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

low impact rss

May 9, 2010

On a cold, drizzly, gray day in February two chefs were dropped off at the Urban Homestead.

See what happens when they have to whip up a tasty meal with ingredients from the garden and pantry in this “foodie’s” drama.

keep reading

November 7, 2008

It’s so human nature for folks to be curious.  Ever use someone’s bathroom and curious as to what’s in their medicine cabinet?
Well, what we try to over here at Little Homestead in the City is let you take a peek into our lives through musing and photos (lots of photos!)  By writing and showing first [...]

keep reading

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 [...]

keep reading

July 24, 2008

One of those days which are the same as the day before and the one before. Same dress (low impact living), same place, same thing…
Hmmm, sounds to me like a popular 90’s movie?

More planting, harvesting & preserving going on.
Stay tuned for details, photos and more.
Note: this post is not a complaint – just stating the [...]

keep reading

July 14, 2008

Outdoor solar shower circa 2003

The weather’s been very pleasant lately – very odd thing to say in July.    Saturday night we witness a lightning storm in the mountains just north of us as some tropical moisture moved up from Mexico.  We didn’t get any rain though.
With the warmer temperatures, the indoor bathing facilities are no [...]

keep reading

May 29, 2008

It’s been nearly 5 years since we self installed 12 solar panels  on top of the garage.  A worthwhile investment on our part, thanks to the City of Pasadena.  The City generously rebated 2/3rd of the cost of the system.  Hey locals!  The City’s solar rebate program is still available with even better incentives.
On the [...]

keep reading

April 21, 2008

I know from past comments, the unplugged kitchen holds a fascination with some our readers. Like I blabbed in the Video the urban homestead’s kitchen has only one plug in appliance and that is our ENERGY STAR (efficient) fridge. Some of the plugless “appliances” featured on the NY TIMES Video can be purchased via our [...]

keep reading

April 19, 2008

Some Bold Steps to Make Your Carbon Footprint Smaller

Help us help others. Spread the word about PathtoFreedom.com urban sustainability mission and the urban homesteading lifestyle (unforunately, NY Times failed to mention the website). Share this video with your all friends, family and anyone interested in making the world a better place to live. Together we can make [...]

keep reading


RSS
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
Look, Ma! No Ads!
"To whom much is given..."
We believe in sharing our blessings and remain committed to keeping this site free of outside commercial advertisements or sponsors. However, that means we need you to support our growing efforts that benefit not only you but others who are on the same path.

The Urban Homesteaders
Jules DervaesJustin DervaesAnais DervaesJordanne Dervaes
Cast of Characters
    
   
    
    
    
 
Blogging Since 2001
Got an hour or two or a couple of days?

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...

There's 2,568 posts so it might take awhile. Consider yourselves warned.

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