Thursday, January 7, 2010

What's Possible


By now, I'm sure most of you know about the Dervaes family out of Pasadena, California. I first watched this video about a year ago and became really inspired by their efforts and way of living. As you can see by watching this video, it's amazing what one family can accomplish on a small urban plot of land. To produce over 6000 lbs of food annually on 1/10th of an acre of growing space is pretty incredible. Every once and a while, when daily life gets to be a bit overwhelming, I watch this video and dream.

This weekend is sure to be a busy one. I will be hunting down ingredients for my soil block mix, which might be hard to come by this time of year. Also, I will be stopping by Home Depot to purchase more materials for my indoor seed-starting operation. The metal shelving has been assembled, and hopefully by the end of the weekend, the lights will be installed. Wish me luck!
Posted by at
Labels: ,

11 comments:

  1. kitsapFGJanuary 7, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    The Dervaes are truly inspirational. I never tire of seeing their homestead. Each of us taking at least one step down that path to freedom ... makes a huge difference. One step at a time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    So impressive, I guess I need to expand my garden!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJanuary 8, 2010 at 5:36 AM

    I visit Paths to Freedom often for inspiration. I think all of America should have some exposure to this type of thinking, just think what we could do if we were all of that mindset. Wishing you success as you begin a new growing season. I am right behind you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The MomJanuary 8, 2010 at 7:08 AM

    I love the Path to Freedom website as well. They and people like them, have inspired me to continue to increase the amount of food produced on my little suburban plot.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ErinJanuary 8, 2010 at 7:22 AM

    This family is indeed awesome! They are constantly profiled in Mother Earth and on the web, with good reason! I wish their methods would become more acceptable in some communities

    ReplyDelete
  6. Daphne GouldJanuary 8, 2010 at 7:35 AM

    I enjoy their blog too. Though I have no dream of making a bicycle powered blender, I do love the food they produce on their land. I would love to make a landscape made of edible plants that are ornamental, instead of just ornamentals.

    One of the ingredients for blocks is good garden soil. I almost forgot to dig some out of my garden before it froze over. Now I'm contemplating if I really want to sterilize it or not. I've heard it is really smelly. I've made blocks from non sterilized soil before and it worked just fine, but damping off can be such an issue with unsterilized soil.

    ReplyDelete
  7. viggieJanuary 8, 2010 at 9:39 AM

    I have them on my blogroll for the same reason. Some of thing things they do bother me, but certainly lots of great ideas and inspiration to be had.

    ReplyDelete
  8. millhillJanuary 8, 2010 at 1:05 PM

    Being more self sufficient and less dependent are my biggest goals. Good luck with your soil Thomas.

    ReplyDelete
  9. JuneJanuary 8, 2010 at 3:34 PM

    Oh, for an entirely edible landscape! Enjoy your seed-starting preparation...Anticipation!

    ReplyDelete
  10. DanJanuary 8, 2010 at 4:35 PM

    It is quite amazing how much that family grows, of course the Californian climate helps alot. Good luck with your light set up.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ellen ZachosJanuary 9, 2010 at 10:05 AM

    I had never seen this, so thanks very much. Moving and exhilerating.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)