Urban "Farm"

Urban homesteading and urban farming are big buzz words these days, and for good reason.  Our society has reached a place where we rely almost exclusively on conglomerate food delivery systems (aka supermarkets).  Gone are the days of Laura's little house in the midwest prairie where Pa built a house with raw materials that he gathered with his bare hands and where nearly everything they ate was grown, hunted or foraged.

Yet more and more Americans feel compelled to start growing their own foods again.  Their reasons are varied: healthier food, less expensive food, hobby, or a desire to be a little more self-reliant.  Whatever their reasons, more people are trying to relearn what was once common knowledge to pioneering Americans.

My own journey began with two large terra cotta pots.  I planted a tomato plant in one and a cucumber plant in another.  I harvested several cucumbers, but not one tomato, although the plant towered over my head.  I learned that they were too shaded on my patio.  I graduated to a four-foot by four-foot raised bed, then added another, then doubled that.  It's been a process of experimentation, some errors and failures, and plenty of delicious food that I started from seed.  

I also added chickens.  Just one to start with.  My kids named her "Chicken".  Then we added three more: Buttercup, Milly and Jackson.  Every egg that is found brings a sense of wonder and thrill to my children, and I love the extra food it puts on my table.  There is something so empowering and exciting that comes from producing food on your own piece of property.  And if I can do it in the scorching Sonoran Desert, you can do it wherever you live!

One of the most inspiring websites I've ever visited is Path to Freedom's Little Homestead in the City.  The Dervaes family is a living example of breaking the grip of America's food system and "big ag".  They live in an ordinary home in the heart of Pasadena, California, with only one-tenth of an acre of yard space.  Yet in that setting, they produce 350 different kinds of vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries, harvesting about 6,000 pounds annually!  They also collect thousands of eggs per year from their backyard foul, and honey from their own beehives.  This feeds their family of five and also produces income as they sell to local restaurants and neighbors.

But the Dervaes do so much more than just produce food on their tiny piece of property.  You really ought to check out their website.  It will inspire you and help you to understand just how much you can do to be more self-reliant, even in the most urban setting!  Visit Path to Freedom's Little Homestead in the City to find out more.