Had I encountered the wisdom you share on homesteading when I was young (and ever dreaming we would one day move from the Pittsburgh suburbs to a working farm), I might well have done it. Alas, my 70's - 80's (turning 82 in July) have been both times of deep reflection and letting go of earlier dreams about future choices. Bittersweet, in other words, like some of the crops you so lovingly describe. Thank you for all you share; in one sense, your offerings tether us to reality and act as antidote to the aggressive lunacy and multifaceted denials of basic reality and human ontology.
I like your "Homesteading" farming ... "advice.".. WOW.. you are really learning from scratch that is for sure. I have never looked up your biology.. but I am going to guess you did not grow up in Virginia. :) I finally looked up your Bio.. OOPS you did work on nanoparticles. but then again who didn't.. So it sounds like you are from California.. which is Ok, my sons father was born in Ft Ord and his father.. the Navy Admiral from Oklahoma. I LOVE THE WAY SCIENTIFICALLY ANALYZE FARMING.. "AGRICULTURE" re: to VA TECH. really. I did grow up in Virginia,, and the first thing I noticed was that damn "red clay".. we used pick blackberry bushes in the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA.. yeah.. on a place called CLAY HILL. I have written several short stories about my childhood in Virginia and a lot of it because I spent most of my time outside.. talks about the soil, the plants.. tbe insects.. the local wild animals.. because BEFORE Joni Mitchell wrote The Big Yellow TAXI aka "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot".. (and many others besides her sang that song: VIRGINIA was an absolutely gorgeous state; up until a couple years ago (won't check) Virginia grew the best tobacco in the WORLD..exporting it to the Arabs (ha ha).. and Europe.. I know, because I smoked when I went to to Germany and Heathrow..and bought Davidoff cigarettes.. back to your farming:.. I am thinking.. I forgot to mention along my life journey's.. my husband and I owned a Landscaping Company.. when we lived in Fauquier but we did our work in Northern VA (where the money was) but we for eight years; we both took courses at Virginia Tech.. which has an amazing agriculture school.. learned a lot about "agriculture" and farming.. FOR NOW.. You should check to see the general PH.. add LIME most of the time.. and frankly.. all just a bit of advice from a former farmer gal..:) most fields which have OLD CROPS like from the year before should be TILLED... as in the plants and all TILLED.. You are right to keep areas separated.. I grew a variety of crops out there... had to learn on cucumbers and tomatoes :)
and we had a little apple orchard.. which was fun also.. I LOVE YOUR HOMESTEADING POSTS.. can't wait to see the new spring babies. :) Check out Virginia TECH.. for free amazing advice for growing plants which work symbiotically w/ regard to insect pests.. :) HAVE FUN
Thanks for this; very helpful! I've been no-pesticides for a long time, and I'm no fan of fertilizer either. But manure of various flavors, that's another story!
Like I mentioned to Robert: Virginia Tech.. has an amazing Agriculture school.. I took some in person seminars exactly on that.. using plants which act symbiotically to keep pests away.. and I bet there are free courses on line at Virginia Tech.. on that as well.. I loved it..
This is simply beautiful. We have a small yard, wondering it is too late for the white clover, I believe I have some seeds. I'm going to look for hairy vetch to plant before winter, and mustard greens, collards maybe other. Saving and sharing.
This reminded me of so much of what England was like in the 40s and 50s, when there was a plentiful supply of bird song to cheer you on as you laboured in the veg garden.
Thank you for that, thank you for reminding me of clover and how good the flowers were to such on, which I did as a child. I could almost smell the countryside which now has all been built upon. I tend to think that my generation really were the last to see how beautiful our country was. I am actually shocked at how quickly it has all changed.
By the way we used to make rhubarb wine and we would be given the rhubarb by a friend of ours who had a horse, so guess where the horse's leavings would go? I have never seen such large rhubarb since - and the wine wasn't so bad either!
My husband and I have been influenced in gardening by temporary fencing. We live in the ridges of Sale Creek, TN, and garden on a small ridge. On the one side of the hwy there are the mountains, and on the other side are the "ridges". One can have a better soil quality in the ridges. We use metal fence posts (that can bee pulled up and moved) and chicken wire. It ain't "pretty", but very creative and it keeps the small animals out and the deer can bee discouraged by putting bamboo and ribbon woven thru the fence to create confusion, color and movement; they go elsewhere. I was never interested in gardening (I grew up in Oak Ridge, TN and we mostly ate out of cans). It was easier to store in the bomb shelters. If one DID eat out of the garden, those individuals are likely dead already. I'm 78 this year and still kicking, and help tend the garden with my farmer husband now. One can grow food in many ways. Not just in rows, or a laid out plan. Just do it! Thanks so much for the sharings....
I have a small, low hill piece in front that had been covered with wild violets. My Mother loved violets. It has suffered yearly onslaughts of gumballs from an adjacent street tree. Last fall I felt unable to clear the debris myself and hired a service. Checking now, it looks like a bare hill.
It is hard packed, so recovering the situation will take some ingenuity.
Maybe these options can help.
Have a pleasant day and safe travels if that is a part of the schedule.
Dear Dr. Jill - what wisdom you share. I couldn't help but see the parallels from your post on earth soil and the eternal soil we all carry- our own soul n' Spirit. As you said, regenerative farming takes time. It takes time, I'm sure much patience and consistency to real a viable, healthy harvest.
As we look at the craziness & decay of morality, common sense & human decency in the world today - I see that without good nutrients. such as (mercy, justice) applied to society - no life giving soil is produced. As weeds grow wild unless seed beds are maintained- its no small wonder that the rampant greed, avarice, maelstrom of wickedness foisted upon the young to the old - has bankrupted the fields of humanity - the result is dead governance, decaying systems and no-life giving, thriving societies.
I believe the same ingredients that produce the healthiest crops sunshine, clean H20, good nutrients- also fertilize our societies and ourselves.
As for me - my daily nutrition is living words 📖, my daily dose of Son-shine nourishes me, and His water of life washes away whatever dark weeds want to grow. What was first born from above - the Spirit (Ruach) reality is true in the soil. From dust to dust...we came from a garden.....we end up in His garden. We are God's regenerative life-cycle plants. And you are one of His favorite 🪴 plants. - Blessings to you - Elizabeth
Can you write about natural pesticides? I have a terrible bug problem, I can't use bug repellent and working completely covered up is a hugh drawback. I love learning from you guys thanks again!
We went from a steady perfect humidly climate, a block from the beach in San Diego to 7K ft elevation, in very dry Colorado. It has been a slow build and the raised bed has been a dream. I only raise herbs now, along with my tomatoes in pots. This is because we travel to much. We only use organic products and have a xeriscape front yard. Still some natural green and the Hubby put every thing on drip sprinklers, timers and a remote app.
Many of my neighbors love the chemicals for their weeds. Drives me crazy. We only use Vinegar and good old fashion bending over to weed.
In the fall we only trim those plants and tree's that it is really necessary. We leave everything else as is. The soil is now a nice, rich dark color. It took about 5 years. Returning this spring, we have spent the last two weeks, trimming and feeding.
Years ago I had a huge garden and 38 producing trees and roses everywhere. This small 1/3 of an acre, suits us for now. We still enjoy working outside, and the raised beds have allowed me some gardening.
Nothing compared to your acre's Malone's....lol.
Just hope people understand, they can get alot of fulfillment in smaller area's.
And I didn’t mention lambs quarters (a weed) that on the spring in Texas my mom and mother would cook. You had to pick them in the spring when they were just greening up.
After the winter crop of mustard and turnip greens played out in the early spring we got our fresh greens from young lambs quarters, pigweed and tumble weeds. Just remember YOUNG is the key. They were all good and nutritious back then. Pigweed is in the Amaranthus family. Other species of Amaranthus are widely eaten used in many cultures. I am fresh out of tumble weeds so think I will just go pick a mess of turnip greens and turnips (roots) for supper tonight.
Dear Doctors Malone! My husband and I have been and continue to be grateful for and amazed by your commitment, dedication and long suffering efforts and sacrifices to fight the good fight on so many fronts. It is wearying, expensive, thankless, soul-crushing work that most cannot or will not do. God bless you both as you further the causes of common sense, insight, education and knowledge with your vast stores of experience, skills and abilities. God bless you both mightily. Sending you heartfelt ((hugs)).
I remember trying to educate my husband on the benefits of white clover. The propaganda against so many of these usable and necessary plants (some are even called weeds) is due somewhat to the "city perfect yard". These bits of wisdom need to be circulated in the younger population en masse. There is a small but growing segment of business in the city to implement these natural needs.
Had I encountered the wisdom you share on homesteading when I was young (and ever dreaming we would one day move from the Pittsburgh suburbs to a working farm), I might well have done it. Alas, my 70's - 80's (turning 82 in July) have been both times of deep reflection and letting go of earlier dreams about future choices. Bittersweet, in other words, like some of the crops you so lovingly describe. Thank you for all you share; in one sense, your offerings tether us to reality and act as antidote to the aggressive lunacy and multifaceted denials of basic reality and human ontology.
I just read that Robert quit ACIP. I can understand the frustration and I hope there's a plan for his continued input. We need him in the fight.
He did?! If so, I can understand why, too. But what a pity!
You can find his letter online.
Link?
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/03/rfk-jr-anti-vaccine-ally-dramatically-quits-cdc-panel-complaining-of-drama/
That was a hit piece
They all are. I'm waiting for Robert to tell us his side.
Thank you, John.
I like your "Homesteading" farming ... "advice.".. WOW.. you are really learning from scratch that is for sure. I have never looked up your biology.. but I am going to guess you did not grow up in Virginia. :) I finally looked up your Bio.. OOPS you did work on nanoparticles. but then again who didn't.. So it sounds like you are from California.. which is Ok, my sons father was born in Ft Ord and his father.. the Navy Admiral from Oklahoma. I LOVE THE WAY SCIENTIFICALLY ANALYZE FARMING.. "AGRICULTURE" re: to VA TECH. really. I did grow up in Virginia,, and the first thing I noticed was that damn "red clay".. we used pick blackberry bushes in the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA.. yeah.. on a place called CLAY HILL. I have written several short stories about my childhood in Virginia and a lot of it because I spent most of my time outside.. talks about the soil, the plants.. tbe insects.. the local wild animals.. because BEFORE Joni Mitchell wrote The Big Yellow TAXI aka "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot".. (and many others besides her sang that song: VIRGINIA was an absolutely gorgeous state; up until a couple years ago (won't check) Virginia grew the best tobacco in the WORLD..exporting it to the Arabs (ha ha).. and Europe.. I know, because I smoked when I went to to Germany and Heathrow..and bought Davidoff cigarettes.. back to your farming:.. I am thinking.. I forgot to mention along my life journey's.. my husband and I owned a Landscaping Company.. when we lived in Fauquier but we did our work in Northern VA (where the money was) but we for eight years; we both took courses at Virginia Tech.. which has an amazing agriculture school.. learned a lot about "agriculture" and farming.. FOR NOW.. You should check to see the general PH.. add LIME most of the time.. and frankly.. all just a bit of advice from a former farmer gal..:) most fields which have OLD CROPS like from the year before should be TILLED... as in the plants and all TILLED.. You are right to keep areas separated.. I grew a variety of crops out there... had to learn on cucumbers and tomatoes :)
and we had a little apple orchard.. which was fun also.. I LOVE YOUR HOMESTEADING POSTS.. can't wait to see the new spring babies. :) Check out Virginia TECH.. for free amazing advice for growing plants which work symbiotically w/ regard to insect pests.. :) HAVE FUN
Thanks for this; very helpful! I've been no-pesticides for a long time, and I'm no fan of fertilizer either. But manure of various flavors, that's another story!
Like I mentioned to Robert: Virginia Tech.. has an amazing Agriculture school.. I took some in person seminars exactly on that.. using plants which act symbiotically to keep pests away.. and I bet there are free courses on line at Virginia Tech.. on that as well.. I loved it..
We have a wonderful community college here; maybe they have something similar. Thanks for the tip!
And mustard , turnip and collards with a little salt pork are good to eat.
The Zoology Department at UT-Austin morphed into the Department for Integrative Biology a few decades back. This is progress?
This is simply beautiful. We have a small yard, wondering it is too late for the white clover, I believe I have some seeds. I'm going to look for hairy vetch to plant before winter, and mustard greens, collards maybe other. Saving and sharing.
This reminded me of so much of what England was like in the 40s and 50s, when there was a plentiful supply of bird song to cheer you on as you laboured in the veg garden.
Thank you for that, thank you for reminding me of clover and how good the flowers were to such on, which I did as a child. I could almost smell the countryside which now has all been built upon. I tend to think that my generation really were the last to see how beautiful our country was. I am actually shocked at how quickly it has all changed.
By the way we used to make rhubarb wine and we would be given the rhubarb by a friend of ours who had a horse, so guess where the horse's leavings would go? I have never seen such large rhubarb since - and the wine wasn't so bad either!
My husband and I have been influenced in gardening by temporary fencing. We live in the ridges of Sale Creek, TN, and garden on a small ridge. On the one side of the hwy there are the mountains, and on the other side are the "ridges". One can have a better soil quality in the ridges. We use metal fence posts (that can bee pulled up and moved) and chicken wire. It ain't "pretty", but very creative and it keeps the small animals out and the deer can bee discouraged by putting bamboo and ribbon woven thru the fence to create confusion, color and movement; they go elsewhere. I was never interested in gardening (I grew up in Oak Ridge, TN and we mostly ate out of cans). It was easier to store in the bomb shelters. If one DID eat out of the garden, those individuals are likely dead already. I'm 78 this year and still kicking, and help tend the garden with my farmer husband now. One can grow food in many ways. Not just in rows, or a laid out plan. Just do it! Thanks so much for the sharings....
Interesting and possibly useful here. Thank you!
I have a small, low hill piece in front that had been covered with wild violets. My Mother loved violets. It has suffered yearly onslaughts of gumballs from an adjacent street tree. Last fall I felt unable to clear the debris myself and hired a service. Checking now, it looks like a bare hill.
It is hard packed, so recovering the situation will take some ingenuity.
Maybe these options can help.
Have a pleasant day and safe travels if that is a part of the schedule.
Dear Dr. Jill - what wisdom you share. I couldn't help but see the parallels from your post on earth soil and the eternal soil we all carry- our own soul n' Spirit. As you said, regenerative farming takes time. It takes time, I'm sure much patience and consistency to real a viable, healthy harvest.
As we look at the craziness & decay of morality, common sense & human decency in the world today - I see that without good nutrients. such as (mercy, justice) applied to society - no life giving soil is produced. As weeds grow wild unless seed beds are maintained- its no small wonder that the rampant greed, avarice, maelstrom of wickedness foisted upon the young to the old - has bankrupted the fields of humanity - the result is dead governance, decaying systems and no-life giving, thriving societies.
I believe the same ingredients that produce the healthiest crops sunshine, clean H20, good nutrients- also fertilize our societies and ourselves.
As for me - my daily nutrition is living words 📖, my daily dose of Son-shine nourishes me, and His water of life washes away whatever dark weeds want to grow. What was first born from above - the Spirit (Ruach) reality is true in the soil. From dust to dust...we came from a garden.....we end up in His garden. We are God's regenerative life-cycle plants. And you are one of His favorite 🪴 plants. - Blessings to you - Elizabeth
Thank you for this information!
I find it extremely valuable!
Can you write about natural pesticides? I have a terrible bug problem, I can't use bug repellent and working completely covered up is a hugh drawback. I love learning from you guys thanks again!
We went from a steady perfect humidly climate, a block from the beach in San Diego to 7K ft elevation, in very dry Colorado. It has been a slow build and the raised bed has been a dream. I only raise herbs now, along with my tomatoes in pots. This is because we travel to much. We only use organic products and have a xeriscape front yard. Still some natural green and the Hubby put every thing on drip sprinklers, timers and a remote app.
Many of my neighbors love the chemicals for their weeds. Drives me crazy. We only use Vinegar and good old fashion bending over to weed.
In the fall we only trim those plants and tree's that it is really necessary. We leave everything else as is. The soil is now a nice, rich dark color. It took about 5 years. Returning this spring, we have spent the last two weeks, trimming and feeding.
Years ago I had a huge garden and 38 producing trees and roses everywhere. This small 1/3 of an acre, suits us for now. We still enjoy working outside, and the raised beds have allowed me some gardening.
Nothing compared to your acre's Malone's....lol.
Just hope people understand, they can get alot of fulfillment in smaller area's.
And I didn’t mention lambs quarters (a weed) that on the spring in Texas my mom and mother would cook. You had to pick them in the spring when they were just greening up.
After the winter crop of mustard and turnip greens played out in the early spring we got our fresh greens from young lambs quarters, pigweed and tumble weeds. Just remember YOUNG is the key. They were all good and nutritious back then. Pigweed is in the Amaranthus family. Other species of Amaranthus are widely eaten used in many cultures. I am fresh out of tumble weeds so think I will just go pick a mess of turnip greens and turnips (roots) for supper tonight.
Dear Doctors Malone! My husband and I have been and continue to be grateful for and amazed by your commitment, dedication and long suffering efforts and sacrifices to fight the good fight on so many fronts. It is wearying, expensive, thankless, soul-crushing work that most cannot or will not do. God bless you both as you further the causes of common sense, insight, education and knowledge with your vast stores of experience, skills and abilities. God bless you both mightily. Sending you heartfelt ((hugs)).
I remember trying to educate my husband on the benefits of white clover. The propaganda against so many of these usable and necessary plants (some are even called weeds) is due somewhat to the "city perfect yard". These bits of wisdom need to be circulated in the younger population en masse. There is a small but growing segment of business in the city to implement these natural needs.