The Homesteader School » Growing Food
Natural Nutrients for Plants
As a gardener with a passion for doing everything naturally, I have been in constant conflict with my want to optimize my plants through bottled nutrients. This is not a silk flower. It is a living thing that has dietary needs that you have to know about to get the most out of your plants. Well, I have been working hard to find ways to add the necessary nutrients my plants to the soil while supporting the natural … Read entire article »
Filed under: Growing Food
How to Build a Hydroponic Growing System
Pete doesn’t have any garden space or soil for planting in his yard. But he didn’t let that stop him from starting a vegetable garden. Here he tells us about the hydroponic growing system he built and the veggies he grows. I live in a climate which is very hot and dry throughout nine months of the year. I have a small yard, but no usable soil for growing a garden. I don’t know much about gardening, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Growing Food
How to Properly Mulch a Garden
Why Mulch? Any serious gardener knows that one of the keys to having a healthy, vibrant garden is mulching properly. The right mulch is beneficial for plants by offering good water retention, temperature stability, and protection from weeds. There are many different mulching options that will work well for specific plants, but there are general techniques that should be followed in order to have a healthy garden. How to Mulch The first step is to rake the soil in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden
How to Prune a Meyer Lemon Tree
Adding a citrus tree to your home décor has become an increasing trend in recent years. Not only does it fill your home with a sweet, delicious scent, but you get a lifetime of free fruit. The most popular citrus tree is the Meyer Lemon Tree. We recommend potting lemon trees in 10 or 15 gallon containers. This keeps them at the ideal indoor height of about 8 to 10 feet tall. Be sure to keep them in a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Growing Food
Grow More With Companion Planting
For parents facing the huge task of teaching their children to live wholesomely and responsibly, sustainable living is a wonderful habit to pass along. Why? Sustainable living doesn’t just reduce an individual’s impact on the environment; there are also healthy individual benefits that come from many lifestyle choices that are considered “sustainable.” If you are searching for a great idea that falls into this category, get your whole family involved in planting a garden that utilizes companion planting. Why grow a garden? Planting a garden in your own backyard lets you cultivate, harvest, and eat food produced by your own hands. As a learning tool for children, growing a garden teaches responsibility and a sense of awareness; knowing the time and care that goes into each crop is important and eye opening. It’s also … Read entire article »
Filed under: Companion Planting
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 5
SOME BASIC PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE HABITATS In general, think color, nectar, fragrance, shelter for the wildlife in your garden. This list is just for starters—you’ll discover many more. allysum annual geranium aster bee balm berry bushes butterfly weed candytuft columbine coreopsis cosmos delphinium dianthus echinacea evergreens flowering trees fruit trees fuschia gaillardia grasses heuchera hollyhock honeysuckle iris lantana lavender lilac lobelia lupine marigold mock orange nasturtium oregano Oregon grape penstemon petunia phlox rosemary rudbeckia sage scabiosa sweet pea shasta daisy snapdragon yarrow zinnia Enjoy your wildlife! We’d love to hear about your garden visitors. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Uncategorized, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 4
GENERAL HABITAT NEEDS FOR COMMON GARDEN WILDLIFE All species need the four basics: food, water, shelter, and space. Here are more details on the main jobs, habits, and favorite foods of some potential visitors: Amphibians and Reptiles (herps)—insect control Hibernate during winter Eat insects, worms, bugs Thrive in fish-free water, riparian debris, natural areas away from yards Most need shade, sun, water for immersion Can rehome from nearby but may return to home Do not introduce bullfrogs Bats—insect/mosquito control Migrate or hibernate during winter Eat … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 3
Shelter supplies protection from the elements and from predators. It is also important for seclusion and camouflage while many animals are nesting and raising young. Manmade wildlife houses, strategically-placed stones, and other creative elements may be provided in addition to natural cover from plant branches and leaves. Animals seek shelter in all levels of the garden, from under the soil surface on up to the highest tree canopy. Insects and worms like groundcovers and coarse mulch. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 2
How can we attract beneficial wildlife and entice them to stay? There are a few different ways to bring wildlife to our gardens. Some animals, such as ladybugs, orchard bees, and worms, can be purchased and released into the garden. Frogs, lizards, and butterflies might be carefully brought in from other areas of your yard. Just be sure that the animals are appropriate for your microclimate and surroundings and that you have appropriate habitat … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 1
“Now when a mama bird and a daddy bird love each other very much…” Just kidding! We’re not going to talk about reproduction, but about attracting some valuable visitors and residents to our gardens—some fauna to add to our flora. Plants can be beautiful, with their foliage, blossoms, and seed pods of various colors, shapes, and textures. They add dimension and diversity to our garden beds and surroundings. But though they may wave in the breeze … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Uncategorized, Wildlife
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We may not be able to be with you in person, but you can still attend our school! Here you’ll find out how to do lots of things around your home and property. Our posts are written by people who are right here beside you, learning to homestead and loving it!
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