S15 E1: Mulching Magic: Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Garden

S15 E1: Mulching Magic: Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Garden

Author: Jill Winger June 17, 2024 Duration: 45:50

With gardening scaled back due to some timing issues with the milk cows, the spotlight is on the lifesaving benefits of mulch, especially as we brace for an impending drought. Learn how mulch can transform your garden by saving time, reducing weeds, and conserving precious water.

Get ready for a treasure trove of practical gardening advice as we explore the world of mulch. From grass clippings to wood chips, I break down the benefits and potential pitfalls of various organic materials. Discover why grass clippings are my go-to mulch and the critical importance of avoiding sprayed grass. Hear my firsthand experiences with different mulching materials, including tips on avoiding nitrogen depletion with wood chips and dealing with slugs. We also touch on inorganic options like landscape fabric and black plastic, offering a comprehensive guide to choosing the best mulch for your garden's health and productivity. Tune in for an episode packed with insights and personal stories designed to inspire and inform your homesteading journey.

Podcast Episode Highlights

  • Personal updates 
  • Benefits of mulch
  • Which mulch is best...
  • Biggest mistake people make with mulch
  • Mulch #1: grass clippings
  • Mulch #2: old hay or straw
  • Mulch #3: cover crops
  • Mulch #4: compost
  • Mulch #5: shredded leaves
  • Mulch #6: pine needles
  • Let's talk about using wood chips (aka Back to Eden method)
  • Thoughts on using inorganic materials as mulch...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com
Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

My garden story on using contaminated hay: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.html

Details on how I'm fixing my tainted soil: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/06/how-to-fix-tainted-soil.html

Learn more about using cover crops here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2019/10/garden-cover-crops.html

Check out my Instagram reel on cutting down cover crops and planting tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6JyfUNrybT/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!


There’s a quiet but persistent pull many of us are feeling-a sense that our modern comforts have come at a cost, leaving us disconnected from the rhythms that used to define a fulfilling life. Old Fashioned On Purpose, hosted by Jill Winger, meets that longing head-on. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations and practical guidance for anyone who suspects there’s more to be gained from getting their hands in the soil, cooking from scratch, or simply slowing down. Jill explores the skills and mindsets that help us reclaim a sense of capability and vitality, drawing from her own experiences on the homestead. Each episode feels like a thoughtful chat with a knowledgeable friend, covering everything from gardening and traditional food preparation to cultivating a home that feels genuinely nourishing. You’ll hear tangible advice for integrating old-fashioned wisdom into a contemporary routine, making self-reliance feel accessible rather than archaic. Tune into this podcast for a grounded perspective on building a life that’s intentionally connected to nature, heritage, and your own two hands. It’s an invitation to remember what we’ve always known, and to apply those truths right where you are.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Old Fashioned On Purpose
Podcast Episodes
S14 E17: How to Tap Into Your Heritage for a More Beautiful Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:04
We talk a lot about returning to our roots and reclaiming heritage skills... but what role does your family heritage REALLY play in your homesteading efforts? How can you lean on it for motivation during the stressful ti…
S14 E16: Cracking the Code of Whole Wheat Sourdough [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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S14 E15: Confessions of a Fun Hater [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ever been accused of being a "fun hater?" If so, you're not alone. In fact, it seems to be a common trait in those of us drawn towards old-fashioned things. Find out the difference between fun vs. flow and why your fun-h…
S14 E14: How to Live Off-Grid in a Tiny Cabin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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S14 E13: How to Bring a Sourdough Starter Back from the Dead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
It's no secret-- I am an unfit sourdough parent. I often forget to feed it and I regularly leave it in my fridge for 8 months at a time. Yet-- even through my sourdough faux paus, I'm able to maintain a starter that crea…
S14 E12: Why I Don't Live Like the Sky is Falling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
There's a lot of fear floating around the homestead community lately. In today's episode I'll share my history with paranoia, how it ultimately will hurt your homestead, and why I no longer subscribe to fear-based homest…
S14 E10: We Stopped Watching TV for 6 Months. This is What Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Last year we decided to stop watching TV for 6 months. In the process we learned a lot of new skills and made the internet very angry. Today I'm breaking down our decision in detail and sharing my best tips for doing you…
S14 E9: The 7 Hour Business To Fund Your Backyard Farming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:50
A homestead that funds itself... that's the dream, isn't it? We've covered a number of income-producing ideas on the show over the years, and I have another one for you today. I'm joined by the brilliant Marjory Wildcraf…
S14 E8: We're Selling the Soda Fountain. Here's Why. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:46
How do you know when to PERSEVERE and when to PRUNE?? We recently listed the soda fountain for sale, which has (understandably) caused a stir. Today I'm sharing the decision making process that got us to this point and h…