Archive for September, 2010
HOMESTEAD FINANCES
You know that old saying “Self sufficient is as self sufficient does.” Ok, not really old but a new take on Gumpisms. How can we be “self sufficient” on only 1/10 of an acre (if an acre is $1.00 we are growing our groceries on 10 cents)?
LIVING WITHOUT AC
We were spoiled this summer! With the second coolest summer ever recorded there was more sweater time than swim suits. But Nature sure wasn’t going to let us go into fall and winter without one hot blast and, boy, is it a good one. Yesterday, it was the hottest day ever recorded in downtown LA. 113
FARMING IN THE CITY
Though it hardly feels like fall with temperatures in the triple digits the calendar says otherwise and we are going ahead with fall sowings. Last week it felt more like winter so we up and planted all sorts of greens and now are having to protect these tiny seedlings from the intense heat and sun.
BARNYARD IN THE BACKYARD
There’s a new site on the block full of great article and information about raising rural and city stock. It’s a great new community and best of all there’s informative and helpful writings by Jordanne who’s the site’s head editor. You’ve asked for more tips and tricks on raising a barnyard in your backyard.
SIGNS OF THE TIME
Telling time without a watch is just a few digits away. You’re stranded in urban wilderness, concrete jungle that is LA and it’s getting late in the day. You got to get home to put those chickens up before the possums and coons come out but you aren’t sure how many daylight hours are left.
HARVEST MOON
Though our winters aren’t as harsh, there’s still preparations to be made. As the days grow shorter, there’s a sense of urgency to preserve and plant.
HOME EDUCATION
Ask the Grad – First Daughter of Urban Homesteading shares the tale of her homeschool upbringing.
DUCKY TALES
Sorta sad there’ll be no more fluffy butts (for awhile at least til we get a new batch of chickens come spring), but we are happy that they’ve integrated nicely with the chickens, ducks and even goats.
BACKYARD FISH FARMING
I’ve written a few times about Justin’s new “pet” project – fish. Aquaponics is the latest happening here on the urban homestead. Tilapia make a great addition to homesteads because they can be raised in a small area and are extremely hardy.
THE END OF SUMMER
“In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil.”- Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden, 1905
