Mother Earth News February/March 2023

Mother Earth News February/March 2023

Mother Earth News February/March 2023 Table of Contents

Why Is There Still a Seed Shortage?
Understanding a continuing supply problem.

Hardy Apples
Enjoy homegrown apples as far north as Zone 2.

Harvest Figs Even in Cold Climates
Help your figs face frigid weather with these techniques.

Create an Energy- Efficient House
Sustainable design principles utilize passive solar energy for your home.

How Margaret Cho’s Garden Grows
The comedian and actor tends to various plants and animals in her SoCal home.

Prevent Compost Toxicity in Dogs
Keep your home Earth-friendly and dog-safe by guarding your compost bin against curious pups.

Small-Scale Maple Sugaring
Tap into the natural sugars of trees around you.

So You Want to Be An Oyster Farmer?
With the right method and gear, the world is your oyster.

What Does the Word ‘Organic’ Mean Now?
The Real Organic Food Project questions the integrity of plants grown in soil-less substrates.

3D-Printed Charkha: Spinning in the Digital Age
One spinner uses modern methods and timeless techniques to build a home-based business.

Birds of a Feather Incubate Together
Save time and effort by incubating chicken and duck eggs together.

News from Mother
Growing Pains

Dear Mother
Reader letters of inspiration, community, and more.

Green Gazette: Cities and Water Adaptation
Updates on urban adaptation to rising sea levels, reducing salmonella in poultry, filtering water, and more.

Firsthand Reports: A Yard of Our Own
A Minnesota couple transforms turf into native plants and gardens suited to their yard’s microclimates.

Hometown Hacks: How to Build a Vertical Herb Garden
Update a cherished kitchen tradition with a modern spin.

Ask Our Experts
Expert advice on seed journals, DIY well pump replacement, and using coconut coir in gardens.

Country Lore
Reader tips for winter gardening, backyard rabbit foot care, planting seed potatoes, building chicken tractors, avoiding garden and orchard pests, saving seedlings, cleaning coops, and using moose manure.

Photos from the Field
Reader-submitted photos.

Mother Earth News February/March 2026 Image

Mother Earth News February/March 2026

News from Mother “I knew we could do something.” Dear Mother Reader letters of inspiration, community, and more. Green Gazette Updates on food gleaning, genetically modified tomatoes, community biochar initiatives, and more. Firsthand Reports Clear the clutter with Swedish death cleaning. Beginner-Friendly Heritage Breeds Choose a chicken, discover a duck, get a gaggle of geese, […]
Mother Earth News December 2025/January 2026 Image

Mother Earth News December 2025/January 2026

Mother Earth News December 2025/January 2026 News from Mother Enliven the land. Dear Mother Reader letters of inspiration, community, and more. Green Gazette Updates on community seed networks, backyard prairie initiatives, in-ovo chick sexing, and more. Firsthand Reports Off-grid through the seasons. Heritage Breeds for Beginners Pick a pig, get a goat, decide on a […]
Mother Earth News October/November 2025 Image

Mother Earth News October/November 2025

Mother Earth News October/November 2025 Saved by the Sludge? Biosolids could fertilize crops if we can safely manage PFAS and get over the “ick factor,” but is it too risky? Sweet Self-Sufficiency with Sorghum Make homemade syrup with this historic plant. Full Steam Ahead Tap into the self-sufficiency of pressure canning. Problematic Pigs Smart solutions […]
Mother Earth News August/September 2025 Image

Mother Earth News August/September 2025

Mother Earth News August/September 2025 7 Best Spices for Health Nourish your body and mind with these flavorful kitchen finds. Cost-Effective Compost Tea Brew a tea full of beneficial bacteria to boost the growth and production of your garden. Foraging Fall Fruits Look no farther than your local trees and vines for abundant autumnal treats. […]