Earth Day was not too long ago, and regardless of whether or not you celebrated, you live on this planet. Being as no immediate replacement is currently available, I suggest you start thinking like nature.

Imagine walking through a forest. What do you see? Maybe trees, other plants, animals, and insects at all levels. A bird flying overhead, a bug crawling up a tree, a seedling stretching to the sun. Now a cornfield in the summer. What do you see? Corn, corn, corn, and perhaps a weed. A bug or two perhaps. Not the species richness of a forest, or even most roadside ditches.

What farm would be complete without some sort of animals?  Considering my limited choices-I don't think the City of Ames would appreciate a cow or anything of that sort-I have added some chickens to my backyard.

Your food scraps or newspapers can be turned into rich compost by these little additions to the household. Not even demanding to be regularly walked, these red wigglers will happily eat your waste in the dark with little care required from you. Just make sure they have good drainage and avoid feeding them meat, dairy or citrus.

Recently, I moved into a house with a large yard in Ames. After years of dorm and apartment living, I have a strong urge to plant things, produce my own food, and change my way of living. Join me as I create a mini farm in my own backyard.