• May. 16, 2008 - Many lessons with urban homesteading.
One of my big struggles with raising our large family in an urban environment is keeping them occupied in wholesome activities. Boredom is a constant problem as well as the potential for dependency on media and mindless computer entertainment.
Urban homesteading has proven to be the answer. It is productive, it teaches science and responsibility, and the kids really enjoy it. At a time when people are increasingly talking about a world food crisis, becoming food producers rather than just consumers, also seem wise. We are not practicing the sin of avarice by hoarding food, which presents its own problems, particularly spoilage in this warm humid climate or extremely high price if properly preserved for long term storage. But we are working to live a more sustainable lifestyle that hopefully will be more resilient in the event of any kind of serious crisis.
Our organic wastes are being used to feed the chickens directly or the composting worms which will later feed the chickens and catfish in our new aquaponics pool. The compost from the worms feed our earth-based gardens. The waste from the fish feed the aquaponic garden. Everything is recycled and ultimately is used to feed our family.
Right now, we are starting small. It is my goal that we can supply 25-30 percent of our food needs while living in the city. Once we move to our acreage, it is my hope that we can expand it to 75-90%. Meanwhile, the children are learning so much. And there is now so much to keep their interest. They love watching the fish (and learning water chemistry) and caring for the chickens. They are looking forward to when we expand our operations to include rabbits and maybe a mini-dairy goat (which is permitted here with our large yards). Then they can learn breeding and cheese making.
I am very grateful that we finally have a solution to help our children to keep busy in a constructive way.
Glory to God for all things!
P.S. Here is a neat article on one family's urban homesteading. It's my goal! ;-) Bit by bit, we are tearing out lawn and replacing it with edibles. If it requires water, than hopefully it will in someway be productive. Otherwise, we hope to change the lawn to native with drought resistant buffalo grass and short Texas wildflowers.
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• Jul. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Come over to http://theurbantrowel.blogspot.com to see what we've been up to ;o)