Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Loe

The best organic gardening practices for building our soils

Our soil is the foundation for everything we do out in the garden. And having an understanding of how it works is hugely important.

If we are better stewards of our soil, we will have healthier plants, fewer pest problems, and a happier earth.

In today’s episode, host Theresa Loe brings on Mark Highland, who is also known as the Organic Mechanic. Mark knows a lot about soil and organic gardening because he runs the company with the same name: Organic Mechanics Soil.

Learn how our soil works and how we should care for it an organic way.

You will learn:

  • Why “big picture” thinking is key to all organic gardening
  • The difference between conventional and organic fertilizers
  • Why deer are more attracted to synthetically fertilized plants
  • Why organic matter makes for healthier plants
  • The key practices that make all the difference in soil building
  • Why you should avoid the tiller at all costs
  • Why we need to wait after a storm before weeding
  • What makes bugs attack conventionally grown plants more than organically grown

As always, you can get all the information mentioned in this episode at www.LivingHomegrown.com/123 including a full PDF transcript of the episode.

 

Direct download: LH_123_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03am PDT

What it’s like to jump into homesteading for the very first time?

When we’re interested in learning a new skill, the first step is to research and read about it. But the real learning comes when we roll up our sleeves and start doing that thing that we’re interested in.

Nothing beats the insights and knowledge that come from actually stepping out from behind the research and actually giving it a try.

My guest this week understands that well.

Bev Ross is a long-time listener of this podcast and for years she dreamed of living a homesteading life.

Well earlier this year, she and her family decided to stop dreaming about homesteading and dropped everything to start doing it.

They sold their home, moved across the country and dove head first into growing food, raising chickens and living closer to their food.

But they tried to be smart about it.

They didn’t quit their full time jobs.  They aren’t trying to farm. They tried not to bite off too much at once.

In other words, they’re easing into this lifestyle one step at a time and we chat about what ups and downs she’s experienced so far.

You will learn:

  • Why it’s important to do your research on zoning laws before you start
  • Some of the challenges you can face
  • The benefits to your children when homesteading
  • Why record keeping is so key
  • Tips for journaling on the fly
  • The biggest lessons learned so far
  • How this lifestyle is not about pass or fail

As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/122 to get a full transcript of the episode and all the links mentioned in the show.

Direct download: 122_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Even if you don’t live in the United States and are not celebrating Thanksgiving this month, you probably will have some holiday get togethers over the next few weeks.  And these ideas can be used for ANY holiday party.

In this episode, I share some of my tips for meshing Thanksgiving traditions with that natural world outside.

Because to me, fall parties are about celebrating the season as well as food and family.

You will learn:

  • How to make gratitude a BIG part of the day
  • Tips for getting children involved in the decorating
  • Which plants make great fall decorations
  • How to add botanicals to your place settings
  • A simple way to make herbs part of your cocktails
  • How to create a decoration that doubles as a guest gift
  • Why is cranberry balsamic sauce so amazing
  • And I’ll share my ginger pumpkin cheesecake recipe

As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/121 for links and the to download the recipes mentioned. We also have a full transcript for to download for free. 

Direct download: 121_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

How to make natural household cleaners that ROCK!

The holidays are coming and chances are you're going to be cleaning your house a little bit more than usual.

Don’t reach for the chemical laden products you find at the store!

Living a more organic lifestyle means eliminating chemicals whenever we can.

And a great place to do that is with the products we spray all over our house such as the things we use to scrub down the countertops, clean the bathrooms or even make our laundry smell fresh.

In today’s episode, host Theresa Loe brought on the owner of the popular blog Brown Thumb Mama. Pam Farley believes in making things herself for less money than the store bought versions. From cleaners to air fresheners, she is always on the lookout for all natural alternatives to what we find in the stores.

Pam shares her insights and recipes for making cleaning products using simple ingredients we probably already have in our homes.

You will learn:

  • Why typical household cleaners do NOT have to list all the ingredients
  • Which kitchen supplies we already have that will do the job
  • The difference between pure essential oils and fragrance oils
  • The difference between food grade and therapeutic grade oils
  • How to make an All Purpose Cleaner
  • How to create an Air Freshener Spray
  • Tips for making our laundry smell awesome

In the show notes for this episode, you can download a printable PDF of all of the recipes mentioned. Just go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/120 and you will also find a full transcript of the show and more links/resources to get you started.

Direct download: 120_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:21am PDT

1