Urbavores's Page

Services we provide:

Soil testing: Basic soil tests can be anywhere from $5 to $20 and measure acidity, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. More sophisticated tests can be done through a third party and can cost as little as $45 to over $200 depending on whether or not you feel testing for heavy metals is necessary based on your property’s history.

Consultation: The consultation process begins with a simple one page questionaire that we use to gauge your needs, your budget and the approximate size of the project. Next we offer a free face to face consultation to gain a more clear idea about the project and give you an idea of what we can offer you based on your needs and budget. Additional consultations may be necessary. If so the fee for any additional consultations will be based on a reasonable hourly wage and transportation costs.

Design: Once we have had our initial free consultation, we will design a garden based on your potential garden plot, your desired style, your food needs and your budget. The design may change numerous times be fore and even slightly during installation.
Installation: Once we have a design that is to your satisfaction, we will set up a date to install the garden. Installation should take only one or two days, but if the project is big enough it may take more time. If it is expected to take longer than one or two days, we will let you know by the time the final design is agreed upon

Maintenance: The maintenance schedule is based on how much work, if any, you would like to do in your garden. For those who do not want to depend on having time to garden at all, we would recommend scheduling weekly maintenance (this should be between one and two hours, one day per week). During this visit, we can weed, prune, harvest and replant. We can also take care of your rain barrel, drip irrigation adjustments and composting needs at this time.

Products we offer:

Raised bed frames: Raised bed frames are wooden (preferable cedar or redwood) boxes that are built to contain the garden. These are used to increase the depth of the bed which allows more produce to be grown in a smaller space. They also help to separate good soil from bad if soil quality is of concern. Finally, wooden frames add aesthetic value to the garden, giving it a beautiful, natural and tidy look.

Rain Barrels: Rain barrels are a sustainable way to collect water for you garden. If you place a rain barrel under a gutter attachment, the barrel can collect all the rainwater that hit’s your roof, preventing runoff and soil erosion.

Compost bins: Compost bins are places to collect any food waste and yard debris that your household creates. You simply collect this waste in separate containers and we will bring it out to your compost bin and turn it when we come for our weekly maintenance (if you choose that service). You are left with a closed loop, where what you waste actually helps create nutrient rich compost to add to you soil.

Drip irrigation: Drip irrigation is a system of plastic tubing that allows a steady supply of water to your garden. This prevents waste by only using as much water as is needed by the garden an avoid the potential for human error.

Organic pest management: There are many time-tested organic pest management techniques in use today. Some include use of certain plants that are natural deterrents. Placing chicken wire beneath the garden can prevent moles and gophers from coming up through your bed. Placing chicken wire or netting over your garden can prevent animals from eating your food. Using wood mulch can prevent weeds from sprouting.

Season extending structures: We offer season extending structures, such as cold frames, which will allow you to get a jump start on each season and allow you to grow further into the fall. Styles vary in size, appearance and quality.