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March 14, 2021

How Is the Hemp Industry Changing Agriculture?

March 14, 2021/ Kelly Pemberton

The world has experienced a lot of change in recent years, and many countries allowing the sale and use of hemp are one of them. The demand for hemp has dramatically increased since the U.S legalized this herb in 2018. The Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group Vote Hemp reports that in 2018, American farmers grew 78,176 acres of hemp which represented an increase of 68,406 acres since 2016. Vote Hemp also estimated that from 2018-2019, the amount of hemp planted by American farmers increased by 455%.

January 06, 2021

How Sustainable Is Hemp Fabric?

January 06, 2021/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Jeffery Thompson

When you think of sustainable fabric, do you think of hemp? Maybe you should, as it demands fewer natural resources to grow, is durable, and is more resilient than cotton. We have been using hemp for hundreds of years to produce strong fabric in large quantities. During the ‘Age of Discovery,’ the explorers used hemp canvas for the sails of ships. These same sails had led men to new territories. We were openly using hemp then without prejudice. However, in 1970, the Controlled Substance Act arrived and penalized the cultivation and sales of hemp because it belonged to the family of cannabis, a Schedule 1 controlled substance.

But now, the situation is changing. Hemp has a chance to win its glory back from cotton because more and more states are legalizing and decriminalizing the cultivation of cannabis. When it comes to fabrics, it’s still true that cotton is the king, as it is a widely used raw material. However, many people are second-guessing its efficacy as fabric due to its environmental impacts. On the other hand, hemp is attracting the same environmentalists by being a sustainable fabric.

November 15, 2020

10 Ways Hemp Can Help Create a More Environmentally-Friendly Society

November 15, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Jaspreet Singh

Hemp can serve humanity as a potent tool to protect the environment. Termed a marvel crop, hemp has innate properties to create products that can cohabit with the environment. When the earth is facing grave challenges regarding its ecosystem, hemp can go a long way to help sustain it. While numerous medicinal, industrial, and commercial advantages of hemp have long been common knowledge, the environmental benefits of this plant are now becoming clear as well. If you are exploring options for sustainable growing processes, hemp may be the solution you need.

Here are 10 environmental benefits of using hemp plants:

September 05, 2020

How to Make Money by Using Your Backyard Garden

September 05, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

If you have a garden or backyard in your home and you are not using it, then you may be missing out on a big opportunity. Did you know that you can actually make money by growing plants in your backyard? Yes, you heard it right.

September 02, 2020

Anatomy of an Agrihood: 5 Popular Features (Infographic)

September 02, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

guest post by Karlyn McKell

Farm-to-table living is easier than ever in the new mixed-use developments popping up across the U.S. known as agrihoods! There are at least 200 agrihoods in the U.S. today spanning 28 states, and many more are currently under construction.

So what is an agrihood, exactly? These planned housing developments are built around a working farm. The idea is that residents can get back to the basics by living in a sustainable community that grows food, embraces the outdoors, and promotes communal living.

July 19, 2020

10 Tips for starting your food garden

July 19, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

Interest in gardening has taken off since COVID-19 has forced most of us to stay at home for long stretches of time. While many people in the US have taken this time to start a food garden and to learn about how to be more self-sufficient, others have found that gardening relieves their boredom and provides other mental and physical health benefits.

July 08, 2020

Home Sweet Homestead: 4 Things You Need When You Start Homesteading

July 08, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Anita Ginsburg

For many of us, city life has become a drag. We long for our own land where we can be our own masters self-sufficient, supplying ourselves and our families with everything we need.

In many ways, homesteading is the American Dream. If you have considered adopting a self-sufficient lifestyle recently, read on to get an idea of where to start.

July 06, 2020

Is CBD Organic and Eco-Friendly?

July 06, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

guest post by Crystal Willson

(photos from Pixabay)

Climate change due to global warming is becoming a concern around the world. Due to this, the health of our planet is depleting. Statistics suggest that one of the “biggest sources of global emissions is agriculture.” This also includes the production of cannabis.

One of the most popular varieties of cannabis is hemp, which contains a high amount of a compound called cannabinoids (CBD). It is famous for its medicinal properties. Due to this, the production of hemp has increased over the years.

May 22, 2020

5 Introductory Pointers for Starting Your Own Family Farm

May 22, 2020/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Kara Masterson

A family farm is a great job choice for people who love to work on the land. It’s also a wholesome way for a family to work together. When you’ve decided to own a family farm, you may not know where to start. Here are 5 introductory pointers for starting your own family farm.

May 26, 2019

Why Growing a Food Garden Is More Important Than Ever

May 26, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

The industrial food system, sometimes referred to as industrial agriculture, or “big ag,” refers to the current system of commercial food production, which relies heavily on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This system developed during World War II, when militaries relied on chemical weapons to fuel their war machines. After the war, the leftover chemicals began to be used in agricultural applications, enabling farmers to go from self-sufficiency to major commercial growth in a relatively short span of time. However, the technologies that enabled farming to go big also brought changes that are currently threatening the livelihood and health of farming families, their workers, the environment, and each one of us.

March 06, 2019

What makes hemp such a sustainable crop?

March 06, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Keilah Kaiser

Unique characteristics of hemp

Since the early 1700s, hemp has built a strong name for itself as a sustainable crop and textile resource. Yet a lot of people are confused about this industrial plant and its relationship to marijuana. Because of this confusion, negative stereotypes are commonly associated with the hemp plant, striking fear in the public.

But there's a clear distinction between the two. It's imperative to note the benefits the hemp plant brings. And it starts by taking a close look at the structure of the seed and the stalk of the plant.

February 07, 2019

How to Safely Transport Your Plants

February 07, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

guest post by Tess Halpren

(image by Brina Blum on Unsplash)

There has been a ton of research to establish why plants have such a positive impact on the environment, and on our well-being. They add more than just aesthetics to a room. Some of their many other benefits include

Improved air quality
Improved humidity levels
Reduced stress and improved well-being
The ability to evoke a calmer, happier effect
Reduced negativity in the workplace and home
Ability to absorb noise
Help in saving energy
Aid in speeding up recovery from illnesses
Help in reduction of carbon dioxide levels

Based on these impressive benefits, it’s no surprise people hold their plants so dearly. And if you’re planning on moving or relocating in 2019, the thought of how to best transport your plants might have already came to mind. The Zebra created this helpful guide on how to effectively and safely transport your plants. It includes best practices, safety precautions, and helpful tips for before, during, and after your move.

February 04, 2019

5 Ways You Can Have Lush Green Grass All Year Round

February 04, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

guest post by Emma Metson

It is a thing of beauty to raise and maintain your own lawn. Lush green grass doesn’t only come in the form of artificial grass, no! For most of us, it is a chore to raise the real deal. But to many, it has become their art. I don’t think there is anyone on the planet who wouldn’t appreciate a clean, sleek, vibrant grassy garden or yard.

If the grass is well taken care of, it can bring a vibe of elegance to your home, thus making your yard, and you, look a hundred times more respectable.

January 28, 2019

Soil Amendments for Organic Gardening

January 28, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Anna Wrench

The right type of soil is important for plant growth, especially in organic gardening. The gardener or specialist in soil knows exactly how the soil has to be treated in order to make it more fertile. If you are cultivating crops, then it requires that the soil be enriched with apposite nutrients to help in the proper growth of crops.

The modern trend is inclining towards environmentally-friendly and healthy organic gardening. Organic gardening seeks to maintain balance and harmony with nature. In this context, soil supplies help with the decomposition of toxins, play an essential role in root growth, maintain the health of the root, and lessen the gardener’s dependency on fertilizer. It is indeed essential for growing productive and healthy crops that are healthier not just for the consumer but also for the environment.

January 20, 2019

The Perfect Rainwater Collection System for Homesteaders and Urban Gardeners

January 20, 2019/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Jon Godfrey

Rainwater collecting is enormously helpful. However, if you understand the infrastructure that you put in place, it can be even better for your home and garden. Let's look at how you can set it up yourself.

1. Set Up Your Roofs and Gutters

Your house, garden gazebo, shed, garage, and every other building on your property should have excellent gutters all the way around the roofs. Run a garden hose in them and walk around, carefully checking for any leaks that would cut down on efficiency.