Masthead

The editors.

Two homesteaders running small properties in two different climates. Every guide on this site is written by one of them, based on what actually worked in their own yard.

Burlington, Vermont

USDA Zone 5a · 0.5 acre

Tom Bennett

— Editor

Ex-software engineer who quit the day job in 2019 when his wife inherited a half-acre outside Burlington. Now full-time on the homestead. Built the chicken coop himself, learned canning the hard way (one explosion), keeps detailed planting logs and side-by-side product tests.

Covers

Practical, data-driven, slightly nerdy. Numbers and yields. "We tested four bed kits side-by-side. Here's what cracked."

Asheville, North Carolina

USDA Zone 7a · 1/3 acre

Sam Garrett

— Editor

Former landscape designer who spent ten years on tight suburban lots before going full-time on her own property in the North Carolina mountains. Built the orchard from scratch in 2020. Beekeeper since 2022. Believes a quarter-acre can do more than people expect.

Covers

Design-minded, plant-focused, more lyrical. "Your yard isn't a problem to solve. It's a layout waiting to happen."

Both editors test products in their own yards and write under their own bylines. We participate in affiliate programs — when you buy through a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We never recommend something for the payout. Full affiliate disclosure →