Urban Homesteading; For Your Health, Your Wealth, and The Environment

Welcome to Sustainably Sown!

My name is Candace, and I have had an interest in everything urban homesteading and organic gardening since I was a young child, helping my grandfather in his garden. I’ve had something growing pretty much ever since. It has always been my belief that knowing how to grow your own food is an invaluable resource which everyone should learn how to do. The recent pandemic, as well as the supply chain issues which followed, solidified that for me. That’s why I’m here!

The Pandemic Exposed Our Reliance On Outside Sources

If there’s one thing that the Covid pandemic showed us, it’s how dependent we are on others to survive. The majority of the population had to make do with whatever they had in the back of their pantry, whatever they could afford with the little cash they had available, or whatever was left on the grocery store shelves after the panic hoarders had picked it over. But no one would have had to worry if they had known how to grow their own food!

I Was Already Growing My Own Food

When everyone around me was rushing to the grocery store to buy whatever they could still get their hands on, I was calm. I had plenty of shelf-stable food in the house, which I had canned the previous summer. My seedlings were already basking under a grow light, waiting for the weather to warm up so they could go outside. I had a shoe box full of seeds, which I used to plant extra plants so that I would have plenty to can, as well as share.

I encouraged everyone around me to do the same–but only a few did. Most of them had no clue how to grow their own food. Some of them thought you had to have a lot of land to grow your own food. A few of them thought their food came directly from the grocery store! No, Seriously!! It was quite unnerving to believe someone was that naive as to where their food comes from!

Post Pandemic Issues Worsening

So here we are a four years post-pandemic. The food supply chain is not fully back to normal. A lot of brands went out of business. Quantities are still limited on a lot of items. Some items are still unavailable. Inflation is up 11 percent, and it’s costing a family of four an extra $11k/ year just to get by. As the cost of groceries go up, people tend to buy “cheaper”, but lower quality foods. That’s why I believe it is even more important today to grow your own food than it was four years ago. By growing your own food, you can raise the nutrient quality of your food, while at the same time lowering your grocery bill substantially!

I’m Here To Teach You Everything You Need To Know About Urban Homesteading!

So here I am, starting a blog dedicated to urban homesteading and organic gardening, so that I can teach others how to be more self-reliant. I will share with you my knowledge on a wide range of topics, including:

• seed starting
• choosing a location for your garden
• turning dirt into soil
• companion planting
• caring for fruit trees
• raising chickens
• composting
• vermicomposting
• pest and disease management
• organic fertilizers
• pollinators
• the dangers of pesticides
• the dangers of GMO’s
• Food preservation techniques
• the health benefits of gardening and growing your own food
• the financial benefits of growing your own food
• and much, much, more!

Learn everything there is to know about urban homesteading; for your health, your wealth, and the environment!

Taking Back Our Food Supply, One Backyard At A Time

One of the main focuses of Sustainably Sown is teaching people how to grow their own food in an urban setting, specifically, their own back yard (or balcony). We will cover topics in everything from soil management and companion planting, to pest control and feeding, and finally to harvesting and preserving your bounty. I will teach you sustainable urban homesteading; for your health, your wealth, and the environment

Caring for Fruit Trees and Raising Chickens On An Urban Homestead!

If you have space in your urban homestead, we encourage you to consider growing fruit trees. Small space varieties, sometimes referred to as “dwarf”, “ultra-dwarf”, or “patio varieties”, are available and can be grown in smaller garden areas, large pots or half barrels. We will discuss the basics of caring for fruit trees, including pruning, fertilizing, and protecting them from pests and diseases. Additionally, we will provide guidance on raising chickens, from selecting the right breed to creating a comfortable coop and ensuring their well-being. To find fruit trees which are suitable for your growing climate, click here.

Composting and Vermicomposting

Composting is an essential practice for any organic gardener. We will explain the benefits of composting and guide you through the process of creating your own compost pile. For those with limited space (or not), we will also explore the world of vermicomposting, which involves using worms to break down organic waste and create nutrient-rich vermicompost.

Pest Management and Organic Fertilizers, No One Does it Better Than Nature!

Dealing with pests can be a challenge for any gardener. At Sustainably Sown, we will discuss natural and organic methods of pest management, including companion planting, beneficial insects, and homemade pest sprays. In addition, we will explore the use of organic fertilizers to promote healthy plant growth without relying on synthetic chemicals.

Pollen Season: Why It’s Every Gardener’s Favorite Time Of Year On The Urban Homestead!

Pollinators play a leading role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and they are an absolute necessity for a bountiful garden. Bees are not the only pollinators that are helpful in your garden. I will discuss different types of pollinators, in depth, and the their role in pollination. Creating a pollinator friendly environment in your urban homestead will help ensure a bountiful harvest.

The Potential Dangers of GMO’s and Pesticides

Sustainably Sown aims to raise awareness about the dangers and environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides. To do so, we will delve into the potential risks associated with these practices and explore alternative, sustainable methods of growing food that prioritize the health of both consumers and the environment.

Growing Organic Foods: For Your Health, Your Wealth, And The Environment

The potential savings of growing your own produce (and your bank account) can be huge! Growing your own food through organic gardening can have a positive impact it can have on your overall well-being. In addition to discussing sustainable gardening practices, I will also highlight the financial, as well as health benefits of consuming organic foods.

Put The Pressure On: How To Safely Home Can

I believe in making the most of your harvest by preserving it for later use. So whether you are interested in water bath canning, or pressure canning, I will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions and tutorials. You will be able to find them in the canning and preserving link at the top of the page. Additionally there is a recipe link at the top of the page, where I will share cooking, baking, and home canning recipes to help you preserve all of your tasty, homegrown fruits and vegetables!

Exploring Homesteading Skills

As part of our commitment to sustainable living, we will also incorporate tutorials and recipes for homemade cheese, butter, and sour cream. These skills not only allow you to create delicious and wholesome products but also reduce your reliance on store-bought items with unknown origins.

Sustainability Starts At Home… through Urban Homesteading!

Sustainably Sown is your go-to resource for all things related to urban homesteading and organic gardening. I hope to inspire and empower you to embark on your own sustainable journey! Join me in exploring the joys and benefits of urban homesteading; for your health, your wealth, and the environment!