The Homegrown and Happiness Backyard Farm is a 3750 sq ft lot, with an old home built in 1900.
The home is in the midst of restoration and has a VERY small back yard. We sit just blocks from downtown Colorado Springs in a small, older neighborhood. Not an area known for growing food. But that is the fun part! We are here to teach and guide others in all we have learned. To show others how they can do the same.
Currently our yard holds:
1,000+ sq ft of raised beds (standard and vertical)
A large herb/rock garden
A 6′ x 8′ Greenhouse
6 – 8′ Rain Gutter Planters
A Large, custom Chicken Coop
9 Laying Hens (multiple breeds)
6 Ducks (2 breeds)
4 large bee hives
A 4 x 12 ft meat rabbit hutch/colony with 1 buck and 2 does
3 Compost bins
Multiple other growing areas, rock pathways, multiple seating areas. a pergola and fire pit.
We are a family run organization. From time to time, we do use interns who hel us and are able to learn the ropes.
Kellie Dodson -
Lead Farmer/Teacher
Kellie was born and raised in the sprawling urban area of West Des Moines, Iowa. After getting married, starting her family and moving to Colorado, she began growing her knowledge about backyard farming, especially in urban area’s. Kellie has a great amount knowledge about growing in the tricky environment of Colorado and about growing in small spaces. Her passion is teaching others how to grow their own food and supply quality food to their families.
Tracy Dodson -
Farm Hand/Assistant
Tracy grew up on a small, working farm near Elkhart, Iowa. Though he was young, he worked along side his family in the field, in the barn and in the garden. Growing up in this environment has given him a working knowledge of what to do and not to do for success in growing. Tracy serves as technical support, implementation/function of the back yard, video filming/production for YouTube, the creation of the web presence and the creation of all of our merch.