With all the supply chain issues I have been attracted to all the you tube videos out there on homesteading, permaculture and sustainable living. If I were 20 years younger I might of made different choices as there is something soothing to me about the idea of being more self-sufficient and knowing where you food comes from.
At some point I will make a list of all the wonderful, information filled sites out there. Let me just state up front these generous people and various books have informed all of what little I know so far about growing food.
With all the unrest in our country and the world, it just seems prudent to me to try to educate yourself about such things. If you add in issues about food safety and recalls because of this or that contamination it becomes even more vital.
I have also thought for some time, if I was going to eat meat or other animal products like milk and eggs, I want to support producers that raise animals and slaughter as humanely as possible. This may mean paying a bit more but it seems like the right thing to do. In truth, most farm animals such as chickens and cows raised by corporate farms are not treated humanely. They are raised in crowded conditions sometimes never seeing sunlight or grass which then requires use of hormones and anti-biotics that get passed on to human consumers. So I try to support local farms that use humane raising and butchering methods.
What I really want though is to see how much of my own food I can grow, given I am no longer young or as strong as I once was. What methods can I find that will make it easier for someone my age to do this? How can I become more self-sufficient?
Here are a few things I am considering:
- Embracing the Wisdom of Permaculture
At 65, I bring a wealth of wisdom and life experience that can be channeled into embracing permaculture principles. Permaculture offers a holistic approach to gardening, emphasizing working with nature, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing waste. I am excited to learn about permaculture’s core principles, such as observing and imitating nature, valuing diversity, and using resources efficiently.
- Starting with Perennial Plants
In my garden, I have begun by incorporating perennial plants as the foundation of sustainable living. These plants, such as herbs like thyme, sage, or lavender, and fruit trees like apple, pear, or cherry, provide long-lasting yields with minimal maintenance. I appreciate their ability to establish strong root systems, require less water and care over time, and provide a continuous source of fresh produce.
- Tapping into Sustainable Gardening Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of resources on sustainable gardening and permaculture, and I am eager to explore them. I dive into online tutorials, blogs, and forums dedicated to sustainable living. Educating myself on topics such as organic pest control, companion planting, water conservation methods, and soil regeneration techniques is an integral part of my journey. I am excited to gain knowledge and practical insights from these valuable resources.
- Connecting with Like-minded Sustainable Gardeners
I hope to connect with a community of like-minded sustainable gardeners to aid in my making significant step forward in my journey. I will seek out local permaculture groups, community gardens, and ecological farming associations. Their expertise and shared passion I hope to serve as a guiding light on this path.
- Designing My Garden with Permaculture Principles
Designing my garden with permaculture principles is my goal and hope to be a creative and fulfilling process. I embrace the challenge of creating a garden that functions as a thriving ecosystem. Incorporating elements such as composting systems, rainwater harvesting, and beneficial insect habitats not only adds to the beauty of the garden but also enhances its overall sustainability. My goal is to see resilience and balance emerge.
- Embracing the Beauty of Polyculture
Polyculture, with its diverse planting approach, I hope to become a centerpiece of my garden. I will no longer focus solely on growing a single crop. Instead, I will try to embrace companion planting and intercropping. This practice maximizes space utilization, improves soil health, and enhances biodiversity. Witnessing the beauty of plants working together, such as tomatoes alongside basil or marigolds near vegetables, fills me with joy and a sense of harmony with nature.
- Practicing Composting and Soil Regeneration
Composting is the cornerstone of any sustainable gardening journey. I am learning to compost kitchen scraps, yard waste, and garden debris to create nutrient-rich soil amendments. Seeing the transformation of these materials into compost, which nourishes the soil and enhances plant health, is immensely gratifying. Additionally, exploring soil regeneration techniques like cover cropping and no-till gardening has opened my eyes to the wonders of nurturing and regenerating the Earth.
- Embracing Resilience and Growth
Through permaculture and sustainable living, I hope to learn to embrace resilience and growth in my garden and in my own life. Each day brings new lessons and challenges, but I approach them with curiosity and determination. I am committed to continuously learning, adapting, and finding innovative ways to nurture a self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystem in my garden.
Conclusion
Embracing permaculture and sustainable living at 65 I hope will be a deeply fulfilling and transformative experience. Through the wisdom gained from my age, the guidance of like-minded individuals, and the knowledge acquired from valuable resources, I hope to cultivate an abundant garden that aligns with my values and perhaps share what I learn along the way.
For more information check out my article What is Homesteading?
For more information on Permaculture check out my article on What is Permaculture?
For Vegetable gardening topics check out my series begin with Seed Starting.
For information on home remedies take a look at my article on home remedies for anxiety.
For information on composting start with check out The Chemistry Behind Composting.