Gardening · Homesteading · Urban Homesteading

Working On A Compost Setup

The first time I tried my hand at composting, I did a horrible job. It was back 4 homes. We built our first garden in our small backyard after the younger boys were born. Kirk had picked up a compost bin that he got for free from the city. A young middle child, it's the… Continue reading Working On A Compost Setup

Gardening · Herbalism · Homeschooling · Urban Homesteading

Garden Experiment: Growing Saffron

In August, I saw an email from Baker Creek Seeds for Saffron Crocus, and I finally gave in and ordered them. For a couple of years, I had seen ads on social media for the bulbs, but I always wondered whether they'd actually grow in western Washington, and passed them by. But with us in… Continue reading Garden Experiment: Growing Saffron

Gardening · Homesteading · Urban Homesteading

October In The Garden

It's hard to believe that at the end of October we will have been here for 7 months, and owned the place for 8 months. October started warm, but then dipped down into the 60s with even a frost warning at the start of the second week. It leads to this: If you haven't saved… Continue reading October In The Garden

Gardening · Homesteading

Growing Dwarf Varieties Is The Solid Choice For Fall

Having a fall garden is one of the best parts of gardening: You extend the season far past what most gardeners do. You continue to bring in fresh produce. While it is too late for most areas to start a fall garden, tuck this away for next year. It is also suitable for the earliest… Continue reading Growing Dwarf Varieties Is The Solid Choice For Fall

Gardening · Homesteading · Urban Homesteading

Planting Garlic in Grow Zone 7a

As we enter fall, it is time to plant garlic (and shallots) before winter arrives. Back in Western Washington, in grow zone 8b, I could often plant into early December - I just had to pay attention to any Canadian freezes that were forecasted. Those came late, though. It was definitely easier gardening for the… Continue reading Planting Garlic in Grow Zone 7a