Author: lowtechinstitute

We bring nonindustrial subsistence technology to (over)developed societies. We exist at the nexus of ancient, ethnographic, and modern subsistence. We aim to 1) identify ancient and contemporary nonindustrial technologies appropriate for use in modern, small-scale, self-sustaining infrastructure; 2) create do-it-yourself, resource-light solutions to sustainability problems; 3) provide our findings to the public for free use; and 4) create platforms to share information related to sustainability, especially solutions derived from ancient or ethnographic sources. We prize simple solutions over complex ones and eschew needless complication.

New Video: No. 16 — Timer Frame Chicken Coop, Part II

December 17, 2018

This week’s video shows the second half of our timber-frame, chicken-coop build. The first half was put in out a video a few months ago and can be seen here. I discuss some ratios for plaster and daub, and you can find that information at two previous blog posts (here and here). Please remember to … More New Video: No. 16 — Timer Frame Chicken Coop, Part II

Proposal: Companion Planting (Intercropping) Corn, Beans, and Squash in Wisconsin Market Farms

December 6, 2018

While monocrops are considered the norm for small- and large-scale modern farming, intercropping, or the planting of more than one crop in a single field (also called polycropping or polyculture), has been used in the Americas and around the world since the beginning of agriculture. In this study, we will examine the effects of intercropping … More Proposal: Companion Planting (Intercropping) Corn, Beans, and Squash in Wisconsin Market Farms

Potatoes Five Ways: A Trial Looking at Different Potato-Growing Methods

December 4, 2018

Potatoes are an underappreciated garden crop. People can survive on this tuber alone because it contains everything for complete nutrition. Spuds thrive in diverse soils and climates. They store well and are easy to plant and care for. Because potatoes are cheap in the grocery store, many gardeners opt not to cultivate them, but for … More Potatoes Five Ways: A Trial Looking at Different Potato-Growing Methods

Support an Innovative Nonprofit on #GivingTuesday by Donating to the Low Technology Institute

November 27, 2018

Last year, an estimated $274 million was donated to nonprofits and charities on Giving Tuesday, following on the heels of the Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. We can all think of worthy organizations that deserve our support, but I’d like to give you five reasons why you should consider donating to the … More Support an Innovative Nonprofit on #GivingTuesday by Donating to the Low Technology Institute