Banging in the poles

Now for the seed trays

All done!

Getting a jump on spring plantings a few weeks back I made a few hundred soil blocks, have 50 or more trays filled with seedlings and 20 flats of wheat grass (for the poultry)

To be able to get the most from your garden, successive plantings are a must.  Yet, doing so is challenging for so many reasons.   Additionally, as we have a very small urban garden (4,000 sq ft), it also requires finding available space for trays and trays of seedlings. This is very hard to do in our compact space.  Though I have a few small greenhouses and a couple of metal seed shelves, surplus seed trays are sometimes lined up in the driveway, pathways making for a rather tight walkabout the yard.

Yesterday afternoon (in between rain showers and little hail storm) another seed shelf went up!  We had a few (salvaged) metal poles stored down stairs and a bucket full of brackets, screws in the garage.

Materials:

Metal posts 4 – recycled
Brackets
Wood: 8 2 x 4  Purchased from a local, family owned lumber shop

Cost: $25

How are your spring plantings coming along?

Almost 5 inches of rain fell this weekend!   With Pasadena under a 10 day imposed water restriction (remember to turn off those sprinklers!) the rain couldn't have come at a better time.  Ground is soaked, garden is deeply watered and barrels are full.   What a blessing to have such wonderful rain to start off the spring growing season.  And there's more rain to come!

Speaking of blessings, we do indeed have a lot  for which we are grateful.   This month, many of our friends have come to us with devastating and heartbreaking news.  News that really puts life into a proper perspective, making our own problems seem rather petty.   Our prayers go out to you and your families.  May you find the strength and wisdom to walk a new journey.

Our inbox is overflowing and we are trying to get back everyone as quickly as we can.  A few emails came over the weekend inquiring about seeds, so  I'll answer it here.   Yes, we do sell seeds.   A selection of seeds that we are planting this spring are available at our online store UrbanHomesteadSupply.com

Now, now for some pictures to herald another growing season.  Ya'll ready to dig in?

Cabbage heads

Garlic in clay pot irrigated pots

Kitchen garden bed

Potatoes

Mints

Bee traps... hoping to catch a wild swarm

Blood oranges

Intoxicating citrus blooms

Salad greens galore

"Any more room up here?"

Blueberries

Edible landscaping in the front yard

Saving water in the garden with ollas (clay pot irrigation)

Wildflowers

Flowering lilac

Little fish, big fish swimming in the water

Still using up the homegrown/canned stockpile

Kitty kisses

Mixed greens

Using up the winter squash

]]> http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2011/03/21/spring-glorious-spring/feed/ 13 http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2011/02/17/who-owns-these-trademarks/ http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2011/02/17/who-owns-these-trademarks/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:11:36 +0000 Justin http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/?p=24491 Search TESS and see

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If anyone is offended by these common trademarks, please contact the respective trademark owners!

The bulk food pantry

Making use of "air space"

Humpf, the title of this post sounds like an 80's band. LOL

We all know that saying, "a place for everything and everything in its place."

Easier said than done for an urban homesteader's way of life.

When you start living a more simple, self sufficient life, how is that you actually accumulate MORE stuff?  It's a true and a simple fact.  Living a simple life is, in fact, not simple.   If you make food and goods from scratch, you need to store all those supplies  somewhere - anywhere!  Come on, folks, we all have to admit it sometime right?  Raise your hands if you got a stash of stuff just piling up with no place to put it.

Storing all the supplies is certainly a challenge on the urban homestead.   We have to use our space wisely; but we still seem to accumulate more stuff than  sometimes we really need.  Urban homesteading is not only about wisely using every available space to grow food and become more self reliant but using space wisely to store all our much need supplies that we need in this journey towards sustainability.

Organizing and maintaining an urban homestead is one of the most daunting challenges   There are  garden, food supplies, seeds, crafts,  etc., etc.

Doesn't always work, but we find having a daily chore schedule helps keep things a bit more tidy.   If you've brought stuff out for soap making or sewing, keep the container nearby so you can put the stuff back from where it came. A "once around the home and grounds" - putting up, sweeping, dusting and tidying.   Because we are  a working farm, within minutes of a clean up, things can go back to being unruly; however, if everyone does his part to clean up his surroundings,  it does help.   Each member of the household here is responsible for his area of expertise.  We try to follow the golden rule and be good neighbors and citizens of this Rose City so we are very conscious of keeping our homestead tidy and clean.

What creative organizing solutions have you come up with to store all your urban homesteading supplies?

One example is where Jordanne created an otherwise unused space for storing books, yarns and other crafty items in our bedroom.

Care to share?

With slipping Freedom Seeds & Urban Homestead Supply sales and donations on the decline due hard economic times, it's come as a great boost to our morale when reader's step up and show their support!    We were happily surprised and extremely grateful to the The Ridgewood Boys of Kentucky who are holding benefit concert for Path to Freedom's growing outreach.

This father and son duo serve up cld-time and early bluegrass music throughout Kentucky, central Tennessee, and southwest Virginia

Date: November 26, 2010
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe
Address: 235 W Broadway Street Frankfort, KY 40601
Cost: Donations

Full event details

Let's see that they have a great turn out ya hear!

Check out online CALENDAR for more upcoming EVENTS

Sure wish we could have a fiddle, bluegrass old-timey benefit concert in these here parts.

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)? Yeah, pretty amazing, huh?

Although we grow 99% of our fruits and veggies, we still are in need of the basic staples. As I say in our short film Homegrown Revolution "we are directly and indirectly self sufficient" The surplus veggies, herbs, honey, fruit, eggs that we sell go to buy staples that we need like flour, grains and oil (Check at "Eating Down the List"). In essence ,we are living off the land here on our tiny plot in the city. Both the majority of our food and sustenance comes from just under 4,000 sq ft of garden. We are city farmers that care for and tend to this patch of earth.

One reader had a question:

I would really be interested in your blogging on your blog about how your family manages the homestead finances. How the bills are paid, if there are any; do all of you get a paycheck for your own personal spending; what is the cost for all of your seeds; do you keep your sales of your produce separate from your honey; etc. I, myself, would like to be more self-sufficient and I am just interested in how you manage. Thank you for your consideration in this question - CW

Good question!

Our front porch farm stand keeps our till full of bills. Thanks to extensive energy and water conservation practices our utility bills are quite low

• Water is $600 a year
• Electricity $7 a month / Gas averages about $15
• View updated Stats and Graphs from the Urban Homestead

We prefer to pay cash for groceries that we don't grow.

We work for our food, so no we don't actually get a paycheck but we do get paid in the most amazing tasting produce on this planet (ok, so I am a little biased).

Justin is chief financial officer and does a good job at keeping track of all the business expenditures. As for personal spending, each spends at his/her own will and discretion. Not that we need much "personal stuff" because we are pretty simple folks (Justin has only TWO pairs of shoes - boot and utility sandal); but what we do like to spend our money on are things for the urban homestead and sometimes we do get carried away!

I wrote a lengthy post a few years back answering a reader's question about our family budget (if you follow each hyperlink there are certainly some gems written in this here blog !)

Check it out at

Urban Pioneering Lifestyle

The post's ending sums our lifestyle up the best : ""We are happy!"

Photo courtesy ORGANIC CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

“In the old days, people had relationships with nature and connections with animals,” he said. “When you remove that and put it in a factory someplace far away, people forget about it. When you have a different relationship with your animals and with your plants, when you treat them real well, they respond. Your own health and the health of the planet are intimately related, and as a society we’ve gotten away from that. So we just brought this all to pass in the city, in our Urban Homestead, and we’re spreading the word far and wide.”  - Jules Dervaes

Dervaes Gardens sits practically on top of a Pasadena, California, freeway and is only blocks away from the famous Rose Bowl. Outside are all the trappings of twenty-first-century life: automobiles, satellite dishes, supermarkets, car washes, and stores carrying produce brought thousands of miles for the convenience of their customers. But inside, Jules Dervaes and his children have created what they call an Urban Homestead. Virtually every square inch of land they have available to them—a tenth of an acre in all—is utilized for growing their own food. In addition to the hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, there is a beehive for honey, ducks and chickens for eggs, and goats for numerous purposes.

Read complete article at Organic Connections Magazine

[ Just to clarify!   Khaki Campbell ducks not "Camel" ]

:: Resources ::

Rock Dust - remineralize your soil

Freedom Seeds - seeds grown by the people for the people

Down on the Urban Farm

Now that the first summer planting flush is over, it's time to get started on the second round of planting. Folks often ask us why is our small garden so productive. One of the main reasons is we have successful succession plantings. When one crop goes out, another one comes in.

It was pretty hot out the other day; but Justin had the right idea. He was in the shade making soil blocks - over 1,ooo of them! He's a pro soil blocker, whipping out dozens in just a few seconds. Thump, thump, thump.

What will Justin be planting in the soil blocks?

Another batch of summer squash, assorted greens and basil (can never have enough basil!).

If you'd like to have some fun in the garden and whip up some of these babies yourself, here's how:

The Tools

Soil Block Maker (buy online)--spring-loaded tool that shapes and ejects four 1-3⁄4-in. cubes of compressed potting mixture. We've had ours for nearly 18 years and it's still cranking out thousands of soil blocks every year - best garden tool investment we've made! Heck, I imagine that thing's made over 50,000 soil blocks (that's a conservative estimate!).

Oh yeah, and you can get the nifty Garden Hat that Justin's wearing on our online store too! We find the this hat very durable and great at keeping the summer sun at bay.

Ok, back to the soil blocks

How To

Using a soil blocker has a lot of advantages - saves money and is eco friendly. For one, it’s a much cheaper way to start seedlings. What’s more, you can prepare your very own compost-based soil block mix - another savings! The savings just don't stop there - no more plastic or peat pots!

Soil

An ideal soil mixture must be fibrous enough to hold together through many waterings - Basic Soil Mix Recipe ( you can definitely modify)

Make a slurry of soil and water, mix well in a large tray (concrete mixing tray works well). Add one part water to every three parts soil mix. Tip: Let the mixture soak overnight.

Punching Out

Now the fun begins. Your mixture should be nice and moist. It’s better for it to be on the wet side; if it’s too dry, your blocks will crumble as they’re punched out. Excess water will be pressed out in the blocking process.

Plunge the blocker into the mixture, twisting down as you push so the blocker will be as full as possible. Pick up the blocker, if the cubes need more soil use your fingers to add more. Make sure each cube is filled tightly by pressing it against the palm of your hand. It is important for the blocker to be firmly packed with soil.

Scrape off any extra soil from the bottom of the blocker, and set the blocker in whatever container you’re using. Now, punch out your blocks. Easey, peasey

Sowing Seeds

We seed all my crops this way except for root crops like turnips, beets and carrots. Root crops don’t do well in soil blocks because of their long roots.

Place the trays and remember to KEEP THE BLOCKS MOIST at all times.

Transplanting

For best results, plant your seedlings outdoors as soon as roots appear. Since the soil blocks retain water better than peat pots or pellets, no special care is needed after planting.

Now that you have the low down on soil blocks, go forth and plant.

Happy sowing, blocking and growing!

:: Supplies ::

Soil Block Maker (buy online)

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.

For "behind the scenes" photos check out our photo montage

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

As Seen On

So for those of you who are wondering where you can get supplies for your very own Urban Homestead most of the items featured on the Food Network segment can be purchase at our very own online stores either Peddlers Wagon or Freedom Seeds.

Don't forget what minimal profit we make from sales helps keep this site going and growing!

Few "featured" items....

Salad Mix, Produce & Preserves - local pick up from our front porch farm-stand

"Organic" Sign - handmade out of recycled materials

Bike Blender - pedal power!

Sun Ovens - low impact cooking

Tromboncino Squash - grow your own

Heirloom Vegetable Seeds - start your own garden!

Preserving Books

The Art of Canning DVD - from our friends the West Ladies of TN

Build Your Own Earth Oven - how to book

Stainless Steel Kitchen Composter - handy counter holder of scraps destined for the compost pile

Wire Egg Basket- nifty basket to collect eggs

Want to start your own intensive garden?  Check out HOW TO GROW MORE VEGETABLES

Wire Harvest Basket - great for harvesting and washing veggies

Scissors - we use these shears in the garden on a daily basis

Keeping Chickens & other Citified Farm Animals

New Blog

Note, we are (if all goes well) upgrading the blog this week so expect some down-time as we launch the new blog!

Chocolate, coffee and encouragement would be appreciated.

Farming a 1/10 Acre Urban Homestead by Chris Bertrand / Mountain Views News

The Dervaes family live simply and richly, farming their Urban Homestead in Pasadena

On a recent sunny afternoon, I pulled up to a home not unlike the others in the curb appearance in this Northwest Pasadena neighborhood, just north of Orange Grove. After that first glance, you might notice that the front yard is landscaped differently than the others on the block, tastefully planted with flowers and herbs, some fruit trees and a picket fence appropriate for the vintage of the home and its surroundings. Step behind the driveway gate, though, and a whole new world unfolds.

Read full article

What we are doing: soil revitalization (compost teas, re-mineralizing, manure, etc) summer plantings, canning, brewing, caring for Amy, our duck, who's doing OK after the egg binding.  Thanks to all those who wrote offering concern and suggestions.  In her case, because of the nerve damage, it's a bit more complicated than treating regular egg binding (oil, hot baths, etc, etc)  She just doesn't feel the need to pass the egg - as it doesn't even make it to the vent nor are there any signs of "contractions."    Though she's certainly improved since the wing/pinched nerve injury there must be some residual damage that prohibits her from feeling/passing the eggs.   So we are going to make a couple calls today - see if there's someone out there that can tie off her reproduction tubes for a reasonable price.  Otherwise, she's doing surprisingly well - thank God.  No sign of fever, eating and drinking normal.  She's a fighter!

No more bucket brigade!  The bath water to garden greywater has been hooked up!  Got to "christen" it last week and it worked - whoot!  Now every time we take a bath the water is sent underground to water trees and vegetables.  More about that in another post. Hopefully that will cut our, typical low water bill, even more.  Every drop counts!

What we are planting: cucumbers, beans, squash, eggplant, basil, turnips, carrots, tomatoes and more

Haven't got your seeds, then browse our collection of Freedom Seeds - featuring a collection of seeds grown by and for the people

Beneficial border of spring wildflowers

Tomatoes are blooming!

Loquats are almost ripe.

A bed of French Provider beans (purchase the seeds at Freedom Seeds our online seed store)

Can you spot Farmer Justin?

Old Clems still ruling the roost

Bushes loaded with blueberries

Turning over - spring to summer

Do not disturb.  Fairlight takes a siesta.