Chelsea Green Blog

Farming & Homesteading

Catnip! Good for Cats, Good for Humans

Many know the effects of catnip on our feline friends, but few realize that catnip has medicinal effects for humans — from stomach aches to reducing fevers.

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starting plants

Grow Your Own Veg — Starting Plants from Seed

Growing your own vegetables may be easier than you think! All you need is an indoor or outdoor space & some seeds, and you’ll be starting plants in no time.

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All In The Sting: Health Benefits of Honey Bee Venom

Tired of trying different traditional medicines to relieve inflammation and joint pain? We have the perfect solution: honey bee venom. Who knew that bees could improve our health and relieve pain?🐝

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testing soil

Testing Soil: Healthy Soil is Just A Test Away

Want a more bountiful harvest? Start with the basics: test your soil! Simply take a small sample, get it examined, & you’ll be on your way to healthy soil. Discover the perfect balance of nutrients for your garden. Test your soil to unlock its secrets and get ready for a fruitful season!

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seed integrity

Preserving Seed Integrity: How Far is Far Enough?

Think the “perfect” seed exists? The true pure seed is a myth! There are best practices that any seed grower should keep in mind; but once you understand seed integrity, the real fun begins.

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lambsquarter

How to Use Lambsquarter from Root to Plant to Seed

Think twice before pulling out that lambsquarter! It is a “super weed” with many edible & medicinal uses. Discover the surprising benefits of lambsquarter!

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Ditch the Pots, Use Soil Blocks!

Revolutionize your seed starting game! What’s a cheaper, easier, and surprisingly more efficient way to start your seedlings? Soil blocks! Find out how soil blocks work, how you make them, and what advantages they offer over traditional pots and trays. Ditch the pots and trays. Start your seedlings with soil blocks!

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agricultural seed

Agricultural Seed: A Short History of the Miraculous Seed

The seed: our connection to the past, key to a sustainable future. They are the foundation of agriculture. The tiny but mighty seed is the connection to our agricultural past and holds the key to our future.

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Are you Team Duck or Team Chicken?

Thinking of adding a laying flock, but can’t decide? Backyard eggs, yes! But ducks or chickens?

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A Nourishing Recipe to Boost Seedling Growth

Ditch the chemicals! Give your newly seeded beds a natural boost 🌱🌱 You don’t need to use chemicals to give your seedlings a boost. Just use seaweed, apple cider vinegar, and a few extras to create a blend for seedling growth. Your new go-to seed starter hack to grow healthy plants.

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plant grouping

Edible Forest Gardens: Creating A Plant Grouping

Dreaming of an edible forest garden? Start small by creating a plant grouping. By combining plants that thrive together, you’re one step closer to turning your backyard into a lush edible forest!

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planting site

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Site

Dreaming of a lush garden? Now is the perfect time to start planning your garden. The location of your planting site is key to a thriving garden and one of the first things to consider. Choose the right spot and watch your garden thrive!

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fieldwork

Simplify Fieldwork: Stop Working So Hard

Looking to simplify fieldwork on your farm or homestead? The key is to act like a tree: stop working so hard. Let nature do some of the work for you. Simplify your fieldwork and boost yields!

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OSGlead

Selecting Seeds: How to Choose the Right Seed Crop

Seed savers raise your hands! Picking the right seeds can make or break your garden. Learn some easy tips on how to choose the best seed crop for a thriving garden.

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How to Plan the Best Garden Ever

Garden goals ahead! Planning is everything. Get ready to transform your outdoor space. Here are some tips on how to plan the best garden this growing season!

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Seeds1

Seed Saving Tips: Dry vs. Wet Seeds

Tips for Seed Saving · Ready to unlock the power of seed saving? You either have dry seeds or wet seeds. Proper drying & storing is essential so they can germinate months (or even years) down the road. Begin your seed-saving journey today!

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pick land

The Indispensable Family Cow

Life just got a whole lot better with your own family cow . She will give you fresh milk, cream, butter, and cheese, build human health and happiness. Is this the simple life you’ve been dreaming of?

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The Buzz: Beekeeping for Beginners

Get ready for a buzz-worthy backyard! Beekeeping has surged in popularity as more people set up backyard hives. Embrace the buzz and transform your backyard into a thriving haven for bees!

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becoming a plant breeder

Seed Saving: Become A Plant Breeder

Want to grow your own unique varieties? When you save seeds, you become a plant breeder. Start growing your own varieties today and taste the reward!

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How to Plan Your First Foray into Seed Saving

Save seeds, save the future! Embracing the tradition of saving seeds is a powerful practice for both home gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike. Take control of your garden’s destiny – start saving seeds today!

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greenhouses

From Seed to Sale: Sustainable Food From Local Greenhouses

Did you know the Netherlands is a global agricultural powerhouse? Despite their size (two-thirds the size of West Virginia) they’re #2 in exports behind the US. Their secret? Innovative greenhouses and hoophouses are changing the game!

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keeping seeds organized

Keeping Seeds Organized: Saving & Storing

Get ready for a bountiful harvest! Storing seeds is the key to having a successful growing season. Follow these tips to keep your seeds organized and ready to plant 🌿🪴 Get ready to plant like a pro this season!

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Growing Cold-Hardy Cranberries

These hardy little berries are great to grow if you live in a colder climate. A versatile evergreen ground cover that bring both ornamental beauty and productive harvests to acidic-soil gardens.

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Angoras rabbit

Staying Warm with Rabbit Wool

Get ready to snuggle up with the softest wool in town! When it comes to rabbits, the Angora is the most commonly used breed for wool. It is exceptionally fine and renowned for its softness, warmth, and fluffiness!

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low-risk silvopasture

Low-Risk Silvopasture: Chickens, Turkeys, Guinea Hens, Ducks and Geese

Ready to start your silvopasture journey? First things first: which animals are right for YOUR land?

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