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Author Archives: Rachel

Guest Post – John & Paula’s Suburban Farm Story

Posted on: March 29th, 2012 by Rachel

One of the best things urban farming has done for us was meet a lot of amazing people that we are now so very lucky to call our friends. Today’s post comes from Paula and John, some of those amazing people. Our dining room wall is painted with chalkboard paint; This is where we [Read the full story ...]

All About Organic Soil Amendments

Posted on: March 28th, 2012 by Rachel

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There are a lot of different types of organic soil amendments. I’ve decided to go ahead and breakdown some of the more common and less common ones, what they are used for and where they come from (some are not exactly environmentally friendly). While researching all the different amendments I was rather surprised at how [Read the full story ...]

Waiting for Disaster

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Rachel

Last year it rained so hard for so long that we didn’t get any fruit from our trees and the powdery mildew, snails, slugs, and aphids were out of control. So were the spiders which cost us several hundred dollars in vet bills for Squeek and Daisy. Then the seedcorn maggots came back but this [Read the full story ...]

5 Reasons Why You Want Chickens

Posted on: March 26th, 2012 by Rachel

One of my girls enjoying some grass and bugs At one point I was definitely a chicken hoarder. I’ve now been able to rein myself in to keep it at a respectable 12 hens. Well, right now we have 11 hens, but we’re hoping to get some new chicks here next … Continue reading the [Read the full story ...]

The Brand New Sunset Western Garden Book Review (through the eyes of a professional)

Posted on: March 22nd, 2012 by Rachel

*Disclaimer* I have not been paid, nor have I received anything to review this book. The ubiquitous Sunset Western Garden Book is a pretty substantial part of my every day life. It is … Continue reading the story “The Brand New Sunset Western Garden Book Review (through the eyes of a professional)”

The Edible Front Yard Without Pissing Off Your Neighbors (or Your City)

Posted on: March 21st, 2012 by Rachel

Using as much of your property to grow food is becoming more and more popular.Unfortunately there are some that don’t feel that food growing should be in public view. I don’t know when fruits and vegetables were looked at as unattractive but proper planning can make for an attractive vegetable garden. Sometimes, however, no matter [Read the full story ...]

Salted Spicy Chocolate Ice Cream

Posted on: March 20th, 2012 by Rachel

One of my favorite things to sip on when it’s cold and rainy out is Mexican Hot Chocolate. The sweet, spicy and salty flavors compliment each other perfectly. But what about when it’s warm and sunny out? Turn it into an ice cream of course! Of course it doesn’t completely transfer over so … Continue [Read the full story ...]

Damn Digging Dogs!

Posted on: March 19th, 2012 by Rachel

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Let’s face it. Digging is fun for dogs. That’s pretty much why they do it. Even dogs that aren’t bored like to dig. And once they learn how much fun digging is it can be hard to stop them. If you are a gardener there is nothing more frustrating than finding a newly planted bed [Read the full story ...]

The Life of Riley

Posted on: March 15th, 2012 by Rachel

Handsome Riley I realized the other day after I wrote about the cats that there’s one major character here that I pretty much never talk about. I’m not sure why I never mention him. He’s had a huge impact on my life and has taught me a lot about animals. Today I’m going … Continue [Read the full story ...]

Animals Made Me a Better Gardener

Posted on: March 14th, 2012 by Rachel

Our animals are eating weed trimmings from next door that we know are not treated with anything. Back before petrochemical fertilizer cocktails, farmers weren’t monocroppers. They ran a closed system and part of that system included animals. The animals ate the crop waste and silage. They helped work the land. And their waste … Continue [Read the full story ...]