As we get closer to making our big move from Singapore to France, we’ve been deep-diving into homesteading techniques. There’s so much to learn, but we’re absolutely loving the process of researching the best practices for sustainable living.
In this article, we’ll share some of the key homesteading techniques we’re learning and how we plan to implement them once we settle into our new home in France.
1. Permaculture: Working with Nature
One of the first techniques we’re diving into is permaculture. At its core, permaculture is all about designing a self-sustaining ecosystem where every element works together, just like it would in nature. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about creating a balanced, harmonious environment that regenerates itself over time.
We’ve been reading books and watching videos on permaculture, and we’re really inspired by how it encourages you to design your garden or homestead in a way that mimics natural systems. Some of the permaculture principles we’re excited to implement include:
- Companion Planting: Growing plants that benefit each other side by side, like beans with corn or marigolds with tomatoes to repel pests.
- Zone Planning: Organising the homestead into zones based on how often you’ll use or visit each area. For example, the herb garden would be near the kitchen for easy access, while the compost heap might be further away.
This technique not only helps with efficiency but also reduces waste and creates a more sustainable cycle for growing food and managing resources.
2. Crop Rotation: Keeping the Soil Healthy
Another homesteading technique we’re planning to implement is crop rotation. The idea here is simple: by rotating the crops in different sections of your garden each year, you avoid depleting the soil of specific nutrients and help prevent diseases and pests from getting established.
We’re learning that different types of crops have different effects on the soil:
- Legumes (like beans and peas) add nitrogen to the soil, which is great for enriching it.
- Leafy greens (like lettuce and spinach) are light feeders and don’t require as much nutrition.
- Root vegetables (like carrots and beets) dig deeper into the soil, helping to aerate and loosen it up.
By rotating these crops, we can keep the soil healthier for longer without needing to rely heavily on artificial fertilisers. It’s a natural, sustainable way to grow food while maintaining the fertility of the land.
3. Composting: Turning Waste into Gold
We’ve already started practicing small-scale composting here in Singapore, but once we’re in France, we plan to scale it up. Composting is one of the most basic yet powerful homesteading techniques, and it’s something we’re really passionate about.
The idea is to take kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other organic materials and let them decompose into rich, nutrient-filled compost that can be used to enrich the soil. We’re researching different methods of composting, including:
- Traditional Composting: Creating a pile of organic material and letting nature take its course. We’ll be building a compost bin in France for this.
- Vermicomposting: Using worms to break down organic matter more quickly, creating an even richer compost. This method is something we’re eager to try.
Composting not only reduces waste but also creates a continuous cycle of nutrients for our garden, helping us grow healthier, more productive plants.
4. Rainwater Harvesting: Making the Most of France’s Climate
Given France’s frequent rainfall, we’re excited to implement rainwater harvesting as a key part of our homestead. This technique involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, particularly for watering the garden and possibly for household needs (if properly filtered).
We’ve been researching different types of rainwater collection systems, from basic barrels placed under gutter downspouts to more sophisticated systems that can store hundreds of litres of water. Our goal is to reduce our reliance on external water sources and make the most of what nature provides.
5. No-Till Gardening: Protecting Soil Health
Another technique we’re learning about is no-till gardening, which involves growing plants without disturbing the soil through tilling or ploughing. The philosophy behind this technique is that tilling the soil can actually do more harm than good, as it disrupts the natural structure and kills beneficial organisms living in the soil.
With no-till gardening, you keep the soil intact and simply layer compost or mulch on top to enrich it. This creates a healthier environment for plant roots and encourages natural processes like decomposition and nutrient cycling. We’re planning to experiment with no-till gardening to see how it affects the productivity and health of our crops.
6. Polyculture: Growing Multiple Crops Together
In contrast to monoculture (growing only one type of crop in a field), polyculture involves growing multiple crops together in the same space. This technique can mimic the diversity found in nature and has numerous benefits:
- Increased biodiversity: Growing a variety of plants helps attract beneficial insects and pollinators while keeping pests at bay.
- Efficient land use: You can grow more food in a smaller space by layering plants with different growth habits—like combining low-growing vegetables with taller fruit-bearing plants.
We’re excited to use polyculture to create a thriving, resilient garden where every part of the ecosystem plays a role.
7. Food Preservation: Extending the Harvest
Since France has distinct growing seasons, we’ll need to learn how to preserve food for the winter months when fresh produce isn’t as abundant. We’re exploring various food preservation techniques, including:
- Canning: Preserving fruits and vegetables in jars to extend their shelf life.
- Dehydrating: Removing the moisture from food to prevent spoilage.
- Fermenting: Using natural fermentation to preserve food while adding health benefits (like making sauerkraut or pickles).
We’ve already started experimenting with fermenting here in Singapore, and we’re eager to expand our preservation skills once we start growing our own food in France.
8. Raising Livestock for Sustainability
While we’re not planning to jump into raising animals right away, it’s something we’re considering as part of our long-term homesteading plan. Chickens, for example, would provide us with fresh eggs, and their manure can be used to enrich the soil.
We’ve been learning about how to care for chickens, including creating a mobile chicken coop (also known as a chicken tractor) that allows the chickens to roam and fertilise different parts of the garden.
We’re also looking into raising bees for honey and pollination, which would benefit both our garden and the surrounding ecosystem. Bees are fascinating creatures, and they play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity.
Conclusion: Learning and Experimenting
Researching homesteading techniques has been an incredible journey for us. We’ve learned so much already, and we’re eager to put these techniques into practice once we move to France. From permaculture to rainwater harvesting to composting, each technique brings us one step closer to building a self-sustaining, eco-friendly homestead that aligns with our values and vision for the future.
Of course, we know there will be plenty of trial and error along the way, but we’re ready for it. We’re excited to continue learning, experimenting, and adapting as we go. We can’t wait to share the results of our efforts with you once we’re settled in.
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