Mother Earth News

First time farmers plan for the growing season and lambing.

A description of what a seed library is and suggestions for why you might want to be involved with one. Links are included for more information.

A description of what a seed library is and suggestions for why you might want to be involved with one. Links are included for more information.

The healing power of plants can remediate years of soil and water pollution, and create unexpected islands of beauty.

The healing power of plants can remediate years of soil and water pollution, and create unexpected islands of beauty.

There are two situations which do not require you to be heating your home: when it is warm and when you are not at home. Since it is still a bit chilly outside, you may want to consider setting up a routine of turning down the set temperature on your thermostat when you head out in the morning and when you go to bed.

There are two situations which do not require you to be heating your home: when it is warm and when you are not at home. Since it is still a bit chilly outside, you may want to consider setting up a routine of turning down the set temperature on your thermostat when you head out in the morning and when you go to bed.

A look at the wonderful mulberry tree.

A look at the wonderful mulberry tree.

Planting a vine patch for the first time is easy without the need to till up a lot of soil; instead, cut out sod circles and mulch the surrounding area.

Planting a vine patch for the first time is easy without the need to till up a lot of soil; instead, cut out sod circles and mulch the surrounding area.

After almost 50 years of raising cows and dairy farming in New England, I've developed what I consider to be 15 universal truths for micro dairy owners.

People took a stand against one of the largest multi-national oil companies in the world and resolved to fight back against Shell's plans to annihilate the Sacred Headwaters. And we were successful. After 5 years of incredible campaigning, community organizing, hard-hitting ads, protests and a storm of media coverage, Shell agreed to forfeit its tenures in the Sacred Headwaters and public pressure catalyzed the government of British Columbia to ban all further oil and gas development in the region.

Some large electronics can use as much energy as a light bulb while in "stanby" mode, meaning you should unplug them when you leave the house or know you won't use them for awhile. Having a large electronic setup plugged into a  power strip makes it much easier to completely power it down, especially if it has a lot of plugs like a home theater system or computer.

Some large electronics can use as much energy as a light bulb while in "stanby" mode, meaning you should unplug them when you leave the house or know you won't use them for awhile. Having a large electronic setup plugged into a  power strip makes it much easier to completely power it down, especially if it has a lot of plugs like a home theater system or computer.

Baby greenhouse plants are spring babies too, just like the birth of baby animals. Here's a way to keep them warm in the hoophouse.

Baby greenhouse plants are spring babies too, just like the birth of baby animals. Here's a way to keep them warm in the hoophouse.

CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. I know that when I purchased new lamps for my house, they had a whole shelf of incandescent bulbs right next to it, and I had to go search the store for CFLs, so I understand if you are currently using incandescent bulbs. But it's worth the switch - not only are CFLs equal in light quality, they last way longer and will save you hundreds of dollars over their lifetime.

CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. I know that when I purchased new lamps for my house, they had a whole shelf of incandescent bulbs right next to it, and I had to go search the store for CFLs, so I understand if you are currently using incandescent bulbs. But it's worth the switch - not only are CFLs equal in light quality, they last way longer and will save you hundreds of dollars over their lifetime.

To turn a woodlot into a park with no "litter" on the ground might look tidy, but is not very healthy or functional. Next time you look at a dead tree or a log rotting on the ground; look at it as something full of life.