Chelsea Green Blog
Nature & Environment
Peregrine Falcons: Then and Now
Peregrine falcons, while known as predators, are essential to our environment. These stunning birds have a rich history, an interesting present, and an uncertain future. The following is an excerpt from Feather Trails by Sophie A. H. Osborn. It has been adapted for the web. Who Are Peregrine Falcons? Though relatively uncommon wherever it occurs,…
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Hedges: A Haven for Wild Greens
Wondering where to forage for greens this spring? Look no further than hedges, which serve as natural havens for wild greens and herbs! The following is an excerpt from Hedgelands by Christopher Hart. It has been adapted for the web. Food from Hedges: Salads and Greens Let’s start by looking at all the wild foods…
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How to Become a Shiitake Mushroom Farmer
Interested in becoming a mushroom farmer? Shiitake mushrooms are one of the easiest and most profitable places to start. The following is an excerpt from Farming the Woods by Steve Gabriel and Ken Mudge. It has been adapted for the web. (Photographs courtesy of Steve Gabriel and Ken Mudge unless otherwise noted.) The Stunning Shiitake…
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Choosing the Right Seed Crop: The Seed Series
How do you know if you’re picking the right seeds? Here are some easy tips on choosing the best seed crop for your environment. The following is an excerpt from The Organic Seed Grower by John Navazio. It has been adapted for the web. Seed Crop Characteristics There are a number of prominent characteristics of…
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The Miyawaki Method: Imagining a Mini-Forest’s Potential
Want to witness the magic of the mini-forest? When you practice The Miyawaki Method, a unique approach to reforestation, you’ll see an empty lot or backyard transform into a biodiverse forest before your very eyes. The following is an excerpt from Mini-Forest Revolution by Hannah Lewis. It has been adapted for the web. Photo Credit:…
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Forager’s Spring Curry: A Wild, Seasonal Recipe
Nothing says “spring” like a fresh, foraged meal! Savor the flavors of the season with this mouth-watering spring curry recipe. The following is an excerpt from Forage, Harvest, Feast by Marie Viljoen. It has a been adapted for the web. Forager’s Spring Curry This boldly flavored spring stew evolved from a forager’s version of fridge…
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Grey Wolves: The Howling Gods
Grey wolves are complicated, beautiful animals that are now absent in many parts of the world. Where did these creatures come from, and how did they get to where they are today? The following is an excerpt from Hunt for the Shadow Wolf by Derek Gow. It has been adapted for the web. Grey Wolves:…
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Birch & Walnut Syrups: Beyond the Maple
Move aside, maple! We have two new syrups to add to the table. Check out this insight on tapping, selling, and eating syrup from walnut & birch trees. The following is an excerpt from Farming the Woods by Steve Gabriel and Ken Mudge. It has been adapted for the web. Walnut Syrup Walnut (Juglans spp.)…
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In Search of the Shadow Wolf: Beginning the Hunt
What ever happened to the wolves in Britain? Rewilder Derek Gow seeks to answer this question as he embarks on a quest for the shadow wolf. The following is an excerpt from Hunt for the Shadow Wolf by Derek Gow. It has been adapted for the web. Starting the Search for the Shadow Wolf When…
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8 Seed Saving Myths
There is a lot of misinformation out there about how to save your seeds. Luckily, we’re here to bust the most popular myths and answer all your questions about seed saving! The following is an excerpt from The Tao of Vegetable Gardening by Carol Deppe. It has been adapted for the web. Myth #1: You…
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Love Bugs: Why We Need to Love Insects
Remember when bugs used to be all the rage? This fascination is something that we need to re-gain as a society and instill in the next generation. Instead of shying away from these controversial creatures, it’s time to teach kids (and ourselves) how amazing insects really are! The following is an excerpt from Rebugging the…
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Who Are The Reindeer Whisperers?
Most people know that the big man in the North Pole has a team of reindeer waiting to deliver presents, but not as many know who is taking care of these animals behind the scenes: the Sámi people of Norway. This is an excerpt from The Reindeer Chronicles by Judith D. Schwartz. It has been…
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DIY: How to Make Your Own Hatchet
Ever wanted to make your own hatchet? Then today’s your lucky day! With some scrap steel, a hacksaw, a file, a drill, a bonfire, a bucket of water, and an oven, you can make this simple, hardy, “democratic” axe. The following excerpt is from A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity by William Coperthwaite. It has…
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Below the Mushroom Cap: The Mycelium and Its Secrets
How do mushrooms grow? How do they eat, reproduce, or spread? What exactly is a mushroom? All of these answers and more can be found in the intricate, web-like fiber found underneath these fungi: the mycelium. Understanding this “vegetative” part of the fungus is key to understanding the whole system. The following is an excerpt from…
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Composting and Recycling Mushrooms
Beyond guaranteeing a bountiful harvest, cultivating mushrooms on various surfaces has plenty of benefits. Growing, composting, and recycling mushrooms reduces waste and helps the environment. The following excerpt is from Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter. It has been adapted for the web. (Photographs courtesy of Tradd and Olga Cotter unless otherwise noted.)…
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Gourdness Gracious! The History of Pumpkins and Gourds
When you think of pumpkins, do you think of Halloween or a sweet dessert? But how did pumpkins become the holiday staple they are today? Keep reading to learn more about the rich history of this sweet fall vegetable! The following is an excerpt from The Seed Detective by Adam Alexander. It has been adapted for…
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Grow Mushrooms on Your Jeans. Seriously.
Do you have an old, worn-out pair of jeans in your dresser? Instead of throwing them out, try to grow mushrooms on them. Follow this simple step-by-step outline to start growing mushrooms in the unlikeliest of places…on your pants! The following is an excerpt from Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter. It has…
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Starting A Big Year of Birdwatching: Bicycle Beginnings
At a personal and professional crossroads, a man reset his life and found sobriety, love, and 618 bird species, cycling his way to a very Big Year. Join him on his journey as he recounts beginning his Big Year on bicycle! The following is an excerpt from Birding Under the Influence by Dorian Anderson. It has…
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All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green
Chances are, you’ve heard of kale. In recent times, this leafy green is known as a delicious addition to meals and smoothies — but it didn’t always have the stellar reputation it does today. Once known as an undesirable vegetable that was mainly fed to cattle, kale has evolved over the years to become a…
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Drill, Plug, Wax, Wait: 6 Simple Steps to Growing Mushrooms Outdoors
Growing mushrooms outdoors just got even easier! Learn about growing mushrooms on wood, from logs to tree stumps, with this simple six-step tutorial. The following excerpt is from Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter. It has been adapted for the web. Log & Stump Mushroom Cultivation People have been growing mushrooms on logs and stumps for…
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Reduce Heat Stress in Crops and Livestock: Arid Agriculture
During the summer, many environments struggle with temperatures above 100˚F. These high temperatures put heat stress on crops that are not very thermotolerant. Thankfully, there are some crops that can still effectively produce food in extremely hot climates. Many farmers have found ways to build “guilds” of crops, livestock, and canopy plantings to reduce heat stress and…
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5 Activities for Summer Vacation Fun
School’s out for summer! Fill the lull between beach trips and camp with some of our favorite kid-friendly activities for summer vacation fun. From sunrise to sunset, there’s always something to do in the kitchen or the garden that will keep the kids entertained and educated all season long. How to Get Your Kids in the…
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So What Exactly Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, the most commonly used weedkiller in the world. Nearly 300 million pounds of glyphosate-based herbicides are sprayed on farms (and food) every year, making them almost impossible to avoid. What actually is glyphosate, and what does it do to us? Keep reading to find out more about this…
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Controlling Pests Organically: Insects on Fruit Trees
When we grow fruit trees, we know we’re creating something delicious. Bugs understand the same thing, which results in an unwelcome army of pests eating and affecting the fruit you grow. How do you get rid of these bugs without using harmful sprays and treatments? Here are some tips for identifying insects on fruit trees…
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8 Foraging Recipes for Your Perfect Summer Picnic
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic in the sun. Next time you want to go for a picnic, grab your foraging basket first and gather your meal from nature’s bounty! We have everything you need to get started, from foraging recipes and tips to advice on preserving wild food. Foraging for Food: 10…
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