509-Trees & Bushes Should Be The First Thing Planted On Your Homestead

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WHAT’S Cookin:

Chicken larb (laab) salad
White Bean soup on grilled bread
Rice and beans (Food storage feast recipe)
Rigatoni Amatriciana

FOOD INDUSTRY AND HARVEST NEWS:

Using poison bait to kill feral hogs-what could go wrong?

Kansas Law For Warrantless Inspection are B.S, period

TODAY’S MAIN TOPIC:

WHY TREES & BUSHES SHOULD BE THE FIRST THING PLANTED ON THE HOMESTEAD

When establishing a homestead, planting fruit trees and bushes should be prioritized as the most important task. These bountiful plants provide a multitude of benefits that are not only sustainable but also essential for a thriving homestead. Firstly, fruit trees and bushes yield a generous harvest of delicious fruits rich in essential nutrients. This ensures a readily available and diverse source of healthy food, reducing reliance on external markets. Additionally, these trees and bushes can provide shade, contributing to natural cooling and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, they serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects and birds, encouraging a balanced ecosystem on the homestead. By planting fruit trees and bushes as the first step, not only do we guarantee a sustainable source of nutrition, but also lay a strong foundation for the overall biodiversity and self-sufficiency of our homestead.

Best Types Of Fruit Trees
When it comes to a homestead, having fruit trees is a productive and practical addition. Among the best fruit trees for a homestead are apple trees, which offer a diverse range of flavors and textures and can be used for various culinary purposes. Another top choice is the peach tree, which produces sweet and juicy fruit, perfect for enjoying fresh or preserving. I suggest growing Elberta peach trees as the fruit is to die for and also a heavy producer. Additionally, cherry trees provide a burst of vibrant color with their blossoms and a delectable harvest of cherries for pies, jams, and fresh snacking. Lastly, the versatile plum tree thrives in many climates and is known for its abundance of fruit and delicious flavor, excellent for canning or baking. These fruit trees not only provide a bountiful yield but also enhance the aesthetics and self-sufficiency of any homestead.

Best Berry Bushes
For the new homesteader, getting started with berry bushes can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. When choosing berry bushes, it is important to consider factors such as ease of care, adaptability to different climates, and productivity. One of the best berry bushes for beginners is the blueberry bush. Blueberries are hardy, and adaptable, and produce bountiful harvests each year. Another excellent option is the raspberry bush, which comes in various varieties and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor. Raspberry bushes are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in different soil types. Lastly, the blackberry bush is a fantastic choice due to its vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. With proper care, these berry bushes can provide delicious and nutritious berries for years to come, making them ideal for the new homesteader.

More Exotic Trees and Berry Bushes for Certain Plant Hardiness Zones

Many North American homesteads plant trees and bushes that many people are not familiar with but produce a crop and are perfect in a guild such as red or white currants which make amazing jams and jellies or even sauces for game meats. Other trees like mulberry produce heavy harvests of sweet fruits and grow fast enough to provide shade and habitat for birds. Birds love mulberry trees and oftentimes will focus on these tiny fruits and NOT other fruit like apples, plums, etc.

Discover the Luscious Fruit of The Paw Paw Tree
Step into a world of tantalizing flavors with the enchanting paw paw tree. Native to North America, the paw paw tree mesmerizes with its tropical-like fruits, beckoning both the curious and the seasoned garden enthusiasts alike.
As you delve into the realm of paw paw trees, you'll uncover a treasure trove of succulent delights. Imagine biting into a custardy flesh that strikes the perfect balance between a ripe banana and a juicy mango. Each bite of this velvety fruit bursts with a delectable sweetness, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight.
But paw paw trees offer more than just their mouthwatering fruit. Their elegant, broad leaves cast a lush canopy, creating a serene oasis in your backyard. Delighting in dappled shade, you can relax beneath their verdant shelter, immersing yourself in nature's tranquil embrace.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:

Ash baskets for Big Green Egg are an excellent tool to ensure quick clean-up and for much-improved airflow and heat management, including being able to achieve heat as high as 700 degrees for pizza making.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

So to sum up I recommend creating a planting road map for the types of trees and bushes you think with not only fit your needs but are native to your area and thrive in its hardiness zone. Make sure exposure is correct and that you source trees from local merchants who know these trees and bushes thrive in your area. I recommend using guilds and adding a guild at a time, not a tree at a time. A good guild will have a focal specimen and supporting specimens that not only help the focal specimen but can provide a crop of something else like berries, herbs, or aromatics. Additionally, please study up on the best way to plant trees and how to protect them from weeds, whether that using black plastic for weed suppression or cardboard nad mulch….More on this in a future episode.

Resources:

Homestead Orchard Choosing The right Trees & Bushes

Why Pawpaws are the idea fruit tree for your garden.

Designing A Fruit Tree Guild

The Permaculture Orchard-Beyond Organic (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

The Permaculture Orchard YOUTUBE