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Urban Farm 1st Issue (11!24!09)
Urban Farm 1st Issue (11!24!09)
ISSUE
URBAN FARM
URBAN FARM
PREMIERE 2009
A I N A B L E C I T Y L I V I N G
S U S T
S U S TA I N A B L E L I V I N G
Live a Sustainable
Life { what it means
L AW N TO G A R D E N
and how to do it
into a GARDEN
GARDEN TO TABLE:
Fresh, Clean-eating
CHICKEN KEEPING
RECIPES
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1.toc 11/12/09 3:21 PM Page 1
32
to farm. by John Jeavons garden. by Cherie Langlois
How To Contact
TM
URBAN FARM Magazine
www.urbanfarmonline.com
[email protected]
P.O. Box 8237
Lexington, KY 40533
PREMIERE 2009 VOLUME 1 : NUMBER 1
Mail Slot: If you have a comment
about an article, a tip or a personal
experience you would like to share,
Editor in Chief: Karen Keb Acevedo Group Publisher: Joe Morris
please send it to Urban Farm, Mail Slot, Managing Editor: Lisa Munniksma Associate Publisher: Mark Hunkeler
at the address above. Advertising Sales Manager, East:
Associate Editor: Stephanie Staton
Michael Cronin
UF Connects: If you know of a resource Assistant Editor: Krissa Smith Advertising Sales Manager, West: Tom Brazil
or a calendar item for urban farming or Art Direction: Douglas A. Kraus Advertising Sales Representatives:
sustainable living, please send it to
Urban Farm, UF Connects, at the Editorial Directors: Melissa Kauffman, Adrian DiFiore, Kenrick Murrell,
address above. June Kikuchi Judith Teague Rosson
CROSSROADS
Y
ou might wonder why my editors
note is called Crossroads. Its
because the words urban and
farm havent historically been
used together and may seem
contradictory to some. The word urban
brings to mind skyscrapers and crowded city
streets; to some, the word farm conjures up
bucolic images of barns, lush pastures and
happy cows; to others, farm conjures up
images of stinking feedlots and animals in
cages. But an urban farm?
For the past few years, Ive watched the
groundswell of interest and support of the
LISA MUNNIKSMA
concept of urban farming, and Im happy to
report that it is no longer a concept but a
reality. In fact, it has been for many, many
years. Growing ones own food, taking meas-
ures of self sufficiency, and attempting to do that I am, weve edited Urban Farm with My favorite lunch spot in
things to contribute to the sustainability of neighbor issues in mind, so youll find Lexington, Ky. (where
our planet wherever you happen to live arent advice on how to minimize pushback. UFs office is located), is
fads to be swept out with next years Hot Urban Farm isnt a political statement, and Stellas Kentucky Deli.
and Not lists. Ive got a mountain of news- it isnt a revolution. Its an evolution, as They serve locally
paper clippings attesting to the benefits of Urban Homestead author (and UF contributor) sourced meat and pro-
urban farming, identifying all of you out Erik Knutzen says in his blog. Urban Farm is duce, all from sustain-
there fighting the good fightwhether thats here to shed a little light on the things we able farms, and make
to raise urban livestock; to keep bees for pol- can all do to change our lifestyles, in ways we yummy, from-scratch
linators and honey in your backyards; or even think are monumental as a whole, yet at the comestibles like bourbon
for the right to hang your laundry out on a same time, barely noticeable on their own. brownies and jalapeo
clothesline to save energy. Recycle, compost, garden, learn, preserve, soda.
There will always be people who cant wrap and support farmers and businesses that
their minds around change; who want to keep advance these efforts; in other words, live a
doing what theyre doing without ever thinking purposeful life.
about the consequences; who are more con- I know you urban farmers out there, and I
cerned about appearances and resale values know you believe in growing ... inside and out.
than a profound quality of lifeoperating on Tell me what you think of the premiere
a higher level, in tune with the Earth and issue of Urban Farm at www.urbanfarm
nature. Having said that, the eternal realist online.com. uf
www.directmail.com
Stop the
Insanity! www.sustaindane.org
I
f you dread opening your mailbox not for
the bills that await but for the junk mail Employing Mother Nature,
that could bury you on the spot, it's time
to stop it. The key, we're told, to halting the
One Drop at a Time
direct-marketing mail you receive is to get
S
ure, everyone knows its a good idea to conserve water
your name off of the mailing lists. That seems and to collect rainwater for reuse. Not everyone has the
easy enoughuntil you consider there are inclination to build or knows where to purchase a rain
thousands of companies that use direct-mail barrel, though. Recognizing that sustainability needs to be a
promotions. community effort, Sustain Dane in Dane County, Wis., began
According to DirectMail.com, these compa- installing rain barrels at residences. By the end of 2008, com-
nies aren't out to make your recycling bin munity members had purchased more than 3,000 rain barrels
heavierthey actually want to put their and volunteered countless hours for rain-barrel installation
product in front of the people who are most and construction through the RainReserve Community Rain
interested in it. If you happen to be one of Barrel Program.
those people who arent interested, visit Connecting this many community households to rainwater
www.directmail.com, and ask them to help collection and reuse is no small effort. The RainReserve
get your name off of these myriad lists. By Community Rain Barrel Program can be replicated in any
filling out your contact information and community with interest from nonprofits, local government
answering a series of questions about what or other organizations. Since instituting the program, Dane
if anymailing lists you'd like to be on, County has reduced storm-water runoff and preserved the
they'll keep unwanted mail out of your mail aquifer, built community awareness of water conservation
box. This way, you have less junk mail to sort, and water-quality issues, and created revenue to support
the companies get better-targeted mailing environmental efforts.
lists, your postal carrier saves his back, and Sustain Dane supporters will work with other groups to
the landfills win, too. bring the Rain Barrel Program to communities across the
Now if only someone would develop a country. Interested? Contact Sustain Dane at 608-316-6844
do-not-e-mail list! or [email protected].
Growing Together
Sharing Backyards:
www.sharingbackyards.com
Hyperlocavore:
http://hyperlocavore.
ning.com
American Community
Gardening Association:
www.communitygarden.org
Portland Yard
Sharing Project
(Portland, Ore.):
www.yardsharing.org
GreenNet
(Chicago, Ill.):
www.greennetchicago.org
Denver Urban Gardens
(Denver, Colo.):
www.dug.org
O
ne major challenge to self-sustainabil-
ity in the city is finding the space to
grow your food. Living in a high-rise
building often limits your green-space access,
and while container gardening is an excellent
option, there are only so many veggie vari-
eties you can grow on an apartment balcony.
When your desire for homegrown foods
has outgrown your container garden, take
E
arly spring 2009 brought growth in an unusual way to inmates at
sewer-service calls per day were attributed to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Ore. What
grease-related blockages. Now, instead of started out as one seed of an idea sprouted from Michael Pollans
being poured book, The Omnivores Dilemma, has become an organic garden that sup-
down the drain, plements the prisons food supply, provides job training and education
It costs San
this vegetable-oil opportunities, and offers the resident women a positive, social activity.
Francisco more than
waste is being The Oregon Department of Corrections, community partners, farmers
$3.5 million each
collected from and volunteers came together with seeds, soil testing, gardening sup-
year to unclog its
city restaurants at plies, and banks of time and knowledge to cultivate the Lettuce Grow
sewer pipes.
no charge to the Garden Foundation. It started as a project behind bars and is now
restaurant opera- involving a whole community, from a grade school growing tomato
tors, resulting in economic and environmental starts for the garden to A & L Laboratories, which provides soil testing.
savings for everyone. Restaurants can sign-up With budget cuts across the board in state governments, the garden
at www.sfgreasecycle.org, and SFGreasecycle harvest is supplementing diets as well as reducing costs in the kitchen.
will pick up or collect the waste oil for free. In a system where residents, in general, face mounting health concerns,
Residential used-oil disposal is an issue for the nutritional benefits start with fresh fruits and vegetables at meals
the citys sewer system, as well. The organi- but branch out into an increased knowledge of the role these foods play
zation is reminding residents to collect their in optimum health.
used cooking oil in a container, rather than Excited about the impact their program has had within the walls of
pouring it down the drain. Throw the con- their prison, the Coffee Creek gardeners have a Lettuce Grow Garden
tainer in the trash or take it to an Foundation website so others can learn from them and perhaps even start
SFGreasecycle drop-off event to add to the their own program. At www.lettucegrow.org, you can read about their
citys oil power. progress, challenges and milestones as the gardening program grows. uf
The
Sustainable
Life
What does it
mean to live
sustainably?
Follow these six
guidelines to a
better life for
you and future
generations.
B Y LY N D A K I N G
W
hether youre managing a 40-
acre farm or farming a 1/4-acre
lot, theres something deeply
satisfying about connecting with
the land, growing your own
food, and living a life that offers a chance to be
self-sufficient. In these tough economic times, the
ability to meet your own needs is increasingly
important. But as an ever-expanding population
increases the demand on what our finite planet
has to offer, it becomes more and more important
to consider how we can meet our own needs while
ensuring the ability of future generations to do so
as well.
Humans are realizing that the way we live is
unsustainable: We are using Earths resources
faster than they can be replenished. Were polluting
the land and the water, threatening our own exis-
tence and that of the other creatures that share
this planet with us. Environmentalists have been
concerned about this for years, and now those
PHOTOS BY JOHN IVANKO
More on
Composting
If you live on a small lot and dont have access to the quantities
of materials available for compost in larger operations, there are
still some options for gathering materials for a killer compost
pile. Consider approaching the local coffee shop about taking
used coffee grounds off their hands. (Starbucks puts their bags
out for the taking.) Contact area restaurateurs to see if you can
haul away their plant-based kitchen scraps. Find a landscape
company that might be willing to part with grass clippings (as
long as they arent from chemically treated lawns).
JESSICA WALLISER
GO LOCAL
The past abundance of cheap oil fueled the idea PRESERVE FOOD Food preservation also offers Left: Use
that we can have whatever foods we want, when- an opportunity to build community collaboration cloth bags to
ever we want them. Do spring thaws leave you with neighbors on canning projects or to swap tote your pur-
dreaming of the beans, broccoli and tomatoes stored foods. Before gardening season, you and chases every-
that will soon be filling your garden? your neighbors can plan for a neighborhood where.
Supermarket produce sections today have beans, harvest-canning party, where you not only pre-
broccoli and more any time of the yearall serve the harvest, but also trade to put a little bit
trucked or flown in from faraway places. Those of everything in each neighbors pantry. Building
vegetables may have traveled 1,500 miles or more community is what leads to the development of a
to reach your local grocers shelves. Eating foods self-sufficient human society.
that are in season locally helps eliminate the con- BUY LOCAL Buying food locally supports local
sumption of fuel needed to trek out-of-season farmersmaybe you know some of them.
produce and meats from the four corners of the Concentrating on local food may mean foregoing
world to your supermarket. bananas, but it creates opportunities to explore
EAT IN SEASON Learning to eat in season takes foods you cant find at the grocer. Two years ago, a
some commitment, some planning and some group of citizens in Harvard, Mass.,created a
practical application of skills that have been lost farmers market to generate a sales venue for local
to time and convenience in many households. farmers and provide area residents with an option
What seasonal foods grow well in your area? If for buying local foods. Shoppers might find any-
you arent planning to grow them, do you know thing therefrom squash blossoms for Asian-style
someone who is? Plan to stock up at harvest time, stuffing and frying to blue potatoes. They can
and preserve produce by canning, drying, freezing choose from diverse items such as locally made
or storing foods in a root cellar. Plan off-season seafood ravioli, homemade jams and shortbread,
meals and menus with your stored food in mind. maple syrup, and locally raised lamb and beef.
Forgo the
electric dryer,
and dry Green Guidance
clothes on a Gaias Garden: A Guide to Home-scale
clothesline Permaculture, by Toby Hemenway (Chelsea
outside. Green, 2001)
Earth Users Guide to Permaculture, by
Rosemary Marrow (Simon & Schuster
Australia, 2007)
Compost: The Natural Way to Make Food for
Your Garden, by Kenneth Thompson (Dorling
Kindersley Publishers, 2007)
Lasagna Gardening: A New Layering System
for Bountiful Gardens, by Patricia Lanza
(Rodale Books, 1998)
Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion
JEANMFOGLE.COM
Planting for Successful Gardening, by Louise
Riotte (Storey, 1998)
Green Guide: The Complete Reference for
Consuming Wisely, by Editors of Green Guide
Patronizing local businessesfrom the yarn (National Geographic, 2008)
shop to the dry cleanershelps to build a vibrant Low Carbon Diet: A 30-day Program to Lose
local economy. 5,000 Pounds, by David Gershon
(Empowerment Institute, 2006)
National Geographics Green Guide
RECYCLE www.thegreenguide.com
One of the best ways to reduce demand for more
Consumer Reports Greener Choices
resources is to make better use of things that have www.greenerchoices.org
already depleted some of those resources, Green Your Blog
through recycling. Most towns offer recycling www.greenyour.com
services for such things as cans, glass bottles, United States Environmental Protection
cardboard, mixed paper and some plastics, but Agency Sustainability Program
www.epa.gov/sustainability
thats only half of the equation; the other half
involves creating a market for recycled goods.
Consider this in your buying decisions, and pur-
chase products made from recycled materials, Cleaning, the EPA reports that levels of pollu-
such as printer paper, paper towels and toilet tants in indoor air can be as much as 100 times
weblink: paper. There are companies that use recycled higher than outdoors, due to toxins released into
glass to make tiles and stained-glass windows; the air from home-cleaning products.
www.hobbyfarms.com/sustainability
sustainability at
Find more ways to increase your
some make wine glasses from recycled bottles. MAKE NATURAL CLEANERS Manufacturers of
IceStone LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y., makes durable household cleaners are not required to disclose
surfaces, such as kitchen countertops, from recy- ingredients on labels, but many do, and those
cled glass and concrete. Other companies make labels are worth reading. Some common cleaning
furniture, yard dcor and more from recycled products bear the warning label toxic to humans
materials. (See Urban Renewal on page 76 for and animals. If you read labels, youll find that
more about recycling.) some products contain derivatives of petroleum,
such as anionic linear alkylbenzene sulfonate
M A I N TA I N YO U R H E A LT H (LAS), which includes the petroleum byproduct
According to writer Mindy Pennybacker, in a benzene, something the EPA has classified as a
2003 Green Guide article, Healthier Home human carcinogen. Look for products that list
Before you make any purchase, consider whether Left: Get used
you really need it. Also, consider the ramifica- coffee
tions of buying it: What materials does it contain? grounds from
Where did those materials come from? Was it area coffee
produced in an environmentally responsible way? shops to use
How will this item be disposed of at the end of its as composting
useful life? material.
CONSIDER PACKAGING In considering a pur-
chasefrom food to kitchen gadgets to
electronicstake into account the packaging. Right: Cut
their ingredients, and make sure they arent Select products that use minimum packing mate- your phantom
harmful. Steer clear of anything labeled toxic. rial, and see if that material can be recycled. Buy loads by plug-
Be cognizant of those labeled natural, as there foods in bulk to avoid using excess packaging. ging your
are no regulations governing that claim. Better electronics
yet, make your own cleaning solutions: S TA R T S M A L L into a power
A 50-50 solution of white vinegar and Once you become aware of the many ways in which strip so the
water makes a fine all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar is our lifestyles on this planet are unsustainable, its power source
known to kill many types of bacteria, which is why easy to become immobilized by the enormity of it can easily be
its used in canning and pickling certain foods. all. However, dont try to change everything at cut when they
You might have to apply more elbow grease than once. Pick one area thats meaningful to you and arent in use.
you would using some manufactured cleaners, think about what changes you can make; develop
but there are no carcinogenic toxins left behind goals. If youd like to move toward eating locally
on surfaces. and in season, start with one food. If you want to
A paste made with the 50-50 vinegar-water reduce the amount of packaging you use, start
solution and baking soda works well for cleaning with one productmaybe its bottled water;
the toilet bowl or scrubbing the kitchen sink. maybe its teabags.
Its important to realize that every change we
MAKE INTENTIONAL BUYING make, however small, helps. Collectively, making
DECISIONS small changes can help bring about great change
The United Nations has estimated that the richest in the world and can create a healthier planet for
20 percent of the worlds populationwhich all who will come after us. uf
includes the United Statesuses about 80 per-
Lynda King is a freelance writer and organic gardener
cent of the Earths resources. The most obvious
who lives with her husband in a 19th-century farm-
way to conserve resources is simply to use less.
house on 1 acre in central Massachusetts.
W
hat will create a strong foundation for the method is that it doesnt matter whether you live
new millennium? Weve all heard of the rurally or are an urban dweller. Its designed to be
fundamental three Rs. Well, heres a new effective in small spaces. While you may not meet
LEFT: COURTESY ECOLOGY ACTION; RIGHT: TERRY WILD
version: return, resource, remember. the objective of growing a complete diet for your-
Begin by returning to what we have always self in your own backyard, there are wonderful
known in our bones and returning or giving opportunities for remembering that, together as a
something back. Then re-source, or reconnect community, we can pool our resources. One of the
with the sources of all of life: soil, water, minerals, primary goals of EA is to empower people to feed
air and sun. Finally, remember, or choose once themselves locally and to strengthen community,
again to be a member of the web of life and find while simultaneously being a part of the solution
the joy in that relationship. Now take a deep to world food, water, energy and climate-change
breath and step into your backyard with new eyes concerns.
D E E P S O I L P R E PA R AT I O N
1 2 DOUBLE DIGGING
1. After spreading compost over the
entire area to be dug, use a spade to
remove the soil from the first upper
trench 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide across
the width of the bed.
2. After loosening the first lower trench 1
foot deep with a spading fork, shift the
soil from the second upper trench into
the area above the first lower trench.
3 4 3. Clear out the remaining soil from the
second upper trench.
4. Loosen the second lower trench 1 foot
PHOTOS BY DAVID CAVAGNARO
CLOSE PLANTING
DAVID CAVAGNARO
butterflies and holes until youre ready to build your next layered
bees. pile. The air holes will keep it from going
RHODA PEACHER
O P E N - P O L L I N AT E D S E E D S
G O O D TO O L S
bring up previously unavailable trace minerals
Left: Marigolds
and nastur-
tiums are ben-
and nutrients. A few examples of beneficial
plants for deterring pests are marigolds, which
N ot only do well-made tools last longer, but
they make your job so much more enjoyable.
You want to put as little strain as possible on your
eficial plants have a strong aroma that repels insects; nastur- body, and having tools with the proper handle
for deterring tiums for repelling squash bugs; and rosemary length for your height will help you achieve that
pests. for repelling the cabbage worm butterfly. When goal. Also, learning the proper technique for tasks
you use an ecosystem-friendly approach like this, like double-digging will drastically change your
you arent deterring beneficial insect life, such as experience in the garden. Its better to start slow
Right: Open- bees, butterflies and other pollinators; instead, with only one or two beds and to feel your way
pollinated youre encouraging a vitally alive, interactive into the flow of the activities. Pay attention to
seeds are also system. your body; then gardening becomes a meditation
known as Also, dont be too quick to pull out weeds that sustains you on many levels.
heirlooms. that may be beneficial, such as purslane, which The basic tools youll need are a D-handled
can act as a living mulch while corn plants are spade, a D-handled fork, a 12- to 15-inch bow
establishing and is also high in nutrients and can rake, a 2-inch trowel, and a 5 12 -foot digging board
be nicely incorporated into salads and stews. Sow made of 5/8-inch plywood with a carrying handle
thistle has dandelion-like seeds that attract bene- and rounded corners, which you will place over
ficial birds that eat both the seeds and harmful the bed youre preparing to keep from compacting
insects, too. the soil.
i
f youve never grown vegetables certain crops, such as carrots, turnips and
before, consider planting a fall garden. potatoes. Theyll require some protective cov-
A number of easy-to-grow crops can ering (such as a few inches of soil, leaves,
succeed in the fall, including carrots, straw or other mulch covering) and will
beets, cabbage, chard, arugula, broc- reward you with fresh food into early spring.
coli, radishes, green onions, bush First, decide what you want to plant. The
peas and even potatoes. Though all of these seed packet or transplant container should
plants will thrive in cool conditions, theyll be labeled with the length of time it takes to
R.J. Ruppenthal is a
get off to the best start if you plant them in grow that type of vegetable. For example,
licensed attorney and the soil while temperatures are still warm. In early carrots and sugar snap peas both
professor at most locations, this means planting in August mature in about 60 days. Next, determine
Evergreen Valley
or early September. the best fall planting date by finding the
College in San Jose,
Calif. Hes author of There are two basic approaches to a fall first average frost date for your area and
the book Fresh Food garden. One is to plant vegetables that will then counting backwards for the number of
From Small Spaces: mature quickly so you can harvest them days it will take to grow your veggies.
The Square-inch
before winter fully arrives. Lettuce, radishes, Victory Seeds Company (www.victory
Gardeners Guide to
Year-round Growing, early varieties of carrots, and bush peas are seeds.com/frost) and The Old Farmers
Fermenting and good bets. The second approach is to plant Almanac (www.almanac.com/garden/frost
Sprouting (Chelsea veggies that can handle some chill, and these us.php) have comprehensive frost-date
Green Publishing,
2008).
can be harvested during winter; examples listings. For example, the first average frost
include chard, cabbage, arugula and most date for Dallas, Texas, is October 24, while
other leafy greens. You can even overwinter Pittsburgh, Pa., is September 20. In Dallas,
you might get away with planting peas or
carrots in late August, but if youre gardening
in Pittsburgh, you need to start them a
month earlier (unless overwintering).
If you have only one month or so for fall
gardening, grow quick crops like lettuce or
radishes. Lettuce can be harvested at any
stage from baby salad greens (at about 20 to
30 days) to full size (about 45 to 55 days).
The small, round Cherry, Ping Pong or French
MARTIN BELAM
Eco Trimmer
Dont choke! The propane-
Steel Brackets Deluxe powered Lehr Eco Trimmer will
for Raised Beds Composter keep your lungs clean and your
arm in tactno priming or
If you want to improve your Up to 912 bushels of kitchen choking needed to start the
growing area, you can easily and yard waste can brew into engine. Using a standard 16.4-
custom-build your own raised garden gold in this compact, ounce canister as its power
beds, using these galvanized discrete composter. Just let source, this trimmer starts
steel brackets and your own the narrow side vents and self- fast, burns clean and will run
lumber to hold it all together. watering lid do their jobs. for a full 212 hours per tank.
www.plowandhearth.com www.gardeners.com www.golehr.com
800-627-1712 800-427-3363 310-839-9009
20-25%
twisted citrus DISCOUNT
g ot cold weather and a citrus
tree that aint gonna
take it? Dwarf citrus trees,
including lemons, limes, tan-
gerines and oranges, can grow very
on Mountain House
Freeze Dried Food
SPECIAL SALE DATES:
AUG. 15th thru 30th
well in containers. Their size will top OCT. 10th thru 25th
out at 8 to 10 feet, though you can
keep them much smaller (just about
any size you want) with a regular
haircut. You can also buy or order
dwarf citrus trees from most nurseries.
During the warm months, your
potted citrus can live on the patio or
ISTOCK/KAZINA
in any sunny spot outdoors. When the ALSO SAVE 10-15% ON
weather cools down, bring it inside,
and put it under a sunny window. MANY OTHER ITEMS!
Many types of citrus bear their fruit Hand Water Pumps
during the winter, so it will be easy
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Dont over-water! Pre-Made Chicken Coops
You should grow your tree in a
Citrus trees like to Berkey Water Filters
larger container than the plastic pot it
Food Dehydrators Solar
comes in. Transplant your citrus tree
into a container with a width of at
be barely moist and Hand Grain Mills Batteries
least 14 inches and a capacity of 10 to
almost completely Appliances Canners
15 gallons, which should be enough
growing space for you to have a 6- to Crocks Cookers
8-foot tall tree (or smaller if you dry in between CB & 10 Meter Radios
prune it). Make sure the container has
drainage holes in the bottom, or poke waterings. Gardening Items & More!
a few if it does not.
Four Winds Growers (www.four
windsgrowers.com), a wholesale citrus than phosphorus or potassium. Citrus
FREE SHIPPING
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tainer with a lightweight potting mix trace minerals, which should be part
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peat moss-based one, since this eries sell specialized citrus fertilizer,
makes it denser). You can lighten any or you can order it online.
potting mix by adding some shredded Dont over-water! Citrus trees like
redwood or cedar (up to one-third of to be barely moist and almost com-
the soil volume). Plant the tree high pletely dry in between waterings. Ride the Wave to
in the soil, just barely covering the Infrequent, deep waterings are best. Self-Sufficient Living!
roots with the potting mix. When you bring your tree inside, be
Feed your tree with a balanced fer- sure to place a tray underneath to
888-589-WAVE (9283)
tilizer that contains more nitrogen catch any runoff. uf www.EarthWaveLiving.com
BY D E B O R A H B R A N DT B U E H L E R
Class Is In
Session
In person and online, seasoned gardeners are standing by to
provide support, education and encouragement to up-and-
coming urban farmers everywhere.
emories of Grandpas garden, over-
County cooperative extension services are development and management. Like the county Top: Kendra
connected to land-grant universities and offer cooperative extension services, Boston Natural Pearce and
dynamic resources related to urban growing. The Areas Network offers resources and key services Toree Hiebert
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service to help people get started in gardening. started the
Marion County Office in Indianapolis, Ind., for With courses such as Planting the Urban Urban Farm
example, hosts an annual, spring garden clinic. Garden, Vegetable Seed Starting, Composting in School to help
The day-long workshop is open to the public and a Small Vegetable Plot and Worm Bin people become
includes the choice of a series of four concurrent Composting, the network provides programs that more self-
sessions. Organized at a public school to keep costs support innovative garden techniques. From sufficient.
down, the registration is only $15 per person. making good use of your space to preparing the
In addition to the spring clinic, we provide the soil, workshops meet the needs of gardeners at
City Gardener Program, says Steve Mayer, all experience levels. Opposite page:
extension educator. This 12-hour class offers the Founded by a regional network of organic gar- Seattle Tilth
very basics of gardening, including topics such as deners and farmers in the Pacific Northwest, offers urban-
vegetables, lawn care, soil and fertilizer manage- Seattle Tilth is another organization that offers gardening
ment, and flowers. Targeting urban dwellers, the exceptional learning opportunities for urban classes where
course is offered in downtown Indianapolis. dwellers. The organization manages two public people can
Since 1977, the Boston Natural Areas Network demonstration gardens where visitors can read connect with
has preserved, expanded and improved urban about and try gardening techniques. The gardens like-minded
open space through education, programming, feature year-round vegetable gardening, fruit- individuals.
One of the
best ways to
Grow Your learn more is
to volunteer
Knowledge with an
educational
Boston Natural Areas Network organization.
www.bostonnatural.org
Cooperative Extension System
www.extension.org
ideal place for their vegetable garden, explains gardeners come out of the woodwork. Its one of
Agee. Together, we determine what will work the most essential things you can do. When youre
best with their individual situation and condi- having a tough year with something specific, you
tions. That might be a raised bed, a sunnier loca- may find that everyone is struggling with the
tion or, after soil testing, the identification of soil same thing.
amendments needed for success.
In Vancouver, Wash., Kendra Pearce and her C U LT I VAT E A N O N L I N E
business partner, Toree Hiebert, started the COMMUNITY
Urban Farm School with similar goals in mind. There are hundredsperhaps thousandsof gar-
We are dedicated to helping people become deners who blog about their planting adventures.
more food-independent by growing in whatever To learn more, find a blogger in your plant-
space they have available, says Pearce. She and hardiness zone and dig in to reading. Discover
Hiebert offer Garden for Life Partiesa person- ideas for trellis gardening, containers, heirloom
alized way families and neighbors can learn seeds, perennials, and handling both pets and
together about growing their own food. Weve pests in the garden. Garden blogs contain video
done parties for garden clubs, school groups, segments, photos, tool ideas, month-to-month
neighborhood-association meetings and small planning and daily observations. Garden blog-
groups of mixed ages. We work closely with the gers share their own gardening experiences,
individuals to focus on what they want to learn. including the not-so-successful moments!
Once new gardeners get started, Pearce recom- Nothing can replace the education that hands-on
mends they find a network of other gardeners and experience offers, but having virtual support can
resources in their area. Talk to neighbors and answer many questions, too. uf
look for a garden club; chat with people about
Deborah Brandt Buehler is a writer, writing coach and
what youre doing. Its amazing how many food
beekeeper in Indianapolis, Ind.
BY CHERIE LANGLOIS
IN THE
G
CITY
When livestock and the suburbs collide
retchen and Ryan Bedell
seem like a nice, young, fairly
typical suburban couple.
Gretchen does fundraising
for a law school while Ryan
works as a motion picture
professional, and the two await the birth of
their first child. They live on a 1/2-acre lot in
a cute little wooded subdivision in
Williamsburg, Va., where the houses have
vinyl siding and neat yards. Like many subur-
Yet while they successfully cultivate a sub-
urbanite facade for the benefit of anyone
walking past, a peek out back reveals
Gretchen and Ryan live a kind of double life.
Nothing unsavory, mind you; in fact, their
secret life couldnt be more wholesome, for
Gretchen and Ryan are suburban farmers.
Not only do they nurture fruit trees and a
productive vegetable garden, but since the
spring of 2006, theyve tended an engaging
flock of Rhode Island Red hens.
banites, the Bedells share their home with Why chickens? Were pretty avid garden-
typical household pets, including a Beagle ers, and we try to grow a lot of our own food,
and several cats. says Gretchen, adding that many ardent
RHODA PEACHER
Clockwise:
Goats have to
be milked
every day,
which can
make vaca-
tions and
other trips
more difficult.
Goat Justice League information with a real, live person such as a county
www.goatjusticeleague.org or city office clerk, extension agent, animal control
officer or health department official.
Once you decipher the Seattle Municipal Code
pertaining to livestock, for example, youll find
eggs and fresh milk aplenty. (Yes, she actually that it allows residents to keep up to three
milks her city goats.) She knows exactly where domestic fowl, which includes chickens, ducks,
her food came from and how it was produced. I turkeys and the like, on a standard-sized lot.
dont have to buy any milk and cheese from the This means that on approximately 5,000 square
store, she says proudly. And we drink and eat a feet, were allowed three chickens, explains
lot of milk and cheese. Shell. For each additional 1,000 square feet, we
Plus, as all farmers know, its fun and rewarding can have an additional bird.
to share your bounty with others. I love sharing The code also permits keeping cows, horses,
eggs with my neighbors, friends and family, says sheep and similar farm animals, but only on spa-
Shell. It makes me feel like Im actually producing cious lots of at least 20,000 square feeta little
something and sharing with the world. less than 1/2 acre. People living on smaller lots
People also find themselves drawn to keeping can keep up to three small animals, including
livestock in their city or suburban backyards for a dogs, cats and miniature goats; sorry, only one
more impracticalbut no less important miniature potbelly pig allowed. In other words, if
reason: companionship. Move over Rover and you own no dogs or cats, you can have three
Fluffy; with early socialization to humans, farm mini-goats, but they must be licensed just like
animals like chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats and household pets.
When the Bedells researched local laws about Eggs laid fresh
keeping chickens, they discovered domestic fowl from your
occupied a gray area in their community. It turns backyard hens
out, as far as our zoning laws go, the rules are and cheese
looser because this area is agriculturally oriented, made from
explains Gretchen. As long as we have less than your own
10,000 chickens and arent killing them on our goats milk are
property, were OK. However, our homeowners are always a
association has some deed restrictions on the hit with
property that restricts poultry except for house- neighbors,
hold pets (probably to allow for parrots). Well, all friends and
of our chickens have names, and if they get sick family.
theyll go to the vet, we wont be eating them, and
they sort of know some tricks ... She says they
have a back-up plan for relocating their flock, just Cleanliness is
in case. and what restrictions apply, you should pay a key for
Along with limits on how many animals you friendly visit to your neighbors. Talk to them suburban
can keep, other livestock restrictions and regula- about the animals you plan to acquire and re- livestock-
tions you could encounter include common bans assure them about any concerns they might have keeping to
on roosters and swine, minimum required dis- pertaining to odors, noise, animal escapes or prevent odors
tances between animal and human habitations, safety issuesas in, No, we wont be keeping any and disease.
requirements for cleaning and disposing of noisy roosters, odorous billy goats or dangerous
manure, and numerous others. You may also rams; Yes, we will have secure fencing and keep
need to pay for a permit. the coop so immaculate youll never smell a
Are you confused yet? thing. If they seem unconvinced, bribe them
After determining whether you can keep with promises of fresh eggs, as the Bedells did
chickens or other farm animals in your backyard with one neighbor, or invite their kids over to
Beekeeping
in the
BY SUSAN M. BRACKNEY
Burbs
Honey bees dont ask for much. A
safe, dry place in which to set up
housekeeping and some nectar-
bearing trees and flowers will do.
Intriguing as they are hard-working, Honey
bees offer us plenty in returnand it isnt just
honey. Inadvertently pollinating fruits, flowers
and veggies as they collect nectar and pollen for
use in their hives, Honey bees living nearby practi-
cally guarantee a bumper crop in even the smallest
backyard or patio gardens. (In fact, one out of
every three or four bites of food we eat is the
result of the activity of Honey bees and other pol-
linators.) As they bring nectar and pollen into the
hive and carry out dead bees or debris, Honey
bees are also thrilling to watch. Unfortunately,
though, we dont see as many of them as we used
to. The loss of their natural habitat, exposure to
B E E P R E PA R E D
Before you get too preoccupied with beekeepings
potential rewards, its important to recognize that
are, occasionally you may be stung. Its vital to problems, and during winter and in the early
know how well you and those living around you spring, you might also need to supplement your
tolerate bee stings. bees food supply. That means heating a solution
You can also get stung if you fail to check for local of sugar and water on the stove top and pouring
ordinances that prohibit keeping bees in your city. it into a specialized bee feeder as needed. When
Even if beekeeping is technically legal in the city not working with your bees directly in these
limits, your local neighborhood or homeowners ways, you must also spend some time extracting
association may have strict policies against the and bottling honey and maintaining your bee-
practice. But the tide is turning: Cities like keeping equipment.
Chicago and San Francisco welcome beekeepers,
the previously anti-beekeeping city of Denver THE RIGHT STUFF
recently changed its policy, and even New York Think youre ready to commit to keeping bees?
City is rethinking its stance on Big Apple bee- Besides the time and requisite physical capabilities,
keeping. youll also need a good deal of equipment in order
and around the hives helps calm the bees and clear
How Sweet It Is ... them away from any specific areas to be inspected.
In addition to a bee smoker, youll also need a
hive tool. Looking like a miniaturized crowbar,
Honey contains 64 calories per teaspoon and is made up of the strong, metal implement is used to pry apart
water, carbohydrates, and trace amounts of vitamins and min- the individual sections of a beehive as well as the
erals, including niacin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, frames contained within each of these sections.
potassium and zinc. Once bottled, honey will keep indefinitely Bees expertly seal up any crannies they find with
but can crystallize over time. This is perfectly natural and a tree-resin-based substance called propolis, a
doesnt affect the honeys flavor, but if you wish to restore remarkably strong adhesive.
yours to its original consistency, simply place the honey con- Incidentally, you can sometimes save money by
tainer in a pan of very hot water or put it in the microwave purchasing used beekeeping suits, veils, smokers
for a few seconds at a time. Be careful not to overheat the and other tools, but, when it comes to the beehive
honey because it can burn! itself, new is best. A used beehive could contain
Honey collected early in the seasonusually from sweet pathogens that can weakenor even eradicate
64
lines a wide berth, and avoid placing hives in
areas frequented by kids or pets. For maximum
maneuverability when hive-inspection time
+
water, carbohydrates, and
and your fencing, shrubbery or other barrier.
Finally, to help prevent accidents, post a Keep
Out or No Trespassing sign nearby.
The hive will function best in a mostly-sunny
spot that gets some afternoon shade. To allow for
better air circulation and help protect the hive
trace amounts of vitamins and from predators, it should be elevated on cinder
blocks or some other sturdy hive stand.
minerals, including niacin, Additionally, you should angle your hive slightly
to facilitate good drainage.
riboflavin, calcium, iron, phos-
G R E AT E X P E C TAT I O N S
phorus, potassium and zinc Considering that bees need about 60 pounds of
stored honey to make it through the winter, a new
bee colony wont have much of the sweet provi-
sions to spare in its first year. A good rule of
thumb is to leave intact at least two supers that
The author are completely full of honey, and should you have
inspects her any honey above and beyond that amount, you
suburban can, at the very least, try a small taste. With care-
Bloomington, ful hive management, you may be able to take off
Ind., backyard as many as 40 pounds of honey or more from an
hive. established, flourishing colony in a single year.
If you find yourself with an embarrassment of
riches, you can always package your honey in small
bottles, complete with attractive, homemade
labels, to use in your own kitchen or to give as one-
of-a-kind gifts. While you gain experience as a bee-
keeper, youll begin to notice both the flavor and
Setting hives in such areas would also impinge on consistency of your honey crop are affected by area
your neighbors ability to enjoy the outdoors. The rainfall, nectar sources and even the habits of
seldom-accessed rooftops of tall buildings, how- your particular Honey bees
ever, hold more promise. Pay a little extra rent or and, as your neighbors come
agree to keep the free honey flowing, and building knocking for more of the
managers or owners might be persuaded to make sweet stuff, youll surely get
you a copy of the rooftop key. to know them better, too. uf
If you have your own backyard, your prospects
Susan M. Brackney is a beekeeper
are better. Got an out-of-the-way storage shed,
and the author of Plan Bee:
hedge row or privacy fence? These make good
Everything You Ever Wanted to
windbreaks, and theyll also screen your hive Know About the Hardest-working
from view. Wherever you choose to locate your Creatures on the Planet (Perigee
Honey bee colony, be sure to give all property Trade, 2009).
10 Discover your niche at the farmers market. 5 Discover which breed is just right for your farm.
9 Know exactly what you should be planting,
pruning or harvesting right now. 4 Get the right info to make the right choices
at the right time.
8 Learn how to spend smart on farm supplies. 3 Make your farm dreams come true.
Find out what you can do with only one acre
7 of land. 2 Experience the joy of self-sufciency.
At the end of a tough day, it will remind
6 Learn exactly how to do that farm repair you 1 you why you wanted a farm in the rst
keep putting off. place.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
HobbyFarms.com/subscribe
or call 800-627-6157 E906ATT
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.
48x51.backyard coop 11/12/09 4:17 PM Page 48
i
adore the longer, warm days of sum- gardening, keep a second water dispenser in
mer and fall. After eight months of the yard. Instead of having to return to their
rain, snow and cold, Im ready to fly coop, your hens will always be a few feathers
the coop of my Portland, Ore., bun- away from a refreshing drink.
BY BARBARA KILARSKI
galow and get into my sunny back- SHADE. Never leave chickens in direct
yard. The lingering daylight gives me sunlight without access to shade. You dont
more time to spend hanging out with my inadvertently want fried chickens. Chickens
hens, Zsa Zsa and Whooppee. The girls and I need shady places during hot days. Your hens
have had eight great years together. Though will let you know if theyre too hot:
not the springy, beetle-chasing chickens Overheating hens pant with their beaks wide
they once were, they still enjoy getting out open, and their tiny tongues pop in and out
of their coop to cruise the cool lawn or take (such a sad sight!). If free-ranging, hens will
long, lazy dust baths. sit under thick, shady bushes and dig a
Barbara Kilarski is In Portland, city chicken keepers (I like shallow hole where they can cool off. Keeping
the author of Keep to call us chicken bums) are also avid gar- your chickens in the coop during the day is
Chickens! Tending
Small Flocks in
deners. In summer and fall, our spare day- fine if the coop is well-ventilated and has
Cities, Suburbs and time is spent digging in the soil alongside shade inside.
Other Small Spaces our happy hens. Those of us who are hen- If you keep your chickens in the coop dur-
(Storey, 2003).
empowered urban farmers with a few chicks ing heat waves and still worry about their well-
on the side (of the house) know that sun- being, suspend a small box fan in the coop,
shine brings out the fun in hens. and plug it in to a timer to turn on during the
Unless you are a hen, however, its not all hottest times of day. Some chickens like fans,
fun and games in summer. Urban chicken some dontmine do. Its quite a sight to see
keepers have a few things to do and remember: my hens near the fan lifting their wings to cool
WATER. Water is lifefor people, for off their chicken pits!
plants and for animals. In warm weather, PROTECTING THE GARDEN. Despite their
chickens are big water drinkers. Ensure your fluffy, innocent appearance, chickens are
hens have unrestricted access to plenty of trampsmore precisely, tramp-lers. Theyll
cool drinking water. Standard hens (5 walk all over and squash a bountiful garden
PHOTOS BY RHODA PEACHER
pounds) can drink 1 quart or more of water in hours. Still, a peaceful coexistence
in hot weather. Check the coop water between your tempting vegetation and clumsy
dispenser daily to detect leaks or spills. Keep chickens is possible.
the water dispenser shaded. If you let your To protect fragile plants, I use thick,
hens free-range or accompany you while nylon net to temporarily corral the hens in
an area with hardy, shady shrubs. This is not EGGS. Chickens lay fewer eggs when the
bird netting made of thin string and tiny weather heats up. During consecutive days of
holes. This is heavy-duty netting with 2-inch 90 to 100 degrees F, hens stop laying eggs
squares, available by the yard in sporting- until the heat wave breaks. When your hens
goods and landscape stores. You can string it resume laying, pick the eggs out of the nest
up to enclose small areas of the yard where box each day. If you let eggs pile up, theres
you want to contain the hens. When I let the a risk of breakage and spoilage.
girls wander the lawn at large, I protect my CLEANING. During warm weather, clean
vegetable beds with lightweight, portable the coop and henhouse no less than once a
landscape fencing available at most gardening- week. Higher temperatures accelerate bacteria
supply stores. growth, so its imperative to remove chicken
PREDATORS. The warm weather invites all poop promptly. Transfer the chicken manure
creatures outdoors more, not just your back- into your compost bin as a high-nitrogen com-
yard flock. Depending on where you live, ponent. If you have too much chicken poop on
day- and nighttime critters can imperil your your hands, offer it to neighbors who garden or
chickens. Some folks like to let their chickens put it on the free section of Craigslist.
range free in the yard during the day, but they MOLTING. During the late days of summer,
take a chance of losing birds if a predator youll find loose feathers in the chicken coop,
finds the flock. If unattended during the day, henhouse and yard where the hens hang out.
I recommend keeping chickens in a spacious, No, your chickens arent melting, theyre
shady, well-ventilated coop or well-protected moltingdropping old feathers and growing
run so no hawks, dogs, coyotes or raccoons new ones. Depending on your climate, your
can hurt your hens when you arent around. chickens will start to molt in late August and
FEEDING. Warm weather changes your continue into September or October.
chickens diet. I find that my hens eat less MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. Now is the
pellet feed because they have more time out- time to ready the coop and henhouse for
side to supplement their diet with tasty bugs, winter. Closely inspect the hens habitat for
worms and grass. Plus, Im always bringing damaged wood, loose screws or hardware.
them fruit and vegetable scraps from the Give the perch and nest boxes a good scrub
kitchen. Put less chicken food in their feeder with steel wool. Repair or replace any items
during warm months. That way, what they (vents, doors, insulation) that keep your
dont eat wont attract vermin to the coop. flock dry, warm and comfortable in winter. uf
Available in fine bookstores, tack, farm & feed, ranch stores and pet stores nationwide.
www.hobbyfarmhome.com or call toll-free
800.PET.BOOK
TM
52x57.uf profiles 11/12/09 4:18 PM Page 52
WHERE URBAN
BY ERIK KNUTZEN
meets farm
Manna
very spring, Bruce Fields plants a 900- Green Roof Growers, like many urban gardeners,
E
Community
Garden in square-foot kitchen garden. Heirloom have to deal with unique challenges in terms of
Detroit is tomatoes, tender kale and sweet melons space: how to garden in a small yard, how to
maintained by grace his table throughout the summer. grow food if you dont have a yard, and how to
church Fields doesnt live on a farm. The garden isnt deal with neighbors who expect lawns and flowers
volunteers and even on the ground; its on the roof of his garage. rather than cabbage and chickens. Urban home-
overseen by Fields is one of three neighbors in Chicago whove steaders are answering these questions through
Em Jacoby. organized themselves into a loose coalition called creative reuses of urban space, retooling tradi-
Her husband, the Green Roof Growers. tional strategies for growing vegetables and
Brian Klassen, By growing their own food, urban micro-farmers keeping livestock.
lends a hand. such as the Green Roof Growers take localism to its Back in the 1970s, a subset of aspiring home-
logical conclusion: Dissatisfied with factory-farmed steaders who didnt want to join the back-to-the-
produce, theyre at the forefront of a revived land movement chose the city as the site for their
urban-homesteading movement where city experiments in self-reliant living. One such early
dwellers are choosing to grow their own food. The homestead was the Integral Urban House, a
converted Victorian in Berkeley, Calif. It became When asked what motivates her to farm her Manna
a showcase for vegetable gardening, aquaculture, roof in Chicago, Green Roof Grower and writer Community
urban livestock and solar energy, spawning a Heidi Hough gives a one-word response: Garden pro-
book of the same name. But the Integral Urban Eating. For her neighbor and fellow Green Roof duces enough
House and urban homesteading in general passed Grower Russ Cheatham, an executive recruiting food for its
into obscurity during the heady boom years of the consultant, its common sense: Why wouldnt I volunteers,
1980s and 90s. do it? Doesnt it just make sense? plus provides
The current urban-homesteading movement, Bruce Fields, a former Chicago Mercantile a supplement
like its 1970s antecedents, is incubating in a time Exchange floor trader turned urban farmer, and to St. Peters
of economic uncertainty and environmental con- the most political of the three Green Roof Episcopal
cerns. It echoes strategies common in immigrant Growers, believes in direct action: Your brain Churchs soup
households, where generations have grown food changes when you actually do something. You kitchen meals.
in backyards to save money and to preserve the learn through doing.
flavors of their native lands. It also harkens back For Hough, Fields and Cheatham, the only
to World War II, when urban victory gardens possible way to do something and grow food
PHOTOS COURTESY EM JACOBY
provided 40 percent of the United Statess was to head up to their separate roofs. Hough has
produce. Both urban-homesteading veterans of a backyard, but is reluctant to cut down the mas-
the 1970s and a new generation are, once again, sive mulberry tree that provides much-needed
harvesting fresh food within steps of their shelter from Chicagos sweltering summers. I
dining-room tables. dont have the sun, and thats what you need first
CUTTING COSTS
Cheatham tracks his costs carefully. Lacking both
the time and space to make his own SIPs,
Cheatham mail-ordered his from the EarthBox
PHOTOS COURTESY GREEN ROOF GROWERS
Rooftop Research
Taking your garden to the roof means making
sure your roof can take the load.
Urban farmer Bruce Fields, who has experi-
ence in construction, was able to determine
that his garage roof could handle the load. He
advises aspiring rooftop gardeners to consult an
engineer.
PHOTOS COURTESY KELLY YRARRAZAVAL
family consumes comes from the yard, and she is Top: The
proud that her four children have grown up Yrarrazavals 1/2-
thinking everyone grows their own food. acre backyard is
The keeping of chickens and bees can cause home to
neighborly disputes, even in the relatively open chickens, bees
spaces of suburbia. Moving beyond dogs and cats and a drip-
calls for a mixture of discretion and diplomacy. irrigated
When we got the chickens, one neighbor com- vegetable garden.
plained about the noise, but I leave eggs on the
fence, and I give them honey, too. So far her
diplomatic initiatives have paid off. They could Bottom: Four
make a stink if they wanted to, but theyve been hens provide
pretty cool. eggs for the
Yrarrazaval is especially enthusiastic about the Yrarrazaval
bees. Yrarrazaval is part of a growing movement family of six.
of amateur beekeepers who are relocating wild
hivesthe more hardy cousins of commercial Yrarrazaval is devoted to her suburban home-
beesand keeping them in urban areas. At a time stead and estimates that she spends around two
when commercial beehives are facing an apoca- hours a day working on the yard, with her husband
lyptic die-off due to the stresses of industrial chipping in on the weekends. She plants tightly,
agriculture, underground urban and suburban using a drip-irrigation system to create what she
beekeeping may provide a solution. She has a calls a junglish look facilitated by the addition of
side business rescuing feral bees, putting the horse manure from local stables. But she advises
hives in backyards and harvesting the honey to aspiring homesteaders to start small. All you need
sell at a local shop. Her 6-year-old son even has is a little sunlight, water and some soil, and you
his own miniature beekeeping suit to help his can at least have your own tomatoes. uf
mom maintain the 20 hives she keeps around
Erik Knutzen is the co-author, with his wife, Kelly
Orange County.
Coyne, of The Urban Homestead (Process, 2008).
Lawn be
gone
Can you really go lawn-
less without irritating
your neighbors?
Yes ... you can!
S
ummer mowing can seem like a Sisyphean
task. Turn your back long enough and
youd swear the lawn grew an inch while
you were putting away the gas can and
BY SUSAN M. BRACKNEY
Green Expectations
Not quite ready to toss that turf? Traditional lawns do have
their place, since little else can withstand heavy foot traffic as
well as grass can. That means you may want to retain some
grassy paths and play areas for your kids, pets and the occa-
sional picnic.
By choosing your grass type carefully and changing your
expectations, you can, at least, reduce the frequency with
which you mow, water, and apply fertilizers, pesticides and
herbicides. One species Ted Steinberg particularly likes is
zoysia, a thick, slow-growing grass that, once established,
requires very little upkeep. Its drought-tolerant, its very,
very dense, and it doesnt take a lot in the way of fertilizer,
Steinberg explains. The plants crowd out whatever weeds
JEANMFOGLE.COM
might take root there. The drawbacks? Its best installed as
sod over bare ground; if you want to cover large areas with
turf, zoysia can be an expensive choice. Also, zoysia doesnt
do well in extremely cold climates or in deep shade, and, in its A full kitchen garden can be done so subtly that the
dormant stage, the grass goes brown. neighbors will barely notice.
If an all-brown lawn would raise too many eyebrows in
your neighborhoodor if you need to cover larger areas on a myriad other reasons to lose ones lawnor at
tight budgetyou might want to consider directly sowing least to cut it down to size. For instance, Steinberg
native grasses or species that are well-adapted to your climate notes, suburbanites apply more herbicides per
instead. Best-suited for cooler, northern climates, many no- acre than most commercial farmers do, and some
mow fescue mixes are available and can be mixed into existing 7 million birds die annually due to contact with
lawns or seeded onto bare ground. A couple to try include lawn-care pesticides. Whats more, he writes, In
Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn (www.wildflowerfarm.com) and the process of refueling their lawn mowers, leaf
Prairie Nurserys No Mow Lawn Mix (www.prairienursery.com). blowers and other garden equipment, Americans
Containing deep-rooting, slow-growing fescues, such seed spill about 17 million gallons of gasoline every
mixes can put an end to the need for special care. (While many summer, or about 50 percent more oil than
of these lawns are mowed once a month, still others need to marred the Alaskan coast during the notorious
be cut just once or twice a year!) Exxon Valdez disaster.
Of course, you dont have to redo your grassy areas com-
pletely. To lessen the need for watering and fertilizing, Susan KEEPING OFF THE GRASS
Harris recommends overseeding with a low-growing, nitrogen- Whether out of heightened environmental con-
fixing clover mix. Established clover is both drought-tolerant sciousness or simple fatigue, more and more
in the summer and evergreen in winter. homeowners are either limiting the size of their
No matter what lawn alternative you settle on, deviating lawns or removing them altogetherand all with-
from the usual turf ultimately requires a shift in attitude. out becoming their neighborhoods eyesores. Kirk
Harris notes, The most important thing is to change our Shillinglaw, vice president of Prairie Nursery,
expectations, so we dont expect to see green grass in the Inc., says non-traditional lawns can look great.
middle of summer or a perfect monoculture with no weeds. We Depending on your ordinances, your neighbors
have to get used to good-enough grass. and what you hope to accomplish, it can be done
in a manner that should be non-threatening to
An herb
garden can be
utilitarian,
while looking
ornamental.
TERRY WILD
For a front-
yard garden,
aesthetics
people, he says. Installing large beds of drought- mock. (See Green Expectations, opposite page.) should be a
tolerant, native perennials such as black-eyed Your commitment to the project and your top priority.
Susans, yarrow and coreopsis is one of the easiest timetable and budget, naturally, also play signifi- Old tomato
ways to minimize the need for mowing, watering cant roles. As Susan Harris, a garden writer and cages and
and other lawn-care tasks. For a more formal blogger (www.sustainable-gardening.com), metal garden
look, you can even mix and match natives with admits, One discovers when trying to replace a stakes must
non-native plants. By no means does anybody lawn that grass seed is cheap, and these other go!
have to have a [native-only] garden. We have
people who put in some shade natives with
hostas. We have people who have a predominant-
ly non-native perennial garden who might like
blazing stars or coneflowers, and they will add
our plants to supplement. It doesnt have to be an
all-or-nothing venture, Shillinglaw says.
In fact, the changes you make could be as
prominent as a full kitchen garden, complete with
beds of basil, dill, rosemary and thyme, or so
subtle and gradual that the folks next door barely
notice. Neighborhood politics and personal taste
arent the only factors to consider when planning
a non-lawn. How you typically use your lawn
matters, too. For example, you may discover you
RHODA PEACHER
No-lawn Caveats
Unless youre replacing the entire lawn with shrubs, trees and
plenty of mulch, eliminating that grassy monoculture can take
a lot of time, patience and even diplomacy. After all, itll
likely be a year or more before youre fully able to reap the
benefits of going lawn-lessand you may get more than a few
worried looks from the neighbors in the process. Follow this
advice for nearly painless lawn conversion:
THE RIGHT FOUNDATION Tearing out or turning under
an existing lawn can be a chore, and, whether youre just
reseeding or painstakingly planting ground-cover plugs,
theres a great deal of work ahead. Your new plants will be able
to spread more quickly in loose, well-draining soil, so breaking
up soil clumps and amending with organic matter is a must.
WEEDING AND WATERING Youll also need to keep the
seeded or plugged areas uniformly moist and weed-free.
Removing any invasive, non-native weeds is particularly critical
for homeowners intent on a natives-only landscape.
JEANMFOGLE.COM
RAKE THOSE LEAVES Until your ground cover has a
chance to fill in and become well-established, plan on raking
and composting any fallen leaves. Left in place, leaves will
form a soggy mat that can smother your new non-lawn. Attractive hardscaping elements, like trellises and arbors,
GOOD DESIGNS AND SCREENS Because front lawns can be combined with a few spots of lawn suitable for
often receive more full sun than side and backyards, they can impromptu soccer games.
be the perfect spots for vegetable gardens, but growing toma-
toes, pole beans, cucumbers and other crops front and center
takes special consideration. First, its important to check for solutions are a lot more expensive. Having
any zoning restrictions or neighborhood covenants in your replaced her own high-maintenance lawn with a
area. If growing vegetables in lieu of the lawn is acceptable, no-maintenance sedum-acre ground cover,
youll want to make aesthetics your top priority. As such, those Harris speaks from experience. Even if you went
old tomato cages and metal garden stakes must go. You can with [plant] plugs, it takes patienceunless you
use attractive hardscaping elements like stone fences, trellises have a huge budget. You space things 12 or 18
and arbors in their place, and add annual and perennial flowers inches apart, and it may take a year or two to fill
in front of your vegetable beds to further screen the view from in, she says.
the street. In 2007, Harris spaded her entire lawn by hand
If you think your neighbors might be concerned, share a and began experimenting with potential turf
map of your garden design with them before you plant, and replacements. There were some other sedums I
let them have a say in the process as needed. Finally, once tried that didnt spread nearly as fast as [sedum
veggie season has passed, youll be left with quite a lot of acre]. It grows as a weed here, so I already had it
bare ground. To green it up and help prevent erosion, sow a on the property. I just took little plugs, and it filled
cover crop like clover or rye for the winter, and then simply in easily in one season, she says. Sound labor-
turn it under in the spring. intensive? Perhaps. But Harriss work has paid
offshe hasnt had to mow, water or fertilize
since. Homeowners lacking Harriss patience can
replace their own lawns more quickly by planting No-mow fescue mixes,
large shrubs and trees right through the grass, like Wildflower Farms
then mulching very heavily underneath these new Eco-Lawn, are an
additions and along paths. affordable low-
maintenance
G E T T I N G S TA R T E D alternative for
Think youre ready to park the mower in the larger lawn
garage for good? The first step is removing your areas.
existing grass, and, depending on the size of the
lawn and how soon you want to be able to estab-
lish something new, there are several ways to
accomplish it:
CONTAINMENT
t used to be that tions to see how they view
Whatever container you choose, be sure there If youre planting a large number of containers, Left: To prevent
is plenty of drainage so the water can escape from the expense of prepackaged mixes may be a bit wilting, group
the bottom. Dont forget the saucer or some steep. You can mix your own using one-part peat containers so
means of collecting the water drainage so it doesnt moss, one-part garden loam and one-part clean, the foliage
stain or damage the area under the pot. coarse builders sand, then add a slow-release fer- creates a
tilizer (14-14-14) according to container size. canopy to
SOIL shade soil and
Since the soil feeds your plant, its important to WAT E R keep it cooler.
use high-quality, organic potting-soil mix. Avoid Keeping the soil consistently moist is vital to the
the temptation of going to a friends house and growth of your vegetables and herbs. When you
digging garden soil from the backyard. That type think about it, there isnt much soil in a container Right: If you
of soil tends to be heavy, doesnt drain well and compared to the soil in a garden. So in the con- mix your own
usually has weed seeds. Youre better off getting fined, above-ground spaces, the soil tends to dry container soil,
packaged potting soil available at local garden out faster. Check the soil moisture in your con- add a slow-
centers. I use Pro-Mix Ultimate Container Mix. tainers at least once each day and even twice on release
Check the label when choosing a brand. You hot, dry or windy days. Stick your finger or a pencil fertilizer
want a container mix that has 30 percent or more in the soil, 1 to 2 inches deep, to determine (14-14-14)
perlite or coarse matter. Soil-less mixes, such as a whether or not its damp. If the soil is dry, you according to
peat mix, are generally too lightweight for con- need to water. your pot size.
tainer vegetable gardening and wont give the Small pots usually dry out faster than large
roots enough supporta strong wind can easily ones. If your plants are wilting every day, try
blow the plants over. grouping the containers together so the foliage
FERTILIZING
Many soil mixes include a slow-release fertilizer.
If youre using that type of mix, your plants will
have enough nutrients for eight to 10 weeks. If
plants are grown longer than this, add a water-
soluble fertilizer at the recommended rate.
Repeat every two to three weeks. An occasional
dose of fish emulsion or compost will add trace
elements to the soil. Container plants dont have
the buffer of large volumes of soil and humus to
protect them from over-fertilizing or over-liming,
so be careful not to add more than the recom-
mended rate of any fertilizer since this may cause
fertilizer burn and kill the plants.
PLANTS
When people ask me what vegetables and herbs
they should choose for a container garden, I
always tell them to grow the ones you like to eat!
There are some plants that are good beginner
container plants because theyre easy to grow,
such as beans, peas, lemon cucumbers, tomatoes,
lettuce, chard, zucchini, radish, spinach, kale,
peppers, mint, oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary
and strawberries. Vegetables that take up little
space are radishes and many of the leafy greens
such as lettuce, arugula and mesclun. Crops that
With the creates a canopy to help shade the soil and keep it bear fruits over a period of time, such as tomatoes
increase in cooler. On a hot patio, you might consider placing and peppers, are also well-suited for containers.
urban containers on pallets or other structures that There are even columnar forms of fruit trees that
gardeners, allow air movement beneath the pots and prevent can be grown in containers.
plant breeders direct contact with the cement. Some dwarf or miniature vegetable varieties
and seed Sometimes, if the soil in the container gets too often mature and bear fruit earlier but produce
companies are dry, the water will run over the top and down the as much overall as standard varieties. In addi-
working on sides and wont get to the roots of your plants. It tion, with the increasing interest in container
vegetables helps to mulch around the plants with straw or gardening, plant breeders and seed companies
specifically shredded bark. If you prevent the soil from getting are working on vegetables specifically bred for
bred for a hard, dry crust, waterings will be more effective. container culture. These varieties are not neces-
container A great way to keep containers watered is to set sarily miniature or dwarf and may produce as
culture. up a drip-irrigation system on a water timer. The well as standard types, if cared for properly.
irrigation system consists of a main water line All kinds of herbs can be grown successfully in
that runs beside your containers. Smaller tubes pots. However, there are some herbs that prefer
run to each container from the main line. A water moisture-rich soil, such as basil, cilantro, tarragon
CHARD FS/PS 1/2 gallon 4-6 Harvest leaves for long yield
Swiss
Rainbow
ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia) FS/PS Odd groupings of three, five or seven containers have
more visual appeal than even-number groupings.
FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) FS
DESIGN
Container gardening also presents opportunities
for being creative and lends itself to attractive
plantscaping. A dull patio area can be brightened
with the addition of baskets of cascading tomatoes
or a colorful herb mix. Planter boxes with trellises
can be used to create a cool, shady oasis on an
apartment balcony. Try mixing containers of veg-
etable plants with containers of blooming annual
flowers for a great splash of color. The containers
themselves can also add visual interest.
You can put the emphasis on the plants, not the
pots, by choosing container colors that harmonize
with the surroundings, or you can draw attention Plants should be moved to a sheltered location Write the
to the pots by using bright contrasting colors. I during severe rain, hail or windstorms and for name, variety
like to create visual interest by including a variety protection from early fall frosts. and planting
of pot sizes and shapes, all in the same colors. Ive If youre growing plants in a rooftop location, it date on a
found that odd groupings of three, five or seven may be windier than a normal garden. marker for
containers have more appeal than even groupings Windbreaks can help protect your plants. Use each
of two, four or six. Cluster the pots to add struc- trellises or some other type of latticed panel. container.
ture and mass. And if you run out of room, con- Windbreaks that disrupt the flow of the wind,
sider placing them in a variety of places, such as rather than stop it completely, are actually more
entrances, corners of buildings, gates, and on effective. Solid windbreaks are more likely to be
rooftops, decks, balconies and patios. They can knocked down by high winds than ones that allow
also camouflage unsightly areas, such as air- some air to flow through. Plus, you really dont
conditioning units and trash bins. want to eliminate the wind, you just want to
decrease it.
GENERAL CARE The fresh fruits and vegetables you harvest from
The same insects and diseases that are common your container garden are just as healthful and
to any vegetable garden will go after vegetables flavorful as those that rural-dwellers grow in their
grown in containers. Plants should be regularly acres-large plots. It just takes some creativity com-
inspected for signs of foliage- and fruit-feeding bined with growing know-how. uf
insects as well as the presence of diseases. Use
P. Allen Smith (www.pallensmith.com) is a professional
only organic methods of pest control. Protect the
garden designer, host of two national TV programs and
plants from extreme heat caused by light reflec-
a frequent guest on NBCs Today Show. For more con-
tion from pavement. Move them to a cool spot or tainer ideas, pick up P. Allen Smiths Container
shade them during the hottest part of the day. Gardens or other books in his Garden Home series.
EAT LOCAL:
Hire a Personal
Vegetable Gardener
If you love the idea of eating local
but hate that you dont have time
to tend a garden, hire someone to
do the dirty work.
BY ROSE STRONG
From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast persistent theme about the family vegetable
and the deserts in the western United States, garden these days: There isnt time to devote to
vegetable landscapes are replacing or being something that could possibly fail because you
installed right next to perennial gardens by have limited skills and knowledge about growing
professional landscapers. your own food.
I think most people like the idea of having a Tyler Storey of The Desert Garden in Phoenix,
garden, says Dave Schmidt of Produce Partners Ariz., calls himself a garden coach, an appropriate
in Kansas City, Mo. They like a place where you title for the folks who perform this service for
can see things happening, and its a source of per- their clients.
sonal pride. Probably a lot of people remember I keep a pretty loose definition of the term gar-
their parents or grandparents gardens. den coach, but it boils down to helping out with any
Schmidt concurs with what seems to be the new landscape or gardening issues a homeowner
What to Do with
All Those Veggies?
Putting meals together can be a challenge with a garden full
of fresh produce, especially during the peak of the season.
Shopping at the grocery store or farmers market, we make
some selection, says garden coach Tyler Storey. With your
own garden, you cook whats ripe that day. For some cus-
tomers, that can be a bit intimidating, but they adjust to having
fresh broccoli, carrots and peasdinner one night might be
pasta primavera and the harvest of broccoli raab and garlic, or
theyll have the classic Puglian dish, orecchiette con cime di
rape. Money cant buy vegetables that are any fresher than
those that come from your own garden.
PHOTOS BY JEANMFOGLE.COM
Left: Most
gardening
services offer
a contract so
that all
parties are
clear on what an age of diminishing and tainted resources, it
to expect. made sense to me to reprioritize what and how
plants were being used for landscaping, says
Talaro. It was a needs-based business.
Right: Some Her typical client is a middle-income, two-
services will person-working family with one or two children
harvest your who lacks the time, skill or inclination to build,
produce and maintain and harvest garden edibles.
leave it in a Ive heard varying theories about why people
basket on are getting back to having a vegetable garden and
your stoop. one is the desire for fresh food and the other is the
economy, says Talaro.
During the victory-garden era, patriotic duty
and a sense of pride inspired Americans to do
their part for those fighting in the war by putting
gardens in their backyards. Today, moral and
may have. Its a bit like being a walking, talking ethical issues influence the decision to grow our
instruction manual, says Storey. own food. With gardens in our backyards, we
Wendy Talaro, owner of Fruits 2 Nuts, is an eco- know where our produce comes from and that the
logical designer and consultant in Southern tomato on our sandwich was picked at the peak of
California, who helps her clients bring the freshest freshness. Local food eliminates the need to pick
food to their table from their own backyards. In our food prior to ripeness and transport it great
URBAN
Youve been wearing your Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle T-shirt for years, right? Freshen your
perspective with these ideas.
BY JESSICA WALLISER
In todays world of disposable convenience, ONE MANS TRASH ...
its trendy to be green, but it sure isnt easy. According to the Environmental Protection
Almost everything comes in a disposable Agency, the average American produces 4
form, and at one time or another, weve all pounds of trash every day. That adds up to
found ourselves grabbing prepackaged food more than 200 million tons of garbage
on-the-go, forgetting to every year. Yikesthats a lot of yuck!
take our reusable mug to Whats even harder to grasp is that the
the coffee shop, and buying large majority of this trash actually isnt
something we really didnt trash at all. An average of 60 to 85 percent
need. Its tough to remem- of each households garbage is recyclable.
ber to have a green atti- For example, its estimated that upwards of
tude when some days you 35 percent of our garbage consists of paper
can barely remember products that, in most cases, are easily
where you put your car recyclable, as are the 27 billion glass items
keys. But, take heart. we toss each year.
Even if you arent per- So how do we make it better without
fectly eco-chic all the feeling utterly overwhelmed? By taking
time (and, really, who the following concepts to heart, growing
PHOTOS BY JEANMFOGLE.COM
is?), there are plenty of some of your own food, and adopting a
clever and honest ways more planet-conscious routine, you can
th the bo ttoms cut to put Earth-friendly feel good about your efforts to boost your
wi
gallon milk jugs protect tender
One- and 1/2- ma de cloch es to action into your life. self-sustainability.
off canserve as home
st.
plants from fro
RENEWAL
URBAN FARM 2009 77
76x83.recycle urban renew 11/12/09 4:39 PM Page 78
Old Becomes
New, Again
Consider a few extra little ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in
the garden:
Cut up yogurt cups to make plant labels.
Use egg cartons to start seeds.
Store seeds in a film canister with a silica gel packet
inside. (Silica packets found in shoeboxes and purses
JESSICA WALLISER
help keep seeds dry.)
Use clear-plastic, clamshell-type take-out containers as Get more out of your toilet-paper tubes than just a
spin on the holder: Create pots for starting seeds.
mini-greenhouses to root plant cuttings.
Turn old boots into planters by filling them with soil and
potting succulents inside.
over-packaging is more and more common as our
Instead of buying mulch in bags, have bulk amounts
food (and other product) sources move further and
delivered in a truckno plastic bags to toss.
further from home. Buying stuff with less packaging
Instead of buying new metal plant stakes, use branches is one way to reduce your trash output. If you have a
and twigs to prop up perennials and veggies. choice at the store, buy the broccoli that isnt
Use old pantyhose as plant ties; theyre flexible and last covered in plastic shrink wrap (growing your own is
several seasons. even better), and buy your dry goods in bulk. Pasta,
Use broken tool handles as tomato stakes. beans, rice, cereals, flour, sugar, grains and many
other products are available sans packaging at bulk-
Use plastic knives for row markers in the garden.
food stores. Take your own containers to fill, and
Newspaper makes great mulch. Layer five to 10 sheets pick up a few loaves of freshly baked bread wrapped
thick on garden paths or between veggie plants, and in your own tea towels while youre there. Dont
cover it with shredded leaves or grass clippings. Till it forget your cloth shopping bags!
under the following spring. When we make conscientious decisions about
Make cloches from plastic milk jugs with the bottoms cut what we buy, and when we consider whether we
off to protect tender young plants from spring frosts. truly do or do not need another something in
our lives, were naturally reducing our waste
Hang scratched CDs around the berry patch to scare away
stream. If you buy, buy smart.
hungry birds.
A NEW LIFE
Reusing and repurposing what otherwise might
START WITH WHAT YOU BUY ... OR, get tossed is another way to be proactive. Grandma
BETTER STILL, WHAT YOU DONT probably taught you that old T-shirts make great
Reducing your consumption is the first step. dust cloths and that baby-food jars are perfect for
Dont buy what you dont need, and dont replace storing buttons and paperclips. For her generation
items that can be repaired. Next time youre at the and many before, it was compulsory for items to be
grocery store, look at a package for more than reused. (It was considered an incredible waste of
whats inside. Packaging materials account for an money to use something only once!) There were no
ever-increasing amount of landfill space, and paper towels, paper napkins or paper plates. It was
Collect water in a rain barrel, but secure the top to Sixty to 85 percent of the more than 200 million
prevent access by kids and animals. tons of trash we produce each year is recyclable.
Sort your recycling based on the needs of the recy- Rather than buying new and paying a premium, hit
cling center in your area to keep the process rolling local garage sales and resale stores for great furni-
along smoothly. ture, toys and clothing.
wash rags, cloth napkins and real plates. Go back throughout the garden. The yellow attracts the
to the reusable stuff, and cut out the disposables. little black flea beetles that bother eggplants and
Repurposing items breathes new life into them, the aphids that attack the tomato plants. They get
and there are all kinds of clever ways to do this trapped in the glue and die.
without inconveniencing your family. In his book The Green Gardeners Guide (Cool
Jim Long, owner of Long Creek Herbs, entertains Springs Press, 2008), author and television host
large groups of people for tours and herbal tastings. Joe Lampl notes that construction debris
He doesnt have the facilities to wash and store lots accounts for a large amount of landfill space. He
of cups, so he found a clever way to reuse the plastic suggests reusing old building materials to build
ones. Jim buys only yellow cups, then after the paths, walls, raised beds and cold frames. Lampl
tours are over, he coats their exterior in non-drying also has a great tip for reusing toilet-paper tubes:
glue and inverts them over little stakes placed Use them to start seeds indoors. Just fill it with
your favorite potting soil, place a seed or two prevent access by children and pets, and empty and
inside, and plant it directly into the ground once store it each winter.
the seedlings are ready for the great outdoors. Another great way to reuse is to purchase gently
Many farmers and gardeners find one of the worn clothing, furniture, kids toys and other
smartest (and simplest) things to reuse is water. items instead of buying new. Hit some local
Cool pasta-cooking water and use it to water out- garage sales, consignment shops and resale
door plants, collect water from the dehumidifier stores. Most of the stuff youll find there is in
to wash the dog, and save your veggie-washing terrific shape, the prices are always good, and
water for the houseplants. theres never any packaging to throw away. Dont
For an even greater impact, collect rainwater. forget to complete the cycle by taking your used
One inch of rainfall on a 1,000-foot roof yields items and reselling them at the same stores.
about 500 gallons of watermore than enough to Online resellers are another option for eco-
water the average garden. There are many types of friendly shoppers, though shipping the items uses
rain barrels available, ranging from fancy models to fuel energy and requires some packaging. Ebay
plain, old 55-gallon plastic drums. You should (www.ebay.com) and Craigslist (www.craigs
expect to pay $40 to $150 per barrel, depending on list.org) are terrific sources for previously loved
its composition and the accompanying extras. items as well as great places to unload what you
There are even green rain barrels made from no longer want. You can find, sell, trade and give
recycled plastics or used oak wine barrels. Most away items through the websitesfrom strawberry
models have built-in spigot connections at the plants to designer jeans to swing sets. You also
bottom, and some have overflow outlets that allow might want to check out The FreeCycle Network
you to connect several barrels. Positioning your (www.freecycle.org), an online listing of all kinds
barrel (or barrels) 1 foot or so above ground level of free, used items right in your hometown.
improves water flow by utilizing gravity. Listing your own excess items on these websites
Budget-conscience folks can fashion their own keeps the cycle going strong.
rain barrel from food-grade storage drumsbe sure
they never contained chemicals or petroleum prod- AND FINALLY ...
ucts. (Get instructions to make your own at Recycling allows new products to be made out of
www.hobbyfarms.com/rainbarrelproject.) used materials. Not only does recycling keep use-
Whatever model you choose, secure the top to ful materials out of landfills, it reduces the need
for new raw materials and the resulting pollution newspaper needs to be collected in a paper bag vs.
created in processing them. Critics argue that in being tied with a string, then do it. Whats the use
some instances, more energy is used in the recy- of recycling if you arent going to cooperate with
cling process than in the creation of new items, the company thats making it all happen?
but theres no argument about recyclings ability Though you cant turn a plastic soda bottle into
to keep certain items out of the landfill. a ketchup container by yourself, you can turn a
Recycling glass, aluminum, steel, plastic and substantial amount of your homes garbage into a
paper is mandatory in some communities, and useful, recycled product. Yard and garden waste
following the rules and regulations of your recy- accounts for up to 19 percent of the waste stream
cling processor is essential to keep the whole according to the EPA. Leaves, grass, plant trim-
process rolling along smoothly. If bottles need to mings and light brush are not trash and should
be rinsed and their lids removed, then do it. If not be taken to the curb. Instead, they should be
PHOTOS BY JEANMFOGLE.COM
No one uses pantyhose for much these days except
Broken tool handles serve as sturdy tomato stakes.
as plant ties in the garden.
plant debris, fresh trimmings, many eco-friendly options, the more smaller, your budget gets wiser, your
manure (not from dogs or cats) and we ask for them, the more widely land gets richer and, perhaps most
over-ripe veggies. Browns include available theyll become. importantly, your life gets deeper. uf
hay, straw, autumn leaves, shredded
Jessica Walliser is the author of Grow
newspaper, corrugated cardboard, A BETTER HOME
Organic: Over 250 Tips and Recipes for
unbleached napkins and paper towels. By following the reduce-reuse-recycle
Growing Flowers, Veggies, Lawns and More
Chopping or shredding these ingredi- mantra, your urban farm becomes a (St. Lynns Press, 2007). She lives and
ents before adding them to the pile better place. Your footprint gets gardens in Pennsylvania.
encourages speedier production, but
even whole sheets of cardboard will
eventually decompose.
Two more ingredients are needed to
keep the pile cooking: moisture and
oxygen. The oxygen is provided every
time you turn your pileideally once a
week. Long is lucky enough to have a
helper turn his compost pile: Our
Jack Russell terrier goes after the - Incubators - Range Feeders
- Brooders - Egg Racks
occasional chipmunk in the compost
- Coops - Egg Scales
pile, thus tilling it up and turning over
- Laying Nests - Egg Cartons
large amounts of soil to get to the
- CHick BOxes - Poultry Books
chipmunk. Its a win-win situation! If
- Feeders - Poultry Health
your canine isnt up for helping, turn - Waterers - poultry feed
your pile with a pitchfork or shovel. As
for the moisture, the ideal content FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS
should make your working pile feel like OVER $150 Coupon Code: hobby
a wrung-out sponge. Rainwater is usu-
ally adequate if your pile is open or
Free Catalog Available Call 1-800-624-4493 !
your bin has holes in the lid. Of course,
you can also add water from the hose
or rain barrel, if necessary.
Unfortunately, many horticultural
plastics, like nursery pots and flats,
are not recyclable in most states,
though some nurseries will take them Egg Incubators Brooders Waterers Egg Cartons
back for sterilization and reuse.
Lampl suggests only buying plants in
pots made from biodegradable mate-
rials. Containers constructed of rice
hulls, composted cow manure, peat
moss and pressed paper pulp are all
good options and can be planted in Laying Nests Poultry Health Feeders Poultry Coops
the ground with the plant. Assert
your convictions to nurseries and Order Toll Free 1-800-624-4493
Store Hours: M - F
garden centers to supply plants from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Order @: FlemingOutdoors.com
BY CHERYL MORRISON
mentsor any situation in between. sinks and cutting boards. All it takes
Whats more, todays food preserva- to put food by safely is common
tionists have access to modern tools sense and strict cleanliness. With
and techniques that could have light- any preservation method, follow
ened Grannys workload considerably. these guidelines:
Where to Put It All? storage for up to eight months, and frozen fruits can be
kept for up to one year with little deterioration. Food
The shelf life of foods depends a lot on how theyre stored. stored in most refrigerator freezers, which cannot maintain
Old farmhouses typically have attics, pantries and root cellars subzero temperatures, will deteriorate faster.
that can easily accommodate preserved food under ideal Proper storage conditions are also required for fresh
conditions, but most urban farmers must be creative about foods. Its wise to keep a thermometer in the refrigerator
finding food-storage space in tighter and check the temperature often, espe-
quarters. Dont overlook places that cially in hot weather. According to the
arent usually associated with food. You American Egg Board, the ideal condi-
might find unused spaces where you can tions for eggsorganic or otherwise
install racks or shelving in closets and are temperatures that dont exceed 40
under stairwells, for example. You can degrees F with a relative humidity of 70
also stash dried and canned foods in to 80 percent.
boxes under beds, stairs or computer Refrigeration slows the spoilage
tables, on bookshelves, or behind desks. of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Any locale will do if it provides the right Wrapping greens in moisture-proof
conditions. bags will prevent wilting.
The easiest preserved foods to store Potatoes, onions and other root
are dried fruits and vegetables. They will vegetables dont require refrigeration,
maintain their quality for months in any but they keep best in a well-ventilated
place where they can stay clean and dry. place at 50 to 60 degrees F. Carrots,
Caution: If youre storing plastic con- radishes and beets stay firm longer if
tainers of dried food any place where you remove their tops to slow the loss
rodents or insects might be present, of moisture.
stow them in metal cans with tight lids. Refrigeration can rob some fruits
Food that youve canned keeps best when its away from and vegetables of their flavor. Tomatoes, for example,
heat (which destroys vitamins), light (which causes color continue to ripen after theyre picked and should be kept at
loss) and moisture (which corrodes jar lids). If the only room temperature.
space you have is in kitchen cabinets, stack the jars on A trove of food-storage information, including recom-
shelves as far as possible from the stove and the sink. mended storage times for fresh and preserved foods, is
Frozen foods should be kept at temperatures of zero available at www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/
degrees F or lower for long-term storage. Foods vary in how consumers/default.htm. You can learn more about preser-
DAVID CAVAGNARO
long they will keep their shape, taste and texture in the vation and storage at www.hobbyfarms.com/canningsteps
freezer, but most frozen vegetables last well in subzero and www.hobbyfarms.com/canningfood.
A small house Start by wiping counters and cutting In addition to the recommended safety meas-
means limited boards with a 1-to-9 solution of bleach and water. ures, these guidelines will help ensure successful
storage space. Soak the fruits and vegetables in small lots, food-preservation efforts:
Get creative. with several changes of tap water, to remove any Preserve only fresh produce that is ripe but
soil. Lift them from the water so that that the dirt still firm.
you remove stays behind. Preserve no more than you can use before it
Use the hottest water possible to wash equip- begins to deteriorate. Most frozen foods start to
ment such as cutlery, spoons, ladles, funnels and lose texture and taste after a few months, and
rigid containers. If youre canning, sterilize the jars even canned goods and dried foods dont keep
and lids in boiling water just before you fill them. their appeal forever.
Clockwise: You
can purchase
or build a
dehydrator for
drying your
food in limited
space.
Window
screening can microwave). If you live in a dry, sunny place thats
be fashioned far enough from highways and other sources of air
into outdoor pollution, you can even let outdoor sunshine do
drying trays. the work. The dehydration process takes longer
than other preservation methods, but it requires
about the same amount of effort as freezing and
Any location less effort than canning.
will do for Before drying most fruits and apples, remove
storage, as their stones, pits or seeds. (For tomatoes, seeding
long as it is optional.) Slice apples into rings, and cut toma-
provides the toes in half. Plums, pears, nectarines and other
right large fruits should be halved, quartered or cut
conditions. into smaller wedges. The smaller the pieces, the
reason that the traditional name for string beans faster they dry. For cherries and other small
hung from attic rafters to dry is leather britches. fruits, no cutting is needed. Beans can be dried in
Dehydrating food successfully requires moving their pods or shelled and spread out to dry.
air that is dry and warmbut not so hot that it Apples, peaches and pears can turn unattrac-
cooks the food. A well-ventilated attic provides an tively dark when exposed to air. To prevent this,
ideal atmosphere for drying food, but you can soak them first in a solution of 6 tablespoons of
also purchase or build a dehydrator or use the pickling salt and 1 gallon of water or 2 table-
oven on your gas or electric range (not a spoons of ascorbic acid and 1 quart of water.
1 2
3
To oven-dry
fruit:
PHOTOS BY RHODA PEACHER
1: Remove
stones, pits or
seeds from
fruit and slice.
You can dry tomatoes and many other fruits 2: Slice apples
and vegetables by spreading the pieces on racks in rings, and
and putting them in an oven at its lowest setting quarter, wedge
for four to 12 hours. Use an oven thermometer to or halve
monitor the temperature, which must not exceed plums, pears,
145 degrees F. Unless your oven is vented, leave nectarines and
its door slightly ajar to permit air circulation. other large
Salting vegetable pieces before drying, which is fruits. Place
optional, adds flavor and shortens the drying time on an oven
by drawing out moisture. At the end of the rack for four
process, the produce should be pliable. overnight, or use a heavier covering at night so to 12 hours at
If you live in a warm, sunny, dry climate, you that dew doesnt collect on the fruit. the lowest
dont even need an oven for drying food. Place With any drying method, occasionally check setting.
fruit pieces on a new, sterilized window screen or for doneness. When done, the pieces should be
framed plastic screen, skin-side down for toma- soft and pliable but not moist. When you think 3: Check for
toes and unpeeled fruits. Drape cheesecloth over the drying is done, cut in to one piece; if its center doneness:
them to protect against insects; arrange the cloth is still moist, more drying time is needed. Fruit should
so that it doesnt touch the fruits and stick to Storing dried fruits and tomatoes requires only be soft and
them. Place the fruit in the sun, but keep the that you keep them clean and dry. You can store pliable but not
frame off the ground so that air can circulate dried produce in plastic bags, rigid plastic con- moist.
under it. Sun-drying takes a few days, but bring tainers or jars. As long as theyre clean and dry,
the frames inside before sunset and keep them in their quality will be maintained for months.
Left: Canning
doesnt have
to be an
exhaustive
exercise. It
can be done
in small,
manageable
batches.
Right: Store
dried fruits
Dried fruits add flavor to muffins and quick discoloration, dip the pieces in an ascorbic-acid
breads. Theyre essential in homemade granola, solution before packing.
and they can serve as the basis for chutneys. Dried Exposure to air can cause freezer burn, which
tomatoes can be cut finely and added to salads or makes food dry and unappetizing. You can keep
reconstituted with water or oil for use in cooking. air away from food by immersing it in liquid. If
youre using rigid containers, add wads of crum-
FREEZING pled wax paper (which can compress as the food
For berries, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, okra, expands during freezing) to keep the food from
and many other fruits and vegetables, freezing is bobbing to the surface.
the best way to preserve their flavor, texture, shape Freezing foods as rapidly as possible will help
and color over time, and freezing is safer than maintain their quality by preventing large ice
canning for low-acid vegetables such as peas and crystals from forming in them.
carrots. In other foods, including potatoes, celery Frozen foods last longer at zero degrees F or
and cucumbers, freezing produces undesirable lower, which requires a free-standing freezer.
changes in texture. Refrigerator freezers are opened too frequently to
When freezing produce, guard against enzymes maintain subzero temperatures, so theyre only
and air as well as bacteria. Enzymes break down good for short-term storage. Rule of thumb: A
the flavor and color of food, but blanching cut freezer is cold enough for long-term food preser-
produce in boiling water or steaming and then vation only if it keeps ice cream too hard to scoop.
plunging them into ice water will inactivate the You can pack fruits for freezing with or without
enzymes before packing and freezing. (Blanching liquid. Wet-packing in the fruits own juice or
in a microwave oven does not inactivate all simple syrup works better for halves or slices of
enzymes and is not recommended.) peaches, plums and other large, moist fruits.
Some foods, including peaches and other Vegetables are generally packed dry for freezing.
fruits, can turn brown in the freezer. To prevent With wet or dry pack, its important to remove as
i
n her new book, Well-Preserved, title a standout.
Eugenia Bone muses that she might Bone packs each
be the only person in SoHo with a basic recipe with
chest freezer. That she lives in a rent- flavor, then parlays
ed, gardenless apartment in New York the preserves, months later,
and does her harvesting in greenmar- into gourmet fare. In one series, a jar of
kets are among a series of revelations that cherries in spiced wine stars in a beef tender-
make her an unlikely devotee to food preserv- loin, a seared duck breast and a dessert soup.
Kris Sherer writes
ingthat homey art that conjures up images Let yourself mentally savor an all-local, mid-
about food, cooking of root cellars and ruralness. And as a working winters meal of chicken piccata with pickled
and agriculture. She mother powering through the supermom life, asparagus, for example, and you may become
lives and gardens in
free time is scarce. But can, cure and smoke convinced that food preserving, much like
the small city of
Lancaster, Pa. this author does, and her witty, comprehensive gardening itself, is worth the effort.
guide on the topic will be irresistibly inspiring
to urban gardeners. Well-Preserved: Recipes and Techniques for
Its the recipeswhich constitute roughly Putting Up Small Batches of Seasonal Foods,
by Eugenia Bone (Clarkson Potter, 2009)
three-quarters of the bookthat make this
American
Kitchen uses a
green biodegrad-
able substitute in
place of PFOA. American Kitchen
Eco Satin Cookware
Stuck in a perfluoroocatanoic acid (PFOA) rut?
American Kitchen uses a green biodegradable
substitute in place of the PFOA chemical in
its Eco Satin nonstick system. The stainless-
steel set includes two covered saucepans, a
covered stockpot, a covered saut pan and
two frying pans.
www.americankitchencookware.com
262-626-2121
Double-duty:
Herb-based Marinades
For foods destined for the grill, the best marinades do double duty.
They add new layers of flavor, sure, but they also contribute moisture
that offsets the drying effect of the grills intense heat. These two mari-
nades, which pull in bunches of herbs from your garden, do both.
PHOTOS BY FOODANDDRINKPHOTOS.COM
With either marinade, place the foods to be marinaded in a nonreactive
baking dish. Sprinkle meats lightly with salt on all surfaces; do not salt
vegetables. Add the marinade, turn foods to coat, seal with plastic
wrap, and refrigerate. Vegetables will absorb flavor and moisture quickly,
needing no more than one hours marinating time. Proteins benefit
from a longer soakseveral hours to overnight.
Recipe Recipe
From Tree to
Ideas for
7 Table
FOODANDDRINKPHOTOS.COM
Cucumbers
KOREAN-STYLE PICKLES
INFUSE VODKA. To a
2 glass jar, add one sliced
cucumber and vodka. Let
6 FREEZE INTO A
GRANITA. Pure about
4 cups of chopped, seeded
stand at room temperature cucumbers with tarragon
two to three weeks, tasting leaves, 3/4 cup water, 1/2
periodically. Strain. Store in cup sugar and a pinch of
refrigerator.
From tree to table to Earth: In
salt. Freeze mixture in a
baking dish, breaking up India, VerTerra Dinnerware gathers
WHIP UP A CHILLED
3 INDIAN SOUP. Pure
until smooth seeded cucum-
with a fork every hour or
so, for about four hours. fallen palm leaves that would
ber, plain yogurt, milk, MAKE A THAI SLAW.
curry powder, ground 7 Combine cucumber and
otherwise be burned, then steams
coriander, a pinch of carrot matchsticks, cilantro, and presses them into handsome,
chopped garlic and salt. and chopped, roasted
Chill for several hours. peanuts. Separately, whisk chemical-free dinner plates.
together lime juice, Asian
WHITTLE SERVING Composted, the plates biodegrade
4 DISHES. Peel cucumbers
and cut in half lengthwise.
fish sauce, a liquid sweetener
(such as mirin) and a dash of within two months.
chili oil. Dress the slaw just
Using a sharp paring knife
before serving. www.verterra.com uf
Growing Communities
Urban community gardens provide more than just fresh, healthy
food for residentscommunity pride grows there, too.
BY CHERIE LANGLOIS
B
arbara Lafitte-Oluwole has rarely met security into their own green-thumbed hands by
a fresh vegetable she didnt like. As an growing gardens to help sustain themselves, their
avid gardener who grew up on a farm, families and communities. Out of the burgeoning
she knows from experience a sun- number of beautiful community gardens and
ripened tomato plucked from the vine innovative gardening programs blossoming
tastes superior to the insipid ones sold at most throughout the United States, the following three
grocery stores. As a mother and grandmother, she caught this gardeners fancy.
also believes nutritious food free of chemicals are
healthier for our children. But for Lafitte- City Slicker Farms
Oluwoleand for more than 23,000 other,
WEST OAKLAND, CALIF.
mostly low-income residents of West Oakland,
Calif.zipping over to a local supermarket to buy n Monday mornings, even though she has
produce of any kind is no easy task.
West Oakland has no supermarkets, says
Barbara Finnin, executive director of City Slicker
O two chickens of her own to feed (a gift
from City Slicker Farms), Lafitte-Oluwole
volunteers to care for the City Slicker flock before
Farms, an organization dedicated to creating she heads to her job at Oakland Community
organic community market farms and backyard Organizations. Freshly gathered eggs from these
vegetable gardens in the area. Theres no access happy hens go to a City Slicker farm stand not far
to real food thats affordable and good for you, the from her home, where each Saturday, Lafitte-
big one being produce. Oluwole shops among an abundance of fresh pro-
Across the United States, residents of under- duce grown by sustainable methods on six
served inner-city communities like West Oakland community market farms in West Oakland. The
face the same predicament: With genuine grocery potatoes, carrots, greens, tomatoes and other veg-
stores relegated to more well-to-do neighbor- etables she obtains here will supplement the har-
hoods and suburbs, the most accessible foods, vest from her own vegetable gardenwhich, by
courtesy of fast-food restaurants and pricy con- the way, also came courtesy of (you guessed it!)
venience stores, often come laden with unhealthy City Slicker Farms.
fats, sugar, salt and chemical additives. The Were about growing and distributing afford-
results: slimmer wallets, larger waistlines and a able organic food, explains Finnin. City Slicker
range of health problems arising from poor nutri- differs from other community garden programs
tion. We have a lot of issues with diabetes, stroke in that its not a community garden where every-
and asthma, Finnin says. one has their own plot. We use biointensive farm-
Spurred on in part by this sorry situation, ing on six different plots and sell the produce at
urban gardeners have been taking matters of food the farm market specifically for West Oakland
Clockwise:
Barbara
Lafitte-Oluwole
tends the two
chickens given
to her by City
Slicker Farms.
City Slicker
Farms grows
and distributes
affordable
organic food.
City Slicker
uses biointen-
sive farming
on six plots
and sells the
City produce at the
On designated
days of the
CLOCKWISE: COURTESY BARBARA LAFITTE-OLUWOLE, JULIE PLASENCIA, COURTESY CITY SLICKER FARMS, JULIE PLASENCIA
week, commu-
nity members
volunteer at
the plots to
get dirt on
their hands.
Clockwise:
Built in 1975,
the Danny
Woo
Community
Garden sprang
from seeds of
change
planted during
the turbulent
1960s.
Built from a
blackberry
bramble, the
garden took The
thousands of Danny Woo
hours of International
volunteer work
District
Community
to clear and
Approximately
105 individual
garden plots
range from
100 to 250
square feet in
size.
can afford, according to a three-tiered sliding
scale. Within the first tier, called Free Spirit,
produce is free; the second, Just Getting By,
asks customers to pay conventional prices, and in
the third, Sugar Mama/Daddy, folks pay a pre-
mium to help subsidize the other two tiers.
As you can imagine, giving food away doesnt
make a profit, and in fact, City Slicker Farms is a
residents, particularly low-income people. Weve non-profit organization running on a shoestring
found it to be a really good strategy. budget. The group has a board of directors; a tiny
On designated days of the week, community paid staff (executive director and program assis-
members and volunteers arrive at the plots to tant); three farm apprentices who work for a
learn about farming, share gardening informa- stipend plus room and board; and a slew of volun-
tion and get some good, old garden dirt on their teers generously giving their time, muscle power
hands. Their collective harvest goes to the Center and gardening expertise. Finnin stresses that the
Street Farm stand, where shoppers pay what they organization relies heavily on donations,
International District You need to identify those who want to be leaders in the
community, give them the training, and then you plant the
Community Garden garden ... What we found out years ago was that in order for a
SEATTLE, WASH. community garden to be successful, it must be organized
externally and internally. The external things are what take place
visit to Seattles International District feels
A
in the garden: planting and harvesting at the right time, identi-
like a trip to a faraway land, minus the fying problems and challenges. But if it isnt organized internal-
interminable plane ride and disorienting ly, where you have a set of officers dealing with challenges that
jet lag. Oriental characters grace the exteriors of come down, it wont last. Bobby Wilson, president of the
diminutive shops selling fragrant teas, American Community Gardening Association and coordinator for
mysterious herbs and Buddha statues; the Atlanta Urban Gardening Program in Georgia.
restaurants rumble with rolling dim sum carts and
dangle cooked ducks in their windows; and a short
stroll uphill brings you to a place where
elderly gardeners tend terraced plots filled with during the turbulent 1960s, when many families
lush Asian greens, crisp bok choy and other tradi- and business owners in Seattles Chinatown/
tional crops. In an urban district suffering from a International District found themselves displaced
dearth of open space, this garden on a sun-kissed by the construction of Interstate 5. We were an
day in summer shines like a rare and precious jade. underserved communityfrom health and
Built in 1975, the Danny Woo Community various social services to city services like public
Garden sprang from seeds of change planted safety, says Tom Im, a community planner with
Clockwise:
The Atlanta
program cleans
up neighbor-
hoods, beauti-
fies the urban
environment
and gives
community
members green
spaces to play
and relax.
Atlantas urban
gardeners
are fortunate Atlanta
to have Urban
Bobby Wilson Gardening
coordinate the Program
Atlanta Urban
Gardening
Program.
Wilson stresses
especially after the business leaders saw how $400 to $600 worth of fresh vegetables a year,
much work they put into it. says Bobby Wilson, a cooperative extension agent
Today, where an unruly tangle of blackberries with the University of Georgia and president of
once crawled, the Danny Woo Community the American Community Garden Association.
Garden consists of approximately 105 individual This figure is based on one of our gardeners
garden plots ranging from 100 to 250 square feet growing for a whole year, and were fortunate that
in size. The gardeners who come to tend their we can grow something all year-round here.
flourishing plots are primarily low-income Atlantas urban gardeners are also fortunate to
women over the age of 60, many of Chinese and have Wilson coordinate the Atlanta Urban
Korean heritage. Before immigrating to the Gardening Program, working with low-income
states, most of these hard-working gardeners residents in poorly nourished inner-city commu-
came from agrarian backgrounds but now live in nities to create bountiful community gardens.
small, socially assisted units, studios or one- According to Wilson, the program has been
bedroom apartments, with no gardening space of pretty successful at establishing gardens in the
their own. Along with providing wholesome food, areamore than 250 altogether and some 25 of
the earthy act of gardening lures residents out- them just this past summer. Not bad considering
doors to do something physical and enjoyable. many citiesAtlanta includedlost all or part of
Whats more, it gives them an opportunity to net- their government funding for urban gardening,
work with other gardeners and create a commu- he says, sometime in the late 1990s.
nity among themselves, Im says. In ACGAs Growing Community Workshops,
Like City Slicker Farms, InterIm counts on the Wilson educates gardeners about the complete
generosity of its volunteers. Students from the cycle of gardening for food: how to plant, care for,
University of Washington and Seattle University, harvest and consume vegetables, and what to do
Americorps volunteers, and others tackle projects with the surplusshare it with others, sell it or
ranging from weeding and litter pickup to the on- preserve it. However, he also stresses that a com-
going replacement of rotting railroad ties with munity garden is not so much about growing
concrete retaining walls. A paid garden manager food, but about building a healthy community. weblink:
maintains pathways, cares for the perennials and The program cleans up neighborhoods where
farms.com/communitygardentips
community garden, visit www.hobby
For an easy checklist for starting a
fruit trees, and oversees allocating the free garden vacant lots harbor drug and prostitute activity
plots. Low-income elderly residents have priority, and serve as convenient dumping grounds for
followed by other community members, low- garbage. It beautifies the urban environment with
income folks outside the district and then vibrant vegetables and flowers, giving community
everybody else. members green spaces to play and relax. It offers
leadership training programs to help create good
Atlanta Urban community leaders and feeds 350 hungry home-
W
time it takes for them to walk to the garden, weed
mers, AtlantaGeorgias largest cityis and interact therethats the majority of their
a paradise for community gardeners who exercise and social interaction, explains Wilson.
want (or need) to grow a steady supply of nutri- My gardeners [also] look forward to our monthly
tious vegetables, from cool-season collard greens gardening and leadership training programs ...
to heat-hungry peppers. In this area of Georgia, this is the biggest event for them. uf
weve found that in an average-sized raised bed
Cherie Langlois is a freelance writer who gardens,
(4- by 16-foot), we can produce anywhere from
bakes and raises livestock in rural Kapowsin, Wash.
B Y P. A L L E N S M I T H / P H O T O S B Y H O R T U S LT D .
1: Select your
container
and gather
supplies.
2: Add gravel
gently. If the
neck of the
container is
narrow, use a
2 3 paper funnel
to direct the
gravel to the
bottom.
3: Add sphag-
num moss on
top of charcoal
(optional).
4 5 4: Top the
moss with 2 to
3 inches of
container soil
mix.
5: Choose
plants that
have the same
requirements
for light, water
6 7 and humidity.
6: Add some
fun accents
like natural
stones.
7: Lightly
water the soil.
No More Scraps
Pile It ... In Style WHY YOU NEED IT: If you dont have a back-
yard, you can still compost food scraps with
WHY YOU NEED IT: Theres nothing pretty this self-contained, electric-powered
about kitchen waste waiting for the compost composter.
bin. Until now. WHY WE LOVE IT: Throw in up to 120 pounds
WHY WE LOVE IT: This 1-gallon stainless- of food scraps per month, wait a week, pull
steel compost pail looks sleek and modern out finished compost.
and wont absorb odors or colors from GET IT: Gardeners Supply Company:
pungent food scraps.
888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
GET IT:Gardeners Supply Company:
888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
< Out with the Trash
WHY YOU NEED IT: What you cant recycle,
reuse or compost, you can dispose of in
biodegradable style.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Perf Go Green not only has
trash bags, but also doggie duty bags and
cat-pan liners.
GET IT: 212-935-3550,
www.perfgogreen.com
Natural Display
WHY YOU NEED IT: With Victorian-style glass
and a T-5 grow light, this terrarium is the
master of bringing natural plants into your
home all year long.
WHY WE LOVE IT: After reading P. Allen
Smiths Mini Gardens Under Glass article
about terrariums on page 102, we searched
for Wardian cases to build our own, and this
is one of our faves.
GET IT: Gardeners Supply Company:
888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com
CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 19-20 Fort Collins, Colo. own jar of organic sauerkraut; 603-786-2366;
Sustainable Living Fair: Interact with vendors and www.dacres.org
SEPTEMBER 2 Pendleton, Ore. Residential learn from workshops, food contests, a recycled OCTOBER 22-24 Bordentown, N.J. Bee-ginners
Basics of Going Solar: Learn the basics of solar fashion show and more activities at this 10th annual Beekeeping: Designed to provide information for new
energy in Oregon, from solar systems to tax credits, event; 970-224-FAIR; www.sustainablelivingfair.org beekeepers to start and care for a Honey bee colony,
in this free workshop; 503-231-5662; SEPTEMBER 22 New York, N.Y. Canning the the course covers bee biology, hive management,
www.solaroregon.org Fruits of NYC Trees: At Brooklyn Botanic Garden, purchasing queen bees, honey extraction, candle-
learn techniques to preserve your harvest all year making, hands-on sessions and more; 732-932-9271;
SEPTEMBER 5 Hopland, Calif. Biointensive www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/ae0401ca.html
Gardening: In this workshop, learn the basic principles long using mason jars, a hot-water bath and your
and skills associated with biointensive gardening delicious, homegrown vegetables; 212-645-9880; OCTOBER 22-24 Fairfield, Iowa. Grow
growing more food than you ever dreamed of in a www.justfood.org/cityfarms/workshops Biointensive Sustainable Mini-farming Workshop:
space smaller than you ever thought possible Heres an exciting opportunity for gardeners of all
SEPTEMBER 25-27 Unity, Maine. Common levels to gain an understanding of John Jeavonss
including tool selection, bed preparation, plant propa- Ground Country Fair: Come on down East for the
gation and more; 707-472-2450; www.solarliving.org Grow Biointensive philosophy and techniques; 707-
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Associations
459-5958; www.johnjeavons.info
SEPTEMBER 7 Zanesville, Ohio. The Ohio 33rd annual gathering. Organic farmers from all
Green Living Fayre: This annual grassroots event over Maine, vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators OCTOBER 23 San Francisco, Calif. Organic
celebrates the communitys identity rooted in the share knowledge about sustainable living; eat deli- Beer, Wine and Spirit Tasting: Join CCOF at their
principles of sustainability. Workshops and vendors cious, organic, local food; buy and sell Maine crafts; fourth annual event to sample a range of organic
focus on alternative building and energy, sustain- and compete in various activities; www.mofga.org beer and wine and chat with the winemakers and
able food and agriculture, sustainable living, and brewers; www.ccof.org/ccoftastingsanfrancisco.php
wellness and healing; www.ohiogreenliving.org/? SEPTEMBER 26-27 Sturbridge, Mass.
Natural Living Expo: More than 135 exhibitors and OCTOBER 24 Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. Preparing
page_id=22 Hives for Winter: Chris Harp will explain the latest
professionals in natural medicine, green living, and
SEPTEMBER 12 New York, N.Y. Fall Harvest personal and family wellness will put on workshops sustainable methods for beekeepers, beginner to
Fair: Gather at the Garden of Happiness to celebrate and activities; 508-278-9640; www.spiritofchange. advanced, who are searching for ways to preserve
community gardens and urban farming with three org/expo and enhance the health of Honey bees; www.pfeiffer
workshops as part of the New York Botanical center.org
Gardens Edible Gardening workshop series; 212- OCTOBER 3-4 Asheville, N.C. Backyard
Sustainability Workshop: Get an intro to the tricks of
OCTOBER 31 Hopland, Calif. Mushroom
645-9880; www.justfood.org/cityfarms/workshops Cultivation at Home and in the Garden: This work-
urban homesteading. Learn what it takes to raise
SEPTEMBER 12 Hopland, Calif. Sustainable chickens, shiitake mushrooms, Honey bees and red
shop will cover boosting plant yields with mycor-
Beekeeping: In this introductory course, gain the rhizae fungi, indoor and outdoor growing tech-
worms; work with fish ponds, graywater and rain
basics associated with starting and managing a niques, the mushroom lifecycle and functions,
catchment; and more; 828-225-8820;
sustainable bee hive, from concepts and terminology medicinal properties of certain mushrooms, and
www.ashevillage.org/avi/index.php
to ensuring your hives success; 707-472-2450; much more. Youll leave with the knowledge,
www.solarliving.org OCTOBER 4 Covington, Ga. Field of Green resources and enthusiasm to grow your own mush-
Festival: This event brings together locally grown rooms; 707-472-2450; www.solarliving.org
SEPTEMBER 12 New York, N.Y. Cooking in the
food, live music and green-living education spon- NOVEMBER 6-7 Asheville, N.C. Rainwater and
Moment: Greenmarket Cuisine: Forge a culinary
sored by Slow Food Atlanta; 770-601-0110; Greywater Catchment Workshop: Learn the art of
connection with the Union Square Greenmarket and
www.whippoorwillhollowfarm.com catching, storing and using rainwater, greywater
its farmers with this program from the Institute of
Culinary Education, billed as part walking tour, part OCTOBER 10-13 Des Moines, Iowa. and stormwater resources in passive rain gardens,
cooking class; www.iceculinary.com Community Food Security Coalitions Annual tanks, ponds, canals and tubs; 828-225-8820;
Conference: Fifty workshops, a food film festival, www.ashevillage.org/avi/index.php
SEPTEMBER 12 Middlebury, Vt. Sustainable
Garden and Landscape Design: Judith Irven will field trips, business meetings, a trade show and NOVEMBER 11-12 Phoenix, Ariz. Greenbuild
show you how with blueprints for a sustainable more will focus on farm-to-cafeteria programs, food International Conference and Expo: This is the place
garden, an examination of sustainable plant-garden access in rural and urban communities, food poli- to learn how green can grow your business with
communities and a visual celebration of every tics, labor and immigration in community food sys- 1,900 exhibit booths showcasing innovative prod-
season; 802-434-4122; www.nofavt.org tems, international food security, local foods, food ucts and services, more than 100 educational ses-
access in underserved communities, and more; sions, workshops and tours; 866-579-8413;
SEPTEMBER 12-13 Norway, Iowa. I-Renew 503-954-2970; www.communityfoodconference.org www.greenbuildexpo.org
Energy & Sustainability Expo: The expo features
workshops, speakers and demonstrations on OCTOBER 11 Throughout Maine. Open NOVEMBER 12-13 Little Rock, Ark. Arkansas
renewable energy, sustainable living, green building, Creamery Day: Twenty cheese makers and cream- Farm to School Conference: Heifer International
energy-efficient technology, renewable fuels, alter- eries invite the public to watch their craft and taste hosts this event for Arkansas farmers, school nutri-
native transportation, advocacy, energy technology their wares; www.mainecheeseguild.org tion directors, nutrition educators and related pro-
and related topics; 319-338-1076; www.irenew.org fessionals to network, learn from Farm to School
OCTOBER 12-13 Ukiah, Calif. Intro to Off-grid experts and develop plans for making Farm to
SEPTEMBER 13 Phoenix, Ariz. Build your own Systems: This workshop provides an introduction to School a reality in Arkansas; 501-907-2856;
Rain Barrel: Convert a 55-gallon drum into a rain off-grid solar, wind and hydroelectric systems; 707- www.farmtoschool.org/AR/upcoming.htm
barrel. Bring your own barrel or purchase one at the 472-2450; www.solarliving.org
class to convert into a water harvester with a tap DECEMBER 4 San Fransisco, Calif. Green
and overflow; www.phoenixpermaculture.net OCTOBER 12-13 Asheville, N.C. Urban Careers: At this interactive workshop, youll gain
Aquaculture Workshop: Learn about aquaculture as insight and practical knowledge in the new world of
SEPTEMBER 19-20 Asheville, N.C. a way to cultivate local, high-protein foods, such as green jobs and careersfrom career self-
Permaculture Design Course: Get introduced to the tilapia, bass, red clawfish and aquatic plants, while assessment to green-job-hunting strategies and
principles and practices of permaculture. This course recycling and purifying rain water; 828-225-8820; resources, youll be able to develop your new action
has an urban, neighborhood and residential focus www.ashevillage.org/avi/index.php plan; www.greenbuildingexchange.com uf
and includes principles and ethics of sustainability,
creating integrated and regenerative human eco- OCTOBER 17 Dorchester, N.H. The Art of
weblink:
systems, creating local food sheds and food forests, Fermentation: After learning the basics of lacto-
healing cultural damage, edible landscaping, and fermentationused before the days of refrigeration, For more calendar and event listings, go
many more topics; 828-225-8820; www.ashe pasteurization, freezing and canning as a means to to www.urbanfarmonline.com/calendar
village.org/avi/index.php preserve foodyoull make and take home your
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