A journal of modern day pioneers forging a new frontier in the city through intensive agriculture and extreme sustainability in urban homesteading.

Reviving the old-fashioned "can-do" spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness, they have faced many challenges. With faith and determination, these once-ordinary city dwellers are boldly reclaiming their lives and land. continue

September 2, 2007

BACK TO BASICS

4
Posted by Anais


Urban homesteaders, pioneer a sustainable life in the city

Homespun living Pasadena family gets basics from own efforts {Pasadena
Star News}

PASADENA – For Jules Dervaes and his three adult children, each branch sagging with fleshy eggplant and every lick of sun-generated energy are small steps along the “path to freedom.

Read Full Article

{ :: Self-Edit Correction ::  we don’t have a lawn (entire front yard is edible landscaping) }


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4 Comments: “BACK TO BASICS”


lavonne
09/02/2007

1

>>To get much further in their quest, however, Jules Dervaes admits they’re going to need more space.

“We could always use another acre or two,” he said. SPIN Farming? I just came across it yesterday and thought of you. Aside from their biointensive methods, the guy who came up with the idea actually rents people’s yards and does his farming in 25 different locations that add up to half an acre. Maybe you could add to your space by working out arrangements with some of your neighbors?


lavonne
09/02/2007

2

Sorry, I messed that comment up. What I said was, Have you heard of SPIN Farming? http://spinfarming.com …


Roger Gray
09/02/2007

3

Ha! We are about 1.5 miles from you, pesticide and fertlizer free for at least 7 years that we have lived here (compost) and would LOVE for you guys to grow anything you want on our front lawn 50 x 75 and 150 feet of “parking” . . . we keep meaning too do it, but have only managed to kill the lawn. . . (rofl). . . amusingly, if you wanted to do some onsite consulting this winter on edible and xeriscape we would DEFINITELY be interested in funding the use of your expertise . . . . even if we had to do the work! You guys have a touch for creating something beautiful and sustainable . . .


Wildside
09/03/2007

4

Congrats on the article! I’ve clicked the link to read more…






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The Urban Homesteaders
Jules DervaesJustin DervaesAnais DervaesJordanne Dervaes
Cast of Characters
    
   
    
    
    
 
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COMPLETE URBAN HOMESTEAD ARCHIVES:



LOCATION
Pasadena, CA
(Northwest Pasadena, one mile from downtown Pasadena 100 yards from 11 lane freeway)

PROPERTY SIZE
1/5 acre (66' x 132' / 8,712 sq.ft.)

GARDEN SIZE
~ 1/10 acre (3,900 sq.ft. / ~ 66' x 66')

GARDEN DIVERSITY
~ 400 different vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries

FOOD PRODUCTION
~ 6,000 lbs annually / 99% of our produce $75,000 savings

URBAN HOMESTEAD SUPPORTS
4 full-time resident adults, a menagerie of animals, volunteers, and many clients

ENERGY USAGE
$12 a month / 6.0 kwh day

WATER USAGE
$600 / 175,000 gallons a year

SOLAR POWER PRODUCED
12,410 kwh as of 5/12/10

GALLONS OF BIODIESEL MADE
2,500 gallons as of 5/12/08

FACTS N FIGURES
Learn more about the Urban Homestead
Full Stats Summary