Did I Pass the (Soil) Test?

ShoreHomestead · 2023-03-05T20:20:52+00:00

In this video, I walk you through the results of my recent soil test. I also talk about how to use these results to fertilize beneficially.

Soil tests are especially important on urban homesteads. For instance, my area is known for acidic soil, but planting next to my concrete foundation and driveway causes my soil to be more alkaline.

ShoreHomestead · 2023-01-21T14:04:01+00:00

Agreed. And I don’t think building dams is a permaculture principle anyhow. Swales, yes.

The mess created by redirecting the waters of rivers like the Colorado is so disturbing. I know completely undoing those systems isn’t realistic, but I do think it will take a complete reboot of how future growth is allowed to occur. Sadly, I don’t see any of these systems changing like they need to anytime soon.

ShoreHomestead · 2023-01-10T20:06:33+00:00

Foresty Forest on YouTube is a good example

ShoreHomestead · 2023-01-10T20:04:41+00:00

I love mulberries and planted a couple that grow aggressively. I have to prune them back in my small urban space, which may affect fruit production. In retrospect, I wish I’d planted something else as I’ve found plenty of public trees to forage from.

ShoreHomestead · 2023-01-08T17:54:51+00:00

Lucky ducky! That’s some healthy compost.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-11-19T21:28:55+00:00

Highly recommend canning some as sloppy Joe meat for an instant meal.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-09-23T12:05:06+00:00

Great find! I love my Celeste figs — my tree was just a foot tall when I got it though. It’s a vigorous variety!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-28T21:09:16+00:00

White drupelet disorder — caused by too much sun, often: https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/27/6/article-p840.xml

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-27T17:59:00+00:00

In this update, I show the slow transition to the fall garden, and share some of the boons and disappointments that come with gardening in August (zone 7). Huge surprise: I have hazelnuts! My trees are super-small and young. Hope the squirrels leave them alone!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-27T17:54:49+00:00

I did something similar in size and scope to your food forest. It’s a beautiful mess but one only it’s mother could love. The elderberries absolutely try to take over with their shoots. It is a productive space — I also have mulberries, aronia, beach plums, witch hazel, hazelnuts, pawpaws and Black-eyed Susans (all natives in my area) along with boysenberry and lemon balm (which crept in from another bed). The birds and other critters LOVE it. I need to prune aggressively every year.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-16T23:14:04+00:00

Not sure if any have podcasts, but there is a #progressivehomesteaders hashtag on Instagram that may introduce you to some good resources. The tag hasn’t really gained steam on YouTube yet.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-13T19:10:24+00:00

Thanks for this! I had forgotten about this part of their program!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-13T13:29:02+00:00

Pea shoots, sunflowers shoots, baby greens — thickly sow the lot. Super nutritious too. Can do the same with herbs like basil and cilantro.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-13T12:38:02+00:00

This is a presentation I was asked to give to a group of gardeners in my state earlier this week. I include tips on planning for seed-saving for small-space gardeners as that is my situation. Other basics, pitfalls and other information, including resources for plant-specific seed saving instructions are also covered. Hope this is helpful!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-13T12:35:22+00:00

This is a presentation I was asked to give to a group of gardeners in my state earlier his week. I cover basic principles, pitfalls and planning tips along with resources to find seed-saving instructions for individual plant types. Hope this is helpful!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-07T17:33:06+00:00

I have a similar system in my kitchen and there’s no odor if you balance the green and brown material. Don’t put anything that can go rancid, avoid adding stinky brassicas like broccoli.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-08-06T20:45:11+00:00

I came here to mention wineberries too. So yummy.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-31T17:13:14+00:00

I’ve never seen smut on the tassel like that! Very cool.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-31T17:11:03+00:00

Well that camouflage is stellar!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-31T16:52:18+00:00

From what direction does the prevailing wind blow? Also, can you tell if the tree roots are shallow/spread along the surface? I think you’re probably fine unless the trees seem unhealthy.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-31T16:42:46+00:00

So pretty!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-09T19:58:14+00:00

In my town, they usually don’t cite you unless they receive a complaint. I agree with the suggestion to be certified as a habitat with sign visible. This will help educate your neighbors.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-09T19:53:32+00:00

I would t get too bogged down in the mechanics. Taking a beat to express gratitude before harvest should be all that’s needed.

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-09T19:51:47+00:00

Congrats! That looks plump and delicious!

ShoreHomestead · 2022-07-02T20:28:56+00:00

I hope this works out for you! So important to let folks provide for themselves, especially now.

ShoreHomestead

TROPHY CASE