Tag Archives: permaculture

Biology Over Chemistry to Restore Our Planet – Epi-3458

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Chemistry and Biology are both wonderful sciences that have done many great things for mankind.  Though like anything that is essentially a tool, some tools are right for somethings but not for others.  When it come to taking care of soils, growing food, grazing animals, cycling nutrients and restoring ecosystems, biology is the right active tool. I say active tool because it isn’t that chemistry isn’t useful at all in these scenarios, rather it is how it can be useful.  Biology is full of chemical prodcesses.  Hence chemistry can be extremely useful in understanding organic systems.  However when we use … Continue reading →

New Seeds from Baker Creek – Epi-3445

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Hi, my name is Jack and I am a seed addict.  I have tried to get this monkey off my back for decades now.  Every year about Christmas time when the mood shifts to getting ready for spring I say something like this to myself, “This year I am just going to grow the 10 or so things that do really well with very little work for us that we use a lot of.  Just like my grand paw used to do”. About that time the dealers “pull me back in” and one of the worst offenders of the bunch … Continue reading →

Spring Seed Starting Primer for 2018 – Epi-3441

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It is that time again.  Part of the nation is still in ice and snow but the giant rat in Pennsylvania says an early spring is coming.  Early or not spring is coming and it is time to get those seeds for plants you want to set out going NOW. Join Me Today to Discuss… Understanding how seeds germinate in the wild (this answers so many questions) Setting up your seed starting systems How much do you want/need to start Indoors, garage, outdoors. green house Lights at this point just use good LEDs unless you already have something else Heating … Continue reading →

Practical Permaculture Design for Everyone – Epi-3433

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I have been getting some questions about Permaculture lately and it has been specific to PDCs (permaculture design courses) in a lot of instances.  Mainly is a PDC worth taking and what do you really get out of it. This is where I may take some flack from some Permaculture teachers, I do not believe a PDC is right for many.   Here is why, a PDC is a 72 hour course, it is either rammed into 2 weeks in person or done over time online.  60-70% of the material is philosophy over techniques and tactics or tactics and techniques that … Continue reading →

Compost, Cover Crops & Biochar – Epi-3429

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Today we look at the trifecta of soil fertility for the home gardener, homesteader and permaculturist.  They are bioreactor compost, cover cropping and biochar.  With these three components you can grow almost anything and drive your inputs to almost nothing over a short time. With these three simple to do but somewhat complex to understand tactics in your tool chest you can solve so many problems with both disease and pests and grow more then you ever thought you could.  These three tactics work together to form a natural and biological solution to common issues in the garden and on … Continue reading →

Cover Cropping for the Home Garden – Api-3418

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Cover cropping has become a huge thing in ReGen Ag and for a lot of great reasons.  Gardeners though still tend toward not using them.   While there are other strategies that can be employed when not actively growing crops, none are as effective as a good cover crop.  Today we discuss how to use this simple, inexpensive and very effective technology in your back yard. Join Me Today to Discuss… What is a cover crop vs. just a crop, can a cover crop give a yield What happens to any living thing if you stop feeding it long enough What … Continue reading →

Plants Don’t Need Permission with Blue Lotus – Epi-3400

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Today, Jennie D. (AKA Blue Lotus) joins us to delve into the world of guerrilla gardening and its role in enhancing community spaces. Jennie and her group are champions of the belief that “plants don’t need permission and neither do you,” a credo that fuels their mission. Tune in to discover the intriguing intersection of proactive anarchism and permaculture through their stories. Jennie D. is a dynamic figure, blending her talents as an artist, activist, and avid gardener into impactful community initiatives. She manages a front yard community garden that doubles as a trade stand, fostering a local exchange of … Continue reading →

Regenerative Soils with Matt Powers – Epi-3341

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We’re delighted to once again host Matt Powers on the podcast, a guest who’s made a few memorable appearances in the past. Matt, an author, educator, citizen scientist, entrepreneur, and above all, a dedicated family man, is back to share more of his insights. His journey is fueled by a personal mission – to source the highest quality food for his wife, Adriana, a cancer survivor, and their two boys. With a background in public education and a Masters in Education, Matt has taken his passion for teaching beyond the traditional classroom. He’s the brains behind a multitude of online … Continue reading →

Robert Baxley on Radical Gastronomy – Epi-3330

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Robert “Bob” Baxley, a previous guest on our podcast in the episode titled “Pushing Back on Boilerplate Land Use Codes – Epi-3293,” contributed to an exceptional discussion. During the episode, I had the opportunity to discover his fascinating work in the realm of “Radical Gastronomy” and permaculture. Given my personal interests as both a permaculturist and food enthusiast, I was thoroughly intrigued and invited Bob to return as a guest, allowing us to delve deeper into these captivating subjects. Bob is a multifaceted individual, excelling as a homesteader, natural builder, and chef who cultivates his land on Colorado’s Western slope. … Continue reading →

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 →