A Brewer’s Garden
One of the best things about summer is getting to harvest and eat perfectly ripe tomatoes. They are so plump and juicy and more flavorful than what you can get at your typical grocery store. In the years before we started Independence Brewing, Rob and I always planted a garden of tomatoes, jalapenos and various herbs – a “salsa garden”. But in the first years of the brewery we were way too busy brewing beer and delivering kegs around town to keep up with a garden. Now that we have an awesome crew at the brewery, we’ve had some time to till and plant and the garden has made its triumphant return… and we have a boat load of tomatoes to eat and share. Yeah!
Composting with Spent Grains
People often ask us if they can use spent brewing grains for composting. Spent grain can be a great addition if your compost pile is filled primarily with grass and other “green” materials. Spent grains are a great source of carbon to balance the nitrogen from green compost materials.
Build a bin on firm, flat ground (we built one with a few stakes and chicken wire). Start with a layer of “green” materials, then layer in spent grain. Continue layering until you are out of material or your bin is full. Then sprinkle the pile with water to moisten. To learn more about home composting, try taking a free composting class from the City of Austin.
Community Gardening
Would you like to garden, but don’t have enough space or sunlight at home? Check out the Sustainable Food Center’s Community Garden program. Community gardens are vibrant, productive gathering places for neighbors to grow food and learn together.
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July 12th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
You should contact Paula McDermott chair of the Sustainable Food Policy Board.
July 13th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Man. I need a garden… gotta make time..