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

Structures rss

May 30, 2008

We first built our outdoor solar shower back in 2003 to save energy and to reclaim greywater for irrigated the surrounding edibles. Through the years the outdoor solar shower has gone through a few improvements and everyone enjoys using the facility during the warm weather months.
This week, another outdoor bathing (or showering I should say) [...]

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January 14, 2008

Backyard “winter” garden
In Search of Good Food
A documentary film tour of California’s emerging sustainable food systems write about their LA experience and stop at a super productive urban farm.

Here’s looking at you kid
Chicken Behavior
In our backyard menagerie all our animals are friendly and have their own personalities but out of all our feathered friends, Estella [...]

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April 23, 2006

Arbor building and spring garden
Please note, this journal entry was written on Tuesday (April 18th), sorry for the belated post everyone. Besides being busy, I just hadn’t felt like posting lately (posting fatigue I guess you could call it)- not very good of me I suppose.  Well, better late than never as they say:
Cool Spring
Because [...]

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March 28, 2006

Lodge pole trellis
A warm tropical “pineapple express” has descended on the southland bringing showers and occasionally torrential downpours. Already by afternoon our rain gauge measured over 1″ of rain! The storm is expected to linger till tomorrow dumping more, much needed, rain.   Late Friday another storm is expected.
The lodge pole trellis structure that we [...]

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March 4, 2006

It’s been recently proposed that the animal enclosure be expanded to possibly make room for a dwarf goat. Jules is busy sketching out ideas for a new feeding stations for the chickens, ducks and bunny.   Jordanne is busy thinking about ways to improve the duck and chicken house and looking forward to hatching some [...]

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May 26, 2004

Biodiesel Mixin’ Mixer
Backing up just a bit:
Sunday, May 16, The Biodiesel Mixin’ Mixer was another success with many attendees from across the Southland.
Thanks to all those who brought contributions for the potluck (it was quite a spread!) and toKPFK for spreading the word.
This past Sunday, we hosted PTF’s first Homebrew Biodiesel Workshop. Reservations were filled [...]

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September 15, 2002

The guys finished the redwood patio cover off the side of the garage on Friday. Looks great guys, thanks!We are going to grow grapes over it for shade. It’ll be a nice  cool place to eat or just hang out.Planning to hang an old chandelier from one of the beamsusing it for a planter — [...]

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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