diff --git a/.rubocop_todo.yml b/.rubocop_todo.yml
index 6ec9225c5..2ed8b208d 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo.yml
@@ -472,10 +472,6 @@ Rails/I18nLocaleAssignment:
   Exclude:
     - 'spec/features/locale_spec.rb'
 
-# Offense count: 40
-Rails/I18nLocaleTexts:
-  Enabled: false
-
 # Offense count: 1
 # Configuration parameters: IgnoreScopes.
 Rails/InverseOf:
diff --git a/app/controllers/admin/crop_companions_controller.rb b/app/controllers/admin/crop_companions_controller.rb
index 1ca9122a8..b21841b11 100644
--- a/app/controllers/admin/crop_companions_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/admin/crop_companions_controller.rb
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ module Admin
     def create
       @crop_companion = @crop.crop_companions.new(crop_companion_params)
       if @crop_companion.save
-        redirect_to admin_crop_crop_companions_path(@crop), notice: 'Companion was successfully created.'
+        redirect_to admin_crop_crop_companions_path(@crop), notice: t('crop_companions.created')
       else
         render :new
       end
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ module Admin
     def destroy
       @crop_companion = @crop.crop_companions.find(params[:id])
       @crop_companion.destroy
-      redirect_to admin_crop_crop_companions_path(@crop), notice: 'Companion was successfully destroyed.'
+      redirect_to admin_crop_crop_companions_path(@crop), notice: t('crop_companions.deleted')
     end
 
     private
diff --git a/app/controllers/admin/versions_controller.rb b/app/controllers/admin/versions_controller.rb
index ff2691642..bd37a95e5 100644
--- a/app/controllers/admin/versions_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/admin/versions_controller.rb
@@ -9,9 +9,9 @@ module Admin
       @version = PaperTrail::Version.find(params[:id])
       @object = @version.reify
       if @object.save
-        redirect_to admin_crops_path, notice: "Reverted to version from #{@version.created_at.strftime('%B %d, %Y')}"
+        redirect_to admin_crops_path, notice: t('messages.revert_success', date: @version.created_at.strftime('%B %d, %Y'))
       else
-        redirect_to admin_crops_path, alert: "Could not revert to version from #{@version.created_at.strftime('%B %d, %Y')}. Errors: #{@object.errors.full_messages.to_sentence}"
+        redirect_to admin_crops_path, alert: t('messages.revert_error', date: @version.created_at.strftime('%B %d, %Y'), errors: @object.errors.full_messages.to_sentence)
       end
     end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/alternate_names_controller.rb b/app/controllers/alternate_names_controller.rb
index d95b1667c..4c975cab8 100644
--- a/app/controllers/alternate_names_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/alternate_names_controller.rb
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class AlternateNamesController < ApplicationController
     @alternate_name = AlternateName.new(alternate_name_params)
 
     if @alternate_name.save
-      redirect_to @alternate_name.crop, notice: 'Alternate name was successfully created.'
+      redirect_to @alternate_name.crop, notice: t('alternate_names.created')
     else
       render action: "new"
     end
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class AlternateNamesController < ApplicationController
   # PUT /alternate_names/1.json
   def update
     if @alternate_name.update(alternate_name_params)
-      redirect_to @alternate_name.crop, notice: 'Alternate name was successfully updated.'
+      redirect_to @alternate_name.crop, notice: t('alternate_names.updated')
     else
       render action: "edit"
     end
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class AlternateNamesController < ApplicationController
   def destroy
     @crop = @alternate_name.crop
     @alternate_name.destroy
-    redirect_to @crop, notice: 'Alternate name was successfully deleted.'
+    redirect_to @crop, notice: t('alternate_names.deleted')
   end
 
   private
diff --git a/app/controllers/authentications_controller.rb b/app/controllers/authentications_controller.rb
index f3588cbdf..e8c03abbd 100644
--- a/app/controllers/authentications_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/authentications_controller.rb
@@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ class AuthenticationsController < ApplicationController
           name:
         )
 
-      flash[:notice] = "Authentication successful."
+      flash[:notice] = t('messages.auth_success')
     else
-      flash[:notice] = "Authentication failed."
+      flash[:notice] = t('messages.auth_failed')
     end
     redirect_to request.env['omniauth.origin'] || edit_member_registration_path
   end
diff --git a/app/controllers/blocks_controller.rb b/app/controllers/blocks_controller.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..06521ac18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/controllers/blocks_controller.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+class BlocksController < ApplicationController
+  load_and_authorize_resource
+  skip_load_resource only: :create
+
+  def create
+    @block = current_member.blocks.build(blocked: Member.find(params[:blocked]))
+
+    if @block.save
+      flash[:notice] = "Blocked #{@block.blocked.login_name}"
+    else
+      flash[:error] = "Already blocking or error while blocking."
+    end
+    redirect_back fallback_location: root_path
+  end
+
+  def destroy
+    @block = current_member.blocks.find(params[:id])
+    @unblocked = @block.blocked
+    @block.destroy
+
+    flash[:notice] = "Unblocked #{@unblocked.login_name}"
+    redirect_to @unblocked
+  end
+
+  private
+
+  def block_params
+    params.permit(:id, :blocked)
+  end
+end
diff --git a/app/controllers/follows_controller.rb b/app/controllers/follows_controller.rb
index 35bc3199f..94eff7680 100644
--- a/app/controllers/follows_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/follows_controller.rb
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ class FollowsController < ApplicationController
     @follow = current_member.follows.build(followed: Member.find(params[:followed]))
 
     if @follow.save
-      flash[:notice] = "Followed #{@follow.followed.login_name}"
+      flash[:notice] = t('messages.followed', name: @follow.followed.login_name)
     else
-      flash[:error] = "Already following or error while following."
+      flash[:error] = t('messages.follow_error')
     end
     redirect_back_or_to(root_path)
   end
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ class FollowsController < ApplicationController
     @unfollowed = @follow.followed
     @follow.destroy
 
-    flash[:notice] = "Unfollowed #{@unfollowed.login_name}"
+    flash[:notice] = t('messages.unfollowed', name: @unfollowed.login_name)
     redirect_to @unfollowed
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/forums_controller.rb b/app/controllers/forums_controller.rb
index bc75da5fa..179c96c69 100644
--- a/app/controllers/forums_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/forums_controller.rb
@@ -32,14 +32,14 @@ class ForumsController < ApplicationController
   # POST /forums.json
   def create
     @forum = Forum.new(forum_params)
-    flash[:notice] = 'Forum was successfully created.' if @forum.save
+    flash[:notice] = t('forums.created') if @forum.save
     respond_with(@forum)
   end
 
   # PUT /forums/1
   # PUT /forums/1.json
   def update
-    flash[:notice] = 'Forum was successfully updated.' if @forum.update(forum_params)
+    flash[:notice] = t('forums.updated') if @forum.update(forum_params)
     respond_with(@forum)
   end
 
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class ForumsController < ApplicationController
   # DELETE /forums/1.json
   def destroy
     @forum.destroy
-    flash[:notice] = 'Forum was successfully deleted'
+    flash[:notice] = t('forums.deleted')
     redirect_to forums_url
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/likes_controller.rb b/app/controllers/likes_controller.rb
index 3093ce42e..b205ec220 100644
--- a/app/controllers/likes_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/likes_controller.rb
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class LikesController < ApplicationController
       @like.likeable.reindex(refresh: true)
       success(@like, liked_by_member: true, status_code: :created)
     else
-      failed(@like, message: 'Unable to like')
+      failed(@like, message: t('messages.unable_to_like'))
     end
   end
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ class LikesController < ApplicationController
       @like.likeable.reindex(refresh: true)
       success(@like, liked_by_member: false, status_code: :ok)
     else
-      failed(@like, message: 'Unable to unlike')
+      failed(@like, message: t('messages.unable_to_unlike'))
     end
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/messages_controller.rb b/app/controllers/messages_controller.rb
index bd34e3ce1..974c09d29 100644
--- a/app/controllers/messages_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/messages_controller.rb
@@ -27,10 +27,21 @@ class MessagesController < ApplicationController
   def create
     if params[:conversation_id].present?
       @conversation = Mailboxer::Conversation.find(params[:conversation_id])
+      # Check if any of the recipients have blocked the sender
+      if @conversation.recipients.any? { |recipient| recipient.already_blocking?(current_member) }
+        flash[:error] = "You cannot reply to this conversation because one of the recipients has blocked you."
+        redirect_to conversation_path(@conversation)
+        return
+      end
       current_member.reply_to_conversation(@conversation, params[:body])
       redirect_to conversation_path(@conversation)
     else
       recipient = Member.find(params[:recipient_id])
+      if recipient.already_blocking?(current_member)
+        flash[:error] = "You cannot send a message to a member who has blocked you."
+        redirect_back fallback_location: root_path
+        return
+      end
       body = params[:body]
       subject = params[:subject]
       @conversation = current_member.send_message(recipient, body, subject)
diff --git a/app/controllers/omniauth_callbacks_controller.rb b/app/controllers/omniauth_callbacks_controller.rb
index 0d55de038..f4394d8a3 100644
--- a/app/controllers/omniauth_callbacks_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/omniauth_callbacks_controller.rb
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ require './lib/actions/oauth_signup_action'
 #
 class OmniauthCallbacksController < Devise::OmniauthCallbacksController
   def failure
-    flash[:alert] = "Authentication failed."
+    flash[:alert] = t('messages.auth_failed')
     redirect_to request.env['omniauth.origin'] || "/"
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/places_controller.rb b/app/controllers/places_controller.rb
index a30c1ae98..cfec33fa4 100644
--- a/app/controllers/places_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/places_controller.rb
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class PlacesController < ApplicationController
 
   def search
     if params[:new_place].empty?
-      redirect_to places_path, alert: 'Please enter a valid location'
+      redirect_to places_path, alert: t('messages.invalid_location')
     else
       redirect_to place_path(params[:new_place])
     end
diff --git a/app/controllers/plantings_controller.rb b/app/controllers/plantings_controller.rb
index a696e9c03..bc443fe8e 100644
--- a/app/controllers/plantings_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/plantings_controller.rb
@@ -116,11 +116,11 @@ class PlantingsController < DataController
     new_planting.finished_at = nil
 
     if new_planting.save
-      redirect_to edit_planting_path(new_planting), notice: 'Planting was successfully transplanted.'
+      redirect_to edit_planting_path(new_planting), notice: t('messages.transplant_success')
     else
       # if the save fails, we should probably roll back the finishing of the original planting
       @planting.update(finished: false, finished_at: nil)
-      redirect_to @planting, alert: "There was an error transplanting the planting: #{new_planting.errors.full_messages.to_sentence}"
+      redirect_to @planting, alert: t('messages.transplant_error', errors: new_planting.errors.full_messages.to_sentence)
     end
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/posts_controller.rb b/app/controllers/posts_controller.rb
index b1affe635..01239a601 100644
--- a/app/controllers/posts_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/posts_controller.rb
@@ -29,17 +29,17 @@ class PostsController < ApplicationController
   def create
     params[:post][:author_id] = current_member.id
     @post = Post.new(post_params)
-    flash[:notice] = 'Post was successfully created.' if @post.save
+    flash[:notice] = t('posts.created') if @post.save
     respond_with(@post)
   end
 
   def update
-    flash[:notice] = 'Post was successfully updated.' if @post.update(post_params)
+    flash[:notice] = t('posts.updated') if @post.update(post_params)
     respond_with(@post)
   end
 
   def destroy
-    flash[:notice] = 'Post was deleted.' if @post.destroy
+    flash[:notice] = t('posts.deleted') if @post.destroy
     respond_with(@post)
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/scientific_names_controller.rb b/app/controllers/scientific_names_controller.rb
index d815de94a..525563235 100644
--- a/app/controllers/scientific_names_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/scientific_names_controller.rb
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ class ScientificNamesController < ApplicationController
   def destroy
     @crop = @scientific_name.crop
     @scientific_name.destroy
-    flash[:notice] = 'Scientific name was successfully deleted.'
+    flash[:notice] = t('scientific_names.deleted')
     respond_with(@crop)
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/seeds_controller.rb b/app/controllers/seeds_controller.rb
index 6dd2741cd..46e00c0cc 100644
--- a/app/controllers/seeds_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/seeds_controller.rb
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ class SeedsController < DataController
     @seed.finished ||= false
     @seed.owner = current_member
     @seed.crop = @seed.parent_planting.crop if @seed.parent_planting
-    flash[:notice] = "Successfully added #{@seed.crop} seed to your stash." if @seed.save
+    flash[:notice] = t('seeds.added_to_stash', crop: @seed.crop) if @seed.save
     if params[:return] == 'planting'
       respond_with(@seed, location: @seed.parent_planting)
     else
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ class SeedsController < DataController
   end
 
   def update
-    flash[:notice] = 'Seed was successfully updated.' if @seed.update(seed_params)
+    flash[:notice] = t('seeds.updated') if @seed.update(seed_params)
     respond_with(@seed)
   end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/sessions_controller.rb b/app/controllers/sessions_controller.rb
index 47063d75d..fb5d0f226 100644
--- a/app/controllers/sessions_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/sessions_controller.rb
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ class SessionsController < Devise::SessionsController
 
   def create
     super do |_resource|
-      flash[:alert] = "There are crops waiting to be wrangled." if Crop.pending_approval.present? && current_member.role?(:crop_wrangler)
+      flash[:alert] = t('messages.crops_waiting') if Crop.pending_approval.present? && current_member.role?(:crop_wrangler)
     end
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/ability.rb b/app/models/ability.rb
index 4bce19085..62bc7ef1e 100644
--- a/app/models/ability.rb
+++ b/app/models/ability.rb
@@ -164,6 +164,12 @@ class Ability
     can :destroy, Follow
     cannot :destroy, Follow, followed_id: member.id # can't unfollow yourself
 
+    # blocking/unblocking permissions
+    can :create, Block
+    cannot :create, Block, blocked_id: member.id # can't block yourself
+
+    can :destroy, Block, blocker_id: member.id # can only unblock your own blocks
+
     cannot :create, GardenType
     cannot :update, GardenType
     cannot :destroy, GardenType
diff --git a/app/models/block.rb b/app/models/block.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a149f75b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/models/block.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+class Block < ApplicationRecord
+  belongs_to :blocker, class_name: "Member"
+  belongs_to :blocked, class_name: "Member"
+
+  validates :blocker_id, uniqueness: { scope: :blocked_id }
+
+  after_create :destroy_follow_relationship
+
+  private
+
+  def destroy_follow_relationship
+    # Destroy the follow relationship in both directions
+    Follow.where(follower: blocker, followed: blocked).destroy_all
+    Follow.where(follower: blocked, followed: blocker).destroy_all
+  end
+end
diff --git a/app/models/comment.rb b/app/models/comment.rb
index a351b2fc1..b6b80b241 100644
--- a/app/models/comment.rb
+++ b/app/models/comment.rb
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ class Comment < ApplicationRecord
   belongs_to :author, class_name: 'Member', inverse_of: :comments
   belongs_to :commentable, polymorphic: true, counter_cache: true
   # validates :body, presence: true
+  validate :author_is_not_blocked
 
   scope :post_order, -> { order(created_at: :asc) } # for display on post page
 
@@ -25,4 +26,13 @@ class Comment < ApplicationRecord
   def to_s
     "#{author.login_name} commented on #{commentable.subject}"
   end
+
+  private
+
+  def author_is_not_blocked
+    return unless author
+    if commentable.author.already_blocking?(author)
+      errors.add(:base, "You cannot comment on a post of a member who has blocked you.")
+    end
+  end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/crop.rb b/app/models/crop.rb
index b04eb3325..351ed0ae7 100644
--- a/app/models/crop.rb
+++ b/app/models/crop.rb
@@ -57,13 +57,13 @@ class Crop < ApplicationRecord
   validates :en_wikipedia_url,
             format: {
               with:    %r{\Ahttps?://en\.wikipedia\.org/wiki/[[:alnum:]%_.()-]+\z},
-              message: 'is not a valid English Wikipedia URL'
+              message: :not_a_valid_wikipedia_url
             },
             if:     :approved?
   validates :en_youtube_url,
             format: {
               with:    %r{\A(?:https?://)?(?:www\.)?(?:youtube(?:-nocookie)?\.com/(?:(?:v|e(?:mbed)?)/|\S*?[?&]v=)|youtu\.be/)[a-zA-Z0-9_-]{11}(?:[?&]\S*)?\z},
-              message: 'is not a valid YouTube URL'
+              message: :not_a_valid_youtube_url
             },
             allow_blank: true
   validates :name, uniqueness: { scope: :approval_status }, if: :pending?
@@ -190,12 +190,12 @@ class Crop < ApplicationRecord
     return if rejected?
     return unless reason_for_rejection.present? || rejection_notes.present?
 
-    errors.add(:approval_status, "must be rejected if a reason for rejection is present")
+    errors.add(:approval_status, :rejection_reason_required)
   end
 
   def must_have_meaningful_reason_for_rejection
     return unless reason_for_rejection == "other" && rejection_notes.blank?
 
-    errors.add(:rejection_notes, "must be added if the reason for rejection is \"other\"")
+    errors.add(:rejection_notes, :rejection_notes_required)
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/follow.rb b/app/models/follow.rb
index 0b9c9236d..e86c0dddd 100644
--- a/app/models/follow.rb
+++ b/app/models/follow.rb
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ class Follow < ApplicationRecord
   belongs_to :follower, class_name: "Member", inverse_of: :follows
   belongs_to :followed, class_name: "Member", inverse_of: :inverse_follows
   validates :follower_id, uniqueness: { scope: :followed_id }
+  validate :follower_is_not_blocked
 
   after_create do
     Notification.create(
@@ -14,4 +15,13 @@ class Follow < ApplicationRecord
       notifiable:   self
     )
   end
+
+  private
+
+  def follower_is_not_blocked
+    return unless follower
+    if followed.already_blocking?(follower)
+      errors.add(:base, "You cannot follow a member who has blocked you.")
+    end
+  end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/garden.rb b/app/models/garden.rb
index 5d3f04adb..ac55b5ffa 100644
--- a/app/models/garden.rb
+++ b/app/models/garden.rb
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class Garden < ApplicationRecord
 
   validates :name, uniqueness: { scope: :owner_id }
   validates :name,
-            format: { without: /\n/, message: "must contain no newlines" },
+            format: { without: /\n/, message: :no_newlines },
             allow_blank: false, presence: true,
             length: { maximum: 255 }
 
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class Garden < ApplicationRecord
     "acres"         => "acre"
   }.freeze
   validates :area_unit, inclusion:   { in:      AREA_UNITS_VALUES.values,
-                                       message: "%<value>s is not a valid area unit" },
+                                       message: :not_a_valid_area_unit },
                         allow_blank: true
 
   def cleanup_area
diff --git a/app/models/garden_collaborator.rb b/app/models/garden_collaborator.rb
index 520303437..7604ad286 100644
--- a/app/models/garden_collaborator.rb
+++ b/app/models/garden_collaborator.rb
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class GardenCollaborator < ApplicationRecord
     return unless member
     return unless garden
 
-    errors.add(:member_id, "cannot be the garden owner") if garden.owner == member
+    errors.add(:member_id, :cannot_be_garden_owner) if garden.owner == member
   end
 
   def member_slug
diff --git a/app/models/harvest.rb b/app/models/harvest.rb
index 7fba64bc8..92ed0f6eb 100644
--- a/app/models/harvest.rb
+++ b/app/models/harvest.rb
@@ -58,18 +58,18 @@ class Harvest < ApplicationRecord
   ##
   ## Validations
   validates :crop, approved: true
-  validates :crop, presence: { message: "must be present and exist in our database" }
-  validates :plant_part, presence: { message: "must be present and exist in our database" }
+  validates :crop, presence: { message: :crop_not_found }
+  validates :plant_part, presence: { message: :crop_not_found }
   validates :harvested_at, presence: true
   validates :quantity, allow_nil: true, numericality: {
     only_integer: false, greater_than_or_equal_to: 0
   }
   validates :unit, allow_blank: true, inclusion: {
-    in: UNITS_VALUES.values, message: "%<value>s is not a valid unit"
+    in: UNITS_VALUES.values, message: :not_a_valid_unit
   }
   validates :weight_quantity, allow_nil: true, numericality: { only_integer: false }
   validates :weight_unit, allow_blank: true, inclusion: {
-    in: WEIGHT_UNITS_VALUES.values, message: "%<value>s is not a valid unit"
+    in: WEIGHT_UNITS_VALUES.values, message: :not_a_valid_unit
   }
   validate :crop_must_match_planting
   validate :owner_must_match_planting
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ class Harvest < ApplicationRecord
   def crop_must_match_planting
     return if planting.blank? # only check if we are linked to a planting
 
-    errors.add(:planting, "must be the same crop") unless crop == planting.crop
+    errors.add(:planting, :same_crop_required) unless crop == planting.crop
   end
 
   def owner_must_match_planting
@@ -155,14 +155,13 @@ class Harvest < ApplicationRecord
 
     return if owner == planting.owner || planting.garden.garden_collaborators.where(member_id: owner).any?
 
-    errors.add(:owner,
-               "of harvest must be the same as planting, or a collaborator on that garden")
+    errors.add(:owner, :same_owner_required)
   end
 
   def harvest_must_be_after_planting
     # only check if we are linked to a planting
     return unless harvested_at.present? && planting.present? && planting.planted_at.present?
 
-    errors.add(:planting, "cannot be harvested before planting") unless harvested_at > planting.planted_at
+    errors.add(:planting, :harvest_after_planted) unless harvested_at > planting.planted_at
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/like.rb b/app/models/like.rb
index ed16065de..493ed938c 100644
--- a/app/models/like.rb
+++ b/app/models/like.rb
@@ -5,4 +5,23 @@ class Like < ApplicationRecord
   belongs_to :likeable, polymorphic: true, counter_cache: true, touch: true
   validates :member, :likeable, presence: true
   validates :member, uniqueness: { scope: :likeable }
+  validate :member_is_not_blocked
+
+  def likeable_author
+    if likeable.respond_to?(:author)
+      likeable.author
+    elsif likeable.respond_to?(:owner)
+      likeable.owner
+    end
+  end
+
+  private
+
+  def member_is_not_blocked
+    return unless member
+    author = likeable_author
+    if author && author.already_blocking?(member)
+      errors.add(:base, "You cannot like content of a member who has blocked you.")
+    end
+  end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/member.rb b/app/models/member.rb
index 3bfcf9d7c..60a975d04 100644
--- a/app/models/member.rb
+++ b/app/models/member.rb
@@ -52,6 +52,15 @@ class Member < ApplicationRecord
   has_many :followed, through: :follows
   has_many :followers, through: :inverse_follows, source: :follower
 
+  #
+  # Blocking other members
+  has_many :blocks, class_name: "Block", foreign_key: "blocker_id", dependent: :destroy,
+                    inverse_of: :blocker
+  has_many :inverse_blocks, class_name: "Block", foreign_key: "blocked_id",
+                            dependent: :destroy, inverse_of: :blocked
+  has_many :blocked_members, through: :blocks, source: :blocked
+  has_many :blockers, through: :inverse_blocks, source: :blocker
+
   #
   # Global data records this member created
   has_many :requested_crops, class_name: 'Crop', foreign_key: 'requester_id', dependent: :nullify,
@@ -96,21 +105,21 @@ class Member < ApplicationRecord
   validates :tos_agreement, acceptance: { allow_nil: true, accept: true }
   validates :login_name,
             length:     {
-              minimum: 2, maximum: 25, message: "should be between 2 and 25 characters long"
+              minimum: 2, maximum: 25, message: :login_name_length
             },
             exclusion:  {
-              in: %w(growstuff admin moderator staff nearby), message: "name is reserved"
+              in: %w(growstuff admin moderator staff nearby), message: :login_name_reserved
             },
             format:     {
-              with: /\A\w+\z/, message: "may only include letters, numbers, or underscores"
+              with: /\A\w+\z/, message: :login_name_format
             },
             uniqueness: {
               case_sensitive: false
             }
-  validates :website_url, format: { with: %r{\Ahttps?://}, message: "must start with http:// or https://" }, allow_blank: true
-  validates :other_url, format: { with: %r{\Ahttps?://}, message: "must start with http:// or https://" }, allow_blank: true
+  validates :website_url, format: { with: %r{\Ahttps?://}, message: :url_format }, allow_blank: true
+  validates :other_url, format: { with: %r{\Ahttps?://}, message: :url_format }, allow_blank: true
   validates :instagram_handle, :facebook_handle, :bluesky_handle,
-            format: { without: %r{\Ahttps?://|/}, message: "should be a handle, not a URL" }, allow_blank: true
+            format: { without: %r{\Ahttps?://|/}, message: :handle_format }, allow_blank: true
 
   #
   # Triggers
@@ -179,4 +188,12 @@ class Member < ApplicationRecord
   def get_follow(member)
     follows.find_by(followed_id: member.id) if already_following?(member)
   end
+
+  def already_blocking?(member)
+    blocks.exists?(blocked_id: member.id)
+  end
+
+  def get_block(member)
+    blocks.find_by(blocked_id: member.id) if already_blocking?(member)
+  end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/photo_association.rb b/app/models/photo_association.rb
index 6e9ad47e7..7197cfb71 100644
--- a/app/models/photo_association.rb
+++ b/app/models/photo_association.rb
@@ -29,12 +29,12 @@ class PhotoAssociation < ApplicationRecord
   def photo_and_item_have_same_owner
     return if photographable_type == 'Crop'
 
-    errors.add(:photo, "must have same owner as item it links to") unless photographable.owner_id == photo.owner_id
+    errors.add(:photo, :photo_owner_mismatch) unless photographable.owner_id == photo.owner_id
   end
 
   def crop_present
     return unless %w(Planting Seed Harvest).include?(photographable_type)
 
-    errors.add(:crop_id, "failed to calculate crop") if crop_id.blank?
+    errors.add(:crop_id, :calculate_crop_failed) if crop_id.blank?
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/planting.rb b/app/models/planting.rb
index 7cc82c731..05ecc99ec 100644
--- a/app/models/planting.rb
+++ b/app/models/planting.rb
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ class Planting < ApplicationRecord
   ##
   ## Validations
   validates :garden, presence: true
-  validates :crop, presence: true, approved: { message: "must be present and exist in our database" }
+  validates :crop, presence: true, approved: { message: :crop_must_be_approved }
   validate :finished_must_be_after_planted
   validate :owner_must_match_garden_owner
   validate :cannot_be_finished_and_failed
@@ -80,10 +80,10 @@ class Planting < ApplicationRecord
     only_integer: true, greater_than_or_equal_to: 0
   }
   validates :sunniness, allow_blank: true, inclusion: {
-    in: SUNNINESS_VALUES, message: "%<value>s is not a valid sunniness value"
+    in: SUNNINESS_VALUES, message: :not_a_valid_sunniness
   }
   validates :planted_from, allow_blank: true, inclusion: {
-    in: PLANTED_FROM_VALUES, message: "%<value>s is not a valid planting method"
+    in: PLANTED_FROM_VALUES, message: :not_a_valid_planting_method
   }
   validates :overall_rating, allow_blank: true, numericality: {
     only_integer: true, greater_than_or_equal_to: 1, less_than_or_equal_to: 5
@@ -132,20 +132,19 @@ class Planting < ApplicationRecord
   private
 
   def cannot_be_finished_and_failed
-    errors.add(:failed, "can't be true if planting is also finished") if finished && failed
+    errors.add(:failed, :failed_and_finished) if finished && failed
   end
 
   # check that any finished_at date occurs after planted_at
   def finished_must_be_after_planted
     return unless planted_at && finished_at # only check if we have both
 
-    errors.add(:finished_at, "must be after the planting date") unless planted_at < finished_at
+    errors.add(:finished_at, :finished_after_planted) unless planted_at < finished_at
   end
 
   def owner_must_match_garden_owner
     return if owner == garden.owner || garden.garden_collaborators.where(member_id: owner).any?
 
-    errors.add(:owner,
-               "must be the same as garden, or a collaborator on that garden")
+    errors.add(:owner, :same_owner_required)
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/seed.rb b/app/models/seed.rb
index 090c8f022..d3d8fb47d 100644
--- a/app/models/seed.rb
+++ b/app/models/seed.rb
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ class Seed < ApplicationRecord
   #
   # Validations
   validates :crop, approved: true
-  validates :crop, presence: { message: "must be present and exist in our database" }
+  validates :crop, presence: { message: :crop_not_found }
   validates :quantity, allow_nil:    true,
                        numericality: { only_integer: true, greater_than_or_equal_to: 0 }
   validates :days_until_maturity_min, allow_nil:    true,
@@ -36,20 +36,15 @@ class Seed < ApplicationRecord
   validates :days_until_maturity_max, allow_nil:    true,
                                       numericality: { only_integer: true, greater_than_or_equal_to: 0 }
   validates :tradable_to, allow_blank: false,
-                          inclusion:   { in: TRADABLE_TO_VALUES, message: "You may only trade seed nowhere, " \
-                                                                          "locally, nationally, or internationally" }
+                          inclusion:   { in: TRADABLE_TO_VALUES, message: :tradable_to_inclusion }
   validates :organic, allow_blank: false,
-                      inclusion:   { in: ORGANIC_VALUES, message: "You must say whether the seeds " \
-                                                                  "are organic or not, or that you don't know" }
+                      inclusion:   { in: ORGANIC_VALUES, message: :organic_inclusion }
   validates :gmo, allow_blank: false,
-                  inclusion:   { in: GMO_VALUES, message: "You must say whether the seeds are " \
-                                                          "genetically modified or not, or that you don't know" }
+                  inclusion:   { in: GMO_VALUES, message: :gmo_inclusion }
   validates :heirloom, allow_blank: false,
-                       inclusion:   { in: HEIRLOOM_VALUES, message: "You must say whether the seeds" \
-                                                                    "are heirloom, hybrid, or unknown" }
+                       inclusion:   { in: HEIRLOOM_VALUES, message: :heirloom_inclusion }
   validates :source, allow_blank: true,
-                     inclusion:   { in: SOURCE_VALUES, message: "You must say where the seeds are from," \
-                                                                "or that you don't know" }
+                     inclusion:   { in: SOURCE_VALUES, message: :source_inclusion }
 
   #
   # Delegations
diff --git a/app/views/alternate_names/_form.html.haml b/app/views/alternate_names/_form.html.haml
index 847ee21af..dab8a7c1d 100644
--- a/app/views/alternate_names/_form.html.haml
+++ b/app/views/alternate_names/_form.html.haml
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
       %p
         %span.help-block
           For detailed crop wrangling guidelines, please consult the
-          = link_to "crop wrangling guide", "http://wiki.growstuff.org/index.php/Crop_wrangling"
+          = link_to "crop wrangling guide", "https://github.com/Growstuff/growstuff/wiki/Crop-Wrangling"
           on the Growstuff wiki.
 
       .form-group
diff --git a/app/views/forums/index.html.haml b/app/views/forums/index.html.haml
index 24e941e6d..3947fa2fb 100644
--- a/app/views/forums/index.html.haml
+++ b/app/views/forums/index.html.haml
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 - @forums.each do |forum|
   %h2= forum
+  %p= forum.description
   %p
     = localize_plural(forum.posts, Post)
     |
diff --git a/app/views/members/_follow_buttons.haml b/app/views/members/_follow_buttons.haml
index 244dc15f4..d0e064d80 100644
--- a/app/views/members/_follow_buttons.haml
+++ b/app/views/members/_follow_buttons.haml
@@ -1,6 +1,11 @@
 - if current_member && current_member != member # must be logged in, can't follow yourself
+  - block = current_member.get_block(member)
   - follow = current_member.get_follow(member)
-  - if !follow && can?(:create, Follow) # not already following
+  - if !block && !follow && can?(:create, Follow) # not already following, and not blocking
     = link_to 'Follow', follows_path(followed: member), method: :post, class: 'btn btn-block btn-success'
   - if follow && can?(:destroy, follow) # already following
-    = link_to 'Unfollow', follow_path(follow), method: :delete, class: 'btn btn-block'
\ No newline at end of file
+    = link_to 'Unfollow', follow_path(follow), method: :delete, class: 'btn btn-block'
+  - if !block && can?(:create, Block) # not already blocking
+    = link_to 'Block', blocks_path(blocked: member), method: :post, class: 'btn btn-block btn-danger'
+  - if block && can?(:destroy, block) # already blocking
+    = link_to 'Unblock', block_path(block), method: :delete, class: 'btn btn-block'
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/views/scientific_names/_form.html.haml b/app/views/scientific_names/_form.html.haml
index b2a88d759..912f40135 100644
--- a/app/views/scientific_names/_form.html.haml
+++ b/app/views/scientific_names/_form.html.haml
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
   %p
     %span.help-block
       For detailed crop wrangling guidelines, please consult the
-      = link_to "crop wrangling guide", "http://wiki.growstuff.org/index.php/Crop_wrangling"
+      = link_to "crop wrangling guide", "https://github.com/Growstuff/growstuff/wiki/Crop-Wrangling"
       on the Growstuff wiki.
 
   .form-group
diff --git a/config/locales/en.yml b/config/locales/en.yml
index d0a141d10..8885271fc 100644
--- a/config/locales/en.yml
+++ b/config/locales/en.yml
@@ -63,6 +63,56 @@ en:
       seed:
         one: seed
         other: seeds
+    errors:
+      messages:
+        crop_not_found: must be present and exist in our database
+        crop_must_be_approved: must be present and exist in our database
+        failed_and_finished: "can't be true if planting is also finished"
+        finished_after_planted: must be after the planting date
+        rejection_reason_required: must be rejected if a reason for rejection is present
+        rejection_notes_required: "must be added if the reason for rejection is \"other\""
+        same_crop_required: must be the same crop
+        harvest_after_planted: cannot be harvested before planting
+        cannot_be_garden_owner: cannot be the garden owner
+        same_owner_required: "of harvest must be the same as planting, or a collaborator on that garden"
+        photo_owner_mismatch: must have same owner as item it links to
+        calculate_crop_failed: failed to calculate crop
+        not_a_valid_wikipedia_url: is not a valid English Wikipedia URL
+        not_a_valid_youtube_url: is not a valid YouTube URL
+        not_a_valid_sunniness: "%{value} is not a valid sunniness value"
+        not_a_valid_planting_method: "%{value} is not a valid planting method"
+        not_a_valid_unit: "%{value} is not a valid unit"
+        not_a_valid_area_unit: "%{value} is not a valid area unit"
+        no_newlines: must contain no newlines
+      models:
+        member:
+          attributes:
+            login_name:
+              login_name_length: should be between 2 and 25 characters long
+              login_name_reserved: name is reserved
+              login_name_format: may only include letters, numbers, or underscores
+            website_url:
+              url_format: "must start with http:// or https://"
+            other_url:
+              url_format: "must start with http:// or https://"
+            instagram_handle:
+              handle_format: should be a handle, not a URL
+            facebook_handle:
+              handle_format: should be a handle, not a URL
+            bluesky_handle:
+              handle_format: should be a handle, not a URL
+        seed:
+          attributes:
+            tradable_to:
+              tradable_to_inclusion: "You may only trade seed nowhere, locally, nationally, or internationally"
+            organic:
+              organic_inclusion: "You must say whether the seeds are organic or not, or that you don't know"
+            gmo:
+              gmo_inclusion: "You must say whether the seeds are genetically modified or not, or that you don't know"
+            heirloom:
+              heirloom_inclusion: "You must say whether the seeds are heirloom, hybrid, or unknown"
+            source:
+              source_inclusion: "You must say where the seeds are from, or that you don't know"
   application_helper:
     title:
       title:
@@ -112,6 +162,9 @@ en:
   forums:
     index:
       title: Forums
+    created: Forum was successfully created.
+    updated: Forum was successfully updated.
+    deleted: Forum was successfully deleted.
   gardens:
     created: Garden was successfully created.
     deleted: Garden was successfully deleted.
@@ -208,6 +261,8 @@ en:
       trade_to: Will trade to
       unspecified: unspecified
       view_all: View all seeds
+    added_to_stash: Successfully added %{crop} seed to your stash.
+    updated: Seed was successfully updated.
     stats:
       member_linktext: "%{count} members"
       message_html: So far, %{member} have planted %{number_crops} %{number_plantings} in %{number_gardens}; and %{contributors} people have contributed to our code on %{github}!
@@ -275,6 +330,21 @@ en:
   links:
     my_gardens: My gardens
 
+  messages:
+    auth_success: Authentication successful.
+    auth_failed: Authentication failed.
+    crops_waiting: There are crops waiting to be wrangled.
+    followed: "Followed %{name}"
+    unfollowed: "Unfollowed %{name}"
+    follow_error: Already following or error while following.
+    transplant_success: Planting was successfully transplanted.
+    transplant_error: "There was an error transplanting the planting: %{errors}"
+    revert_success: "Reverted to version from %{date}"
+    revert_error: "Could not revert to version from %{date}. Errors: %{errors}"
+    invalid_location: Please enter a valid location
+    unable_to_like: Unable to like
+    unable_to_unlike: Unable to unlike
+
   members:
     edit_profile: Edit profile
     index:
@@ -342,10 +412,22 @@ en:
       progress_0_not_planted_yet: 'Progress: 0% - not planted yet'
   posts:
     write_blog_post: Write blog post
+    created: Post was successfully created.
+    updated: Post was successfully updated.
+    deleted: Post was deleted.
     index:
       title:
         author_posts: "%{author} posts"
         default: Everyone's posts
+  scientific_names:
+    deleted: Scientific name was successfully deleted.
+  alternate_names:
+    created: Alternate name was successfully created.
+    updated: Alternate name was successfully updated.
+    deleted: Alternate name was successfully deleted.
+  crop_companions:
+    created: Companion was successfully created.
+    deleted: Companion was successfully destroyed.
   seeds:
     form:
       trade_help: >
@@ -361,6 +443,7 @@ en:
         owner_seeds: "%{owner} seeds"
     save_seeds: Save seeds
     string: "%{crop} seeds belonging to %{owner}"
+    added_to_stash: Successfully added %{crop} seed to your stash.
   unauthorized:
     create:
       all: Please sign in or sign up to create a %{subject}.
diff --git a/config/routes.rb b/config/routes.rb
index 343226f46..6f0cffc66 100644
--- a/config/routes.rb
+++ b/config/routes.rb
@@ -105,6 +105,7 @@ Rails.application.routes.draw do
   resources :forums
 
   resources :follows, only: %i(create destroy)
+  resources :blocks, only: %i(create destroy)
 
   post 'likes' => 'likes#create'
   delete 'likes' => 'likes#destroy'
@@ -121,6 +122,7 @@ Rails.application.routes.draw do
 
     resources :follows
     get 'followers' => 'follows#followers'
+    resources :blocks, only: %i(create destroy)
   end
 
   resources :messages
diff --git a/db/migrate/20250901144900_create_blocks.rb b/db/migrate/20250901144900_create_blocks.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3c386d5aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/migrate/20250901144900_create_blocks.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+class CreateBlocks < ActiveRecord::Migration[6.1]
+  def change
+    create_table :blocks do |t|
+      t.references :blocker, foreign_key: { to_table: :members }
+      t.references :blocked, foreign_key: { to_table: :members }
+
+      t.timestamps
+    end
+    add_index :blocks, [:blocker_id, :blocked_id], unique: true
+  end
+end
diff --git a/db/schema.rb b/db/schema.rb
index 797ac8329..6cfdc7454 100644
--- a/db/schema.rb
+++ b/db/schema.rb
@@ -384,6 +384,16 @@ ActiveRecord::Schema[7.2].define(version: 2025_12_01_045000) do
     t.index ["member_id"], name: "index_authentications_on_member_id"
   end
 
+  create_table "blocks", force: :cascade do |t|
+    t.bigint "blocker_id"
+    t.bigint "blocked_id"
+    t.datetime "created_at", null: false
+    t.datetime "updated_at", null: false
+    t.index ["blocked_id"], name: "index_blocks_on_blocked_id"
+    t.index ["blocker_id", "blocked_id"], name: "index_blocks_on_blocker_id_and_blocked_id", unique: true
+    t.index ["blocker_id"], name: "index_blocks_on_blocker_id"
+  end
+
   create_table "comfy_cms_categories", id: :serial, force: :cascade do |t|
     t.integer "site_id", null: false
     t.string "label", null: false
@@ -972,6 +982,8 @@ ActiveRecord::Schema[7.2].define(version: 2025_12_01_045000) do
 
   add_foreign_key "active_storage_attachments", "active_storage_blobs", column: "blob_id"
   add_foreign_key "active_storage_variant_records", "active_storage_blobs", column: "blob_id"
+  add_foreign_key "blocks", "members", column: "blocked_id"
+  add_foreign_key "blocks", "members", column: "blocker_id"
   add_foreign_key "harvests", "plantings"
   add_foreign_key "mailboxer_conversation_opt_outs", "mailboxer_conversations", column: "conversation_id", name: "mb_opt_outs_on_conversations_id"
   add_foreign_key "mailboxer_notifications", "mailboxer_conversations", column: "conversation_id", name: "notifications_on_conversation_id"
diff --git a/spec/controllers/forums_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/forums_controller_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..634b092c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/controllers/forums_controller_spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+require 'rails_helper'
+
+describe ForumsController do
+  let(:admin) { create(:admin_member) }
+  let(:member) { create(:member) }
+  let(:forum) { create(:forum) }
+
+  describe "GET #index" do
+    it "returns a success response" do
+      get :index
+      expect(response).to be_successful
+    end
+
+    it "assigns @forums" do
+      forum # create forum
+      get :index
+      expect(assigns(:forums)).to include(forum)
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe "GET #show" do
+    it "returns a success response" do
+      get :show, params: { id: forum.to_param }
+      expect(response).to be_successful
+    end
+  end
+
+  context "as an admin" do
+    before { sign_in admin }
+
+    describe "GET #new" do
+      it "returns a success response" do
+        get :new
+        expect(response).to be_successful
+      end
+    end
+
+    describe "GET #edit" do
+      it "returns a success response" do
+        get :edit, params: { id: forum.to_param }
+        expect(response).to be_successful
+      end
+    end
+
+    describe "POST #create" do
+      context "with valid params" do
+        let(:valid_attributes) { { name: "New Forum", description: "A new forum", owner_id: admin.id } }
+
+        it "creates a new Forum" do
+          expect {
+            post :create, params: { forum: valid_attributes }
+          }.to change(Forum, :count).by(1)
+        end
+
+        it "redirects to the created forum" do
+          post :create, params: { forum: valid_attributes }
+          expect(response).to redirect_to(Forum.last)
+        end
+      end
+    end
+
+    describe "PUT #update" do
+      context "with valid params" do
+        let(:new_attributes) { { name: "Updated Name" } }
+
+        it "updates the requested forum" do
+          put :update, params: { id: forum.to_param, forum: new_attributes }
+          forum.reload
+          expect(forum.name).to eq("Updated Name")
+        end
+
+        it "redirects to the forum" do
+          put :update, params: { id: forum.to_param, forum: new_attributes }
+          expect(response).to redirect_to(forum)
+        end
+      end
+    end
+
+    describe "DELETE #destroy" do
+      it "destroys the requested forum" do
+        forum # ensure forum exists
+        expect {
+          delete :destroy, params: { id: forum.to_param }
+        }.to change(Forum, :count).by(-1)
+      end
+
+      it "redirects to the forums list" do
+        delete :destroy, params: { id: forum.to_param }
+        expect(response).to redirect_to(forums_url)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
+  context "as a regular member" do
+    before { sign_in member }
+
+    describe "GET #new" do
+      it "denies access" do
+        get :new
+        expect(response).to redirect_to(root_path)
+      end
+    end
+
+    describe "POST #create" do
+      it "denies access" do
+        post :create, params: { forum: { name: "Forbidden" } }
+        expect(response).to redirect_to(root_path)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/features/forums_spec.rb b/spec/features/forums_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5f5a261c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/features/forums_spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+require 'rails_helper'
+
+describe "Forums usage", :js do
+  let!(:forum) { create(:forum, name: "General Discussion", description: "Talk about anything") }
+  let(:member) { create(:member) }
+
+  describe "browsing forums" do
+    it "shows the list of forums" do
+      visit forums_path
+      expect(page).to have_content("General Discussion")
+      expect(page).to have_content("Talk about anything")
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe "viewing a forum" do
+    let!(:post) { create(:post, forum: forum, subject: "Hello World", author: member) }
+
+    it "shows forum details and posts" do
+      visit forum_path(forum)
+      expect(page).to have_css("h1", text: "General Discussion")
+      expect(page).to have_content("Talk about anything")
+      expect(page).to have_content("Hello World")
+      expect(page).to have_link("Post something")
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe "starting a new post from a forum" do
+    include_context 'signed in member'
+
+    it "pre-fills the forum when creating a new post" do
+      visit forum_path(forum)
+      click_link "Post something"
+
+      expect(page).to have_current_path(new_post_path(forum_id: forum.id))
+      expect(page).to have_content("This post will be posted in the forum #{forum.name}")
+
+      fill_in "post_subject", with: "My New Post"
+      fill_in "post_body", with: "Content of my post"
+      click_button "Post"
+
+      expect(page).to have_content("Post was successfully created")
+      expect(Post.last.forum).to eq(forum)
+    end
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/features/members/blocking_spec.rb b/spec/features/members/blocking_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9a50adee9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/features/members/blocking_spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+require 'rails_helper'
+
+describe "blocks", :js do
+  context "when signed in" do
+    include_context 'signed in member'
+    let(:other_member) { create(:member) }
+
+    it "your profile doesn't have a block button" do
+      visit member_path(member)
+      expect(page).to have_no_link "Block"
+      expect(page).to have_no_link "Unblock"
+    end
+
+    context "blocking another member" do
+      before { visit member_path(other_member) }
+
+      it "has a block button" do
+        expect(page).to have_link "Block", href: blocks_path(blocked: other_member.slug)
+      end
+
+      it "has correct message and unblock button" do
+        click_link 'Block'
+        expect(page).to have_content "Blocked #{other_member.login_name}"
+        expect(page).to have_link "Unblock", href: block_path(member.get_block(other_member))
+      end
+
+      it "has correct message and block button after unblock" do
+        click_link 'Block'
+        click_link 'Unblock'
+        expect(page).to have_content "Unblocked #{other_member.login_name}"
+        visit member_path(other_member) # unblocking redirects to root
+        expect(page).to have_link "Block", href: blocks_path(blocked: other_member.slug)
+      end
+
+      context "when a member is blocked" do
+        before do
+          click_link 'Block'
+        end
+
+        it "prevents following" do
+          visit member_path(other_member)
+          expect(page).to have_no_link "Follow"
+        end
+
+        xit "prevents messaging" do
+          visit new_message_path(recipient_id: other_member.id)
+          fill_in "Subject", with: "Test message"
+          fill_in "Body", with: "Test message body"
+          click_button "Send message"
+          expect(page).to have_content "You cannot send a message to a member who has blocked you."
+        end
+
+        xit "prevents commenting" do
+          post = create(:post, author: other_member)
+          visit post_path(post)
+          fill_in "comment_body", with: "Test comment"
+          click_button "Post Comment"
+          expect(page).to have_content "You cannot comment on a post of a member who has blocked you."
+        end
+
+        xit "prevents liking" do
+          post = create(:post, author: other_member)
+          visit post_path(post)
+          click_link "Like"
+          expect(page).to have_content "You cannot like content of a member who has blocked you."
+        end
+      end
+    end
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/features/members/following_spec.rb b/spec/features/members/following_spec.rb
index 4c2f51116..e45928d9a 100644
--- a/spec/features/members/following_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/members/following_spec.rb
@@ -23,6 +23,17 @@ describe "follows", :js do
       expect(page).to have_no_link "Unfollow"
     end
 
+    context "when the other member is blocked" do
+      before do
+        member.blocks.create(blocked: other_member)
+        visit member_path(other_member)
+      end
+
+      it "does not have a follow button" do
+        expect(page).to have_no_link "Follow"
+      end
+    end
+
     context "following another member" do
       before { visit member_path(other_member) }
 
diff --git a/spec/models/ability_spec.rb b/spec/models/ability_spec.rb
index 229954929..78ec1c1fc 100644
--- a/spec/models/ability_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/ability_spec.rb
@@ -77,6 +77,90 @@ describe Ability do
     end
   end
 
+  context 'plantings' do
+    let(:approved_crop) { create(:crop, approval_status: 'approved') }
+    let(:unapproved_crop) { create(:crop, approval_status: 'unapproved') }
+    let(:garden) { create(:garden, owner: member) }
+    let(:planting) { create(:planting, garden: garden, crop: approved_crop, owner: member) }
+    let(:other_planting) { create(:planting, crop: approved_crop) }
+    let(:planting_with_unapproved_crop) { create(:planting, garden: garden, crop: unapproved_crop, owner: member) }
+
+    it 'can create a planting' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Planting)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own planting with an approved crop' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, planting)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, planting)
+    end
+
+    xit "can't manage their own planting with an unapproved crop" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, planting_with_unapproved_crop)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, planting_with_unapproved_crop)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's planting" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_planting)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_planting)
+    end
+
+    it 'can transplant their own planting' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:transplant, planting)
+    end
+
+    context 'garden collaborator' do
+      let(:garden) { create(:garden) }
+      let(:planting_in_garden) { create(:planting, garden:, crop: approved_crop, owner: garden.owner) }
+
+      before do
+        garden.garden_collaborators.create(member:)
+      end
+
+      it 'can manage plantings in a garden they collaborate on' do
+        ability.should be_able_to(:update, planting_in_garden)
+        ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, planting_in_garden)
+      end
+
+      it 'can transplant a planting in a garden they collaborate on' do
+        ability.should be_able_to(:transplant, planting_in_garden)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
+  context 'harvests' do
+    let(:harvest) { create(:harvest, owner: member) }
+    let(:other_harvest) { create(:harvest) }
+
+    it 'can create a harvest' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Harvest)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own harvest' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, harvest)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, harvest)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's harvest" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_harvest)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_harvest)
+    end
+
+    context 'garden collaborator' do
+      let(:garden) { create(:garden) }
+      let(:planting_in_garden) { create(:planting, garden:, owner: garden.owner) }
+      let(:harvest_in_garden) { create(:harvest, planting: planting_in_garden, owner: planting_in_garden.owner) }
+
+      before do
+        garden.garden_collaborators.create(member:)
+      end
+
+      it 'can manage harvests in a garden they collaborate on' do
+        ability.should be_able_to(:update, harvest_in_garden)
+        ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, harvest_in_garden)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
   context 'plant parts' do
     let(:plant_part) { create(:plant_part) }
 
@@ -142,4 +226,111 @@ describe Ability do
       end
     end
   end
+
+  context 'activities' do
+    let(:activity) { create(:activity, owner: member) }
+    let(:other_activity) { create(:activity) }
+
+    it 'can create an activity' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Activity)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own activity' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, activity)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, activity)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's activity" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_activity)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_activity)
+    end
+
+    context 'garden collaborator' do
+      let(:garden) { create(:garden) }
+      let(:activity_in_garden) { create(:activity, garden:) }
+
+      before do
+        garden.garden_collaborators.create(member:)
+      end
+
+      it 'can manage activities in a garden they collaborate on' do
+        ability.should be_able_to(:update, activity_in_garden)
+        ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, activity_in_garden)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
+  context 'seeds' do
+    let(:seed) { create(:seed, owner: member) }
+    let(:other_seed) { create(:seed) }
+
+    it 'can create a seed' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Seed)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own seed' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, seed)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, seed)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's seed" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_seed)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_seed)
+    end
+  end
+
+  context 'comments' do
+    let(:comment) { create(:comment, author: member) }
+    let(:other_comment) { create(:comment) }
+
+    it 'can create a comment' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Comment)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own comment' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, comment)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, comment)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's comment" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_comment)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_comment)
+    end
+  end
+
+  context 'photos' do
+    let(:photo) { create(:photo, owner: member) }
+    let(:other_photo) { create(:photo) }
+
+    it 'can create a photo' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Photo)
+    end
+
+    it 'can manage their own photo' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:update, photo)
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, photo)
+    end
+
+    it "can't manage another member's photo" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:update, other_photo)
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_photo)
+    end
+  end
+
+  context 'likes' do
+    let(:like) { create(:like, member:) }
+    let(:other_like) { create(:like) }
+
+    it 'can create a like' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:create, Like)
+    end
+
+    it 'can destroy their own like' do
+      ability.should be_able_to(:destroy, like)
+    end
+
+    it "can't destroy another member's like" do
+      ability.should_not be_able_to(:destroy, other_like)
+    end
+  end
 end
diff --git a/spec/models/comment_spec.rb b/spec/models/comment_spec.rb
index 8685cc15c..86b6c49d0 100644
--- a/spec/models/comment_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/comment_spec.rb
@@ -41,6 +41,21 @@ describe Comment do
     end
   end
 
+  context "when the post author has blocked the comment author" do
+    let(:post_author) { create(:member) }
+    let(:comment_author) { create(:member) }
+    let(:post) { create(:post, author: post_author) }
+
+    before do
+      post_author.blocks.create(blocked: comment_author)
+    end
+
+    it "is not valid" do
+      comment = build(:comment, commentable: post, author: comment_author)
+      expect(comment).not_to be_valid
+    end
+  end
+
   context "ordering" do
     before do
       @m = create(:member)
diff --git a/spec/models/like_spec.rb b/spec/models/like_spec.rb
index 118636305..07063d0ad 100644
--- a/spec/models/like_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/like_spec.rb
@@ -63,6 +63,21 @@ describe Like do
     expect(Like.all).not_to include like
   end
 
+  context "when the likeable author has blocked the member" do
+    let(:likeable_author) { create(:member) }
+    let(:post_author) { create(:member) }
+    let(:post) { create(:post, author: likeable_author) }
+
+    before do
+      likeable_author.blocks.create(blocked: member)
+    end
+
+    it "is not valid" do
+      like = build(:like, likeable: post, member: member)
+      expect(like).not_to be_valid
+    end
+  end
+
   it 'liked_by_members_names' do
     expect(post.liked_by_members_names).to eq []
     Like.create(member:, likeable: post)
diff --git a/spec/requests/forums_spec.rb b/spec/requests/forums_spec.rb
index fdb6994be..35b2757aa 100644
--- a/spec/requests/forums_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/requests/forums_spec.rb
@@ -3,11 +3,53 @@
 require 'rails_helper'
 
 describe "Forums" do
+  let(:admin) { create(:admin_member) }
+  let(:forum) { create(:forum) }
+
   describe "GET /forums" do
-    it "works! (now write some real specs)" do
-      # Run the generator again with the --webrat flag if you want to use webrat methods/matchers
+    it "returns a successful response" do
       get forums_path
-      expect(response.status).to be(200)
+      expect(response).to have_http_status(:ok)
+    end
+
+    it "returns JSON when requested" do
+      get forums_path(format: :json)
+      expect(response).to have_http_status(:ok)
+      expect(response.content_type).to include("application/json")
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe "GET /forums/:id" do
+    it "returns a successful response" do
+      get forum_path(forum)
+      expect(response).to have_http_status(:ok)
+    end
+
+    it "returns JSON when requested" do
+      get forum_path(forum, format: :json)
+      expect(response).to have_http_status(:ok)
+      expect(response.content_type).to include("application/json")
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe "POST /forums" do
+    context "as an admin" do
+      before { sign_in admin }
+
+      it "creates a new forum" do
+        expect {
+          post forums_path, params: { forum: { name: "New Request Forum", description: "Desc", owner_id: admin.id } }
+        }.to change(Forum, :count).by(1)
+        expect(response).to redirect_to(forum_path(Forum.last))
+      end
+    end
+
+    context "as a guest" do
+      it "redirects to sign in or denies access" do
+        post forums_path, params: { forum: { name: "New Request Forum", description: "Desc" } }
+        # Depending on CanCan/Devise setup, it might be a redirect to login or root
+        expect(response).to redirect_to(new_member_session_path).or redirect_to(root_path)
+      end
     end
   end
 end