In 2008, the City of Fort Collins (my home for the past 24 years) passed an ordinance that allowed backyard chickens. Oh sure, there were a few older neighborhoods that had been grandfathered in as ‘agricultural zones’ (meaning they could raise and keep livestock), but the majority of the city fell outside of this designation. […]
Fresh Broccoli-Scallion-Tomato Quiche
One of my favorite Sunday morning breakfast meals can be made year round. However, during summer, I love this dish even more because I can use fresh ingredients straight from the garden which just enhances the flavor. I am talking about quiche! Now quiche has gotten the reputation in some circles as taking quite some […]
Harvesting Hops on the Homestead
This time of year when I walk past the chicken run, I am reminded of my favorite fermented beverage. And no, it is not because my chickens drive me to drink, but because of what is growing on the west facing side of the run. We have hops! We deliberately planted hops in that location […]
Deterring Deer in your Garden by Fencing
Like most people who raise fruits and vegetables, you have a certain sense of pride beginning the moment you sow the seeds. You nurture the plants by adding compost to the soil, fertilizing the young plants, and watering at regular intervals so the plants do not become stressed. As the fruits and vegetables ripen, you […]
Spider Mites: The Summer Garden Pest
While summer is in full swing and produce is coming in by the bushel, there is one summer pest that can wipe a smile from my face. It’s spider mites! They are a very tiny arachnid in the Tetranychidae family. This family also also includes spiders, ticks, and daddy-longlegs. Their coloration can range from brownish […]
From the Farm Yogurt
As a farmer’s daughter, I grew up on a farm with a milk cow. Milk cows produce milk… or more accurately stated, the cow NEEDS to be milked. Every. Day. In my family, it was a right of passage; a sign of growing up when it became your turn to milk the cow. No one […]