. …

Tips for Growing Sweet Corn

May 3, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

When I was a kid, it seemed like everyone in our rural community had tips for growing sweet corn as everyone grew it. I can remember that we planted a field full of it and harvest time was rather busy.

How to Take an Accurate Soil Sample

April 19, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Do you want your garden to produce the best-tasting food in town? Do you want to maximize production to fill your farmers market stands?

Silvopasture Explained

March 31, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Homesteading

Silvopasture, also known as agroforestry, is a farming method that includes the use of timber, livestock, and forage together in the same section of land. It is used to expand the use of unconventional farm land and diversify income.

Growing Your Own Spuds

March 2, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Potatoes are one of the most versatile root vegetables to grace a garden. There are white potatoes, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, even purple potatoes.

Starting Your Own Seeds

January 20, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Growing

Starting your own seeds saves considerable money over buying plants from a nursery. It also avoids introducing devastating bacteria and fungi to your garden.

Springing Through Fall and Winter With Cover Crops

September 29, 2021 · Countryside Contributor · Growing

Cover crops are named because of the role they play in preserving soil health. They cover the ground to reduce exposure and the negative impacts that come with it.

Homesteading For A Living

July 20, 2021 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Homesteading

Add to Favorites By Kenny Coogan “Our original goal was to produce as much of our own food as possible,” Landis Spickerman, 53, of High Bridge, Wisconsin, says. She and her husband Steven, …

What is Rotational Grazing and Why is it Misunderstood?

December 28, 2020 · Abbey Smith · Growing

Many people want to know what is rotational grazing and why is it misunderstood? Good grazing practices are often thought of as rotational grazing, but this is at best a half-truth.

Improving Soil with Cattle and The Best Green Manure Crops

April 12, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Holistic grazing and the best green manure crops naturally improve soil. Add legumes or rotational cattle grazing to revitalize land.

A Complete Guide to How to Compost at Home

April 30, 2019 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Add to Favorites By Frederick C. Michel, Jr., Joe E. Heimlich, & Harry A. J. Hoitink – If you are interested in learning how to compost at home, here is some …

Farming, to the Nth Degree

March 13, 2019 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

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, universities and …

Minerals to Prevent and Treat Sheep Illnesses

March 13, 2019 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Sheep

You don’t usually think about sheep illnesses when you look at a flock of sheep. Sheep need minerals to prevent and treat illnesses.

Going Organic Saves Me Work

March 1, 2019 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Add to Favorites By Anita B. Stone, The Homesteader’s Bits & Pieces I was a bit skeptical to try organic agriculture because I thought it meant more work for me. But …

10 Best Agriculture Schools

February 25, 2019 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · 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 …