Bonnie Bassan: NM Soil & Apple Trees – Part 2 (Ep. 662)
By paul@richsoil.com (paul wheaton)
TL;DR: A New Mexico homesteader gets advice on optimizing her half-acre plot for fruit trees, chickens, and soil health using permaculture principles.
- Grafting apple trees allows for desired varieties and faster fruiting.
- Drip irrigation conserves water and delivers it directly to plant roots.
- Hugelkultur builds soil fertility and water retention with woody debris.
- The Ruth Stout method uses deep mulch for effortless weed control and composting.
- Chickens can be integrated for pest control and soil amendment.
- Paul Wheaton maintains optimism through direct engagement with permaculture practices.
Why it matters: Implementing small-scale permaculture techniques can significantly improve soil quality, water conservation, and food production in challenging environments.
Do this next: Research the Ruth Stout method for composting and mulching to reduce garden maintenance.
Recommended for: Beginner to intermediate homesteaders and gardeners in dry climates seeking practical permaculture solutions for soil, water, and food production.
Bonnie’s consultation on her half acre plot of clay-full soil in New Mexico continues into topics of apple tree seeding, drip irrigation, hugelkultur, chicken management, the Ruth Stout method of composting, and just how Paul manages to stay optimistic (hint: it involves gardens). Support the podcast on Patreon Show notes and discussion More information and […]