Seven years ago we were newbies at urban farming... We didn't know how to grow anything and, truth be told, I was a teensy bit afraid of chickens. I had always been interested in urban farming, but it wasn't until I was married and had kids of my own that I took my farming dream seriously. At the time my dream developed we were living in a … [Read more...]
Urban Farming: Getting Started with your Dream
The urban farming life, man. There's nothing like it. Seven years ago we dove into growing our own food on an acre here in Phoenix, Arizona. It's been seven years of learning & growing with plenty of ups & downs, but we wouldn't change it for the world. There's something magical about gathering eggs, bringing in fresh milk, & … [Read more...]
VIDEO | Spring 2016 Backyard Farm Tour
Life on our little backyard farm... Man, I love it. I love this little farm so much I want to marry it. Poop n' all. You gotta make sacrifices in marriage. Where am I going with this? Oh right, farming. The fact that I love it. Growing your own food rocks. I'm still blown away at how providing our own eggs, milk, meat, … [Read more...]
Creating an outdoor space your children will LOVE.
The following is a guest post by James Davis. James is a co-founder of Camp Stomping Ground, a summer camp in New York designed to help kids find lifelong friendships while also pursuing things that interest them. He’s also a part time stay at home Dad that spends a great deal of time trying to figure out how to create nutrient rich … [Read more...]
Goat Fencing: How to keep your goats from breaking out.
The following is a guest post by Liz Greene. Liz hails from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene or delve deeper into her internal musings at her … [Read more...]
Sustainable Farming: Caring for animals the way nature intended
Have you ever wondered how people "did it" back then? No, I'm not talking about hanky panky (git yer mind outta the gutter!). I'm talking about how they actually survived, without phones or stores or an app to tell you that your Amazon package was just placed on your doorstep? (Because who has time to walk to your door to check for … [Read more...]
How much does raising meat chickens cost?
Contrary to popular belief... Chicken doesn't come in a package. At least not all by itself. And if you're feeling the itch to be all homestead-y and curious as to whether you could raise meat chickens yourself, you've come to the right place. Is it cheaper to raise meat chickens yourself? The answer is a little more … [Read more...]
A Tale of the Meanest Goose You Ever Did Meet
Once upon a time, there was a mean 'ol goose named Madam Honks a Lot who decided to build a nest. Every day, she'd gather sticks and place them in a pile next to the shed. All she cared about was gathering sticks. No more days of nibbling on fresh green grass. Gone were the moments of dunking her head in her water bowl when no one was … [Read more...]
Capable & Hardworking Kids Do This…
Kids are amazing, aren't they? They can single-handedly figure out the latest video game without reading the instructions once. They can memorize the statistics of every Pokémon character ever created. And don't even get me started on their imagination. Kids are notorious for developing plot lines that even Tim Burton would be envious … [Read more...]
How to Stop a Rooster from Crowing
It's 3 am. And your rooster just won't stop. We've all been there. If only we had known that roosters don't just crow at sunrise. They instead crow roughly 12-15 times per day, with much of that happening right when we're all fast asleep! God only knows why they choose 3 am, but alas, they do. Me? I can sleep right through a rooster … [Read more...]
Planting Tropical Trees in the Desert
Fresh mangoes, ripe avocados, and delicious bananas right from your desert backyard? Heck yes, man! This week we planted four tropical trees in our front yard, and I am stoked to share with you how we did it! Because we live in Arizona, I thought it would be impossible to grow tropical trees here. We've got heat all right, but pretty much … [Read more...]
I’m sorry, but… If you can’t tolerate farm butchering, you shouldn’t eat meat.
Let me preface this post by saying this is not directed towards vegans or vegetarians or anybody who chooses not to eat meat. If you have chosen to avoid meat, more power to ya.' It all started with undescended goat testicles (as most stories do)... Our little Nigerian Dwarf goat, Lacey, had just given birth to triplets. Because we don't … [Read more...]