Homestead Swagger

04/22/2026

04/13/2026

The Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program was slated to bring millions of dollars into Iowa, while supporting new farmers. Contracts were signed, fellows quit their jobs, and we were off to the races. Until suddenly, we weren’t. USDA abruptly pulled the funding in March with two days...

04/06/2026

🍅🍅 Tomato seed starting 🍅🍅

Tomatoes are one of the few plants I start early. I intentionally plant multiples in a pot as tomatoes are tougher than they look. They can be gently separated when transplanting and planted deep to encourage strong root growth.

A few tips:
• Give them plenty of light to prevent stretching
• Keep a gentle airflow to strengthen stems
• Transplant once they have a couple true leaves

One seed tray can turn into dozens of healthy plants with a little patience. Spring is coming 🍅🌱

10/18/2025

Had a great time this morning learning to forage for mushrooms. .and.spores

08/09/2025

This poor guy is going to die a horrible death… it’s amazing how nature tends to address problems if we just give it a chance.

08/06/2025

Cucumbers have been great this year, and I’m enjoying a favorite summer treat in refrigerator pickles…

07/26/2025

The bees are busy… and we have plenty of honey. If you’re interested and in the Des Moines area (or even just passing through) reach out.

07/16/2025

Five years after originally installing our we recently gave it a facelift with fresh paint, and officially got it registered with

06/11/2025

https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/sea-of-grass-american-prairie/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri

Tallgrass prairies in the United States were cleared for industrial farms. Can the lost biodiversity be restored?

05/07/2025

What if the greatest perpetual motion machine isn’t made of gears and metal—but leaves, water, and life itself?

Nature is the original engine that never stops. From the tiniest insect to the tallest tree, ecosystems run on endless cycles of energy, renewal, and balance. No batteries. Just harmony in motion.

What do you think?