little gifts from
the land & us

We have been busy researching and preparing a small line of natural skin and hair care products for farm-stayers and beyond. We have an amazing simple all purpose bar that is great to use as a shampoo bar, and we are busy considering deep conditioning natural hair mask options. As a holistic homesteading mama, I […]

When you live off-grid you need to be extra careful not to pollute your land and water. Even organic and “biodegradable” products can have ingredients that are harmful if consumed by livestock or taken up by plants. It’s important to embrace a natural hair care system that works for you. Here are the basics: Natural […]

Generally, organic agriculture is modeled after conventional agriculture. The main the exception is that it excludes the use of toxic substances whether it be pesticides or fertilizers. Additionally, in the case of animals artificial hormones and toxic medications like antibiotics are also excluded. Other than that there are generally more similarities than differences between the […]

4 Ways Permaculture Goes Beyond Regenerative Agriculture

From the “Ask Hettie Quackers” archives: What is Permaculture? Q: Dear Hettie — I love organic gardening and want to do more. I want to be more ecological and self-sustaining. I’ve heard the term “permaculture” used by like minded acquaintances, but I can’t really pin-point exactly what people mean by it. What is permaculture? Can […]

Q: Why would I want to pay for and earn a Permaculture Design Certificate? A: You’re kidding right? I mean one of our major influences here at Tierra Soul is Permaculture. Its ethics and principles make up a set of tools you can carry anywhere, into any profession, any endeavor. The essence of permaculture that […]

One of the first things to know about Permaculture that makes it different from other paradigms of ecological and social reform is that it is rooted in 3 basic permaculture ethics. These 3 ethics form the foundation of what makes permaculture so unique. For example organic agriculture simply requires that one not use synthetic pesticides. […]

From the “Ask Hettie Quackers” archives: Backyard Wildcrafting Q: Dear Hettie, I am an urban farmer, but recently heard about wildcrafting and wonder, is it is compatible with what I’m already doing in my backyard garden? ~ Jennifer Well, says Hettie, You really should know about a thing called “backyard wildcrafting.” Let me explain: What […]