What are the opening hours?

Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

IUrbanFarm, 1818 Lakefield Court SE, Conyers, GA (2025)

02/05/2025

Good morning did you know comfrey is a great herb to use.

# # # **What is Comfrey?**
Comfrey (*Symphytum officinale*) is a perennial herb traditionally used for healing wounds, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. It contains compounds like allantoin, which promotes cell growth, and rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

# # # **Uses of Comfrey**
1. **Topical Applications (External Use Only)**
- *Comfrey Salve or Ointment*: Helps heal bruises, sprains, and minor wounds.
- *Poultice*: Useful for swelling, arthritis pain, or bruises.
- *Compress*: Soothes back pain, joint inflammation, or skin conditions.

2. **Gardening Use**
- As a fertilizer or mulch: Comfrey leaves are rich in potassium and can be used to improve soil fertility.
- Compost booster: Speeds up decomposition when added to compost piles.

# # # **How to Prepare and Use Comfrey**
1. **Comfrey Salve**
- **Ingredients:** Dried comfrey leaves, olive oil, beeswax
- **Instructions:**
1. Infuse the dried comfrey leaves in olive oil for 2-4 weeks.
2. Strain the oil and heat it gently with beeswax until melted.
3. Pour into a jar and let it cool before use.

2. **Comfrey Poultice**
- **Instructions:**
1. Chop fresh comfrey leaves or crush dried leaves.
2. Mix with a bit of water to form a paste.
3. Spread on a clean cloth and apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.

3. **Comfrey Tea (For Gardening, NOT Consumption)**
- **Instructions:**
1. Fill a container with chopped comfrey leaves.
2. Cover with water and let sit for 2-3 weeks, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain and dilute the liquid (1:10 ratio) before using as a fertilizer.

# # # **Safety Note**
- **Do Not Ingest:** Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can cause liver damage if consumed.
- **Skin Use Caution:** Avoid using on deep wounds as it may promote surface healing before internal!

01/31/2025

**Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle: How to Get Started**

Living a sustainable lifestyle is more than a trend—it's a conscious choice to reduce your environmental footprint, promote healthier living, and contribute to the well-being of future generations. Transitioning to a greener lifestyle can seem overwhelming at first, but small, intentional steps can make a lasting impact. Here's how to get started:

# # # 1. **Evaluate Your Current Lifestyle**
Start by assessing your daily habits. Where is there room for improvement? Pay attention to areas such as energy consumption, food waste, water usage, and shopping patterns. Understanding your current practices will help identify meaningful changes.

# # # 2. **Reduce, Reuse, Recycle**
- **Reduce:** Limit unnecessary purchases and choose quality over quantity.
- **Reuse:** Opt for reusable products like water bottles, shopping bags, and storage containers.
- **Recycle:** Familiarize yourself with local recycling guidelines and separate your waste accordingly.

# # # 3. **Embrace Energy Efficiency**
- Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Consider installing a smart thermostat to regulate heating and cooling.
- Explore solar energy options if feasible.

# # # 4. **Practice Sustainable Eating**
- Eat seasonally and locally when possible to reduce your food’s carbon footprint.
- Support farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
- Reduce meat consumption and try plant-based meals.
- Compost food scraps to create rich soil for gardening.

# # # 5. **Conserve Water**
- Fix leaks and install water-saving faucets.
- Use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor use.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Consider drought-tolerant plants for landscaping.

# # # 6. **Adopt Green Transportation Habits**
- Walk, bike, or carpool when possible.
- Use public transportation.
- Maintain your vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently.
- Explore electric or hybrid vehicle options if feasible.

# # # 7. **Grow Your Own Food**
Starting a small garden can provide fresh produce, reduce grocery bills, and contribute to food security. Even if space is limited, container gardening or vertical gardens can work wonders. Hydroponics is also a fantastic option for growing food sustainably year-round.

# # # 8. **Support Ethical and Sustainable Brands**
Research and support companies that prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices, and eco-friendly packaging. Choose products made from renewable or recycled materials.

# # # 9. **Get Involved in the Community**
Join local clean-up events, sustainability workshops, or conservation groups. Connecting with others can inspire you to maintain your sustainable journey.

# # # 10. **Stay Educated and Flexible**
Sustainability is a continuous learning process. Stay informed about new practices, technologies, and ideas. Be open to adjusting your habits as needed.

**Final Thoughts:**
Creating a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, but each small change you make contributes to a healthier planet and a better quality of life. Start with what feels manageable, and remember that your efforts—no matter how small—make a difference.

How will you start your journey toward sustainability? Share your thoughts and inspire others to take action!

Let’s get started with some herbs you can grow inside and in water

01/30/2025

**February Gardening Guide: What to Plan and Plant This Month**

February marks a crucial transition into the growing season. As winter wanes, it's the perfect time to start planning your spring garden and planting certain crops. Whether you're working with raised beds, traditional soil, or hydroponics, a little preparation now will set you up for a productive season. Here's a simple guide to help you get started:

# # # **Planning Your Garden**
1. **Review Last Season's Notes:** Reflect on what worked and what didn’t last year.
2. **Test and Amend Soil:** Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Add compost, organic matter, or amendments as needed to prepare the ground.
3. **Map Out Garden Space:** Sketch a layout of where crops will go. Consider companion planting and crop rotation to maximize space and yield.
4. **Order Seeds and Supplies:** If you haven’t already, purchase seeds for spring and summer planting.
5. **Clean and Organize Tools:** Sharpen, repair, and sanitize tools before heavy garden work begins.

# # # **What to Plant in February**

**Outdoors (Depending on Zone)**
- **Cool-Season Crops:** Direct sow seeds for leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce.
- **Root Vegetables:** Plant carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips.
- **Herbs:** Parsley and cilantro are hardy enough for cooler temperatures.

**Indoors (Starting Seeds for Later Transplanting)**
- **Warm-Season Crops:** Start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors under grow lights.
- **Herbs:** Basil, oregano, and thyme grow well indoors until transplant time.

**Greenhouse or Hoop House (Controlled Environment)**
- Lettuce, arugula, and other greens thrive in protected environments.
- Microgreens and sprouts can be harvested in a few short weeks.

# # # **Garden Chores for February**
- **Prune Fruit Trees and Shrubs:** Trim dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth.
- **W**d Early:** Catch w**ds before they establish.
- **Mulch Paths:** Keep soil insulated and prevent early w**d growth.
- **Plan Pest Prevention:** Set up row covers or floating fabrics for vulnerable crops.

By taking advantage of February's opportunities, you’ll set a solid foundation for a thriving spring garden. Happy planting and planning!

Address

1818 Lakefield Court SE
Conyers, GA
30013

Opening Hours

Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm

Website

http://www.iurbanfarm.com/

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