Urban Homesteading

2013 also proved to be an immense step forward for sustainability and self sufficiency for Matt and I. After one year maintaining a community garden plot in Denver, CO I learned multiple lessons on square foot gardening, gardening at altitude, and winter gardening besides all the normal garden lessons of how to fight (and lose) to powdery mildew, cut worms, aphids, and other garden headaches. I was able to at least produce a winter supply of canned and frozen tomatoes, lots of beans, a successful crop of sweet potatoes for the winter, and canned/froze enough peaches and melon from the local farmer's market to make plenty of fruit filled oatmeal for the winter. 

I learned valuable composting lessons in managing the red wigglers I have, using my new rolling composter on my porch with and 2 bins, and collecting local coffee grounds to add to my community garden compost pile as well.

I also learned how to sprout this winter which produced at least half of the veggies needed for salads, quiches, casseroles, and crock pot recipes. My other accomplishments included learning how to make my own bread, cheese, yogurt, and buttermilk as well. 

Last but not least was a valuable lesson learned in winter gardening. That is, winter gardening is an extension of your fall harvest and that most things don't sprout and grow in the winter in Colorado thank you Elliot Coleman:) But with the addition of my cold frames, I might just have a jump start on my spring garden.