Preserving Traditional Farming and Gardening

At Tumbledown Farm, our purpose is
  • to preserve and re-publish the primary sources of knowledge about 19th and early 20th century farming and gardening
  • to rediscover the best of traditional farming and gardening skills and techniques
  • to increase the number of diversified farms
  • to gather a community of support for those who want to learn how to farm and garden in the old ways, and
  • to create a network of experimental field stations to provide advice for the creation of sustainable, suburban micro-farms

Paul Auguste Aquatias: French Gardening

Tue, 06/22/2010 - 17:24 — admin
One of the most gratifying aspects of maintaining this web site is the response of readers and devoted gardeners the world over.

Violet Azalea?

Wed, 04/21/2010 - 22:07 — admin

Anyone know the variety of "Azalea" shown here?

Survival Seeds!

Mon, 04/19/2010 - 17:52 — admin

An Addition to our Gardening Resources Page

Seldom Seen Farm

Sat, 02/13/2010 - 17:50 — admin

A West-side Indianapolis Farm and CSA with two partners who try to farm organically ("transitional" farm) got great press this weekend from the Indianapolis Star (Seldom Seen Farm, Star article, http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20102130306). They caught the attention of the Star with their unheated cold-frame or high tunnel season extender.

Freezing Fog and Snow

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 20:57 — admin
I enjoyed a few moments outside this morning, despite the cold. It is too early to plant seeds, even inside. The seed order is complete and I am awaiting the beginning of March to start gardening in earnest. This morning provided an opportunity just to stand aside and enjoy nature's ice show.

Chapter VII: Cloches, Cloche-Carriers, and Pegs

Wed, 02/10/2010 - 19:12 — admin

Excerpt: CLOCHES, or bell-glasses, are used in great number. They protect the plants as well as the frames do. They admit more light, cost less in proportion, require no painting, and, save for the few that get broken, last for all time.

Jobs for Farmers

Sat, 01/30/2010 - 15:47 — admin
Dear Mr. President, While you are considering ways to create jobs by stimulating small business (both the creation of new businesses and new hiring by existing small businesses), please do not forget the sector of the economy that will produce the biggest bang in hiring (or working and producing, which isn't necessarily the same thing) for the smallest buck. I think you could more or less wipe out unemployment with a small investment in small farms.

Chapter VI: Frames and Lights

Thu, 01/28/2010 - 17:02 — admin

Excerpt: It will be seen that this frame is very shallow, and very little higher at the back than the front. This design is the outcome of generations of experience. All obstructions to light are eliminated as far as possible; the plants are grown near the glass, and conse­quently they become as sturdy as when grown in the open.

Chapter V: Manure

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 21:02 — admin
EXCERPT: MANURE is the most important factor in French gardening. The most suitable material is that from stables where the horses are bedded with straw. This, known as "long manure," should be brought into the garden in very fresh condition. There should be no peat, sawdust, shavings, or rubbish mixed with it.

Share this page.

Share
Syndicate content