Iowabackyardfarmer

A Little Back Story on the Backyard

Steven grew up on a farm, has a Masters degree in Agronomy, and is a Certified Crop Advisor. I have gardened my whole life, worked at nursery centers, and love the beauty of the outdoors. We met in an agricultural accounting class in college where I was getting a Landscaping Horticulture degree. We fell in love, got married, and had six wonderful children. ​

Growing up on a farm Steven knew the value of good hard work in the outdoors, and we wanted that experience for our family. We thought we needed a big space in order to have these opportunities for our children, but they were growing up so fast and land is expensive. So what could we do? We were already living in a great neighborhood, and were close to church, schools, shopping, and friends. So, what we could do with the space we already had in our suburban lot? We scaled up our regular garden, added edible landscaping, and planted a small orchard to see just how much we could grow in one backyard and still have a lovely place to play in. Our kids help out by planting, harvesting, eating and preserving the food we grow.

We wanted to grow things in a sustainable and regenerative way. We avoid spraying pesticides because we want the freshest, cleanest produce we can get. Our goal is to be able to find something to eat every time we go outside.

​ We wanted it to be a beautiful spot that would add value to our community. From daffodils and tulips in the early spring to a field of summer daylilies and fall asters there are annual and perennial flowers in bloom all season long.

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