If you've been following our harvest tally over the years here's a nifty little HARVEST GRAPH 2001-2009 to give you an idea how we've been at the fore front of urban agriculture food production.

These last few days, I too have been anxiously waiting the final harvest tally from Justin who's been going through the invoice books to tally the herbs and edible flower boxes that we harvested and sold (which came to 117 lbs for the year).

On a side note, we just couldn't figure out how to calculate the weight of 100 plus flats of wheat grass that we grew last year, so we just left them out of the final tally.  Oh well.

The extremely wet and cold December affected our harvest numbers, and of course there are still loads of oranges on the trees but it wouldn't be right to strip the trees clean just to bump up the tally.  We were tempted though!

So the numbers are in!

From our 1/10 acre growing grounds:  Jan 130 lbs, Feb 139 lbs, Mar 396 lbs, Apr 555 lbs, May 590 lbs, Jun 730 lbs, Jul 1110 lbs, Aug 1228 lbs, Sep 638 lbs, Oct 388 lbs, Nov 492 lbs plus 117# herb and flower sales

December 2010

517 lbs of produce

14 duck eggs

0 chicken eggs

2010 Year Total

Our previous harvest record of 6200  has been officially broken .....

Drum roll please!

7,030 lbs of produce (fruits, vegetables and herbs only)

131 lbs of honey

307 duck eggs

706 chicken eggs

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest!  Wow, you guys are good since there were certainly a lot of close guesses!  The prize winners of our "Guess the Harvest Contest"  are:

Anna @ 7010

Carrie @ 7015

Brian @ 7043

Congrats on winning a beautiful and inspirational Little Homestead in the City Calendar - mind, there are only a handful left so get them before they are all gone!

Oh, and you winners, please send us your mailing address.

We hope that you've been inspired to grow MORE of your own groceries.   May 2011 be a productive and a bountiful one for everyone!

Growing Right Along

Though I know it really has nothing to do with the title of this post, there's so much news and projects in the works I don't even know where to start.

Some important things to mention so listen up and listen carefully!

Jordanne's working on a couple "top secret" projects. HINT: has to do with one of her favorite things.

I know ya'll have be clamoring for recipes so she's also working a a recipe sharing sort of thing that will feature recipes from LHITC.

Not only that but upgrades to our gardening social network, Freedom Gardens, is in order and so to with the popular photo gallery. The most hit page on our website is getting yet another face lift and even more photos!

Are you totally excited and impressed like I am?

Well then, here's where I am going to add a gentle reminder that LHITC is ad free. If you enjoy daily reads here, gleaning information and inspiration here's how you can go about supporting our growing outreach. Or send a big box chocolate to keep this girl going as she works into the wee hours of the night to tackle some of these projects.

After a cool start weather wise, the summer harvest is now just started to pour in and what a blessings. We are so thankful for the bounty that the earth provides.

Now for some incredibly yummy photos. Going to mix in a few shots of what we harvested (many of the seed varieties can be purchased from our seed store Freedom Seeds) along with what we have been eating.

Heirloom tomatoes

Basket of peaches

Apples

and more apples!

Part of the winter squash harvest Pumpkin, Baby Blue Hubbard and Burgess (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

Chantenay Red Core Carrots (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

Eggplant, tomato and basil bruschetta with tabouleh

Peacevine Cherry Tomatoes (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

Veggie patty with beans and carrots

Double Yield Cucumber (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

A whooper! Cherokee Purple Tomato (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

Tabbouleh with tomato and summer squash pasta

Homemade/handcranked peach ice cream

Homegrown toppings for pizza

Sun cooked pizza in sun oven (www.PeddlersWagon.com)

Provider Green Beans (www.FreedomSeeds.org)

Homemade/handcranked strawberry ice cream

Vegetable pot pie with cucumber and tomato salad

Tomato, cucumber soup with herb croutons

WEEK OF EATS AT THE URBAN HOMESTEAD

All food items are homemade/homegrown/home preserved unless otherwise specified

Our Food Pledge

If not from backyard, then locally produced
If not locally produced, then organic.
If not organic, then family farm.
If not family farm, then local business.
If not local business, then fair trade.

SATURDAY

Breakfast - blueberry pancakes with strawberries
Dinner - flour tortillas with spanish rice, topped with sauteed green peppers and red onions

SUNDAY

Breakfast - apple crumble
Lunch - Saturday dinner leftovers
Dinner - avocado and tomato sandwich

MONDAY

Breakfast - apple crumble
Lunch - tomato and squash pasta with tabouleh
Dinner - tomato and squash pasta with green beans

TUESDAY

Breakfast - apple crumble
Lunch - veggie pot pie with cucumber and tomato salad
Dinner - leftovers

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast -apple crumble
Lunch - tomato and cucumber salad with herb croutons
Dinner - leftovers

THURSDAY

Breakfast - apple crumble
Lunch - vegetable patty with carrots and green beans
Dinner - herb pizza dough topped with tomatoes, basil, peppers, garlic with carrot, raisin citrus dressing salad

FRIDAY

Breakfast - french toast and honey
Lunch - roasted eggplant, tomato and basil bruschetta with tabouleh
Dinner - no knead bread, fresh tomato sauce (tomatoes, onions, peppers, parsley, basil) over spaghetti with salad

What summer time treats/feasts are you enjoying in your neck of the woods?

A major tv media outlet is looking to:

" profile someone who is in the LA area (from San Diego to Santa Barbara) that is in process of transforming his/her life as a combined result of the economic conditions and who is taking the Dervaes’ message as the inspiration for that transformation.  The more radical the shift the better.

Eg. The investment banker who is becoming an urban farmer would be an ideal candidate.

Of course I realize that something like that would be a real long shot…but you get the idea.  Someone who is making a gradual shift from one life style to another will work, as long as the long range vision is to end up somewhere very different from where they are today…and the shift is very visibly underway."

Is this you, or know someone who is?

Contact us at info@urbanhomestead.org

• Homegrown Revolution
• Urban Farming Documentary - 15 minutes
• Directed by Jules Dervaes, USA

HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION (15 min) is a short informational introduction to a homegrown project that has been called a new revolution in urban sustainability. In the midst of a densely urban setting in downtown Pasadena, radical change is taking root. For over twenty years, the Dervaes family have transformed their home into an urban homestead and a model for sustainable agriculture and urban living. Calling this project, “Path to Freedom,” the Dervaes Family shows that change is possible. As a family for this new paradigm, they harvest 3 tons of organic food annually from their 1/10 acre garden while incorporating many back-to-basics practices, as well as solar energy and biodiesel in order to reduce their footprint on the earth’s resources. Environmentalism and the health of our planet is a theme that weaves through the film. This film is a mere 15 minutes but is packed with the history and the successful outcome of this new urban sustainability movement. It is meant to inspire and encourage others - young and old - to take a look at what they have and realize that change can begin with a single step and can be created right in our own backyards.

WHEN: April 3 6:30 PM

WHERE: Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street, Oakland CA 94607
Phone Number: (510) 238-2200

http://www.earthdancefilms.com/

EarthDance is not your average film festival. Our short films (30 seconds to 30 minutes each) are a fun, funny, and provocative lot.  Compiled into 2 - 90 minute blocks, our juried compilation of comedies, documentaries, animations, and adventures invite you to laugh and celebrate your relationship to the natural world.

:: Purchase :: Your own copy of Homegrown Revolution

On Thursday Jordanne & Farmer D headed down to Newport Beach for a planning and think session with the Planning Center and special guest John Thackara

They got there early and had a chance to chat with Thackara and few others before the meeting started.  Jordanne said that a lot of folks came up saying how much PTF was such an inspiration to them.   After breakfast was served, Thackara gave a presentation about the sustainable advances of European cities.

Farmer D was up next with a brief 15 minute presentation on the impact of one and the importance of starting small and not waiting for others to start.  On wrapping up, Farmer D left the audience there with three questions/challenges

CHALLENGE #1

Let the Sun Shine In

(on the one side of the slide was photo of a towering condo development within a few feet of a typical one story home)

CHALLENGE #2

For the End of the Century

“ I don’t think the American public has gripped in its gut what could happen.  We’re looking at a scenario where there’s no more agriculture in California.  I don’t actually see how they can keep their cities going.”

Secretary of Energy
Stephen Chu (Feb 3, 2009)

QUESTION

City codes could make it difficult to overcome the status quo.

Could “a bad apple” lead to the banning of what is still seen as new and different?

Jordanne said that many of the people took the thinking small to heart hearing them discuss that many people just think of the big picture and wait for funding or grants to start.  It's all about stepping out and taking that first step on your own - earning your own way.

Then after everyone made their presentations each group took a challenge or a question posed by the presenters to a round table discussion where they would brainstorm to come up with solutions.  Those attending this session were made up of city officials, community activists, foundation and corporate representatives.

The one question that one group chose from Farmer D's presentation was relating to revising city codes. Farmer D made reference to a So Cal city which is trying to outlaw chickens, ducks and more

Jordanne of course threw her two, more like three, cents in over this, saying that there are ways to go about making responsible laws allowing pet chickens and other pet barnyard animals with respectable animal limits (like Pasadena) and issued permits if necessary.

:: Field Hand Appreciation :: EB $10 donation. Thank you for your support.

Channel98Worldwide.com presents a classic presentation of a lost film about the original victory garden. The inspiration for the long running PBS TV Show, this film has not been seen for 50 years.

There's a new homegrown (organic) movement afoot.  Check PTF's homegrown social network site, Freedom Gardens. Share, connect with fellow food fighters who are growing for a secure and free future.

PTF will be out & about the month of November spreading inspiration and hope.

There's a flurry of activity before everyone goes into winter hiberanation so get out your calendar's and mark these dates!

Nov 2 - Green Summit - Leap Frog Into a Sustainable Future, Pasadena City College (10 am - 1 pm) Path to Freedom will be tabling and bringing along some favorite sustainable products from the urban homestead. Famer D will be giving a presentation about growing food.  Event is FREE

Nov 2 - Fall Festival, Pacific Oaks School, Pasadena ( 10 am - 3 pm) Path to Freedom will be tabling and answering questions about their urban homesteading project, as well as bringing along some favorite sustainable products from the urban homestead. Event is FREE

Nov 9 - Sustainable Sunday's, Natural History Museum, Los Angeles ( 10 am - 4 pm) Path to Freedom will be tabling, and  Farmer D will be giving a 20 minute presentation followed by a 40 minute Q & A session.  

Nov 15 - C..I.C.L.E. & Path to Freedom collobarative Harvest Celebration, San Pasqual Park, South Pasadena (11:30 am til dark) Event is FREE

Start the day by decorating your bike and riding an easy-paced Urban Expeditions bike ride around the neighborhood. After the ride, get ready for the “100-mile potluck” challenge, where potluck contestants will compete against each other for the prestigious “most local dish” award. Next we’ll enjoy the fruits of the harvest as we feast on local and homegrown delectable potluck delights. And there’s nothing like a bit of fun after a good meal. Be sure to bring your musical instruments (if you play) and take part in an impromptu jam session. Get creative and use your brain playing “sustainable charades”. Enjoy kickball, a scavenger hunt, volleyball, gunny sack races and being a kid again--and make sure to bring the kids!

So grab your bikes, your friends, and your family and come celebrate with the C.I.C.L.E. folks and the legendary urban homesteaders from Path to Freedom.

Nov 16 - HomeGrown Screening, St Louis ( 5 pm). Though PTF will NOT be able to make it there in person, Farmer D will issue a statement to be read by the director during the discussion after the film about urban agriculture.  If you will be attending this screening and are a Freedom Gardener, easily hook up with fellow homegrown revolutionaries by printing up these nifty name tags. Oh, and don't forget to take a group photo!

Nov (TBD) - Film & Food Night and local Freedom Garden Meetup.

If you want to be notified of upcoming events sign up to receive PTF's eCalendar.

And if you would like PTF to give a workshop or presenation or show up at one of your community events contact us.

:: Field Hand Appreciation :: GM $10 donation.  Thanks to your support, we are able to continue this outreach.  This site and our work depends on your generous donations.

People milling around, petting the goats and (Jordanne's in the middle answering everyone's questions)

Lining up for food

Fill 'em up! Six tables full of good food.

Happy goats

Happy volunteers

Eating and socializing

Everyone getting to know their table mates

The "Freedom Garden" table and our very own So Cal Freedom Gardeners contingent

Folks listen intently to the quiz questions following the screening - an organic eco screened 'homegrown' tee is at stake!

Film, Food and Fun

PTF once again hosted a successful film & food night (thanks to all those who attended and volunteered!).

The event drew over 100 people - 25 of whom were Freedom Gardeners!  Whoohoo.  Actually, nearly 150 rvp'd so there were quite a few no shows.

Thank you to those of you who brought homegrown produce, seeds to swap!  We hope that you continue this sharing spirit with neighbors and fellow Freedom Gardeners online. ( Soon FG website will have the capability for swap and meetup arrangements.)

The food spread was incredible - everyone did an awesome job to bring homegrown or local foods.  Kudos to everyone for striving to make this a truly localized event.

Of course, running such an event with so many folks, we weren't able to meet and greet each of you personally. Good to see new and familiar faces in such a inspirational and energetic atmosphere.

After the film screening, Farmer D hosted a fun pop quiz and gave away some free Homegrown Revolution (tm) tees to the winners.

Many asked, Will we do this again next month?  We'll be taking October off for religious observances and work on web development and future plans (next year), but we hope to pull off a harvest food and film night come November. So stay tuned for details.   Or, as we mentioned at the event, suggestions and ideas are welcome.

Thanks, again, for making this another successul and inspirational event.  Your support (donations) are greatly needed and appreciated as we grow further in web  and community outreach.

Eco Documentary & Local Food Potluck

By popular demand! Join us for another evening of food, inspiration and community. Space is limited so please reserve.

When: Sunday, September 14
Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: 651 N Orange Grove (school adjacent to the urban homestead), Pasadena CA
Cost: $10 (what your donation pays for)  Children under 12 are free.

Reservation Details

Fill out this form or call today (626) 844.4586 to reserve

Event Schedule

6:30 - 7:30 pm - ”Local Foods” Vegetarian Potluck (no alcohol allowed on school campus)

8:00 - 9:00 pm - Film Screening' The Power Of Community' (53 minutes)

9:00 - 10:00 pm - Q&A, Discussion with Path to Freedom

The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

“Our crude oil is a very bad thing for the environment. But we had no choice; it’s a mater of live or die.” -- Guillermo Leiva

Shimmering with life like a cornucopia of colorful vegetables, this vibrant, hopeful film brings to light one of the most important stories of the last two decades – how a small island nation responded to a sudden and dangerous drop in oil supplies. When Cuba’s hefty subsidies of oil, food and other goods ceased after the Soviet Union collapsed and the U.S. tightened its embargo, Cubans suffered terrible hardships. In a ‘peak oil’ crisis similar to one the entire world will soon face, electric power became intermittent, transportation nearly stopped, parts were unavailable, and without fertilizers and tractors, food production declined to precarious levels. But Cuba bounced back. This inspiring film offers us a living model of sustainability, as Cubans tell the remarkable story of their nation’s recovery and its transition to organic agriculture, renewable energy, effective mass transit, lowered consumption, better health, and stronger communities.

Potluck Details

Bring something (vegetarian) to contribute to the potluck - bring enough food for yourself/family and a bit to share. The primary focus of the ‘Locavore’ potluck is to promote eating whole foods, in their nature-made state, focusing on fresh food from local sources (or as local as possible)

If not FROM BACKYARD then locally produced.
If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then Organic.
If not ORGANIC, then Family farm.
If not FAMILY FARM, then Local business.
If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then Fair Trade.

Los Angeles Farmers Markets can be found here: www.farmernet.com/events/cfms

ATTENTION ALL SO CAL FREEDOM GARDENERS

If you are coming to this event and are a Freedom Gardener, let us know since we will be setting a special table(s) especially for you!

We are encouraging fellow Freedom Gardeners to use this community opportunity to meet up, swap crops, seeds and gardening experiences (or lack thereof!)

Let’s make this a truly homegrown event.

:: MAP & DRIVING DIRECTIONS ::

This venue is located in the foothills above Los Angeles, near the Rose Bowl, Old Towne Pasadena, Memorial Park Gold Line Station, and the 210, 110 and 134 freeways.

:: ZERO WASTE & LOW IMPACT ::

Path to Freedom strives to make our each of our events as “eco- friendly” as possible. We have instigated a “low or zero waste policy” by providing compostable plates, cups, and utensils to ensure there is no unnecessary waste. All other waste (i.e., plastic wrappers, glass bottles, food containers, etc) and food scraps are recycled, reused, composted or fed to our pet chickens, goats, ducks & worms.

Reserve today!

Sharing the path, Anais & Jordanne give UCLA students a tour of the urban homestead

Uprising Radio KPFK 90.7

The recent spike in oil and food prices, and extreme weather conditions due to climate change have led many Americans to consider changing their eating and shopping habits and even their lifestyles. In Pasadena, the Dervaes family has transformed their residential lot into an urban homestead on which they generate more than half of their own food by literally growing it themselves, and 70% of their own energy via solar panels on their garage roof. Additionally, by selling specialty salad greens and eggs to local restaurants, and earth friendly products on their online store, plus taking part-time jobs waiting tables, the Dervaes family earns the money they need to buy what they can’t grow. Their website Path to Freedom, showcases the urban homestead model for others across the world to emulate. And indeed tens of thousands have already been inspired by the food and energy independence such a life style offers. But, it’s not easy - as I found out yesterday when I spent the afternoon with Jules Dervaes and his family, creating an urban homestead means years of hard work, lots of trial and error, and a fierce determination to lighten one’s footprint on the earth.

to this Radio Segment

Homesteading with an Urban Twist

Thank you Sonali Kolhatkar, we appreciated your coming out and touring the urban homestead to give your listeners a brief look at a modern urban homesteaders life is like.

Though she was at the urban homestead for nearly two hours, only twenty minutes made it on air.  Definitely a lot of editing involved!

I am really glad she focused on the 20 year long journey of the evolution of the urban homestead model.  Being the first to pioneer such a model there was really nobody out there for us to copy when we started.  We had no clue where we were going and how long it would take for us to get there.

Country life (even homesteading) was familiar to most of us and yet putting all the necessary elements that make up a vital urban homestead were learned as we went along - there was no map or blueprint (book or website) just hard work, sweat and determination.  As eco pioneers who slowly blazed this new model for urban sustainability those following this homegrown uprising now have ruts in which to travel.

It's been a slow and sustainable journey, one that continues to this day.   In the last year we've seen a surge of modern urban homesteads sprouting up all over the country - who would have foreseen such a day!

For our new readers who aren't familiar with the lingo, urban homesteaders are individuals who are striving to live an low impact, self sufficient life in the modern city environment.

Online since 2001 PTF & LHITC sites have been at the forefront to the revival of the modern urban homesteading movement. Offering resources, first hand accounts and inspiration for a 21st century self sufficient life.