The Mindful Blog

Raising black soldier flies (BSF) is an incredibly beneficial and economical addition to any backyard garden or homestead. These amazing little insects are nature’s composters, capable of breaking down organic waste faster than traditional methods and producing high-quality compost and animal feed in the process. Here’s why you should consider incorporating them into your setup. Why Black Soldier Flies? Black soldier flies are masters of waste reduction. They can process a wide range of food scraps, including meat and dairy, which typically aren’t suitable for compost bins. As the larvae munch through your waste, they reduce its volume by up...

What is Farm Sustainability? Farm sustainability is about ensuring today’s practices leave the land healthier and more productive for future generations. It involves balancing the need to grow food efficiently while protecting natural resources, supporting local communities, and adapting to a changing climate. Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about finding practical, thoughtful solutions that work for you and your land. At Mindful Farmer, we believe tools and structures like high tunnels, broadforks, and soil blockers can make that balance easier to achieve. These tools aren’t just functional; they’re designed to support a long-term vision for farming that’s productive and environmentally...

Evaluate Your Garden Needs Choosing the right eco garden tools starts with understanding your unique gardening requirements. Consider the size of your garden, the types of plants you grow, and the tasks you tackle most often. Are you digging, planting, weeding, or watering? Each activity may call for specific tools to make the job easier and more efficient. It’s also helpful to assess the level of maintenance your garden requires. A larger garden or one with diverse crops might benefit from versatile tools like broadforks, while a smaller plot may need more precise, lightweight equipment. If you have physical limitations, ergonomically...

Discover the perfect solution for your gardening needs with this ultimate guide to high tunnels and greenhouses. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which structure is best for your needs. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the two and how the NRCS EQUIP program might help fund your high tunnel or greenhouse. What Purpose do High Tunnels and Greenhouses serve? Despite the difference in verbiage, high tunnels and greenhouses serve a common basic purpose. They both help protect plants from pests and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, these structures create a microclimate ideal for seed starting and crop...