MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine is the Original Guide to Living Wisely. Launched in 1970, each bimonthly issue features practical and money-saving information on cutting energy costs; using renewable energy; organic gardening; green home building and remodeling; fun do-it-yourself projects; and conscientious, self-sufficient lifestyles
Growing Pains
Mother Earth News
Dear MOTHER
EDITORS’ PICK • Veteran Reader
Cities and Water Adaptation • In recent decades, there’s been a tremendous surge in flooding events all around the world. Global sea levels have risen about 7½ inches since 1900 because of glacial melting and heat causing waters to rise, according to Yale Climate Connections.
A Yard of Our Own • A Minnesota couple transforms turf into native plants and abundant gardens suited to their yard’s many microclimates.
Hardy Apples • Encourage a cold-loving scion to take root, and you could be enjoying homegrown apples as far north as Zone 2.
Build an Energ y-Efficient House • Make passive solar energy work for your home by applying these sustainable design principles.
How Margaret Cho’s Garden Grows • The comedian and actor tends to a variety of plants and animals in her SoCal home.
Harvest Figs Even in Cold Climates • Help your figs face frigid weather with these techniques.
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 • Sweeten what you bring to the table by tapping into the natural sugars of trees around you.
So You Want to Be an Oyster Farmer? • Though raising these mollusks can be tough work, with the right method and gear, the world is your oyster.
What Does the Word ‘Organic’ Mean Now? • As organic standards shift, the Real Organic Project questions the integrity of plants grown in soil-less substrates on an industrial scale.
Why Is There Still a Seed Shortage? • Understanding a continuing supply problem.
3D-Printed Charkha Spinning in the Digital Age • One spinning enthusiast is using modern methods to carry on timeless techniques, and building a home-based business in the process.
Birds of a Feather Incubate Together • With some careful planning, you can save on time and effort by incubating chicken and duck eggs together.
How to Build a Vertical Herb Garden • This quick and simple DIY project gives a cherished kitchen tradition a modern lift.
Seed-Savvy: Keep Track of Your Stash
Beat the Frost with Canny Gardening
Photos from the Field