Metal Moth Farm

07/21/2025

Potatoes. I planted a few rows in the urban farm (garden?) from some of last year’s leftovers over at Echollective Farm. They’re always the prettiest when they first come out of the ground.

These are one of the crops I think I miss growing commercially. Potatoes are so lovely and enjoyed by practically everyone.

For not knowing wtf the situation was with my soil in the yard when i moved into Iowa City earlier this year, I feel like these turned out pretty well.

07/16/2025

Changes incoming. Spurgeon Veggies is gone, but I (Dusty) am still around. I'm brewing something new in Iowa.

I don't know exactly where this is going to go yet, but I'm growing flowers and veggies for my local neighborhood and the community fridge here in Iowa City.

You can stay with this page and follow along in my journey of rediscovering myself and what role agriculture plays in my life. I want to bring good to my community, and maybe this is part of process.

If you're looking for Spurgeon Gardens, they have a separate business profile on facebook. This one had become defunct, and by some bizarre coincidence, I recently discovered I still had admin control of this page.

Anyway. Here's your introduction to the Metal Moth Farm, an urban agricultural situation in Iowa City that may just bring a little more life to the south side.

I miss all you Galesburgers and hope you'll join me on this fun new adventure! --Dusty

04/30/2025

When I'm not working in the garden, I'm tromping through the woods looking to see what spring flowers have emerged. This spring was beautiful. I found Mayapples, spring beauties and dutchman's britches. I love spring!

04/28/2025

I hope you all had a great winter break and are ready for fresh veggies! Last year the onions were so marvelous I ordered more. Back in March I hand planted thousands and they are coming along nicely. Some will come to market as green onions but most I'll let grow up to be the large ones you saw last fall. Market starts next Saturday! Can you believe it? I'll be there with rhubarb, asparagus, green onions and lots of plants. Come by and say Hi!

11/09/2024

10/08/2024

Announcing.... More produce!!! By appointment

This week, Oct 8-11
126 Arizona Ave.
By appointment only.
Text 309-335-8883
End of season produce available:

Potatoes … $3/ #. Over 10 # /$2.50….over 20 # / $2
Kennebec, Viking, All Blue, Yukon Gold
Storage Onions…$2/ #
Yellow or Red
Garlic … $6/ #
Horseradish

Mixed greens $4/bag
Contains arugula, Chinese cabbage, broccoli greens

Eggplant $1 each
Okra $2/ #
Green Beans $3/ #
Bell Peppers …$2/ #
Green, Red, Yellow, Purple
Hot Peppers …4/$1
Cayenne or Jalalpeno
Tomatoes $3/ #.
Canning Tomatoes $2.50/ # over 10 #/$2
Cherry Tomatoes $3/pint
Zucchini $1 each
Green or Yellow
Pat A Pan $1 each

All produce while supplies last. Most will be available until October 20.

10/04/2024

🌹 The Rose and Mary Magdalene: A Symbol of Divine Love 🌹

Did you know that the rose is often associated with Mary Magdalene in Christian tradition? This beautiful flower carries deep symbolism connected to one of the most enigmatic figures in the Bible.

Legend has it that after Jesus' crucifixion, Mary Magdalene traveled to France, carrying with her a vial of Jesus' blood. Where her tears fell, red roses are said to have bloomed, symbolizing both her devotion and Christ's sacrifice.

In medieval art, Mary Magdalene is frequently depicted holding or surrounded by roses. The flower came to represent:

• Divine love
• Transformation and spiritual awakening
• The mystery of life, death, and rebirth

Whether you're religious or not, the story of Mary Magdalene and the rose reminds us of the power of love, faith, and personal growth.

What's your favorite rose symbolism or legend? Share in the comments! 🌹💖

10/03/2024

Oh look, it's a prince!

10/02/2024

Juniper berries are the female seed cones of various juniper species, particularly Juniperus communis. Despite their name, they're not true berries but rather fleshy, merged cone scales.
Key points about juniper berries:

Appearance: Small, blue-black, berry-like cones
Flavor: Piney, slightly bitter, with hints of citrus
Uses:

Culinary: Flavoring for gin
Medicinal: Traditional remedies for digestive issues and joint pain

Harvest: Take 18 months to 3 years to ripen
Nutrition: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Cultural significance: Used in various cuisines and traditional medicines worldwide

Juniper berries are perhaps best known for giving gin its distinctive flavor. However, their use extends far beyond alcohol production, playing a role in both culinary traditions and folk medicine across many cultures.

10/01/2024

Shelf fungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by recycling nutrients and providing habitats for insects. While some species can be harmful to living trees, many are essential decomposers in the forest nutrient cycle.

09/28/2024

Good morning Galesburg! We'll be at the Galesburg Farmers Market from 8am to noon today.

09/27/2024

Catch us at Galesburg farmers market tomorrow at 8am to noon!