#soilconservation — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #soilconservation, aggregated by home.social.
-
In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods
#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region
Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026
Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.
"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.
" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge
-
In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods
#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region
Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026
Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.
"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.
" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge
-
In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods
#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region
Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026
Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.
"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.
" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge
-
In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods
#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region
Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026
Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.
"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.
" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge
-
In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods
#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region
Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026
Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.
"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.
" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge
-
10 #IndigenousGardening Techniques Still Used Today
By: Robin Sweetser, May 3, 2026
"As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of #Gardening
#Gourds, #beans, and #peppers were being cultivated in #Mexico by 5500 BC, and by 5000 BC, #maize was being grown in #Mesoamerica, and #potatoes in #SouthAmerica. The success or failure of these crops had a major impact on people’s survival. It was critical not only that the land provided sustenance but that it sustained them year after year, which required knowledge of #sustainable growing techniques to preserve the land for future generations.
We hear buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'permaculture' and 'organic' today. But these techniques were here long before we started talking about 'going green.' Perhaps your grandparents also knew some of the older, gentler ways. Many are simply intuitive and based on fostering a closer relationship with nature and the land. If you don’t already, you might want to think about integrating some of these techniques into your own landscape.
Many of the following practices are often viewed as 'new' to the gardening world, but they’ve been around for a long, long time. They have all been traditionally used by #NativeAmerican peoples, but that is not to say that all of these techniques were used by all Native American cultures. Just like separate countries, #Indigenous cultures vary widely in their gardening philosophies and techniques. Below are just a few #sustainable, Earth-conscious ways to grow a better garden.
These practices originate from diverse Indigenous nations across North and South America, including the #Haudenosaunee (#Iroquois), #Hopi, #Wampanoag, and many others. Agricultural traditions varied widely by climate, geography, and culture.
Companion Planting (the #ThreeSisters Method)
Time-honored gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion, while other plants (particularly herbs) act as repellents.
A commonly cited example is the Three Sisters Garden, which has been traditionally practiced by the Wampanoag people of what is now the northeastern United States. A prime demonstration of companion planting at its best, corn provides support for pole beans to climb, the beans add nitrogen to the soil for future crops to use, and squash leaves shade the soil around the taller plants, like a living mulch. Squash’s prickly leaves also deter marauding animal pests. Some would add a fourth sister—a flowering plant such as #sunflowers—to draw in #pollinators.
#Intercropping or #polyculture of plants that have mutual benefits (aka companion planting) mimics the way different species grow together in nature. #Monoculture, on the other hand, leads to the exhaustion of soil nutrients. Indigenous people also discovered that plant diversity meant diet diversity. If one crop should fail, the others could fill that void.
Try 'intercropping' in your vegetable garden. Sneak small crops in between bigger ones; the small crops will be ready before the big ones need the space.
#Terracing for #SoilConservation
Terracing creates flat planting beds in hilly terrain. Taming the steep slopes slows runoff, allowing water to seep into the beds and curb erosion.
Creating terraces in which to garden is an especially good way to garden where rain is seasonal, sporadic, and often comes in heavy downpours. In the southwestern U.S., for example, terracing was key to the agricultural success of the Anasazi and their descendants, the #Hopi, who still use terraced gardens today. This can be seen in the village of #HotevillaBacavi, in northern Arizona, where traditional #TerracedGardens were restored in the 1990s.
If you wish to garden sustainably on sloped land for years to come, the use of terracing is essential in avoiding soil erosion that carries your precious topsoil away.
There are different types of #terracing. If you have a slope, consider using some rocks or retaining walls to create a series of flattened areas, mitigating runoff. Ancient terraces are seen all over the steep terrain in #Greece, too.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi people inhabited what is now the Four Corners region of the U.S., an area known for its low annual rainfall. They traditionally built catchments, check dams (dams made of rock that held onto soil but allowed water to pass through), and reservoirs to collect the infrequent stormwater. The Hopi people of northern Arizona also use these age-old techniques to irrigate their gardens in this arid landscape, although modern technology has allowed for expanded #WaterConservation efforts.
If you live in a dry area, storing water in ponds, cisterns, or even a #RainBarrel is a wise idea, as the reserved water can be used for irrigation as needed.
Conversely, in areas with floods, people learned how to use what could be destructive as a way to boost productivity. For example, one technique was to create shallow depressions so that when the floodwaters rose, the water could be stored. Another technique was to use #canals near rivers to divert water to nearby farmland."
Read more:
https://www.almanac.com/10-indigenous-gardening-techniques-still-used-today#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #NativeAmericans #TraditionalTechnology #ClimateChangeGardening #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #TEK #TerracedGardens #RainGardens
-
10 #IndigenousGardening Techniques Still Used Today
By: Robin Sweetser, May 3, 2026
"As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of #Gardening
#Gourds, #beans, and #peppers were being cultivated in #Mexico by 5500 BC, and by 5000 BC, #maize was being grown in #Mesoamerica, and #potatoes in #SouthAmerica. The success or failure of these crops had a major impact on people’s survival. It was critical not only that the land provided sustenance but that it sustained them year after year, which required knowledge of #sustainable growing techniques to preserve the land for future generations.
We hear buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'permaculture' and 'organic' today. But these techniques were here long before we started talking about 'going green.' Perhaps your grandparents also knew some of the older, gentler ways. Many are simply intuitive and based on fostering a closer relationship with nature and the land. If you don’t already, you might want to think about integrating some of these techniques into your own landscape.
Many of the following practices are often viewed as 'new' to the gardening world, but they’ve been around for a long, long time. They have all been traditionally used by #NativeAmerican peoples, but that is not to say that all of these techniques were used by all Native American cultures. Just like separate countries, #Indigenous cultures vary widely in their gardening philosophies and techniques. Below are just a few #sustainable, Earth-conscious ways to grow a better garden.
These practices originate from diverse Indigenous nations across North and South America, including the #Haudenosaunee (#Iroquois), #Hopi, #Wampanoag, and many others. Agricultural traditions varied widely by climate, geography, and culture.
Companion Planting (the #ThreeSisters Method)
Time-honored gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion, while other plants (particularly herbs) act as repellents.
A commonly cited example is the Three Sisters Garden, which has been traditionally practiced by the Wampanoag people of what is now the northeastern United States. A prime demonstration of companion planting at its best, corn provides support for pole beans to climb, the beans add nitrogen to the soil for future crops to use, and squash leaves shade the soil around the taller plants, like a living mulch. Squash’s prickly leaves also deter marauding animal pests. Some would add a fourth sister—a flowering plant such as #sunflowers—to draw in #pollinators.
#Intercropping or #polyculture of plants that have mutual benefits (aka companion planting) mimics the way different species grow together in nature. #Monoculture, on the other hand, leads to the exhaustion of soil nutrients. Indigenous people also discovered that plant diversity meant diet diversity. If one crop should fail, the others could fill that void.
Try 'intercropping' in your vegetable garden. Sneak small crops in between bigger ones; the small crops will be ready before the big ones need the space.
#Terracing for #SoilConservation
Terracing creates flat planting beds in hilly terrain. Taming the steep slopes slows runoff, allowing water to seep into the beds and curb erosion.
Creating terraces in which to garden is an especially good way to garden where rain is seasonal, sporadic, and often comes in heavy downpours. In the southwestern U.S., for example, terracing was key to the agricultural success of the Anasazi and their descendants, the #Hopi, who still use terraced gardens today. This can be seen in the village of #HotevillaBacavi, in northern Arizona, where traditional #TerracedGardens were restored in the 1990s.
If you wish to garden sustainably on sloped land for years to come, the use of terracing is essential in avoiding soil erosion that carries your precious topsoil away.
There are different types of #terracing. If you have a slope, consider using some rocks or retaining walls to create a series of flattened areas, mitigating runoff. Ancient terraces are seen all over the steep terrain in #Greece, too.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi people inhabited what is now the Four Corners region of the U.S., an area known for its low annual rainfall. They traditionally built catchments, check dams (dams made of rock that held onto soil but allowed water to pass through), and reservoirs to collect the infrequent stormwater. The Hopi people of northern Arizona also use these age-old techniques to irrigate their gardens in this arid landscape, although modern technology has allowed for expanded #WaterConservation efforts.
If you live in a dry area, storing water in ponds, cisterns, or even a #RainBarrel is a wise idea, as the reserved water can be used for irrigation as needed.
Conversely, in areas with floods, people learned how to use what could be destructive as a way to boost productivity. For example, one technique was to create shallow depressions so that when the floodwaters rose, the water could be stored. Another technique was to use #canals near rivers to divert water to nearby farmland."
Read more:
https://www.almanac.com/10-indigenous-gardening-techniques-still-used-today#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #NativeAmericans #TraditionalTechnology #ClimateChangeGardening #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #TEK #TerracedGardens #RainGardens
-
10 #IndigenousGardening Techniques Still Used Today
By: Robin Sweetser, May 3, 2026
"As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of #Gardening
#Gourds, #beans, and #peppers were being cultivated in #Mexico by 5500 BC, and by 5000 BC, #maize was being grown in #Mesoamerica, and #potatoes in #SouthAmerica. The success or failure of these crops had a major impact on people’s survival. It was critical not only that the land provided sustenance but that it sustained them year after year, which required knowledge of #sustainable growing techniques to preserve the land for future generations.
We hear buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'permaculture' and 'organic' today. But these techniques were here long before we started talking about 'going green.' Perhaps your grandparents also knew some of the older, gentler ways. Many are simply intuitive and based on fostering a closer relationship with nature and the land. If you don’t already, you might want to think about integrating some of these techniques into your own landscape.
Many of the following practices are often viewed as 'new' to the gardening world, but they’ve been around for a long, long time. They have all been traditionally used by #NativeAmerican peoples, but that is not to say that all of these techniques were used by all Native American cultures. Just like separate countries, #Indigenous cultures vary widely in their gardening philosophies and techniques. Below are just a few #sustainable, Earth-conscious ways to grow a better garden.
These practices originate from diverse Indigenous nations across North and South America, including the #Haudenosaunee (#Iroquois), #Hopi, #Wampanoag, and many others. Agricultural traditions varied widely by climate, geography, and culture.
Companion Planting (the #ThreeSisters Method)
Time-honored gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion, while other plants (particularly herbs) act as repellents.
A commonly cited example is the Three Sisters Garden, which has been traditionally practiced by the Wampanoag people of what is now the northeastern United States. A prime demonstration of companion planting at its best, corn provides support for pole beans to climb, the beans add nitrogen to the soil for future crops to use, and squash leaves shade the soil around the taller plants, like a living mulch. Squash’s prickly leaves also deter marauding animal pests. Some would add a fourth sister—a flowering plant such as #sunflowers—to draw in #pollinators.
#Intercropping or #polyculture of plants that have mutual benefits (aka companion planting) mimics the way different species grow together in nature. #Monoculture, on the other hand, leads to the exhaustion of soil nutrients. Indigenous people also discovered that plant diversity meant diet diversity. If one crop should fail, the others could fill that void.
Try 'intercropping' in your vegetable garden. Sneak small crops in between bigger ones; the small crops will be ready before the big ones need the space.
#Terracing for #SoilConservation
Terracing creates flat planting beds in hilly terrain. Taming the steep slopes slows runoff, allowing water to seep into the beds and curb erosion.
Creating terraces in which to garden is an especially good way to garden where rain is seasonal, sporadic, and often comes in heavy downpours. In the southwestern U.S., for example, terracing was key to the agricultural success of the Anasazi and their descendants, the #Hopi, who still use terraced gardens today. This can be seen in the village of #HotevillaBacavi, in northern Arizona, where traditional #TerracedGardens were restored in the 1990s.
If you wish to garden sustainably on sloped land for years to come, the use of terracing is essential in avoiding soil erosion that carries your precious topsoil away.
There are different types of #terracing. If you have a slope, consider using some rocks or retaining walls to create a series of flattened areas, mitigating runoff. Ancient terraces are seen all over the steep terrain in #Greece, too.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi people inhabited what is now the Four Corners region of the U.S., an area known for its low annual rainfall. They traditionally built catchments, check dams (dams made of rock that held onto soil but allowed water to pass through), and reservoirs to collect the infrequent stormwater. The Hopi people of northern Arizona also use these age-old techniques to irrigate their gardens in this arid landscape, although modern technology has allowed for expanded #WaterConservation efforts.
If you live in a dry area, storing water in ponds, cisterns, or even a #RainBarrel is a wise idea, as the reserved water can be used for irrigation as needed.
Conversely, in areas with floods, people learned how to use what could be destructive as a way to boost productivity. For example, one technique was to create shallow depressions so that when the floodwaters rose, the water could be stored. Another technique was to use #canals near rivers to divert water to nearby farmland."
Read more:
https://www.almanac.com/10-indigenous-gardening-techniques-still-used-today#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #NativeAmericans #TraditionalTechnology #ClimateChangeGardening #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #TEK #TerracedGardens #RainGardens
-
10 #IndigenousGardening Techniques Still Used Today
By: Robin Sweetser, May 3, 2026
"As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of #Gardening
#Gourds, #beans, and #peppers were being cultivated in #Mexico by 5500 BC, and by 5000 BC, #maize was being grown in #Mesoamerica, and #potatoes in #SouthAmerica. The success or failure of these crops had a major impact on people’s survival. It was critical not only that the land provided sustenance but that it sustained them year after year, which required knowledge of #sustainable growing techniques to preserve the land for future generations.
We hear buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'permaculture' and 'organic' today. But these techniques were here long before we started talking about 'going green.' Perhaps your grandparents also knew some of the older, gentler ways. Many are simply intuitive and based on fostering a closer relationship with nature and the land. If you don’t already, you might want to think about integrating some of these techniques into your own landscape.
Many of the following practices are often viewed as 'new' to the gardening world, but they’ve been around for a long, long time. They have all been traditionally used by #NativeAmerican peoples, but that is not to say that all of these techniques were used by all Native American cultures. Just like separate countries, #Indigenous cultures vary widely in their gardening philosophies and techniques. Below are just a few #sustainable, Earth-conscious ways to grow a better garden.
These practices originate from diverse Indigenous nations across North and South America, including the #Haudenosaunee (#Iroquois), #Hopi, #Wampanoag, and many others. Agricultural traditions varied widely by climate, geography, and culture.
Companion Planting (the #ThreeSisters Method)
Time-honored gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion, while other plants (particularly herbs) act as repellents.
A commonly cited example is the Three Sisters Garden, which has been traditionally practiced by the Wampanoag people of what is now the northeastern United States. A prime demonstration of companion planting at its best, corn provides support for pole beans to climb, the beans add nitrogen to the soil for future crops to use, and squash leaves shade the soil around the taller plants, like a living mulch. Squash’s prickly leaves also deter marauding animal pests. Some would add a fourth sister—a flowering plant such as #sunflowers—to draw in #pollinators.
#Intercropping or #polyculture of plants that have mutual benefits (aka companion planting) mimics the way different species grow together in nature. #Monoculture, on the other hand, leads to the exhaustion of soil nutrients. Indigenous people also discovered that plant diversity meant diet diversity. If one crop should fail, the others could fill that void.
Try 'intercropping' in your vegetable garden. Sneak small crops in between bigger ones; the small crops will be ready before the big ones need the space.
#Terracing for #SoilConservation
Terracing creates flat planting beds in hilly terrain. Taming the steep slopes slows runoff, allowing water to seep into the beds and curb erosion.
Creating terraces in which to garden is an especially good way to garden where rain is seasonal, sporadic, and often comes in heavy downpours. In the southwestern U.S., for example, terracing was key to the agricultural success of the Anasazi and their descendants, the #Hopi, who still use terraced gardens today. This can be seen in the village of #HotevillaBacavi, in northern Arizona, where traditional #TerracedGardens were restored in the 1990s.
If you wish to garden sustainably on sloped land for years to come, the use of terracing is essential in avoiding soil erosion that carries your precious topsoil away.
There are different types of #terracing. If you have a slope, consider using some rocks or retaining walls to create a series of flattened areas, mitigating runoff. Ancient terraces are seen all over the steep terrain in #Greece, too.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi people inhabited what is now the Four Corners region of the U.S., an area known for its low annual rainfall. They traditionally built catchments, check dams (dams made of rock that held onto soil but allowed water to pass through), and reservoirs to collect the infrequent stormwater. The Hopi people of northern Arizona also use these age-old techniques to irrigate their gardens in this arid landscape, although modern technology has allowed for expanded #WaterConservation efforts.
If you live in a dry area, storing water in ponds, cisterns, or even a #RainBarrel is a wise idea, as the reserved water can be used for irrigation as needed.
Conversely, in areas with floods, people learned how to use what could be destructive as a way to boost productivity. For example, one technique was to create shallow depressions so that when the floodwaters rose, the water could be stored. Another technique was to use #canals near rivers to divert water to nearby farmland."
Read more:
https://www.almanac.com/10-indigenous-gardening-techniques-still-used-today#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #NativeAmericans #TraditionalTechnology #ClimateChangeGardening #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #TEK #TerracedGardens #RainGardens
-
10 #IndigenousGardening Techniques Still Used Today
By: Robin Sweetser, May 3, 2026
"As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of #Gardening
#Gourds, #beans, and #peppers were being cultivated in #Mexico by 5500 BC, and by 5000 BC, #maize was being grown in #Mesoamerica, and #potatoes in #SouthAmerica. The success or failure of these crops had a major impact on people’s survival. It was critical not only that the land provided sustenance but that it sustained them year after year, which required knowledge of #sustainable growing techniques to preserve the land for future generations.
We hear buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'permaculture' and 'organic' today. But these techniques were here long before we started talking about 'going green.' Perhaps your grandparents also knew some of the older, gentler ways. Many are simply intuitive and based on fostering a closer relationship with nature and the land. If you don’t already, you might want to think about integrating some of these techniques into your own landscape.
Many of the following practices are often viewed as 'new' to the gardening world, but they’ve been around for a long, long time. They have all been traditionally used by #NativeAmerican peoples, but that is not to say that all of these techniques were used by all Native American cultures. Just like separate countries, #Indigenous cultures vary widely in their gardening philosophies and techniques. Below are just a few #sustainable, Earth-conscious ways to grow a better garden.
These practices originate from diverse Indigenous nations across North and South America, including the #Haudenosaunee (#Iroquois), #Hopi, #Wampanoag, and many others. Agricultural traditions varied widely by climate, geography, and culture.
Companion Planting (the #ThreeSisters Method)
Time-honored gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion, while other plants (particularly herbs) act as repellents.
A commonly cited example is the Three Sisters Garden, which has been traditionally practiced by the Wampanoag people of what is now the northeastern United States. A prime demonstration of companion planting at its best, corn provides support for pole beans to climb, the beans add nitrogen to the soil for future crops to use, and squash leaves shade the soil around the taller plants, like a living mulch. Squash’s prickly leaves also deter marauding animal pests. Some would add a fourth sister—a flowering plant such as #sunflowers—to draw in #pollinators.
#Intercropping or #polyculture of plants that have mutual benefits (aka companion planting) mimics the way different species grow together in nature. #Monoculture, on the other hand, leads to the exhaustion of soil nutrients. Indigenous people also discovered that plant diversity meant diet diversity. If one crop should fail, the others could fill that void.
Try 'intercropping' in your vegetable garden. Sneak small crops in between bigger ones; the small crops will be ready before the big ones need the space.
#Terracing for #SoilConservation
Terracing creates flat planting beds in hilly terrain. Taming the steep slopes slows runoff, allowing water to seep into the beds and curb erosion.
Creating terraces in which to garden is an especially good way to garden where rain is seasonal, sporadic, and often comes in heavy downpours. In the southwestern U.S., for example, terracing was key to the agricultural success of the Anasazi and their descendants, the #Hopi, who still use terraced gardens today. This can be seen in the village of #HotevillaBacavi, in northern Arizona, where traditional #TerracedGardens were restored in the 1990s.
If you wish to garden sustainably on sloped land for years to come, the use of terracing is essential in avoiding soil erosion that carries your precious topsoil away.
There are different types of #terracing. If you have a slope, consider using some rocks or retaining walls to create a series of flattened areas, mitigating runoff. Ancient terraces are seen all over the steep terrain in #Greece, too.
Traditional Irrigation Methods
Thousands of years ago, the Anasazi people inhabited what is now the Four Corners region of the U.S., an area known for its low annual rainfall. They traditionally built catchments, check dams (dams made of rock that held onto soil but allowed water to pass through), and reservoirs to collect the infrequent stormwater. The Hopi people of northern Arizona also use these age-old techniques to irrigate their gardens in this arid landscape, although modern technology has allowed for expanded #WaterConservation efforts.
If you live in a dry area, storing water in ponds, cisterns, or even a #RainBarrel is a wise idea, as the reserved water can be used for irrigation as needed.
Conversely, in areas with floods, people learned how to use what could be destructive as a way to boost productivity. For example, one technique was to create shallow depressions so that when the floodwaters rose, the water could be stored. Another technique was to use #canals near rivers to divert water to nearby farmland."
Read more:
https://www.almanac.com/10-indigenous-gardening-techniques-still-used-today#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwnFood #NativeAmericans #TraditionalTechnology #ClimateChangeGardening #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #TEK #TerracedGardens #RainGardens
-
🌍 Ethiopia: Low-cost, nature-based solution is allowing small communities to restore gullies to stop major agricultural soil loss.
🌱 "...the people living in these areas can protect their farmland from soil erosion, reduce crop losses, grow grass or feed for their animals and create opportunities to forage for indigenous edible and medicinal plants."
#SolarPunkSunday #SoilConservation #FarmlandRestoration #Sustainability #Permaculture #Agroecology #FoodSecurity #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming
-
🌍 Ethiopia: Low-cost, nature-based solution is allowing small communities to restore gullies to stop major agricultural soil loss.
🌱 "...the people living in these areas can protect their farmland from soil erosion, reduce crop losses, grow grass or feed for their animals and create opportunities to forage for indigenous edible and medicinal plants."
#SolarPunkSunday #SoilConservation #FarmlandRestoration #Sustainability #Permaculture #Agroecology #FoodSecurity #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming
-
🌍 Ethiopia: Low-cost, nature-based solution is allowing small communities to restore gullies to stop major agricultural soil loss.
🌱 "...the people living in these areas can protect their farmland from soil erosion, reduce crop losses, grow grass or feed for their animals and create opportunities to forage for indigenous edible and medicinal plants."
#SolarPunkSunday #SoilConservation #FarmlandRestoration #Sustainability #Permaculture #Agroecology #FoodSecurity #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming
-
🌍 Ethiopia: Low-cost, nature-based solution is allowing small communities to restore gullies to stop major agricultural soil loss.
🌱 "...the people living in these areas can protect their farmland from soil erosion, reduce crop losses, grow grass or feed for their animals and create opportunities to forage for indigenous edible and medicinal plants."
#SolarPunkSunday #SoilConservation #FarmlandRestoration #Sustainability #Permaculture #Agroecology #FoodSecurity #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming
-
🌍 Ethiopia: Low-cost, nature-based solution is allowing small communities to restore gullies to stop major agricultural soil loss.
🌱 "...the people living in these areas can protect their farmland from soil erosion, reduce crop losses, grow grass or feed for their animals and create opportunities to forage for indigenous edible and medicinal plants."
#SolarPunkSunday #SoilConservation #FarmlandRestoration #Sustainability #Permaculture #Agroecology #FoodSecurity #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming
-
As we step into the Easter vibes, we first had to focus on one important task making terraces on our land. The heavy waters from the surrounding hills have been washing away our fertile topsoil, which is vital for farming. We worked hard and succeeded. And seeing our bananas growing healthy and beautiful made us so happy it feels like they truly loved our land.💪
#EasterVibes #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SoilConservation -
As we step into the Easter vibes, we first had to focus on one important task making terraces on our land. The heavy waters from the surrounding hills have been washing away our fertile topsoil, which is vital for farming. We worked hard and succeeded. And seeing our bananas growing healthy and beautiful made us so happy it feels like they truly loved our land.💪
#EasterVibes #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SoilConservation -
As we step into the Easter vibes, we first had to focus on one important task making terraces on our land. The heavy waters from the surrounding hills have been washing away our fertile topsoil, which is vital for farming. We worked hard and succeeded. And seeing our bananas growing healthy and beautiful made us so happy it feels like they truly loved our land.💪
#EasterVibes #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SoilConservation -
As we step into the Easter vibes, we first had to focus on one important task making terraces on our land. The heavy waters from the surrounding hills have been washing away our fertile topsoil, which is vital for farming. We worked hard and succeeded. And seeing our bananas growing healthy and beautiful made us so happy it feels like they truly loved our land.💪
#EasterVibes #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SoilConservation -
As we step into the Easter vibes, we first had to focus on one important task making terraces on our land. The heavy waters from the surrounding hills have been washing away our fertile topsoil, which is vital for farming. We worked hard and succeeded. And seeing our bananas growing healthy and beautiful made us so happy it feels like they truly loved our land.💪
#EasterVibes #SustainableFarming #ClimateAction #SoilConservation -
#TigrayWar #Tigray #Ethiopia #LandDegradation #landrehabilitation #stonebunds #SoilConservation #Agroecology #CommunityStewardship #EnvironmentalRecovery #PostConflictResilience #SustainableLandUse #LandSystem #LandResilience #soilerosion #gully #exclosure #farmerledirrigation #GhentUniversity #MekelleUniversity #Geography
-
#TigrayWar #Tigray #Ethiopia #LandDegradation #landrehabilitation #stonebunds #SoilConservation #Agroecology #CommunityStewardship #EnvironmentalRecovery #PostConflictResilience #SustainableLandUse #LandSystem #LandResilience #soilerosion #gully #exclosure #farmerledirrigation #GhentUniversity #MekelleUniversity #Geography
-
#TigrayWar #Tigray #Ethiopia #LandDegradation #landrehabilitation #stonebunds #SoilConservation #Agroecology #CommunityStewardship #EnvironmentalRecovery #PostConflictResilience #SustainableLandUse #LandSystem #LandResilience #soilerosion #gully #exclosure #farmerledirrigation #GhentUniversity #MekelleUniversity #Geography
-
#TigrayWar #Tigray #Ethiopia #LandDegradation #landrehabilitation #stonebunds #SoilConservation #Agroecology #CommunityStewardship #EnvironmentalRecovery #PostConflictResilience #SustainableLandUse #LandSystem #LandResilience #soilerosion #gully #exclosure #farmerledirrigation #GhentUniversity #MekelleUniversity #Geography
-
Planet could 'cease to function' without action to address soil decay: The world's growing population is putting pressure on its arable land, and scientists warn 90 per cent of all soil could be degraded by 2050 unless urgent action is taken. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-01/global-soil-degradation-aroura-soil-security-think-tank/104594018?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #SoilConservation #FoodSecurity
-
Planet could 'cease to function' without action to address soil decay: The world's growing population is putting pressure on its arable land, and scientists warn 90 per cent of all soil could be degraded by 2050 unless urgent action is taken. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-01/global-soil-degradation-aroura-soil-security-think-tank/104594018?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #SoilConservation #FoodSecurity
-
Planet could 'cease to function' without action to address soil decay: The world's growing population is putting pressure on its arable land, and scientists warn 90 per cent of all soil could be degraded by 2050 unless urgent action is taken. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-01/global-soil-degradation-aroura-soil-security-think-tank/104594018?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #SoilConservation #FoodSecurity
-
This traditional Hopi farming method, taught by his grandfather, counters harsh elements and preserves soil moisture. It involves planting 8-10 corn kernels and beans per hole, spaced apart. #DryFarming #SoilConservation
-
This traditional Hopi farming method, taught by his grandfather, counters harsh elements and preserves soil moisture. It involves planting 8-10 corn kernels and beans per hole, spaced apart. #DryFarming #SoilConservation
-
This traditional Hopi farming method, taught by his grandfather, counters harsh elements and preserves soil moisture. It involves planting 8-10 corn kernels and beans per hole, spaced apart. #DryFarming #SoilConservation
-
This traditional Hopi farming method, taught by his grandfather, counters harsh elements and preserves soil moisture. It involves planting 8-10 corn kernels and beans per hole, spaced apart. #DryFarming #SoilConservation
-
This traditional Hopi farming method, taught by his grandfather, counters harsh elements and preserves soil moisture. It involves planting 8-10 corn kernels and beans per hole, spaced apart. #DryFarming #SoilConservation
-
Water Availability Creates Global Thresholds In Multidimensional Soil Biodiversity And Functions
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02071-3 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #water #mapping #water #hydrology #biogeography #phylogeography #geography #global #environmental #biodiversity #productivity #agricultural #agriculture #farming #plant #microbe #soilscience #soilhealth #soil #soilfertility #soilconservation #soilmanagement #ecosystems #EnvironmentalThresholds #survey #fieldsurvey #climate #vegetation #watermanagement #waterconservation #rainfall #precipitation #EV #evaporation #evapotranspiration #biogeochemical #geochemical #bacteria #fungi #protists #invertebrates #model #modeling #soilcarbonsequestration #wateravailability #sustainable -
Water Availability Creates Global Thresholds In Multidimensional Soil Biodiversity And Functions
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02071-3 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #water #mapping #water #hydrology #biogeography #phylogeography #geography #global #environmental #biodiversity #productivity #agricultural #agriculture #farming #plant #microbe #soilscience #soilhealth #soil #soilfertility #soilconservation #soilmanagement #ecosystems #EnvironmentalThresholds #survey #fieldsurvey #climate #vegetation #watermanagement #waterconservation #rainfall #precipitation #EV #evaporation #evapotranspiration #biogeochemical #geochemical #bacteria #fungi #protists #invertebrates #model #modeling #soilcarbonsequestration #wateravailability #sustainable -
Water Availability Creates Global Thresholds In Multidimensional Soil Biodiversity And Functions
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02071-3 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #water #mapping #water #hydrology #biogeography #phylogeography #geography #global #environmental #biodiversity #productivity #agricultural #agriculture #farming #plant #microbe #soilscience #soilhealth #soil #soilfertility #soilconservation #soilmanagement #ecosystems #EnvironmentalThresholds #survey #fieldsurvey #climate #vegetation #watermanagement #waterconservation #rainfall #precipitation #EV #evaporation #evapotranspiration #biogeochemical #geochemical #bacteria #fungi #protists #invertebrates #model #modeling #soilcarbonsequestration #wateravailability #sustainable -
Water Availability Creates Global Thresholds In Multidimensional Soil Biodiversity And Functions
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02071-3 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #water #mapping #water #hydrology #biogeography #phylogeography #geography #global #environmental #biodiversity #productivity #agricultural #agriculture #farming #plant #microbe #soilscience #soilhealth #soil #soilfertility #soilconservation #soilmanagement #ecosystems #EnvironmentalThresholds #survey #fieldsurvey #climate #vegetation #watermanagement #waterconservation #rainfall #precipitation #EV #evaporation #evapotranspiration #biogeochemical #geochemical #bacteria #fungi #protists #invertebrates #model #modeling #soilcarbonsequestration #wateravailability #sustainable -
Water Availability Creates Global Thresholds In Multidimensional Soil Biodiversity And Functions
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02071-3 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #water #mapping #water #hydrology #biogeography #phylogeography #geography #global #environmental #biodiversity #productivity #agricultural #agriculture #farming #plant #microbe #soilscience #soilhealth #soil #soilfertility #soilconservation #soilmanagement #ecosystems #EnvironmentalThresholds #survey #fieldsurvey #climate #vegetation #watermanagement #waterconservation #rainfall #precipitation #EV #evaporation #evapotranspiration #biogeochemical #geochemical #bacteria #fungi #protists #invertebrates #model #modeling #soilcarbonsequestration #wateravailability #sustainable -
Not all rhododendrons are bad! While the invasive hybrid R. ponticum is a huge problem in Scotland, in their home territories rhododendrons play an important role in ecology and especially soil conservation on steep slopes. The rhododendron collection at Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is a fascinating place to learn more about rhododendrons. It was interesting to visit again some 10 years after going with NWDG in 2013.
#rhododendron #arisaig #larachmhorgardens #argyll #scotland #soilconservation -
Not all rhododendrons are bad! While the invasive hybrid R. ponticum is a huge problem in Scotland, in their home territories rhododendrons play an important role in ecology and especially soil conservation on steep slopes. The rhododendron collection at Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is a fascinating place to learn more about rhododendrons. It was interesting to visit again some 10 years after going with NWDG in 2013.
#rhododendron #arisaig #larachmhorgardens #argyll #scotland #soilconservation -
Not all rhododendrons are bad! While the invasive hybrid R. ponticum is a huge problem in Scotland, in their home territories rhododendrons play an important role in ecology and especially soil conservation on steep slopes. The rhododendron collection at Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is a fascinating place to learn more about rhododendrons. It was interesting to visit again some 10 years after going with NWDG in 2013.
#rhododendron #arisaig #larachmhorgardens #argyll #scotland #soilconservation -
Not all rhododendrons are bad! While the invasive hybrid R. ponticum is a huge problem in Scotland, in their home territories rhododendrons play an important role in ecology and especially soil conservation on steep slopes. The rhododendron collection at Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is a fascinating place to learn more about rhododendrons. It was interesting to visit again some 10 years after going with NWDG in 2013.
#rhododendron #arisaig #larachmhorgardens #argyll #scotland #soilconservation -
Not all rhododendrons are bad! While the invasive hybrid R. ponticum is a huge problem in Scotland, in their home territories rhododendrons play an important role in ecology and especially soil conservation on steep slopes. The rhododendron collection at Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is a fascinating place to learn more about rhododendrons. It was interesting to visit again some 10 years after going with NWDG in 2013.
#rhododendron #arisaig #larachmhorgardens #argyll #scotland #soilconservation -
This is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada - and as deputy chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, I’m delighted to share this little video. https://youtu.be/n1ZyQ2i5h9Q #SoilHealth #SenateofCanada #AGFO #Soil #Canada #SoilConservation
-
This is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada - and as deputy chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, I’m delighted to share this little video. https://youtu.be/n1ZyQ2i5h9Q #SoilHealth #SenateofCanada #AGFO #Soil #Canada #SoilConservation
-
This is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada - and as deputy chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, I’m delighted to share this little video. https://youtu.be/n1ZyQ2i5h9Q #SoilHealth #SenateofCanada #AGFO #Soil #Canada #SoilConservation
-
This is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada - and as deputy chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, I’m delighted to share this little video. https://youtu.be/n1ZyQ2i5h9Q #SoilHealth #SenateofCanada #AGFO #Soil #Canada #SoilConservation
-
This is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada - and as deputy chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, I’m delighted to share this little video. https://youtu.be/n1ZyQ2i5h9Q #SoilHealth #SenateofCanada #AGFO #Soil #Canada #SoilConservation
-
Gully forming on a logging road. I see evidence of these all over the state forests of Indiana, some decades old and now head-high. #Logging #SoilConservation #Conservation
-
Gully forming on a logging road. I see evidence of these all over the state forests of Indiana, some decades old and now head-high. #Logging #SoilConservation #Conservation
-
Gully forming on a logging road. I see evidence of these all over the state forests of Indiana, some decades old and now head-high. #Logging #SoilConservation #Conservation
-
Gully forming on a logging road. I see evidence of these all over the state forests of Indiana, some decades old and now head-high. #Logging #SoilConservation #Conservation
-
Gully forming on a logging road. I see evidence of these all over the state forests of Indiana, some decades old and now head-high. #Logging #SoilConservation #Conservation
-
Worldwide, the organic matter in soils contains more organic carbon than vegetation and atmosphere combined. #SoilConservation and their good condition are essential to avoid extra greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Worldwide, the organic matter in soils contains more organic carbon than vegetation and atmosphere combined. #SoilConservation and their good condition are essential to avoid extra greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Working on issues related to #AgriculturalPolicy, #SoilConservation, the #resilience of #AgroEcosystems, and #FarmlandBiodiversity at an #NGO.
Have an MSc degree in #EnvironmentalManagement and #Policy from #LundUniversity & MAs in #English and #Communications from #PázmányBTK.
Post mainly about #farming, #LandUse, #FoodSystems, #soils, #peatlands, #ClimateAction, #EUpolicy & occasionally about #degrowth, #books, #BlackLit, #gardens, #CarfreeCities, #cycling, #hiking, and more.
-
Working on issues related to #AgriculturalPolicy, #SoilConservation, the #resilience of #AgroEcosystems, and #FarmlandBiodiversity at an #NGO.
Have an MSc degree in #EnvironmentalManagement and #Policy from #LundUniversity & MAs in #English and #Communications from #PázmányBTK.
Post mainly about #farming, #LandUse, #FoodSystems, #soils, #peatlands, #ClimateAction, #EUpolicy & occasionally about #degrowth, #books, #BlackLit, #gardens, #CarfreeCities, #cycling, #hiking, and more.
-
Working on issues related to #AgriculturalPolicy, #SoilConservation, the #resilience of #AgroEcosystems, and #FarmlandBiodiversity at an #NGO.
Have an MSc degree in #EnvironmentalManagement and #Policy from #LundUniversity & MAs in #English and #Communications from #PázmányBTK.
Post mainly about #farming, #LandUse, #FoodSystems, #soils, #peatlands, #ClimateAction, #EUpolicy & occasionally about #degrowth, #books, #BlackLit, #gardens, #CarfreeCities, #cycling, #hiking, and more.
-
Working on issues related to #AgriculturalPolicy, #SoilConservation, the #resilience of #AgroEcosystems, and #FarmlandBiodiversity at an #NGO.
Have an MSc degree in #EnvironmentalManagement and #Policy from #LundUniversity & MAs in #English and #Communications from #PázmányBTK.
Post mainly about #farming, #LandUse, #FoodSystems, #soils, #peatlands, #ClimateAction, #EUpolicy & occasionally about #degrowth, #books, #BlackLit, #gardens, #CarfreeCities, #cycling, #hiking, and more.
-
Working on issues related to #AgriculturalPolicy, #SoilConservation, the #resilience of #AgroEcosystems, and #FarmlandBiodiversity at an #NGO.
Have an MSc degree in #EnvironmentalManagement and #Policy from #LundUniversity & MAs in #English and #Communications from #PázmányBTK.
Post mainly about #farming, #LandUse, #FoodSystems, #soils, #peatlands, #ClimateAction, #EUpolicy & occasionally about #degrowth, #books, #BlackLit, #gardens, #CarfreeCities, #cycling, #hiking, and more.