Dervaes Family – Urban Homesteading

Since the mid 80’s the Dervaes family has transformed their small city lot into the sustainable and self-sufficient Urban Homestead project.  On just 1/10 of an acre they supply enough vegetables for themselves as well as a local produce business. They’ve really set the standard on what possible in an urban environment.

In addition to food production, the Dervaes family runs on solar power and brews their own biodiesel using waste restaurant grease.  They also raise goats, chickens, rabbits and some fish on their plot.  Let’s hope more and more people embrace this sort of living.

Check out their video on Urban Homesteading

They reminded everyone that their transformation from ‘home’ to ‘homestead’ has been a 20 year evolution, with many trials and efforts.  (Our gardens are just on year 2 and this story motivates us!)

“This lifestyle is difficult,” admits Jules(the father). “My attitude is survivalist backed up with stubbornness. I’m not saying that this lifestyle is for everybody, but some of it is for everybody.”  – Sentinal & Enterprise

To achieve 6,000lbs of food on their 1/10 acre urban homestead, the Dervaes family uses a variety of methods to maximize their space.

Planting and Soil Preservation Techniques

Animals Incorporated Into System