HOMESTEAD: FAMILY SURVIVAL | EPISODE 5
Growing in the Garden
Take some time check in with Cherie Bolz at her new Texas homestead. Benefit from her years of experience as she teaches ground level tips for kickstarting your homestead vision and how homesteading plays into the way she's raising her kids.
We also meet Shekinah and Justin Holiday on their property in Tennesee and discuss the possibilities, their upbringing, and what they want to turn it all into.
Then let’s talk about the advantages of greenhouses and the heartfelt reasons families make the decision to embark on the “homesteading journey.”
Benefits of Greenhouses
Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for growing plants, allowing gardeners to extend the growing season and protect crops from harsh weather, pests, and diseases. By regulating temperature, humidity, and light, greenhouses enable the cultivation of a wide variety of plants, including those that may not thrive in the local climate. They also allow for year-round gardening, which can result in a steady supply of fresh produce or flowers. Additionally, greenhouses can enhance productivity by creating optimal growing conditions, reduce water usage through contained irrigation systems, and provide a safe space for experimenting with new crops and gardening techniques.
What to Look for When Choosing a Greenhouse
When selecting a greenhouse, consider the size and location to ensure it meets your space and sunlight requirements. Look for durable materials such as aluminum frames and polycarbonate or tempered glass panels that offer good insulation and light transmission. Ventilation is crucial, so prioritize models with adjustable vents, fans, or louvers to prevent overheating and ensure airflow. Finally, ensure the greenhouse offers easy access, sufficient shelving or growing space, and compatibility with additional features like heaters or automatic watering systems for enhanced functionality. We obviously love Planta Greenhouses for their cost-effectiveness, quality construction and build materials—plus, they stand up to the most brutal snow loads, so be sure to consider your own environmental factors when looking. You can check out the Planta models we like best here.
Extending your Growing Season and harvest with a Greenhouse
“If you don’t own an analog watch, you’re relying on a device that could be anYthing but smart in an emergency.”
“Barry Cohen may not be a name you're familiar with, but you've almost certainly heard of the watch company he created in 1989, Luminox.
Recently, after several decades of producing illuminated watches for the U.S. military with Luminox, Cohen set out on his own to launch his latest creation: the ProTek watch series. ProTek was designed for hard use by those who need a rugged, dependable, and easy-to-read timepiece, such as members of the military, law enforcement, and first responders.
Cohen appears to have accomplished exactly that, since the ProTek collection has been designated an Official Watch of the U.S. Marine Corps. These watches feature tritium built into the face and hands for illumination that lasts consistently for 25 years.” - RECOIL Magazine
Seen in the homestead movie and series, PROTEK isn’t just a brand partner, our actors and crew now swear by them both on and off set.
What does Lasagna Have to do with SOIL IMPROVEMENT?
The lasagna method, also known as sheet composting, is a no-till, layering technique to enrich and improve soil health by mimicking natural forest-floor processes. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to build rich, fertile soil while repurposing organic materials. Perfect for gardeners looking to start a new bed or improve poor soil, this method creates nutrient-dense, well-aerated soil that’s teeming with beneficial microbes.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Lasagna Method
Choose Your Site
Select the area for your garden bed, whether it’s over grass, weeds, or bare soil. Clear large debris but leave the existing vegetation as it will break down.
Lay the Base Layer
Start with a thick layer (2-3 inches) of corrugated cardboard or newspaper to smother weeds and grass. Overlap the edges to create a solid barrier and soak it thoroughly with water.
Add Layers
Alternate “brown” (carbon-rich) layers, like straw, leaves, or shredded paper, with “green” (nitrogen-rich) layers, such as kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or manure. Aim for 2-3 inches per layer, keeping a balance of roughly two parts brown to one part green.
Build it Up
Continue layering until the pile is about 18-24 inches tall. The materials will compress and decompose over time, so don’t worry if it seems high initially.
Water as You Go
Moisten each layer as you build the bed, ensuring the pile stays damp but not soggy. Proper moisture aids decomposition.
Top it Off
Finish with a layer of compost, topsoil, or well-aged manure to help kickstart the breakdown process and provide a planting-ready surface.
Let it Rest (Optional)
For best results, let the lasagna bed rest for a few weeks to several months before planting, allowing the materials to decompose. If planting immediately, use soil pockets or pre-started plants.
Plant and Mulch
Once your lasagna bed is ready, plant directly into it and add a mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
This method not only reduces waste by repurposing organic materials but also creates fertile soil that encourages healthy plant growth with minimal effort!
NOW SHOWING IN THEATERS
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
Homestead is coming to theaters Friday, December 20th. Purchasing an early bird ticket gets you the best price ($10) and guarantees your seat for what will be one of the biggest movies of the year.
Meet the Hosts of
“Homestead: Family Survival”
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Jason Ross
AUTHOR & HOMESTEAD SHOWRUNNER
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Cherie Bolz
MASTER GARDENER
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Sam Sheridan
PRODUCER & AUTHOR
