All posts by Ashley

About Ashley

With a background in marketing communications, Ashley decided to take her interest in plants and gardening to the next level through The Alaska Urban Soil Project blog. As a newly self-proclaimed gardener, she's ready to blaze the trail for other wanna-be backyard vegetable gardeners and start an online community for fellow organic, local food lovers.

red and gold organic beets without tops

First Time Canning With a Water Bath: Pickled Homegrown Beets

Hippie Hacks & DIY, Organic Gardening, Recipes

It was time to harvest my beets, and I wanted to try canning at home.

I took a few classes on canning earlier this year from the UAF extension office in Anchorage, so I was familiar with the differences between the hot water bath canning method and a pressure canner, but I had never done it on my own. Continue reading First Time Canning With a Water Bath: Pickled Homegrown Beets →

chicken staring at camera

Building a DIY Backyard Chicken Coop – Part 3 (The Grand Finale)

Backyard Chickens, Hippie Hacks & DIY

In April, Brian started building the frame of a chicken coop and run area in our yard. The chicks were non-existent, and it was all still just an idea.

Were we crazy for building a chicken coop in our urban backyard? Could we make it look nice or would it be an eye sore? Would it decrease the value of our home?

In April, we started the project (see pictures from Part 1 here). We had little chicks who would soon need a bigger home.

In June, it was time for the chickens to live outside. We made more progress on the coop and run area in Building a DIY Backyard Chicken Coop – Part 2.

Now in August, months later, we’ve put the final touches on it. Continue reading Building a DIY Backyard Chicken Coop – Part 3 (The Grand Finale) →