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Tag: Organic lifestyle

  • 4 Simple Ways To Keep Your Garden Rodent Free

    4 simple ways to keeping a rodent free garden.

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    Something I get asked about often is how do we manage rodent control. I know different states and cities have different rules so I have compiled a list of ideas to consider.

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    #1 Fencing

    We added a Simple DIY privacy fence around our raised bed garden to keep out the local rabbit and squirrel population. When we bought our house the smaller backyard fence already had slats installed, which also helps keep the rodents from squeezing through or climbing over the fence and getting to our fruit trees.

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    #2 Traps

    A few years ago we had a family of rats that decided to make there home in our garage and attic. Family suggested we put a marshmallow on top of the rat trap. To my surprise it worked almost instantly. Occasionally we catch a rabbit or squirrel, and a few birds. We also invested in a one door animal trap. Check your city and states rules about catch & release, as well as catch & kill rules.

    # 3 Pellet Gun

    If you live in a more rural part of town and the laws permit you can also use a pellet gun to get rid of the rodents in your yard.

    # 4 Cats

    Another great option is getting barn or outside cats. Consider getting them when they are kittens so they understand not to attack your chickens and other small birds. Also you may want to keep in mind they can turn your raised beds into a litter box. Plus we learned that cats invite other cats from the neighborhood over, and thats a whole lot of extra feed.

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    What methods do you use to keep rodents out of your garden?

  • How To Plant A Fruit Tree

    How To Plant A Fruit Tree

    How to plant a fruit tree in 5 easy steps. A step by step photo tutorial for planting fruit trees.

    Planting fruit trees is one of the best investments for your homestead and in my opinion one of the first steps in cultivating a sustainable lifestyle. Before planting that beautiful vegetable garden I hope you will consider adding fruit trees to your landscape. I know we regret not planting our fruit trees sooner!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Using a pick axe or shovel start digging.

    First you’ll want to consider proper sunlight, wind protection and irrigation. Keep in mind the saying “out of site, out of mind.” Once you have your new trees location, start digging. Using a pick axe or shovel dig a hole 2 to 3 times wide and deeper than the pot it came in.

    Mix 50% native soil with 50% composted mulch.

    Mix 50% native soil with 50% composted mulch. Mix well. Partially back fill hole with 50/50 mixture, so that the tree sits on top of soft and healthy soil. Sprinkle 1 tbsp Myco Bliss Organic Mycorrhizal Fungi (5 Endo Mycorrhizae Species Mix) for Plants (Powder, 2 lb) on top of 50/50 mixture.

    Sprinkle 1 tbsp mycorrhiza.

    Take the tree out of its pot and place on top of mycorrhiza + 50/50 soil mixture. Make sure that the top of the tree soil is level with the ground soil before back filling the hole.

    Add a 2 inch layer of compost, few handfuls azomite, and few handfuls of worm castings

    Back fill with the remaining 50/50 soil mixture. In no specific order add a 2 inch layer of compost, few handfuls Root Naturally Azomite Rock Dust – 10 Pounds, and few handfuls of Wiggle Worm WWSB30LB Unco Industries Builder Worm Castings, 30 lb Compost, Soil, 30-Pound. Then add approximately 6 inches of mulch. Anything will do, grass clippings, wood chips, pine needles or leaves. Be sure to keep mulch away from the trees trunk.

    With leftover dirt make a well or berm around the trees drip line.

    With leftover dirt make a well or berm around the trees drip line(Furthest tree branches). You’ll want to water your tree right away with 4 times the amount of water then the pot it came in. For example, if your tree came in a 5 gallon pot, then it needs 20 gallons of water. We also like to add 1 oz of Neptune’s Harvest FS191 Hydrolized Fish & Seaweed at the time of watering.

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    What fruit trees will you add first?