Tag Archives: composting

12 Bulletproof Homestead Techniques – Epi-3325

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Today we discuss 12 bulletproof homesteading techniques that can transform the way you interact with your land. We’ll touch on wicking beds, a method that can revolutionize your approach to irrigation, and my simple adaptation Johnson Su-style composting, a game-changer for soil health and fertility with a lot less work involved. We’ll also delve into the world of small livestock, from chickens and quail to rabbits and bees, and how these animals can contribute to a thriving homestead ecosystem. Fodder tree systems, another topic on our list, offer a sustainable way to feed these animals while improving soil quality. In … Continue reading →

Taking Biochar Further with Michael Wittman- Epi-3307

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In this episode of The Survival Podcast, we are excited to welcome back, Michael Wittman, a guest who has been making remarkable strides in the field of sustainability. Our guest, an accomplished entrepreneur, joins us for a second time to explore the practical applications of biochar beyond basic soil improvement. Hailing from America’s heartland, our guest has cultivated a deep expertise in harnessing the potential of biochar. Building upon our previous discussion, we will delve into the diverse uses of biochar that extend beyond its traditional role. During our conversation, our guest will shed light on the various ways biochar … Continue reading →

Michael Wittman on Backyard Biochar – Epi-3228

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Today I’m joined by Michael Wittman who is “Char-man of the Board” of Blue Sky Biochar. We will discuss making back yard biochar, the larger biochar industry, soil health, composting and a ton more. I went out to find the best hands on how to guy I could in the biochar and found Michael. I am very excited to bring you guys this one, it will blow you away I promise. Michael has long been an environmental activist for an ever-growing number of national grass roots movements. He brings to bear a lifetime of experience in alternative energy and soil … Continue reading →

How F’d is Our Food System – Epi-3232

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So the title of this episode should be “How F’d is Our Food System and what can we do about it, but that is too long.  You guys know me though I don’t poke problems without corresponding solutions.  Today though you likely think we are going to dig into supply chains and droughts, not really.  I am talking food quality today. I ran a poll on Twitter today asking simply, how much uranium (yes URANIUM) do you think is annually spread onto our fields via contaminated phosphorus globally.  The answer will be on today’s show but not given in the … Continue reading →

Episode-2797- Using Small Livestock to Build Fertility

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Small livestock are great to have around.  They are the best way to produce protein and fat we have.  They do this with meat and eggs along with dairy in the case of things like goats.  We have talked a lot about this in the past and we will do so again in the future but today I want to start zeroing in on fertility. I am going to tell you about one of our biggest problems leading off today and yet one almost no one even bothers to consider, look at or try to solve.  That problem is we … Continue reading →

Episode-2429- Dr. Jeff Tomberlin on Black Solider Fly Compost Systems

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Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin is a Professor & AgriLife Research Fellow in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University. He is also the Director of the Forensic & Investigative Sciences Program at Texas A&M University, and the principle investigator of the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Sciences (F.L.I.E.S.) Facility at Texas A&M University. Research in the F.L.I.E.S. Facility examines species interactions on ephemeral resources such as vertebrate carrion, decomposing plant material and animal wastes in order to better understand the mechanisms regulating arthropod behavior as related to arrival, colonization and succession patterns. The goals of his program are numerous; … Continue reading →

Episode-2369- A New Look at the Modern Homestead

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Today is an example of why you should be following @ItsAJackLife on Instagram.  There were two possible shows today, Modern Homesteading or seed starting.  I posted a video on Instagram asking for followers to tell me what they wanted and homesteading won about 2-1.  You just never know what perks you might get if you follow and interact with us there. Anyway today we are going to once again discuss the concept of the modern homestead.  We are going to stick to properties from typical 1/4 acre suburban lots up to small acreage like say 1-5 acres and even there … Continue reading →

Episode-1624- Get your plants off Welfare with Mike Vertrees

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Mike Vertrees lives and works part time on a 50 acre homestead in middle Tennessee. He first became interested in soils and compost as a way to repair the eroded clay soil he had in abundance. He mostly focused on what he calls the Hippie Voodoo aspects of soil science.  These included biodynamic techniques, information gleaned from youtube and several books. Mike soon found that a lot of the information was supported by anecdotal evidence at best, but none the less developed a real passion for experimenting. Mike participated in the Geoff Lawton online PDC in 2013 and took a … Continue reading →

Episode-1209- Evan Folds on Composting, BioEnergetics, Hydroponics and More

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Evan Folds is founder and President of Progressive Gardens, a retail gardening store specializing in organics, BioDynamics, hydroponics, composting, sprouting & much more. He is also the founder of Progress Earth, global distributor of the Vortex Brewer® system, used to brew living, organic compost tea and to create living, energized water. Progress Earth’s mission is to change the way food is grown and empower people to become self-sustainable through growing soil and growing their own nourishment. We grow healthy people, plants & planet! Evan has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Religion from the University of … Continue reading →

Episode-772- Trevor Van Hemert from Pedal to Petal

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Trevor Van Hemert runs Pedal to Petal a company that picks up food scraps from all over the city of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Pedal To Petal is a permaculture-based collective of bicycle loving food security activists who are taking direct action to reduce carbon emissions and landfill waste and to feed the soil and the city’s hungry. They do all their pick up and transport via the use of bicycles with zero use of any fossil fuels.  The finished compost is used to grow food in the same city where the components are collected and the compost is produced … Continue reading →