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Daily Blog to a Self-sustaining Existence!

Follow the adventures of a family-man determined to get his family to self-sufficiency while entering the Mayas - New Golden Age of December 21, 2012.  See what it takes to transform a home, yard and old habits by becoming involved in such things.  This website is a journal, as well as a guide, to new way of living!

 

February 26, 2011
One of my favourite new magazine is Urban Farm.  In this months issue is a DIY to build an inexpensive lighting stand.   Since I didn't have a reliable lighting stand I thought this may be right for me. Check out the video!

February 26, 2011
Week 13 before average date of last frost.

Time to start my indoor seedlings for my 'Perennial herb layer' in the Permaculture Food Forest! Here are the selections of herbs I've chosen: Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Chives and Lavender. I'm looking for a few more herb seeds (Lemon Balm, Tarragon) but for the most part I'm done until March 28th when I have to start the peppers.


February 25, 2011
Week 14-13 before average date of last frost.

Spring is in the air!  Well...not really.  That doesn't mean I can't get started! 

I purchased a new book by Ron & Jennifer Kujawski titled: Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener's Handbook.  The title pretty much describes the book.  It starts about 20-15 weeks before last frost and walks you through the steps of what needs to be done every week of the season.  I really needed some weekly guidance and I think I found my way via this book.

Although I am a little behind, starting at 13 weeks out, I am pretty much on schedule due to the fact I already have my seeds, raised beds and cold frame from last year. 

Here are the steps that need to be done this weekend:

  • Place seed orders (DONE)
  • Make germinating Mix
  • Order Asparagus crowns (Planted last season...DONE)
  • Parsley, Thyme & all Perennials  - Sow seeds indoors. 
  • Leek & Sweet Spanish onions - Plant in flats.
This is also a good time to seed Broccoli but...I didn't have any luck with it last year and frankly, for what you get, it takes up way to much space.

I have a heating mat to help germinate my herb seed which will be under a PVC built lighting frame (Portable Sunshine) that I found in the March/April 2011 issue of Urban Farm Sustainable City Living magazine (favourite next to Mother Earth magazine).  I'll add that to my DIY page when I'm don making it.