Self-Irrigating Gutter Update

...ll just posted in the video above. This improvement on the design replaces the lower gutter with a 4-inch drain pipe. The drain pipe is easier to keep water-tight. And instead of using a gutter filled with soil I might use a series of pots (an idea that’s also in the video)–gutters are too shallow for most plants. Despite the problems, I would call the project a success. In fact, I may expand my gutter system out onto the rest of the garage roo....

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Building a Makeshift Treadmill Desk

In what I hope will be a regular feature, here’s the first in a series of interviews of other homesteaders about interesting low tech home tech projects they’ve taken on. In this interview we talk to writer and homesteader Charlotte McGuinn Freeman about her DIY treadmill desk–a project I’m considering at the Root Simple compound. Charlotte blogs at LivingSmall.com and lives in Livingston, Montana. Why did you build a treadmill desk? Because as I...

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The Rain Got Real

Our home city of Los Angeles is in the news for a series of heavy hitting winter storms. While we’re on high ground and in no danger of flooding, our under-framed old house made ominous creaking sounds throughout the night. Reliably, the Cosanti wind chimes on the front porch start clanging before the approaching storm. I checked on our rain garden late last night (excuses for the bad photo) and the water level was the highest I’ve ever seen it....

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Bread Class and Lunch at Jennie Cooks Catering

...cuits Black and Blueberry Jam Strawberry Balsamic Jam For Lunch: Sparkling White Sangria Cashew Cream Savory Sourdough Bread Pudding Classic Gazpacho (from Jennie’s upcoming cookbook!) Wilted Spinach Salad Strawberry Shortcake This class is the first of a 3-part series! The regular price is $85 for a single class or $200 for all three. Price includes all ingredients, supplies, recipes, instructions, the take-home finished product you will make you...

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How to Make a Bee Skep

...build your own. Looks like a fun project. How skeps are used The following series of videos show how skeps are used. Part 6 documents the steps leading up to the honey harvest. It’s a labor intensive process. To get at the honeycomb, skeps are “bounced” over an empty skep to remove the bees. These bees are then combined with weaker hives and overwintered. It’s easy to see, from the hard work and level of skill required, why the modern and much eas...

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