Welcome to Willowbottom

Your Complete Guide to Modern Homesteading & Sustainable Living

Homesteading isn’t about having the perfect setup. It’s about using what you have, right where you are. Whether you’re growing a full garden, tending a few windowsill herbs, or just trying to live a little more sustainably, you belong here.

Garden Guide

Thinking about starting a garden but not sure where to begin? Or maybe you’ve been growing for a while and want to do it better. Wherever you’re at, this is your place to learn, plan, and dig in. We’re here to make growing your own food feel simple, rewarding, and good for the planet.

Let’s Grow

Understand Any Location Before You Move There

Get a complete picture of climate, environment, community, and livability, so you can make confident decisions before you move.

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Popular Posts

Three Sisters Gardening Method

Easy Homemade Crusty Rolls

Five reasons you should raise quail instead of chickens

Print Shop

Inspired by our love of nature and Botanical Illustrations, we’ve created works of art that bring our passion for plants and photography together.

View Shop
a framed photo of wild sunflowers sitting on a book shelf

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  • Three years ago, we planted milkweed in our garden hoping to attract and help protect Monarch butterflies. We didn’t know how long it would take… but today we finally saw them! Actual Monarch caterpillars munching away on the milkweed we planted. I legit squealed. These beautiful creatures aren’t just pretty to look at, they’re essential pollinators, and their population has been rapidly declining due to pesticides, habitat loss, and climate shifts. It’s heartbreaking. But here’s the good news, we can all help, even in small ways. Want to support Monarchs? Start by planting milkweed in your yard, garden, or even in a pot on your balcony. It’s the only plant Monarch caterpillars eat and without it, they simply can’t survive. Next, add native flowers next to the milkweed like bee balm, coneflowers, or black-eyed Susans, because thats what the adult Monarch Butterfly likes to eat. Attract them with these, then they can eat, rest, and lay their eggs on the milkweed. #MonarchButterfly #PollinatorGarden #MilkweedMagic #ButterflyLove #GardeningJoy #MonarchMiracle #EcoFriendlyLiving #PlantWithPurpose
  • Happy gotcha day to Isla! We picked her up 8 years ago today, and she's still as energetic and ornery as ever. The first photo is today, the beach pic is 12 weeks old, other pics are 8 weeks old (the day we picked her up). #beagle #beaglepuppy #gotchaday #petphotography #dogphotography
  • Why do we make gardening so complicated? Raised beds, perfect rows, expensive soil, special fertilizers—when did growing food turn into a science project? Our ancestors didn’t have garden centers. They just… planted things. 🌱 Instead of overcomplicating it, try this: ✔️ Throw down some seeds and see what happens ✔️ Skip the perfect rows—nature doesn’t grow in straight lines ✔️ Let plants work together (companion planting is a game-changer) ✔️ Mulch and forget it—seriously, nature does most of the work Gardening should be fun, not stressful. Give yourself permission to experiment and learn as you go. 🌿 💬 Tell me—what’s the easiest thing you’ve ever grown? #SimpleGardening #RegenerativeFarming #GrowYourOwnFood
  • It’s seed-starting time, Zone 6! 🌱 If you’re dreaming of a lush garden this year, now’s the time to get those seeds going indoors! Starting early gives your plants a head start and means stronger, healthier crops when it’s time to move them outside. 💡 Swipe through to see what you should start indoors right now! What’s the first thing you plant every year? Drop your gardening plans below! 👩‍🌾⬇️ #GardenPlanning #Zone6Gardening #SeedStarting #GrowYourOwnFood #HomesteadingLife
  • Ever notice how much energy we spend fighting nature? We pull "weeds", mow down dandelions and wildflowers, spray pesticides, and then wonder why the pollinators are disappearing. 🤦🏼‍♀️ But here's the thing: Nature knows what it's doing. That dandelion in your year? It's breaking up compacted soil. (They're also super healthy for you!) That clover? It's fixing nitrogen. That wild patch in the corner? It's a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and birds. Instead of fighting nature, what if we worked with it? What if we let the "weeds" grow and watch the magic happen? Be honest - do you let weeds grow in your yard, or do you still pull them? Let's chat ⏬ #rewildyouryard #permaculturegarden #noplanetb
  • Old-growth forests are in danger. In my latest blog post, I explain why old-growth forests are so important and what we can do to protect them. Link in bio. #noplanetb🌎 #wildlifeconservation #oldgrowthforest #stoplogging