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

Pedal Power rss

November 7, 2008

Well, since Justin isn’t here to explain the goings on in the photos (he’s out visiting a local beekeeping supply company with a friend – more on that later)  I can share with you photos and all that I know is going on with his latest tinkerings.
He finally figured out the missing part that was [...]

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December 19, 2006

Harnessing Human Energy
‘Bike based machines leave a light imprint on the earth and are a great way to harness human energy.’ ~ Nate Byerley (The Juice Peddler)~
The other day we received a flyer from the cycle-lutionary group of NoCal cycler’s informing us that the stationary bike blender kit is now available. Guess what that means? [...]

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October 3, 2006

Bike Ride to LA
On Saturday we joined the celebration and many bike loving folks from the LA area for theLife Can Be So Car-Free event at the new Los Angeles State Historic Park (previously was the site for the“Not A Cornfield” project). Justin, Jordanne and I along with a friend rode our bikes the 9 [...]

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September 28, 2006

Bike blender in the making
Harnessing Human Energy
Justin’s been busy tinkering away – he loves fixing bikes. In no time he’d disassembled one of the many salvaged bikes, sanded and painted it, put on the bike blender attachment and pieced the bike back together – adding wheels from this bike, seat from another and so [...]

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September 27, 2006

Roof update
The guys spent most of the past couple days trying to finish the last bit of plywood on the roof eaves. First, they lifted up and leveled the eaves with some 2″‘x3″ lumber and then put down the plywood. So now, the front porch and northwest side of the house are finally finished!!! My [...]

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September 24, 2006

Waterfall, natural pool. Justin, Anais relax.
Sabbath-Rosh Hashanah Hike
Yesterday was an absolutely lovely day for a hike – blue skies and nice breeze. We, along, with a friend hiked the upper Arroyo Seco to the dam (about 6 miles round trip)
What a great (free and natural) way to relax and de-stress after a hard weeks work [...]

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March 28, 2004

One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.
~ Sigmund Freud ~
WE ARE BACK
Did ya miss us???????
What happened? Well, last Saturday our computer crashed and it was feared we had lost all our files. Fortunately, we were lucky and JM, found them two days later. I had to [...]

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March 5, 2004

Justin working on pedal power, Jules & Jeremy cutting barrels
HOME SCHOOLED
The guys have been busy with the many projects here on the homestead.
Meanwhile, JM and I have been getting things organized for the biodiesel mixer — compiling charts, facts, resources and so forth on the benefits of biofuel on the benefits of biofuel and we’ve [...]

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January 15, 2004

IN FOR REPAIRS
The guys are repainting, adding extra insulation and touching up the sun oven they made two years ago. I’d really love them to make me another one so I can bake many dishes (and desserts) at once.
They are looking at possibly making another one withnew reflective materials sold by Clear Dome. But for [...]

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The Urban Homesteaders
Jules DervaesJustin DervaesAnais DervaesJordanne Dervaes
Cast of Characters
    
   
    
    
    
 
Blogging Since 2001
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Clear your schedule, kick back, and follow the Little Homestead in the City chronicles through the years. Please read responsibly and in moderation. Remember to feed your family and or pets and water your garden...

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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