Since so many people have been inspired this year to grow their own for the first time, I thought I would return to basics once again and write a little about the importance of learning how to cook healthy, fresh ingredients from scratch. In our modern world, where so much convenience food is available, itContinue reading “Cooking From Scratch”
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Jobs to Do in the Garden Before the First Frost
We expect our first frost of the year in mid-late October most years. Before the first frost arrives in your own area, there are a number of jobs you should consider. Before the first frost you will likely want to: Finish the job of harvesting and storing crops. Some plants will happily stay in theContinue reading “Jobs to Do in the Garden Before the First Frost”
What is a Sustainable Business?
Whether you are running your own, thinking about setting up in business, or choosing from whom to buy, it is important to think about what sustainable business really means. Sustainability is about creating something that endures. But more than this, it is about thinking of the planet, and of future generations, in every decision thatContinue reading “What is a Sustainable Business?”
Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas
Waking up today to news that President Trump has coronavirus, I began to think about contagion. Of course, this is something we have all been forced to think about more in the last months. Faced with a virus that spreads so easily, we all have to think about the responsibility we have to prevent spread.Continue reading “Contagion – Spreading Sustainable Ideas”
Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season
It might seem like it is still far off, but the holiday season is fast approaching. And the consumerist machine is already ramping up to sell, sell and sell some more. This year, as you think about gifts you would like to give – think about more sustainable options. If you grow your own, yourContinue reading “Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season”
Voices We Listen To – Impacts on Sustainable Progress
In the last few weeks, I have spoken with many people who are dissatisfied with communication. Some feel they are hitting a brick wall when trying to convince loved ones to live in a more sustainable way. Some are frustrated with a dearth of political voices or voices of those in authority that they canContinue reading “Voices We Listen To – Impacts on Sustainable Progress”
Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t
Those of us with relatively short growing season often find that growing tomatoes is a race against time. Even though I take steps to make green tomatoes ripen more quickly, we are always left with green tomatoes at the end of the season. But just because the tomatoes are not fully ripe, that does notContinue reading “Green Tomatoes – How To Ripen Them and How To Use Ones That Don’t”
How To Use Pruned Branches From Your Garden
As winter and the dormant phase approaches, you may well be undertaking a wide range of pruning jobs in your garden. I’d like to take a moment to explore what you can do with the branches you prune. Even on a small property, you can have quite a lot of wood from pruning – especiallyContinue reading “How To Use Pruned Branches From Your Garden”
The Benefits of Clay Plaster
In our steading/ barn conversion, we are aiming to use materials and finishes that are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. One step we are taking to make a healthy and sustainable build is using clay plaster. In finishing one wall prior to the arrival of our Rayburn (delivery has been delayed but it isContinue reading “The Benefits of Clay Plaster”
How Much Land Do You Need For a Homestead?
One common question people ask when looking for a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life is how much land they need. To be honest, one might as well ask “how long is a piece of string?”. Before we can begin to answer this question, we need to ask a series of questions: Where isContinue reading “How Much Land Do You Need For a Homestead?”