Project Martian
The Finest Soils
It’s spring! I am busy planting cucumbers, zucchini, squash, peas, and beans. The soil in the compost beds is deep, moist, and rich with nutrients. I amended the beds with the peas and beans with feather paste and fish meal…

Producing Food and Eating as an Art
One of the benefits of Mezzacello is the the unique differences between Jim and I. The marriage of different perspectives on some of the things we already value. We find ourselves delving into aspects of things that we otherwise might…

Adapt, Recycle, Reuse: Chicken Diapers
Chicken Diapers: see new uses and explore – and then COVID. When the humble chicken diaper becomes a face mask again.

Sanitizing the Hen Yard
Slowly over the last 18 months I have been implementing the upgrades to my urban farm animal yards that were suggested by the Columbus Health Department. I have a higher standard to uphold as I am applying for a permitting…

Easy Classic French Bean Poles
Inspired by classic beanpoles at French Chateaux, these are a modern update that are easy to build. This includes directions.

Herbal Parterres
A year two update on the herbal parterres at Mezzacello. The drawbacks and benefits and what I love. The microclimate and structure are key!

MidSeason Harvest
It’s mid July. That means it’s time to start harvesting the early spring crops! The replacement seedlings are in the greenhouse now. But first I need to not only HARVEST available produce and root vegetables, I need to figure out…

The Foodist: Perfect Pan-Roasted Chicken
This is a crowd pleaser and is a great way to make chicken thighs go a long way with amazing style. Fresh and tasty!
