Planning a garden? Get Cindy Conner's new book!

We were at the Virginia Biological Farming Conference again in Richmond, Virginia a few weeks back. It is a two day event where farmers and aspiring farmers from all over convene for food /local organic, fellowship / friends new and old get to spend time catching up and learning from one another, and a cornucopia of speakers sharing their experience and insights on organic farming practices.

Cindy Conner and her husband Walt

One of the many friends we got to see this year while exhibiting our garden tools and flame weeding equipment there is
Cindy Conner.
Cindy's new book, Grow a sustainable diet - planning and growing to feed ourselves and the earth (ISBN# 9780865717565)
published by new society  is a comprehensive gardening manual for anyone interested in learning sustainable methods of food production for their family that Cindy has practiced for years.
After spending time with in the garden with Cindy Conner you will come away blessed with a new way of looking at gardening that is sure to inspire. Reading this book will give you some of the insights and methods Cindy has learned through many seasons in the garden. Well worth the read for new and old gardeners alike. - one of Mother Earth New's "books for wise living recommendations"

Birchwood Farms

We heard from Anna Kay of Birchwood Farms in Dover, NH.
It was so enjoyable speaking with Anna this morning about her family's farm and the plants she enjoys raising there. Of course part of the conversation was about the replacement handle for the Clarington Forge Rabbiting Spade that, when repaired will continue to be an extension of Anna's inner gardener.
At Birchwood Farms you will find a great selection of the finest Daylillies, Hostas and Peonies.
You will also get to know one the nicest gardeners around.

Agriculture Supported Community at The Rodale Institute

A road trip to the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA was inspirational as always. While there to demonstrate some tools and equipment I was inspired by Cynthia James and her ASC interns. (Agriculture Supported Community) One intern named Heather shared her inspiration to learn small scale farming techniques and implement a plan to help low income residents of the City of Philadelphia obtain healthy organically grown foods . The ASC farm model has the potential to bring together people from all social and economic backgrounds to help one another achieve a healthier lifestyle while building a better community.

                        Flame weeding carrot and beet beds at Rodale ASC farm 

Just as it has been for many generations, it is a great inspiration to see the art and techniques of farming continue to be passed on from one to another.
It's exciting to see the unfolding of great ideas in motion.
We're hoping to see great fruit harvested from agriculture supported community.

On the road home.

Propane engine Conversions .... and Poultry

Larry T. of Louisa, VA sent in this video of his Troy-Bilt Horse Model Tiller that he converted to propane using one of our Do It Yourself propane engine conversion kits. (Click here to see the kits).
Running a propane powered engine compared to a gasoline powered engine is worlds apart in that don't get the smelly fumes, the engine needs less maintenance and the fuel doesn't go stale like gas. You do however get all the power you need with 104 octane fuel.
One of the first things I noticed when I saw this video besides the fact that it's the same model tiller as our converted tiller, is the chickens.

Propane engine conversions & poultry; homesteading at its best!