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Turns barren suburban lot into high-yield Microfarm & YT studio

Kirsten Dirksen・27 minutes read

The property in Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, features a diverse garden with various fruits and vegetables, along with chickens for soil preparation. Additionally, the greenhouse in Tucson conserves water and creates a microclimate for plants, with innovative features like rainwater collection and radiant heat from stones.

Insights

  • The property in Corvallis, initially a simple lawn, has been transformed into a diverse garden featuring a wide array of plants, fruit trees, and even grapevines, showcasing sustainable gardening practices and a commitment to self-sufficiency.
  • Innovative strategies such as using leaf mulch for soil enrichment, rotating chickens for soil preparation, and incorporating a compost toilet and gray water system highlight a holistic approach to sustainability, blending elements of permaculture, resource conservation, and ecosystem management within the urban landscape.

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Recent questions

  • What types of plants are grown in the garden?

    Various fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs.

  • How do chickens contribute to the garden?

    Aid in soil preparation and weed control.

  • What sustainable practices are implemented in the garden?

    Use of leaf mulch, compost toilet, and gray water system.

  • What unique features are present in the greenhouse?

    Radiant heat stones and rainwater collection tank.

  • How is the property's soil enriched over time?

    Yard waste buildup and use of bamboo windbreak.

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Summary

00:00

Diverse garden in Corvallis with sustainable practices.

  • Corvallis is home to Oregon State University, with a suburban feel and a population of 60,000.
  • The property, initially a grassy lawn with rose bushes, now features a diverse garden with artichokes, celery, and fruit trees like fig, cherry, peach, and Asian pear.
  • A grapevine, planted a decade ago, now spans the sidewalk, offering grapes for passersby.
  • Hazelnut trees, thornless blackberries, and native berries like thimbleberries contribute to the garden's bounty.
  • The garden showcases a variety of plants, including plums, persimmons, comfrey for grass suppression, and hazelnuts.
  • Chickens are rotated between different garden areas, aiding in soil preparation and weed control.
  • Leaf mulch from neighbors is used to enrich the soil, with the chickens assisting in weed suppression and soil fertility.
  • The garden's design incorporates archways, low trees for solar access, and a mix of flowers for pollinators.
  • Beekeeping is a passion, with three hives currently thriving, providing honey for personal use.
  • The property also features emergency food supplies like Jerusalem artichokes, a hedge of pineapple guava, and a greenhouse with diverse plants like meyer lemon, succulents, and tree tobacco.

15:17

Sustainable Greenhouse Oasis in Tucson, Arizona

  • Greenhouse in Tucson, Arizona designed for dry land planting to conserve water and create a microclimate.
  • Meyer lemon tree in the greenhouse produces around 100 lemons in winter due to the shelter from extreme cold.
  • Radiant heat from stones and rainwater collection tank help maintain warmth in the greenhouse during snowstorms.
  • Greenhouse structure made from old carport frame and windows, providing a comfortable environment even in hot weather.
  • Temperature exchange between greenhouse and chicken nest boxes, with eggs collected daily.
  • Compost toilet built using simple bucket and sawdust method, promoting nutrient cycling and sustainability.
  • Laundry gray water system utilizes wetland plants like cattails and sedges for treatment, creating a beautiful and functional wastewater system.
  • Yard waste used to build up the property, creating a spongy soil layer rich in organic matter over a decade.
  • Bamboo planted as a windbreak and for practical use in fencing and trellising, managed to prevent spreading.
  • Shed converted into an office space overlooking the garden, providing a seamless work-play relationship and close monitoring of garden activities.
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