Courtesy of James K., Virtually Green, San Francisco, CA It’s still possible to rototill in raised beds if you use an electric tiller like the Mantis. Rototillers are major labor savers. I have one that I’ve used in beds for some years. Incredible torque. Good depth: up to 10″, though...
I’ve had chickens a number of times over the years. Chickens are hardy animals in general. Below are a few key things that you might keep in mind that over the years I’ve found especially useful to pay attention to. Use of chicken manure in SPIN-Farming has to be carefully...
Courtesy of Jame K., Virtually Green, San Francisco, CA Here’s a few quick thoughts about walkin cooler design, largely based on what my appropriate technology group used to recommend for village small-scale DIY walkin cooler systems. We didn’t have the Coolbot at the time though: it’s a great alternative to...
Courtesy of James K., Virtually Green, San Francisco, CA Is there one or more people in your area who might back up your offerings of your CSA box? In other words, who are farmer friends who’d be willing to sell at or near cost to you the veggies you need...
Courtesy of James K., Virtually Green, San Francisco, CA I’d be cautious about using a compost tea on your crops, and doubly so spraying it on any edible foliage, unless you were sure it was produced using an ingredients formulation and preparation process that prevented unsafe levels of E. coli....
Courtesy of James K., Virtually Green, San Francisco, CA If your SPIN business is short of capital for start-up you might consider finding a partner who does have money. A partner can help you keep going when you encounter difficulties, can help with the farm work when you’re sick or...
Courtesy of Ed G., Fresh SPIN Farms, Davis CA We have a local source for fingerling seed … our local food co- op. Â You can cut potatoes into “seed” by making sure you have at least one eye and enough potato to “feed” the runner until it surfaces to get...
Courtesy of Robert H., Pomona, CA Treat cut greens like cut flowers. Trim the stems and put them in water when you store them in your cooler. Change the water every day.  A head of tender lettuce will last up to 3 weeks or longer with this approach.
Courtesy of Ed G., Davis CA: Clear plastic directly on the soil is the fastest way to warm soil to get a jump on the season. Â Drier soil will be warmer so the plastic will help keep added rain from preventing warm up. The natural heat lower in the earth...
