Gardens & Urban Agriculture

A classic fall time activity - the habit of collecting fallen leaves has been called into question by many environmental experts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of raking up and disposing of dead leaves? Ecohome takes a closer look. Who hasn't played in a huge pile of fallen leaves, all raked up…

A layered no-dig lasagna garden may be an easy way to convert a lawn into a food producing garden - but it's critics may say it's too easy - Ecohome investigates. As with any easy gardening technique, there is a lot to consider regarding lasagna gardening that specifically relates to its many benefits and ease of…

Lasagna gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow vegetables at home and turn a high-maintenance lawn into a productive garden space. What are the pros and cons of the lasagna garden? Do they work for clay soils. Lasagna gardening - what is it? The easiest way to turn a backyard lawn into an organic…

Growing food at home, even in an apartment, is easy for both adults & kids ; here is a beginner’s guide to growing tasty greens & vegetable sprouts indoors - just add some window space and let the harvest begin. A certain level of independence and a real sense of satisfaction can be gained from the growing hobby of…

Three greenhouse owners share their construction methods and experiences for building greenhouses in cold climates where the benefits accumulate for food production. Growing Fruits and vegetables all year round in Canada or the colder parts of North America would be wonderful but, sadly, our climate limits us to a…

Solariums and sunrooms in cold climates will not add heat homes as commonly thought, unless carefully designed for Passive Solar Gain. Solariums have been gaining in popularity over the last 20 years , as many homeowners have found them to be a very enticing solution to brightening up a long winter. They are made…

The importance and the benefits of creating buildings and landscapes that retain and manage rainwater on site. Stormwater - why it's important to choose permeable surfaces for paths & driveways As cities expand into the green space around them, naturally permeable landscapes are replaced with buildings, roads and…

With a little creativity & ingenuity small spaces can be maximized for a greater food harvest from your garden & look great doing so. Many of us look forward to the unmistakable taste of fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit , especially those that come from our own soil. For those of you who would like to grow…

The year round off-grid greenhouse demystified, a Guest Post by Lindsey Schiller. As a native Californian transplanted into a much cooler climate (Western Quebec), I find myself mourning the loss of fresh local seasonal fruits and veggies all year long, which I understand is a first world problem on a few different…

Imagine siphoning honey straight from the hive, no mess, no fuss, with little to no stress on the bees. Can you imagine having honey on tap straight from your beehive? That is exactly what father and son team Stuart and Cedar Anderson aim to bring to market with an Indiegogo campaign they are launching later this…

If you think a rainwater catchment system might be what you're looking for, whether to maintain independance or to further water conservation, read on. setting up a rainwater catchment system If it is not for financial reasons, why are you installing a water tank? Here are some reasons: To do your part for water…

Two First Nations women have secured funding to build an off-grid solar powered greenhouse to provide food security for their community. The Sagkeeng First Nation is a Treaty-1, 3 and 5 First Nation in the Eastman Region of Manitoba, where two young and ambitious members of their community have undertaken a project…

Green roofs have known benefits for biodiversity in urban areas, water conservation, insulation properties and are simply more attractive to look at - here is an example of them being very practical too. Most commercial green roofs in an urban area offer green space for occupants and manage rainwater, but large…