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145 guidesFlow Through Aquaponics Wicking Bed
This is a mix of a wicking bed and aquaponics. In this way you can grow your plants in soil while using the fertilized water from the aquaponics system. This system will likely filter the water less than a standard gravel bed so best to combine gravel beds with flow through wicking beds. Building and […]
Hot Bed
A Hot Bed is an ancient way to grow vegetables earlier if you have cold winters. So let’s talk about hotbed gardening, a cool ancient method to grow vegetables earlier, especially if you have cold winters: What is Hotbed Gardening? Hotbed gardening is a clever and ancient technique that helps you grow vegetables earlier in […]
Conservation Agriculture
Conservation agriculture is an innovative and sustainable farming approach that focuses on preserving natural resources while enhancing agricultural productivity. It involves three key principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop rotation or diversification. Conservation agriculture aims to promote soil health, reduce water usage, and protect the environment, making it highly relevant in Namibia, […]
Rain fed crops in the desert
Growing crops in the desert can be challenging due to the extreme heat, limited water availability, and sandy soils. However, with careful planning and the right techniques, it’s possible to cultivate crops successfully even in arid regions. Here are some methods to consider for growing crops in the desert: 1. Choose Drought-Tolerant Crops: Opt for […]
Duckweed & Azolla Ponds
Growing duckweed and/or Azolla in a small homestead setting can be an excellent idea for several reasons, and it brings some cool benefits too. Let me break it down for you: Reasons to Grow Duckweed: 1. Livestock Feed: Duckweed is a tiny aquatic plant that grows super fast. You can use it to feed your […]
Azolla
About Azolla Azolla: A Tiny Water Plant with Amazing Benefits for Farming Thus, Azolla is a tiny water plant with fantastic benefits for farming. Its ability to act as a natural fertilizer and provide nutritious feed for farm animals makes it a valuable resource for farmers worldwide. With easy cultivation and impressive results, Azolla is […]
Clay Pipes & Ollah Pots
You can save massive amounts of water in your garden by installing clay pipes and Ollah pots. Olla irrigation is an ancient method that involves using porous clay pots buried in the soil to slowly release water directly to the plant roots. Here’s how it can be adapted for growing grains in the desert: 1. […]
Chinampa
A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system used to grow crops in fertile, man-made islands or raised beds in shallow lakes or swampy areas. It was developed by the Aztecs and other indigenous groups in ancient Mexico and is still practiced in some regions today. The construction of a chinampa begins by driving wooden […]
Permaculture
Overview Permaculture is a holistic and sustainable approach to designing systems that work in harmony with nature. It is based on observing and mimicking natural ecosystems to create regenerative and resilient environments. The key concepts of permaculture revolve around three main principles: Key techniques and strategies used in permaculture include: Permaculture encourages us to observe […]
Terracing
Imagine you have a small piece of land where you want to grow crops, like vegetables or fruits. Now, terracing is a smart way to use that land effectively, especially if it’s on a hill or slope. Let me break it down for you: What is Terracing in Small-scale Farming? Terracing is like creating steps […]
Terraponics
Some plants, like root crops, like to live in soil and not in a soilless medium like clay pebbles or gravel as in Aquaponics or Vermiponics. The plants here are thus put in small baskets of soil and then put into the growth medium. The advantage is that you have the water cycling and you […]
Companions
Let’s dive into the exciting world of companion planting on a small farm in a way that’s easy to understand. What is Companion Planting? Companion planting is like arranging a super team of plants to grow together in the same space. These plant buddies help and support each other, making them healthier, happier, and better […]