By Cindy Naas

Not sempervivum, although those plants are lovely.

I’m talking about real hens and real chicks.

Urban chicken farming is catching on all around the country. Could it be for you?

Which Came First?

The renewed interest in raising chickens begins for many people when they eat their first organic egg. The flavor of free-range eggs is noticeably different from commercially produced eggs, and many people feel the organic eggs are far healthier as well. If gathering your own fresh-laid eggs appeals to you, perhaps you’d make a good urban chicken farmer.

When The Rooster Crows

Many cities are beginning to allow chickens within city limits, but several have Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

I began reading the Shibaguyz blog after I began writing here on UGC, and I have to say, it is one of the few blogs I visit almost daily in the hopes of finding a new post.

These two men, Jason and Shannon, lead an interesting life.

They also are raising some of the cutest dogs around, two shiba inu boys. Hence, the Shibaguyz.

Recently, they took time from their busy gardening schedule to let me ask them a few questions. I think they have a lot of good ideas for all of us urban gardeners.

Background

Jason and Shannon both grew up around farms. One was raised on a farm, the other had a large vegetable garden tended by his mother. So, after they met, they both knew they wanted to find a little place to live where they could grow Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

Every year the All American Selection committee announces the newest winners in its testing programs.

Their mission? “To promote new garden seed varieties with superior garden performance judged in impartial trials in North America.”

They test new varieties that have not been available for sale yet, then choose the most promising ones as winners.

This year, there were 4 winners announced:

– Viola F1 ‘Rain Blue and Purple’ (Viola cornuta) was named as the 2009 Cool Season Bedding Plant Award Winner. This viola was bred Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

The more I get involved in growing my own food in a city garden, the more I start to change other aspects of my life.

A lot of people involved in the urban farm movement are staunch supporters of the 100 mile diet, and I am investigating this further, too.

The 100 mile diet- When you buy food at your local grocery store, chances are the produce has traveled 1000 miles or more from farm to your table.

The advocates of the 100 mile diet try to eat only food which is grown within 100 miles of their homes. They claim there are many benefits to buying and eating locally. Here is a list of reasons to do so, from 100milediet.org:

1. Taste the difference.
2. Know what you’re eating.
3. Meet your neighbors.
4. Get Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

While the water from rainstorms is mostly beneficial for your garden, it can also bring hazards elsewhere.

One such problem occurs when polluted storm water runs off into lakes and rivers.

It can also erode the shorelines.

Another problem that can occur is an abundance of mosquitoes. These pesky insects like to lay their eggs in standing water. The more stormwater that can collect into pools, the more possibilities for mosquitoes to be born, bringing annoying pain and possible diseases.

One remedy for both problems is a rain garden. One state that is encouraging its residents to create them in Minnesota. The Minnesota Star-Tribune explains how they work, “Experts say a well-designed rain garden can hold water for Read the rest of this entry »