Carina McDowell

Welcome, Raven! I've been interested in growing and processing flax for some time now. I live in the inner city and have been teaching my community about food gardening, but I think it would be fun to play with plant fibers and natural dyes. I've never thought about knitting or crocheting with linen, but I have looked into warp weight looms.

I live in Indianapolis, in zone 5. I love the idea of sheet composting and I've been doing it in my own backyard for years. I would have to teach people in the area what it is, how it works and that it doesn't attract vermin, which some will have concerns about. Are there any really good reference books about wild edibles that has photos that I might be able to share with my neighbors. I only know a few edible weeds and the neighbors are amazed when I point out that they already have food growing in their yards.

I'm working on putting together sustainable solutions for my urban food desert neighborhood. Our area is low income with all of the associated issues. One of the solutions we've discussed is a food forest, so I'm researching that concept. I've also been watching Geoff Lawton's weekly videos and have seen some amazing ideas. I think some hugelkulture berms are in the making, considering how may large branches mother nature is bringing down this winter. Any other help, suggestions or ideas would be welcome!