Tag Archives: gardening

Episode-1074- Contour Gardening and Woody Beds

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Modern Survival| 25 Comments
Episode-1074- All about Contour Gardening and Woody Beds [ 1:07:57 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As many of you know I have suggested that we call what most (not all) people are doing in America woody beds vs hugulkultur.  I suggest this for two reasons.

1.  People who don’t know about it already understand “woody bed” but look at you like you have a snake crawling out of your ear when you say hugulkultur.

2.  It is more accurate, hugul in the term hugulkultur pretty much means high as in high bed.  As in 1.5-2 yards high.  This is simply not what we are doing in America in most instances.

Since first learning about the entire concept from Paul Wheaton (as practiced by Sepp Holzer) I have worked with it in many different formats, from 6 foot high true huguls to in ground versions that appear like any typical framed in raised bed.  I have also studied the work of Permaculture visionary Geoff Lawton and become a huge fan of his swale based design systems.

As I continued both studying the work of others and putting it into actual field level work (I can’t stress how important that is) I have also learned how Geoff takes “swale like design” into raised bed gardening.   I have now found that taking the disciplines of swale style raised beds and adding wood core design to the mix is an incredibly efficient design structure.

Today I discuss the primary design structures of this type of system, why they work and what limitations each has.  From there we can see how a proper integration of all of them makes up a great deal for where each has certain weaknesses.

Join Me Today As I Discuss…

  • What is a swale and why does it work
  • What is the difference between a “swale like” structure and a true swale
  • How can contour paths act like swales when they are not below grade
  • Does it make sense to cut paths below grade (may be, it depends)
  • What is traditional hugulkultur
  • Why did Sepp Holzer and other actually bury wood in the first place
  • The limits of a “spongy core” based on mathematics as a simply reservior
  • What are mycelium and what role do they play in permaculture
  • How does the internal composting action protect roots in cold weather
  • Why isn’t the heat a danger in hot weather
  • Why deep mulching is a must
  • How you can practice polyculture, clumpy polyculture or even row mono culture
  • How does a contour based wood core system function end to end
  • Info on the upcoming workshop that will teach these techniques

Videos Of the Described Project – Direct Links to Youtube in the Resource List Below

Resources for today’s show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1054- The How, What and Why of Saving Seeds

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Modern Survival| 12 Comments
Episode-1054- The How, What and Why of Saving Seeds [ 1:24:26 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
There is Magic Within Seeds but Saving Them Isn't Mystical

There is Magic Within Seeds but Saving Them Isn’t Mystical

I was talking with Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design yesterday about how more and more small seed companies are now buying at least some seed from companies associated with the ilk of Monsanto.

Ben was pretty shocked to hear the Johnny’s Selected Seeds is buying some of their seeds from Semanis, which is owned by Monsanto.

There is a lot of fear about GMO contamination both legitimate and ridiculous specifically when the word Monsanto comes up.

The best solution is to save your own seeds but we are going to also discuss how to know who you can trust when buying seeds and times where you simply do not have to worry about GMO at all.

Join me today to hear about…

  • What is “the safe seed pledge” and why should you care
  • Why we need to be saving seeds in the first place
  • Breeding improvements vs. hybrids vs. GMO (all three are different)
  • Exchanging seeds – a great form of barter
  • The easy plants to save seed from – beans, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes
  • Separation rules – why they exist and not stressing them
  • Staggering pollination times to create effective separation
  • Herbs and unusual plants are often easy to save for and over looked
  • Storing your seeds once they are harvested (is cold storage a good idea)
  • How to clean your seeds, what you need, what you don’t need
  • Growing your own hybrids – hybrids are not always bad
  • How to hand pollinate and ensure purity with squashes and melons, etc
  • Saving root crops like garlic, potatoes, sweet potatoes for replanting
  • The rewards of regionally adapted plants
  • Breeding for any and all traits, it really isn’t hard

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1009- Permaculture Lessons and Observations from 2012

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Modern Survival| 39 Comments
Episode-1009- Permaculture Lessons and Observations from 2012 [ 1:23:25 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Today I want to take a look back at much of what we have learned in regard to permaculture over the mostly now passed year.  In 2012 I attended two major permaculture events, planted over 35 trees, experienced my first full season with hugulkultur beds and more.

I also received huge numbers of questions by email about permaculture that have taught me that many good permaculturists are often lousy at explaining big picture reality, myself included.  To examine that we will discuss the most common question about large scale permaculture I get today.

Join me today as we discuss…

  • What is Permaculture for those new to the concept
  • Why I think we should call most US hugulkultur simply “woody beds”
  • Why I think woody beds work so well and it ain’t what everyone says
  • What we need to start teaching the permaculture youth crowd, reality
  • Why Permaculture courses need the addition of “hard skills”
  • The missed opportunity in small scale urban design
  • Where grain fields fit into the equation
  • How can you practice permaculture/polyculture on a large scale
  • The future of permaculture at the individual level
  • The future of permaculture at the commercial level
  • Why a full working acre may be optimum for small family concerns
  • The animals I see as the “best bets” for working families

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1002- The Why, What and How of Modern Homesteading

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Modern Survival| 44 Comments
Episode-1002- The Why, What and How of Modern Homesteading [ 1:14:05 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
The Classic View of "Homestead" is not the Only Option

The Classic View of “Homestead” is not the Only Option

There is an old saying, “what’s old is new again”.  While a fashion minded yuppie may be referring to something like a brief return of the awful concept of bell bottom jeans or some such nonsense, there is a real meaningful component to the statement.

When we are unhappy, when we know something is wrong we try to think back to happier times and make part of what they had part of what we have today.  Why do you think “I Love Lucy”, “Andy Griffith” and even “The Three Stooges” enjoyed a lot of rebirth after 911? Why do you think one network plays “A Christmas Story” for 24 hours strait every Christmas?

This is particularly playing out today in the homesteading and back to the land movements.  Something is different this time though, people seem to be doing it for a new reason, while seeking the lessons of the past, they are actually looking to the future.  Rather then nostalgia driving a quaint idea, we seem to have realized, there is “a better way to do things”.

Join Me Today as We Discuss….

  • The Why of Modern Homesteading
    • Saving Money
    • Improving Health (mental and phyical)
    • Taking Control
    • Building Value in our Homes and Communities
  • The What of Modern Homesteading
    • Food Production
    • Animals That Have Jobs
    • Creation of Income
    • Development of Skills
    • Energy Independence (even by percentage)
    • Resource Identification
  • The How of Modern Homesteading
    • Gardening/Permaculture and Irrigation
    • Food Preservation Methods
      • Fermentation
      • Dehydration
      • Canning
      • Flash Freezing
      • Jerky/Biltong
      • Brewing/Vinting
    • Foraging
    • Barter and Buying from the Local Economy
    • Animal Husbandry
    • Tool Maintenance
    • Planning/Scheduling Activities and Upkeep
    • Record Keeping
    • Community Development

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-978- Fall Gardening Primer with Tips and Tricks for 2012

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Modern Survival| 27 Comments
Episode-978- Fall Gardening Primer with Tips and Tricks for 2012 [ 1:08:55 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This morning I walked the dogs in 60 degree morning chill and I was ecstatic!  While our highs are still in the mid 80s the back of the 100+ degree monster seems truly broken.   Time to get serious about fall gardening and frankly fall maintenance of both land and tools.

To me this is really my favorite time of year, I get to work without wanting to pass out in the heat, the plants do wonderful and I can take breaks by seeking to put an arrow in a deer, shot into a dove or a 22 into a squirrel.  Warm coffee doesn’t make you sweat on the morning dog walk, the holidays are on the way and life in general just feels better.

Heavy Harvests of Summer Crops is a Part of Fall Gardening

Heavy Harvests of Summer Crops is a Part of Fall Gardening

Join me Today as we Discuss  a Variety of Fall Garden Topics…

  • Bed maintenance for beds you won’t be planting with “crops”
    • Biochar
    • Mulch
    • Cover Crops
    • Heavy Harvest of the Summer Crops
  • Getting ready for the fall crops
    • Protection or not?
    • Starting seeds (sometimes indoors)
    • Selecting plants from a nursery
  • 10 Crops for the fall garden
    • Spinach
    • Chard
    • Beets
    • Garlic (planting for next fall)
    • Onions and Leeks
    • Broccoli
    • Cabbage
    • Kale
    • Carrots
    • Lettuce
  • Tool Maintenance
  • Getting the Edge on Cool Weather
    • Windbreaks
    • Southern Exposure
    • Row Covers
    • Micro Green Houses

Resources for today’s show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

 

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Episode-974- Stephen Scott from Terroir Seeds

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Modern Survival| 19 Comments
Episode-974- Stephen Scott from Terroir Seeds [ 1:04:29 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Cindy and Stephen Scott of Terroir Seeds

Cindy and Stephen Scott of Terroir Seeds

Stephen Scott is co-owner of Terroir Seeds along with his wife Cindy.  Terroir is a family owned and operated heirloom seed company that focuses on the “Cycle of Terroir” defined as “from the soil, to the seed, to the food you eat”.  Terroir seeds provides unique varieties of heirloom seeds, education and information for all phases of the “Terroir Cycle”.

Stephen has a business background, from management of a nationally known rental car agency to warranty administrator for a local car dealership. He is an acknowledged chili-head who loves the hotter side of things and loves to cook.

He feels one of the biggest appeals of the garden and growing is to supply the freshest ingredients for the meals! He has a large interest in self sustainability and resiliency- being able to do and produce most of what one needs, and building a strong community of local food producers.

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-971- Dr. Lee Reich on Growing Fruit Naturally

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Modern Survival| 26 Comments
Episode-971- Dr. Lee Reich on Growing Fruit Naturally [ 54:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Lee Reich, PhD and Self Proclaimed "Farmdener"

Lee Reich, PhD and Self Proclaimed “Farmdener”

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a garden, less than a farm), gardening consultant, and writer who has worked in plant and soil research with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Cornell University.

Dr. Reich is a well known author, most recently he published, of The Pruning Book and Grow Fruit Naturally.  He is also the author of 4 additional books.

Lee writes regularly for Associated Press and publications such as Fine Gardening and Horticulture and Mother Earth News. His garden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, has won awards from National Gardenign and Organic Gardening magazines, and has been included in “Open Days” tours of the Garden Conservancy.

Lee joins us today to discuss how anyone in the nation can grow fruit naturally by choosing the right fruits and varieties.   We will discuss the most important first consideration in growing fruit naturally and what fruit would Lee would grow if he could grow only one fruit.  We will also discuss how you can eat fresh fruit through most of the winter months and other season extending tips.

 Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-950- 8 More Unusual or Underated Crops for the Homestead

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Modern Survival| 41 Comments
Episode-950- 8 More Unusual or Underated Crops for the Homestead [ 1:03:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Mouse Melon - One of the Cool Plants We Discuss Today

Mouse Melon – One of the Cool Plants We Discuss Today

Sometimes you just get a bit tired of all the negative things going on out there.  Mid summer seems like some of the worst of those days, hot long days filled with news of encroachment on liberty, economic doom and more.

For me gardening and planting along with planning for future planting and homesteading activities offers me solace.  It doesn’t fix the problems, as I said yesterday when I quoted Steven Covey, “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.”  Sadly we have many consequences to face but as Mr. Covey put it we do control our actions, NOW, today and tomorrow.

In the garden we find both a positive action and emotional and I believe phyical therapy.  In fact I believe much or our nation can be healed with gardening and homesteading.  If you think I am over selling the power of growing food to heal, have a look at this recent article about putting gardens into our prisons.

There is a power of anything that allows a person to really create something, it gives them something that is really theirs, something to value, something they want to keep and protect vs. yet another shiny thing to try to acquire.  This sums up much of what is wrong in America.  With this in mind I bring you today’s show, a simple break and a look at growing some things you may have never thought of before.

Join Me Today As I Tell You About Some Underrated Crops Such As…

  • Sorghum – (for grain and popping)
  • Mouse Mellon – (actually a cucumber, sort of)
  • Old Corn Varieties – (parching, four and flint)
  • Tomatillo
  • New Zealand Spinach
  • Salsify / Scorzonera
  • Hulless Pumpkins (Styrian and others)
  • Asparagus Pea

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Seeds and Seed Sources

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

 

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Episode-945- Weeds that aren’t Weeds and Other Unusal Edibles

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Modern Survival| 41 Comments
Episode-945- Weeds that aren't Weeds and Other Unusal Edibles [ 1:19:13 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Nope it isn't Lambsquarters it is Huauzontle (Wah-Zont-Lay)

Nope it isn’t Lambsquarters it is Huauzontle (Wah-Zont-Lay)

Recently I posted a photo on facebook included here in the show notes.  The photo is of a plant called huauzontle (pronounced wah-zont-lay), a relative of lambsquarters.  While only one person guessing the plant species got it right what actually surprised me was they crescendo of the use of the word “weed”.

Sometimes I sit and wonder if tomatoes and peppers and lettuce just grew in large swaths on their own would we call them weed too?  For example this so called weed huauzontle has actually been cultivated for centuries and is currently “en vogue” with many Mexican gardeners in LA.

I find it interesting that many of the plants I purposely plant in my garden like lambsquartes, huauzontle and purslane are classified as weeds by so many others.  Am I just so weirdo that likes “weeds” or is there something more to it?  Many of these plants are great eating, easy to cultivate and pack a great nutritional punch.  Many are also great for livestock, wildlife support, predator habitat and still others do all of the above.

Join Me Today As We Discuss the Merits of These Unusual Edible Plants

Resources for Today’s Show

Some of My Favorite Small Seed Suppliers to Find Unusual Stuff – These are a group of small seed houses where I have found many unusual and all but lost to time seed varieties and species.

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-936- Holly Baird from Wisconsin Vegetable Gardeners

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Modern Survival| 2 Comments
Episode-936- Holly Baird from Wisconsin Vegetable Gardeners [ 46:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
A Beautiful Backyard Wisconsin Eggplant

A Beautiful Backyard Wisconsin Eggplant

Holly Baird and here husband Joey put out a weekly vegetable gardening/DIY show.  They focus on the average gardener, simple home living, and using what you already have.

They strive to be self sustainable, and focus and reusing common items to keep things out of the landfill and save money.  They grow an organic vegetable garden in a suburban area near Milwaukee, WI.

Holly joins us today to discuss why they do a show that encourages people to grow their own food and become more self sufficient.

We also discuss why they are growing their own food and why it just makes sense to do so today.  Their favorite things to grow, highest yielding plantings and the best plant selections for the first time gardener.

We then discuss concepts like the GMO food threat, dealing with pests organically, supporting local growers and ways to preserve and extend the harvest.

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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