An outdoor meal for 54 -- yes, 54 -- is threatened by the coming Texas rains. But the show must go on. Starting with strawberry cocktails, here are the dinners 11 full courses, all of native Texan cuisine. More »
Austin's small farmers prepare to protest a food safety regulation that could burden them unfairly. The author explains why the National Animal Identification System could invade her privacy, increase the amount of work she has to do, and cut into her bottom line if it's enacted. More »
A welcome rainstorm after a stretch of drought leaves the farm brimming with life and ushers in a period of happiness and harmony. But a visit from some tomato-loving pests that leave pollen-like markings on the plants they attack ruins the honeymoon. More »
What to do when beautiful weeds compete with lucrative but less eye-catching flowers? The author struggles to pull out plants that are pleasing to the eye but understands that the farm can't survive when it's weedy. She ends of saving a few bunches, just for beauty's sake. More »
Three actor-chickens were left at the farm after the filming of an indie movie wrapped up. They've miraculously escaped the fate of factory farms, but it's clear they miss the spotlight, so they try to grab attention any way they can. More »
A simple spring dessert of bakes rhubarb and fresh berries, topped with whipped créme fraîche and candied ginger More »
The challenge: to grow Rhubarb, a northern crop, in Texas. Yanks love it in pies. It can also be in pudding or, with this recipe from Deborah Madison, made with berries and candied ginger. More »
Over 250 aspiring "chickenists" visit the hen house in honor of the city's first Funky Chicken Coop Tour, and the author finds out first-hand what life is like inside the coop. More »
In cosmopolitan Austin, surprisingly high interest among locals in a reals working farm calls attention to changing values. Some, it seems, are seeking to repossess the knowledge and skills, once common, of their subsistence farmer ancestors. More »
Recession-minded city folk are buying chicken eggs. Surprise, surprise--some of the baby chicks turn into roosters, which make a lot of noise. Those urban roosters get abandoned, and often end up here, where they cause real trouble in the henhouse. More »
Aided by Tootie J. Tootums, head hen of the Henhouse, tucking in 1,400 baby heirloom tomato plants that, in a few months time, will delight even the most discerning tomato aficionados. More »
An unfamiliar sound in the early morning hours brings the promise of relief from a year-long drought. Rain, after three long months, finally has finally arrived on the Texas farm. Stunned family and friends barely know what to do with themselves. More »
Multiplying prolifically, they're the scourge of farms, flying in on gusty, dry north winds. Or they are placed on the vegetable plants by their pimps, the fire ants. We cannot abide the aphids, as they obviously don't possess morals, and are greedy to boot. More »
A small red hen named Onesy survives the skunk attack that killed her sisters -- but barely, and she becomes an outcast among her competitive cousins. But a bit of help and nurturing puts her back in the pecking order. More »
The pile doesn't care if it's Sunday morning and you're tired. It's hot and it wants to be turned. A compost pile is full of living beings, you know, and while the tiny critters don't complain, they do want to keep on living. Getting down and dirty on the farm. More »
Boggy Creek Farm has been thriving in Austin for generations. Farming just two miles from downtown isn't always easy, but it is well worth it. Running the stand at the Austin farmers market and getting to know the regular customers is just one of the many joys. More »
