
16. How to Start Gardening for Self-Sufficiency with Huw Richards
01/16/24 • 82 min
Imagine stepping into your backyard to be greeted by a thriving garden, bursting with the fruits of your own labor – a dream Hugh, a young permaculture enthusiast, turned into reality. Join me, Shawn James, as I engage with Hugh about his transformation from a family plot in Wales to a seven-acre canvas of biodiversity. We'll share stories of community-driven farming, and I'll reveal how my new book marries the art of gardening with the science of cooking, thanks to insights from Chef Sam Black. Our conversation promises to be a treasure trove for anyone looking to embrace the virtues of self-sufficiency and unearth the potential of their own green space, no matter the size.
As we wander through the world of gardening, we'll touch upon soil's pivotal role as the foundation of a bountiful harvest, sharing secrets on crafting nutrient-rich compost and the marvels of natural farming techniques. I'll share my firsthand experience with methods like Korean natural farming and the wonders of wood chips in creating a lush, productive garden bed. Discover how to coax the most out of nature's offerings and consider the benefits of a tree and grass-centric food system that can revolutionize the way we approach our own food production.
Wrapping up our pastoral journey, we'll reflect on the broader implications of gardening – how it anchors us to nature and knits communities together. I'll share perspectives on community sufficiency and the transformative power of seed saving. Gain practical advice on converting even the smallest of lawns into a food haven and learn why every setback in gardening is but a stepping stone to greater yield. For seasoned gardeners and aspiring green thumbs alike, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to cultivate not just a garden, but a life enriched by the bounty and balance of nature. Join us, as we plant ideas that will grow into a legacy of resilience, taste, and togetherness.
The Self-Sufficiency Garden Book:
https://www.regenerative.press/book-store/p/pre-order-self-sufficiency-garden
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@HuwRichards?si=8HoBRYecCV87X3L9
Instagram:
instagram.com/huwsgarden
My Self Reliance YouTube Channel-
https://youtube.com/@MySelfReliance?si=d4js0zGc5ogYvDtO
Shawn James Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L_M7BF5iait4FzEbwKCAg
Merchandise - https://teespring.com/stores/my-self-reliance
Imagine stepping into your backyard to be greeted by a thriving garden, bursting with the fruits of your own labor – a dream Hugh, a young permaculture enthusiast, turned into reality. Join me, Shawn James, as I engage with Hugh about his transformation from a family plot in Wales to a seven-acre canvas of biodiversity. We'll share stories of community-driven farming, and I'll reveal how my new book marries the art of gardening with the science of cooking, thanks to insights from Chef Sam Black. Our conversation promises to be a treasure trove for anyone looking to embrace the virtues of self-sufficiency and unearth the potential of their own green space, no matter the size.
As we wander through the world of gardening, we'll touch upon soil's pivotal role as the foundation of a bountiful harvest, sharing secrets on crafting nutrient-rich compost and the marvels of natural farming techniques. I'll share my firsthand experience with methods like Korean natural farming and the wonders of wood chips in creating a lush, productive garden bed. Discover how to coax the most out of nature's offerings and consider the benefits of a tree and grass-centric food system that can revolutionize the way we approach our own food production.
Wrapping up our pastoral journey, we'll reflect on the broader implications of gardening – how it anchors us to nature and knits communities together. I'll share perspectives on community sufficiency and the transformative power of seed saving. Gain practical advice on converting even the smallest of lawns into a food haven and learn why every setback in gardening is but a stepping stone to greater yield. For seasoned gardeners and aspiring green thumbs alike, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to cultivate not just a garden, but a life enriched by the bounty and balance of nature. Join us, as we plant ideas that will grow into a legacy of resilience, taste, and togetherness.
The Self-Sufficiency Garden Book:
https://www.regenerative.press/book-store/p/pre-order-self-sufficiency-garden
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@HuwRichards?si=8HoBRYecCV87X3L9
Instagram:
instagram.com/huwsgarden
My Self Reliance YouTube Channel-
https://youtube.com/@MySelfReliance?si=d4js0zGc5ogYvDtO
Shawn James Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L_M7BF5iait4FzEbwKCAg
Merchandise - https://teespring.com/stores/my-self-reliance
Previous Episode

15. Turning Passion into Business and Living Nomadically
When Dan and Candice's paths crossed at a yoga studio market, little did they know that their shared love for the earth would sprout into Live Edge, a beacon of sustainability in the world of woodworking. Their story, a tapestry of environmental stewardship and artistic craftsmanship, unfolds as they recount the growth of their business, from repurposing fallen trees into stunning furniture to strengthening the fabric of their community through local markets. Join us and be inspired by a couple who've turned their backs on city chaos for the tranquillity of rural life, proving that with passion and resilience, you can not only build a beautiful life but also make a positive impact on the planet.
Our conversation swerves from the warm glow of woodworking to the colder, more introspective side of life — embracing discomfort and the transformative nature of practices like cold plunging. The duo shares candid moments of failure and the rocky road to success, encouraging us to appreciate the sweetness of triumph against the backdrop of struggle. They also open up about their non-traditional approach to education and parenting, inviting us to question the status quo and consider the richness of experience over the conventional paths we've come to accept.
Peering into the future, Dan and Candice give us a glimpse of their Off-Grid Oasis, a dream in the making, where sustainable living isn't just an ideal but a tangible, year-round journey. With plans for a deck that doubles as a music space to the year-round growth of their gardens, the couple shares their vision for a life that's as close to nature's heartbeat as one can get. So pull up a chair and let the serenity of their story wash over you, as we explore the wild, wonderful world of Live Edge in this episode.
Live Edge Forest Links
Website - https://www.liveedgeforest.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/live_edge_forest/
My Self Reliance YouTube Channel-
https://youtube.com/@MySelfReliance?si=d4js0zGc5ogYvDtO
Shawn James Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L_M7BF5iait4FzEbwKCAg
Merchandise - https://teespring.com/stores/my-self-reliance
Next Episode

17. Preparedness: Affordable First Steps for Beginner Preppers
This episode isn't just about chopping wood and battling fevers; it's a journey through the wilds of my youth, the cabins I crafted with my own hands, and the financial turbulence that eventually steered me back to the homestead dream. With tales that traverse from the tangible—like constructing our abode from the forest's bounty—to the philosophical, pondering our role within our families and the natural world, this conversation is a call to embrace the resilience that self-reliance gifts us.
Then there's the practical side of things—you know, the nuts and bolts of making it through unexpected hardships. I'll take you back to the days of my naiveté, holed up in a remote cabin with nothing but a shotgun, my dog, and a sparse pantry. Learning the hard way, I realized the immense value of being prepared. In sharing the essentials of food and water storage, from the five-gallon buckets of grains that could mean survival, to the security of a trusted water filter, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. As we talk about the peace of mind that comes from a well-stocked larder and the freedom found in self-sufficiency, you'll come away with actionable insights that ensure you're ready for whatever life throws your way.
My Self Reliance YouTube Channel-
https://youtube.com/@MySelfReliance?si=d4js0zGc5ogYvDtO
Shawn James Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L_M7BF5iait4FzEbwKCAg
Merchandise - https://teespring.com/stores/my-self-reliance
My Self Reliance Podcast - 16. How to Start Gardening for Self-Sufficiency with Huw Richards
Transcript
Hey
Speaker 1everybody , welcome back to the cabin . I'm Sean James , the host of the my Stuffer Lines podcast , and I'm here to talk about gardening today , which is not a topic that I often talk about , but if you've been following me , then you see that I've been
Speaker 1gardening my entire life , and
If you like this episode you’ll love
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