All Blog Posts (126)

More Kids Gardening - Composting - Keep your summer Rolling!

There was a really good reception to the kids gardening post and I have been talking to people quite a bit about composting, so I thought I would combine the conversations - Composting for Kids! (No, not "how to compost your kids"!) Through composting recycling, we have we have reduced our trash production by much greater then two-thirds AND the kids are receptive to "taking out the compost" as a chore.

Enjoy! Your feedback is MUCH… Continue

Added by Ty Mellon on July 28, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments

GOT THE MID-SUMMER, OUT-OF-SCHOOL BLUES? GET YOUR KIDS GARDENING!

Source: Family Fun Magazine -

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11689

Giving your child his or her own miniature flower garden provides the right balance of big dreams and little tasks. A small garden of annual flowers is easy to take care of, and she will learn many skills as she nurtures seedlings and cuts bouquets for the kitchen table. Explain to your young gardener that you will be there to help, but like a pet, the garden will be her… Continue

Added by Ty Mellon on July 17, 2009 at 5:05pm — No Comments

What the heck is a "FOOGS" and should I be part of it???

Hi everyone!

So I have tried to explain the concept of FOOGS, but in my mind, there are so many possibilities for this concept that I have had a hard time "editing" myself to a very succinct message. Here's the deal: I have had some pretty strong success for one suburban guy raising vegetables and chickens on a small suburban lot and thanks to the interest of my neighbors in trading what they have with me, I came up with the concept of a barter site for neighbors to trade their own goods,… Continue

Added by Ty Mellon on July 16, 2009 at 10:02pm — No Comments

On tiny plots, a new generation of farmers emerges

From USA today link: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2009-07-13-young-farmers_N.htm

This story came out in USA TODAY two days ago (Tuesday). I love seeing articles like this one - it really helps validate my belief that people are truly ready to move past agribusiness with its entire foundation built on processed corn and soy additives and start feeling a connection to their food sources. Organics have taken off… Continue

Added by Ty Mellon on July 16, 2009 at 11:00am — 1 Comment

What's Growing on?

Well, here in Austin, Texas like other places, we are worried about this Amazing heat wave but I have to say I am excited about the fact that in spite of the oven-like heat, not only are the tomatoes producing well (albeit a little slower), but the plants themselves are also continuing to grow. We also have Melon (no pun) and Squash coming up, seemingly out of nowhere. I have a bed I was going to completely turn, but I think I'll likely try to plant some potatoes and corn, just to see how they… Continue

Added by Ty Mellon on July 15, 2009 at 7:07am — No Comments

Composting Tips

Some great little tips from one of my favorite sites. http://www.composting101.com

1. Grass clippings add necessary nitrogen to a compost pile, but be sure

to mix with the "brown" materials that add carbon. Both are necessary

for quick decomposition and rich compost. Piles made up of just grass

will compact, slow down and start to stink.

2. Do not compost fats, pet droppings, or animal products. They will attract… Continue

Added by Rachel Butler on November 30, 1999 at 12:00pm — No Comments