LITTLE HOMESTEAD IN THE CITY
Pasadena, CA
“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder
In 2001, we decided to start a online journal (blog) to detail and keep track of our journey. Not only did we share our day to day activities, we started to weigh the harvest and calculate our energy and water usage. Tallying up numbers on paper not only shocked but inspired us (especially the harvest lbs) It wasn’t just a concept any more, we actually saw our progress and conservation efforts on paper.
Fast forward. In 2010, our homestead started to grow beyond our family to include our community. It became a space for workshops, farm box distribution and host to fundraising farm to table dinners and music events.
While we still conserve and strive to live “simply,” the increase usage of utilities consumed by visitors and the community caused the numbers to no longer reflect just our own personal lifestyle.
Therefore, all of the facts and stats listed below contain no updated data.
The homestead life evolves; and we grow along with it.
Property Size
1/5 acre (66′ x 132′ / 8,712 sq.ft.)
Garden Size
~ 1/10 acre (3,900 sq.ft. / ~ 66′ x 66′)
Zone: 9/10
Rainfall: Average 16” a year
Water Usage
Thru water conservation (greywater, drip and clay pot irrigation)
~ $1,000 / 175,000 gallons a year
Harvest Breakdown
60% Consumed / 30% Sold / 10% Animal Feed
Growing Methods
Biointensive, regenerative practices
Food Production
2001 - 2,300lbs
2002 - 3,500lbs
2003 - 6,100 lbs
2004 - 6,200 lbs
2005 - 5,100 lbs
2006 - 4,300 lbs
2007 - 5,100 lbs
2008 - 5,500 lbs
2009 - 5,300 lbs
2010 - 7,030 lbs
SALES
2016 $65,000 year
Energy Usage
$12 a month / 6.0 kwh day
Solar Power Produced
12,410 kwh
GALLONS OF BIODIESEL MADE
5,000 gallons
10 Elements of Urban Homesteading
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Grow Food
REDUCE YOUR FOODPRINT
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Alternative Energy
SUN, WIND & FIRE
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Alternative Fuels
OR TRANSPORTATION
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Animals
BACKYARD BARNYARD
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Waste Solutions
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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Live Simply
A STEP BACKWARDS IS PROGRESS
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Home Economy
COTTAGE INDUSTRY
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Do it Yourself
MAKE OR MAKE DO
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Water Reclamation
EVERY DROP COUNTS
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Giving Back
GROW COMMUNITY