I’ve Moved!

I’m packing up the virtual Fraudulent Farmstead and taking it to http://www.FraudulentFarmgirl.com. Join me there!

Don’t forget to update your bookmarks!

World Kitchen Garden Day!

Who knew it was even a thing? But it is, and it’s tomorrow, Sunday, August 26. Celebrate by getting into the garden and planting some fall veggies. I put in the carrots, lettuces, corn salad, and one last, hail-Mary crop of beans this weekend.

And check out Growing Days, where blogger Julie is giving away a $25 gift certificate and a copy of the new book American Grown to celebrate!

No-Drama Llama

Today is my birthday, and I bought myself a present. I bought a llama.

Good news, though. I won’t have to worry about avoiding the spit.

Nope, this llama is for Heifer International. They do great work around the world lifting people out of poverty with education and gifts of livestock and plants. You can imagine how that warms my gardening heart.

I bought a llama share, since a full llama was a bit above my budget. I’m not sure what part I got, but since it’s going to someone else, I don’t suppose it matters. I mean, it’s not like someone will get just the ears and maybe the right front leg; the recipient gets a whole llama.

Anyway, you can donate a flock of chickens, or a goat, or a water buffalo (and how’s that for dinner table conversation, “Yep, bought a water buffalo today.”) You can buy shares of animals or big packages to give. And you can purchase in someone else’s honor, too. So if you’re trying to figure out what to give Great Aunt Margaret, might I suggest a camel?

Heifer International. Check it out.

 

I Win at the Interwebs!

The lovely folks over at Indy Wellness Guide have posted an article all about little old me. Plus there’s a video of me explaining why you need a garden knife.

Note my awesome Wellies and totally not awesome hoodie. Should have rethought that fashion choice. But hey, at least I’m wearing earrings!

Fraudulent Farmgirl February Classes

All of these are at Art of The Soul Center in Broad Ripple. Come on in and get ready for spring!

Picking What to Plant: Garden Planning for Beginners

February 19, 11:00 a.m.

Never planted a garden before? We’ll hit the highlights of starting your vegetable garden, including the difference between cool- and warm-season veggies, and whether to plant seeds or buy transplants.

$10 for one-hour class

Shopping for Seeds

February 26, 11:00 a.m.

Want to make sure you buy seeds that will flourish in your garden? We’ll discuss some of my favorite seed sources, the difference between heirloom and hybrid seeds, and how to store seeds so they stay good for several seasons. By the time you leave, you’ll know exactly how to assemble your shopping list.

$10 for one-hour class

Homesteading University

February 22, 23, and 24

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

$25 per night or $60 for all three nights

Do you love the idea of growing your own vegetables, picking strawberries from your front yard, or collecting eggs from your own hens? Even if you’ve never planted a garden before, the Homesteading University program will give you the resources to start planning your own organic garden and urban homestead.

Homesteading University covers six topics in three nights. These classes are designed to work as a unit, giving you the basics to start your homesteading adventure.

Tuesday, February 22, 6:30

• The Gardener’s Toolbox: Basics of sun and wind exposure, necessary tools, the garden year, and planning your garden’s layout.
• Breaking Ground: Composting and soil basics, using raised vs. conventional beds, organic fertilizers, and the wonders of mulch.

Wednesday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.

• Vegetables: Cool-season vs. warm-season vegetables, transplants vs. seeds, succession sowing, rotation, trellising techniques, and great veggies for beginners.
• Herbs: The most popular cooking herbs and their cultivation, herbs for other purposes, and harvesting and storing.

Thursday, February 24, 6:30 p.m.

• Fruits: Edible landscaping, fruits for the urban farmstead, and cultivating strawberries, blueberries, bramble fruits, and tree fruits in limited space.
• Chickens: The role of livestock on the urban homestead, picking a breed, basic chicken anatomy, feed and housing, egg collection and storage, and converting bedding to compost.