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Your Farm in the City: An Urban-Dweller’s Guide to Growing Food and Raising Animals |
We were recently sent this book by the publisher. I was just expecting one, but was happy to find two so I could offer a giveaway of the second copy.
I have to say I find this book very thorough. It discusses pretty much everything you need to know about how to start urban farming. I do find it more geared towards beginners though. Most of the info in the book I already knew. However, just because I know much of the book’s content does not lessen it’s value. And it did have info in it that I hadn’t learned elsewhere, such as why you might have certain weeds and what you can use those weeds for. Little did I know that the reason we’re infested with bindweed and dock is because we have acidic soil. I also learned that both are actually edible.* Imagine that! Makes them not quite as evil as before. Don’t get me wrong, they are still evil, just not as much.
I also liked that they pointed out that everyone planning on raising food in their backyard should make sure to get their soil tested and to also not rely on those at-home soil tests that are quite inaccurate and unreliable.
I found the book easy to read. It cuts right to the chase with bullet points rather than having a monotonous tone.
I think my only disappointment in the book is the paper it’s printed on. It’s a bit thin, which, in my opinion, won’t stand up as well to being a go-to reference guide, especially a reference guide that will be used outside.
Overall though, I would have bought this book if I wasn’t sent a copy.
If you’d like a chance to own this copy just leave a comment below by midnight Friday, April 1st. I’ll announce the winner on April 2nd. Unfortunately for our international readers, you have to be in the U.S. to win a copy.
*Update: Always research more than one source when determining something is edible. As pointed out by Anne, Field Bindweed (Convolvulus avensis) can be mildly toxic.
I just found your blog a week ago – and have been enjoying reading it. I am slowly, but surely increasing food production on my city lot. Thanks for introducing me to this book. I would love to have a chance to read it:)
Ooh, pick me! Pick me! =)
I'm just starting so this book would be a great boon to me!
I'd love an opportunity to win!
sounds like a good book! I've been reading everything the library has (not much of anything) to learn more. Just starting out in my own yard, previously had to work in containers only. Love the blog, keep up the great work!
Oooh, yummy! I'd love a chance to win.:)
I'd love a chance to win this book. Altho I live on a rural farm in N. Cali. I have several friends just now starting to do some *urban homesteading* and would love to have me add this to my farming/homesteading lending library.
Sounds like a good read…I'm always on the lookout for fresh tidbits of wisdom
I'd love to read it!
I certainly hope to win, thanks for the give away.
*raises hand* Me! Me!
I'm a big fan of self sufficiency AND bullet points, and am always looking for new reads to add tot he library.
Looks interesting! Does it include photos as well as drawings? I need inspiration.
I'd love to check out this book! We're definitely beginners, looking to expand our small backyard garden into something a bit bigger. Thanks for the chance to win!
Add me to the draw, too!
I would love to check it out and share with some friends.
Oh, count me in for the raffle (or however you're deciding.)
I've been playing with a little garden in my front yard in the Mission (SF). I think I'm going to have to move for chickens though, which is a shame – I really liked the ones on the farm I interned at.
Thanks in general for your wonderful blog. It's always interesting and useful to read.
Hooray for extra books!
Oh hold up a sec! Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) isn't exactly edible! (Really don't want anyone slipping some of that in their salads!!) It can also be mildly toxic to some animals. Anyone looking to find uses of it… research it before ingesting.
I battled that nasty weed a long long time. It doesn't indicate acidic soil (as the plethora I had was VERY alkaline soil).
If you have it in your yard, do whatever you can to rip out the plant before it blooms. Those seeds can remain viable for decades. DECADES.. as in… just when you thought you won the war.. you find out it was only a skirmish.
Good times! It's hard to resist free stuff!
I could always use a new gardening book to add to my collection. I will be laid off in June and my partner has named me chief food grower and we have doubled our garden size for this year. I need all the help that I can get.
Well being a beginner I think I might like it 😛
this book is exactly what I've been looking for!
Sounds like a good read and reference book!
Recently found your blog, and would love to be entered. 🙂