What is regenerative farming? How to start it in your own backyard

Leaving the leaves is the best thing. That is where our luna moths and fireflies overwinter, and these species are declining. I'm Jessica. I run the Moonbeam Blooms Flower Farm. Regenerative farming focuses on building the soil and having living soil. We mulch the beds with aged wood chips to support the living soil, so as things continue to break down, it feeds the soil instead of inhibiting or putting any chemicals or plastic into the soil. That layer of mulch also works as a weather shield. Healthier soil soaks up and holds more water for longer, which helps it hold up through drought, according to the USDA. Another part of regenerative farming is bioswaling and runoff and water management. Got a spot where rain pools? A rain garden planted there can catch runoff from 80% to 99% of storms, according to Oregon State University Extension. Instead of using insecticides, there are also methods where you can literally just get a bucket of water, add some Dawn soap to it, and hand removal, like knocking them into the bucket. Many, many libraries have seed banks where you can get flower and food starts for free. You probably have containers all around your property and in your recycling bin that you could repurpose and use. Talk with a friend and have them grow something else and share with each other.