Review of Farm City, by Novella Carpenter

As a reader of the Ghost Town Farm blog, I picked this book up in hopes of getting a guidebook with good tips and bits of knowledge. What I got was that and more.

At times heartwarming, others heartbreaking, Farm City is a snapshot into the very challenges we face as a culture reacquainting ourselves with food and each other again. The author, Novella Carpenter, allows us to see through her direct experiences, the blunt inner workings of a place that is grappling with major societal issues at every turn and she still manages to put bacon (amazing tasting to be sure) on the table.

As an aspiring urban farmer, I found valuable insights and instances of hope and in Farm City. Here we are nearing the brink of sorts and yet here is Novella Carpenter doing what needs to be done: breaking ground, raising animals and growing food in a place that is far from a rural picturesque setting, in fact in an urban setting that is more like a place where over 50% of the worlds population now lives.

It is the reapplying old knowledge in a new setting that is encapsulated in this book. A lot of what is presented in Farm City is old knowledge, but it’s for a new generation that now lives in cities in apartments or postage stamp lots that want to take control of what they are eating. Feeding ones family from the land was common knowledge a mere 50 years ago, yet here we are teaching ourselves in new ways, adding knowledge and know-how with books like Farm City.

Starting the garden off right

With a ton of organic matter - leaves from last Fall, rabbit manure, and lots of chicken manure. And then stir with your favorite digging fork.

Our fingers are crossed for a small but bountiful garden at our new place this year. We are going to grow leafy greens and other crops that can take a bit of shade as we have a forest surrounding us. Will be a good experiment - potentially a tasty one. Also a big part of the garden this year will be to grow treats for the chickens, rabbits and turkeys that are coming in a couple of months. More on that soon!

Enjoy the warming days, especially in this El Nino year, and the growing light - 2 minutes more each day!

A Time to Stew

The New Year holiday is always a time i find myself stewing, really thinking but I took this picture last of the stew pot at my sisters house last night and couldn't resist, about the year past and the year to come. It's a chance for me to collect myself and take stock and assess goals achieved and those missed.

What i've come to so far is that this coming year holds so much growth and potential that I find myself very excited to welcome 2010 to the family.

Here's to all hopes and dreams and may 2010 be a wonderful year!

Where is that Treatise?

A working in progress no doubt...But here is a start.

I farm to satisfy a need for connection, a need to claim ownership to craft and skills that are on the verge of being forgotten.

Turning soil to prepare a seed bed for planting is gift and each time it happens I am overwhelmed with the aromas of the earth, the living organisms writhing about, and the tingling sense of connection with the earth.

And yes, usually a sore back worth three pain relievers, but still a sense of doing the right thing. Doing what is right for me.

Local food IS growing, and it's growing right here!

That's right our flock is now eleven birds strong, which means about five dozen eggs a week starting in April!

We bought a mix of pullets, teenager chickens, from a grower on Whidbey Island a couple weeks ago and now have a pretty full hen house. The names add to the fun: Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, Welsummers, Delaware, Buff Ophington.

Harvest fair

We ventured out the Harvest Fair on Bainbridge Island. What a magical event! Lots of great resources and like-minded, friendly peeps. This event makes me want to learn more about the Trust for Working Landscapes. They are doing some great things on the island.