GAIN ALL OF THIS by using straw in Permaculture Orchards on the Homestead

In permaculture, we stop isolating ourselves from the greater ecosystem and stop growing in sterile environments. So how can this straw break pest cycles, attract owls and predatory birds, protect soil, and attract bumblebees? 🌾 Mulch thick with straw (like 8” thick) to protect soil and plantings. As a result we prevent solarization, erosion, and nutrient loss. If you are growing in an orchard or yard with no guilds, and are okay with grass under your trees, soiled hay and straw makes a great mulch for this step. Added nutrients benefits the tree and soil. 🐭🍎 Voles and mice absolutely love to burrow in the thick straw in cold weather, happy to eat up any fallen fruit from the growing season. This helps to break up the pest life cycle of coddling moths who need contact with soil after the fruit has fallen to continue their development. Worried about your trunk getting chewed on? I haven’t had that issue personally but you can easily add a guard. 🦉 If you are trying to attract more predatory birds to balance out your natural ecosystem, they need a food source first and foremost. Only when a population of rodents are present will owls, hawks, kestrels, and others consider taking up residence. 🐝 Once the mice and voles have vacated the straw in the spring, open spaces are perfect for bumblebees to set up their housing. Just be careful not to do this near walkways as they do sting when protecting their nest and territory. Ask me how I know. 🤣 //////////// My Books: The Sustainable Homestead: https://a.co/d/aJiktEc The Little Homesteader, Spring: https://a.co/d/81clkYB The Little Homesteader, Summer: https://a.co/d/1Dcqgvx The Little Homesteader, Fall: https://a.co/d/4NVXWcO The Little Homesteader, Winter: https://a.co/d/hpQ8x7s The Harvest Table Cookbook: https://a.co/d/00rW3uq ///////////// Welcome to Axe & Root Homestead®! I'm a first generation, self-taught permaculture farmer in Central New Jersey. If you're looking for information on gardening, homesteading, canning, animal care, working with your land, or regenerative farming practices, I have lots of info to share: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axeandroothomestead/ Blog: https://www.axeandroothomestead.com/blog Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homesteaducation/id1593301801