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Backyard agriculture

Randy

This is my first post here and I must say I am very happy to find a place where like-minded people can share knowledge and ideas. My neighbor and I, both hobby gardeners, have decided to experiment to see just how much of our own food we can raise. This season we have supplied all of our own tomatoes, beans, various squashes and herbs. I have begun fig trees and he has started a pear tree.Our goal is eventually to expand and produce as close as possible to 100% of our fruits, vegetables, herbs and some nuts. I guess that's about as local as it gets.

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Submitted by Randy on Mon, 06/25/2007 - 15:42.

athena
Re: Backyard agriculture

The reel type lawn mower was invented first to cut carpet.  It's still used for golf greens because it does a much cleaner job than the rotary invented for the infernal combustion engine.

A reel type driven by a 12 volt electric motor with a solar charged auto battery would be my choice when my manual one becomes too much for me.  I suppose I could make my own - maybe next time I retire.

From an engineering point the reel type is actually quite crude.  I'm surprised that someone is not yet producing a rotary sickle bar.

Two counter rotating saw blades could be made cheaper, lighter and much more suitable for robotic grass cutting....Oh darn I don't have time for that either.

 


Sat, 01/19/2008 - 19:30

Jeff Schultz
Re: Backyard agriculture

How about a solar powered high intensity laser set to optimum height to give the grass a good "burn" on occasion. That would solve alot of mowing problems, or, just let it grow like I do except where it absolutely has to be cut ie; along driveway, road and the front of the house. I personally enjoy the taller grass with flowering bits and the bugs and animals it attracts. There is nothing like a good crop of Indian Paintbrush to brighten up an otherwise dreary manicured blase' green lawn. I never did understand what is so appealing about "carpet" on the property.


Sun, 01/20/2008 - 11:40

jstack6
jstack6's picture
Re: Backyard agriculture

seems they are referinjg to a reel push lawnmower. It a push mover with only the person powering it. You get exersize and get the lawn mowed with hardly any noise. You stop for a snak to refuel.  Like my bicycle it's good for you and the planet.

 

solar stacks

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solar stacks


Tue, 10/23/2007 - 16:09

gheine
Re: Backyard agriculture

Recently my husband and I purchased a new man-powered mower from Sunlawn.  All we have to say is that it is awesome!  Not only does it keep our lawn & landscape looking great, but it is safe for myself, my family, and the environment.  I couldn't ask for anything better, especially on a weekend morning when everyone (including our neighbors) wants to sleep in...we don't feel bad for getting the lawn trimmed before it gets hot!!


Wed, 10/17/2007 - 10:05

Kona
Re: Backyard agriculture

Hi Gheine -

 

Can you provide mor infomration as to where you purchased it?  Or a website link to view your new tool?  Sounds great - thanks for sharing!

 

Aloha,

Kona


Thu, 10/18/2007 - 08:54

sbfrank
Re: Backyard agriculture

We live on 1 acre of land in Cedar Rapids Iowa area and have created several flower and vegetable gardens with a "heart" shaped flower garden by the road dedicated to all who have died in the Iraq war. We have plans to build a solar powered straw bale greenhouse (we have been "energy starring" our house and hope to get off the grid someday)and hope to gradually decrease lawn mowing and offer our 15 neighbors on our cul de sac beds in our garden for them to grow food and build community. We will be attending the Sol Fest in August in Hopland, CA. We yearn for each of you to live on our cul de sac because interest in our project is slow but is growing. Thanks for reading this and for all your contributions.


Wed, 08/01/2007 - 07:47

Kona
Re: Backyard agriculture

This is a great topic and very helpful - the soil in Hawaii is very different but as I'm sure you know - rich with nutrients - I have a small garden and it's truly amazing the amount of food that can be produced with just general instruction and care.

Keep up the great work everyone and as I alsway try to do - spread the word about this wonderful site that Ed Begley, Jr has started - We're all lucky that someone with such passion and generosity is a part of this word and helping in unique ways to make people aware of how they can help in this movement - even but just starting a garden!

Aloha!

Kona


Sat, 08/04/2007 - 13:30

jstack6
jstack6's picture
Re: Backyard agriculture

Location, location, location. I live in the Phoenix Arizona area and you can grow things but it takes extra water . I don't want to use much water so I just have a few citrus trees and 2 grape vines so far. They add some shade and don't require a lot of water.
I use grey water, excess from sinks and from running the water until the hot starts to flow.
I was amazed how hearty grape vines are. They don't require much water at all.

the solar stacks

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solar stacks


Mon, 07/16/2007 - 00:25

maj1961
Re: Backyard agriculture

Wow....what a fantastic garden! I struggle to get anything to grow in Las Vegas. So far I have lost to the heat 2 meyer lemon tree's, one washington orange tree and my necturine tree I think is the next to go. I can't even tell you how many plants I've lost! I am from Burien (Seattle for those who don't know where that is) and raised in Walla Walla, WA. When I was growing up we had a huge garden. My dad made jam's and my mom canned or froze everything she could for out of season eating. I really miss being able to have a garden that I can do the same. I hope to move back to the Seattle area very soon. It will be nice to have the fruits and veggies that taste the way they should instead of bulk for stores grown stuff with little to no flavor!


Sat, 06/30/2007 - 11:18

Randy
Re: Backyard agriculture

Wow! That's quite a garden. My wife and I are working up to it. In the past,on a very small space, I was able to grow enough for my son and I. I remarried some years back and it has been a challenge to supply my very large new family. It is a lot of work but the results are certainly worth it.


Tue, 06/26/2007 - 15:33

crunchychicken
Re: Backyard agriculture

We live in the city (Seattle) and have several raised beds that I built and planted this year. For a family of four you really need to do a lot of planning and consecutive plantings (for things like spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots) to keep you in supply.

For a comprehensive list of all the stuff I'm growing this season check out the sidebar In the Garden. The only vegetables we've had to buy so far this spring/summer have been some onions and tomatoes, but those won't be an issue in a few months!

The blueberries, strawberries, figs and cherries will probably have to wait for a big crop next year. We're getting some this year, but since they are all recently planted, it's pretty slim.


Tue, 06/26/2007 - 11:32