Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

The following article is a repost from the archives that I think is good information for this year as well.  I'm working on my own garden plans and seed starting today, and hopefully I'll have some photos of my seed starting table to show you next week.  Until then, have a wonderful weekend and try to find a way to add in a little gardening even in the midst of winter! 

Also, if you have any tips for gardening on a budget, please share them!

Blessings,

Catherine

Kristin posted a great article about the food budget.  Times are definitely tough for many of us, and it seems that the grocery budget is one place that gets cut quickly.  I agree with Kristin that while cutting back on food expenses may be a necessity, we should still be sure to buy the best quality we can and not resort to unhealthy foods just because they cost less.  In the long run, it is much better to pay a bit more for wholesome nutrition now than to pay for it with illness or doctor's visits later. 

Growing as much of your own food as possible is great for the budget and for your health!  There is nothing like the taste or nutrition of a home-grown fruit or veggie; and the exercise you get from working in the garden is a great health benefit, as well.

Some say that it isn't cheaper to grow your own food, with the cost of water, fertilizer, not to mention the seeds or plants.  I admit, you can spend as much as you are willing to on gardening, there are endless varieties and always something new out there.  I tend to collect plants much the way some people collect other things, so I know it can get expensive. 

But, you can grow a lot of food without spending much at all.  Often you can get seeds for less than $1.00 a packet.  I've seen them 10/$1.00 at the Tractor Supply Company here.  They might not be the exact variety you wanted, and your choices may be more limited; but if you are on a very tight budget, you could still grow 10 different vegetables for only $1.00 in seed cost!  Often other gardeners are more than happy to share seeds or extra seedlings with you, if you only ask.  Gardeners are usually very generous and friendly people and love to share their favorite hobby with others .

Watering can be done very frugally by catching rainwater and using that to water the garden.  Also, only water the plants, don't waste water by just turning on the sprinkler and watering the whole garden.  You will not only be using more water than necessary, you will be helping those pesky weed seeds germinate!    Mel Bartholomew suggests 1 inch of water per week in his book The Square Foot Garden.  In very hot areas, it might take a bit more during the heat of summer, but for the most part, 1 inch per week should be sufficient.  Most plants are hardier than you might think.  I had tomato plants that I didn't water much at all last year; and though they didn't produce during the hot, hot Summer; when Fall came around and the temperatures cooled off a bit, they started growing again and I got a decent harvest, without watering more than once or twice all Summer! 

If you make your own compost, you can use that to fertilize the soil, which is essentially free!  If your soil is healthy and well prepared, you won't need a lot of extra fertilizers anyway.  There are many inexpensive and natural ways to improve the soil and fertilize the garden without spending money on chemical fertilizers. 

A good book to help plan the garden and get the most from your garden spot is How To Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons . 

You can grow at least a few things in containers if you don't have room anywhere else.  There are many varieties that do great in pots and it is so nice to pluck a fresh tomato and some lettuce from your own Kitchen or Patio Garden!  A book that I've read time and time again is Lasagna Gardening for Small Spaces by Pat Lanza .  You will be amazed at what you can grow in very little space! 

So, in these tough economic times, let's get growing!  I used to love to watch The Victory Garden on PBS, even as a child .  I don't watch tv these days; but I think it is time that we see Victory Gardens growing in every neighborhood! 

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

I found the following article from The Nourished Kitchen to be interesting: 10 Ways to Grow Your Foodshed.

Several of the items on the list are things that our family is either doing or plans to do in the future.
The first thing on the list- grow a community garden, is what our ministry is beginning right now.  We have a garden spot designated at the church we are serving in, and plan to begin preparing the soil in just a few days.  We are excited about not only growing fresh vegetables to share with the community, but having the opportunity to teach the local children about gardening, where real food comes from, and Who created that food, and the earth, and people, etc.  My main issue at this point is finding room to grow all of the things on my "to-grow" list! 

We have also requested a plot in the city community garden to grow produce for our own family; and I plan to do some "micro-gardens" in suitable spots in my yard- a little patch of something here, a container there, wherever I can find a sunny spot that will support some plant life, I plan to plant either a vegetable, fruit, herb, or edible flower! 

We will be donating a portion of our harvest from both the community garden and our own plot to the local foodbanks as well as the kitchen at the homeless shelter, which is number 9 on the list. 

I have considered teaching a cooking class using vegetables and herbs from the community garden, though it will have to be a very informal thing. 

When possible, I do shop local and shop real.  I am slowly finding good local sources for the things that I can't produce on my urban homestead- milk, eggs (though I'm still considering a couple of hens), honey, meat, etc. 

There are lots of things that can be done, like gardening with a neighbor or friend if you don't want to (or can't) commit to a community garden.  When we first started discussing a community garden at the church, two church members offered their backyards as garden plots (which was a great idea, but we wanted a garden in the neighborhood).   We also had a lady offer to let us use a portion of land that she owns, unfortunately there is no water source, which won't work in our climate.  There are lots of unused yards, vacant lots, empty fields if you just look around.  It might take a bit of investigating to find out who owns them, but if you desire a place to garden, it may be well worth the effort. 

My husband met a gentleman recently who wants to start a program where for a fee, he takes care of your goat on his farm, even doing the milking for you.  I love that idea, because as much as I desire to have my own source of raw goat's milk, I know that I am not cut out for all the work that is involved with owning and caring for goats (and I live in an urban area where it wouldn't be possible anyway). 

When I lived in an apartment and really couldn't garden (though I tried), I joined a group of ladies who took turns picking up vegetables for the whole group from a CSA-type ministry several miles from us.  There were about 6 of us, so though it was a 40 mile drive, each person only had to make the drive every six weeks.  There were 2 other stops that many of us made along the way to pick up grain or baked goods, farm fresh cheese and dairy products, so it was a worthwhile trip and usually a fun one for those of us with children because they got to see not only the garden, but farm animals and artisans making cheese, soap, pottery, etc. as well. 

OK, what are your thoughts?  Anyone have ideas or experience with any of these?  I would love any advice you have on community gardens.  Even though this will be our second community garden, it will be different from the first, and I am always thrilled to have input from those who have done things before.  Cooking classes, anyone have any tips for that?  Please share anything  you think would be helpful on this topic. 

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

OK, from the titles of many blog posts this morning, some of us are not enjoying the cold weather we've been getting, myself included!  I'm not used to extended periods of cold, a day or two now and then, yes ... but this is definitely out of the ordinary. 

Nevertheless, those of us who garden won't let a little (ok maybe a lot) of cold weather keep us from our gardening, right?  No, I'm not planning on going outside today ... maybe tomorrow if the thermometer creeps above freezing, but for today I'll be thinking warm thoughts, doing a bit of "armchair gardening",  and some indoor gardening as well. 

I have several tasks on my list for today and the weekend:

inventory seed box (again)

work on seed orders

start new garden journal

harvest microgreens and start a new batch

set up area for indoor seed starting (find the grow lights and get them hung in place) 

water houseplants and divide or repot as needed

enjoy reading seed catalogs and gardening books (this one goes last because I can spend LOTS of time here)

 

So, you see there are plenty of gardeny things to do when the weather outside is frightful!  I could find a few more, I'm sure, but these will keep me busy enough. 

If you'd like more garden tasks for January, check out the Gardening Jobs for January page at The Old Farmer's Almanac site. 

Don't forget to take time to enjoy a nice cup of tea!

Blessings,

Catherine

 

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

"The wise gardener anticipates June in January."

I don't know the author of those words, but they are very true.  Now is the time to plan for the June garden; and what a lovely pastime that can be during the cold days of winter! 

I'm still working on a garden plan, making my list and checking it twice , adding new things ... dreaming of the first warm days when I can get out and dig in the dirt. 

How are your garden plans coming?  We'd love to hear them, and what new things you are planning to grow this year! 

I pray the new year brings a glorious growing season and an abundant harvest for you, and that you enjoy the winter days spent plotting and planning your garden, as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

I pray you are warm and cozy on this first day of winter.  Please don't take that for granted as there are many in the world who are not.  There is no snow in my area, but it is quite chilly outside (at least to me).  The house is nice and toasty however, and I'll be spending most of the day inside enjoying that warmth!  I don't particularly enjoy the cold winter weather, though it is needful for  the person as well as the garden, I believe.  If we never had any cold days, we wouldn't be as appreciative of the lovely warm days of spring and even the heat of summer, after which we again welcome the cooler days of fall, especially here in Texas!  The Lord in His wisdom created the times and seasons for a purpose. 

Today I will celebrate the coming of winter by doing a little indoor gardening.  I plan to do a bit of "seed farming" by starting new batches of sprouts on the kitchen counter.  I am also planting a tray of micro-greens that will adorn the windowsill above the kitchen sink and hopefully give a bit of color and crunch to winter meals as well.  Planting a pot or two of spinach is also on today's list, as spinach thrives in the cool days of winter here in my area, and it is the favorite green food in our family, finding its way into salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fry's, snuck into pasta sauce, and so on and so forth . 

I also hope to find time to sort through my seed box and note what I have on hand for planting.  I'll be spending some of the days after Christmas working on a garden plan and seed order, an activity that is filled with much daydreaming, plotting and planning as I try to squeeze in as many new things and old favorites as possible into whatever garden space I have (which is something yet to be determined at this point as well).  This is one of my favorite ways to spend a cold winter evening- curled up with a stack of garden catalogs, my seed list, a pen and paper, and a nice steamy cup of tea! 

The girls and I are also going to attempt to make some seed embedded paper this week, a craft I was reminded of recently; one that I think will be fun to create, and make a nice gift as well.   

I hope you have a great first day of winter, and do find time to do a bit of winter gardening of some kind today.  If nothing else, put a sweet potato in some water to root, it will make a lovely vine to brighten up a sunny window ... which reminds me,  I gifted a very nice young man from Mexico with 12 Birdhouse gourd seeds (12) yesterday after he admired the gourds hanging to dry  in my kitchen.  I forgot to tell him that the vines are very vigorous growers and may try to take over his whole yard if he plants them all in one spot...!   I need to write him a little note before I forget.   I gave seeds to my dear friend Anne one year, neglecting to tell her about the very robust growing habit of those vines, and she said they about covered her entire garden ... Oh my!  Well, that had better be the first thing on my list today-

1.   Try to avoid causing a garden disaster in a neighboring country (did I mention he works for the government where he is from... I certainly don't want to get into trouble with them...) !

Let me know what is on your garden to-do list today!

Winter Blessings to you and yours,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

Teresa asked about growing tomatoes indoors during the winter on her blog- Red Maple Roost.   Teresa, and anyone else interested, I've heard it can be done successfully;  and here's a link to a good article on the subject at Mother Earth News.   I personally have not grown tomatoes indoors, but have had good results with other veggies such as peppers, lettuce and other greens.  Many herbs will also grow happily indoors if you have enough light.  A grow light might be a good thing to add to your Christmas Wish List if you are planning on giving indoor gardening a try. 

Anyone who has experience with indoor winter gardens, please share your thoughts and tips on this subject with us!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

OK, it may be too cold to garden right now; but a gardener is always ready to do something "gardeny", right?  The seed catalogs are arriving in the mail, and it will soon be time to curl up and do some dreaming and adding to the garden wish list.  But, at least for me, Christmas crafting and creating must come first, and why not do that with a garden theme, too?  Our family has simplified Christmas in a big way this year, as I am tired of Christmas making me tired . I don't think celebrating the birth of our Savior should be stressful or make me grumpy and no fun to be around; and quite honestly, shopping malls and crowds of people make me both .  So none of that for me anymore.

Nevertheless, I do love giving gifts to those I love, and I will be creating some hand-made presents for some special people over the next few weeks.   I thought some of you might be in need of a few ideas for the gardener on your gift list. 

 Honestly, most gardeners are easy to please, and anything related to growing plants will be a big hit. 

Think seeds, flower bulbs, plants, trees, gift certificates from a seed company or nursery.  Renee's Garden offers some neat seed collections on the Holiday Gifts for Gardener's page .  I just got a new catalog from Pinetree Garden Seeds, and they have lots of things that would make lovely gifts, including a Gift Certificate Special.  Seed Savers Exchange also has some nice seed collections as well as a gift membership that would delight most green thumbs.  If you have seeds or cuttings from your own garden, those would make the gift even more special.  You can find free printable seed packets here.

Pots and planters are always great gifts, and you can paint them and personalize them just to suit the gardener. 

Garden art or ornaments can often be found at thrift stores or yard sales, and a little bit of wear usually only makes them look better in the garden! 

A hat or harvest apron  would be a great gift.  You could even make these if you're a seamstress...and this free gathering apron tutorial is so very cute...perhaps I can get someone to make one for me !

A garden-themed calendar or journal would be nice.  Make a pretty flower-topped pen to go along with it. 

And, for when the gardener is ready to relax, perhaps a little basket filled with soaps, bath salts, or lotions for those tired hands, feet, and body.  Hick Chicks Soap Barn sells a Farmhouse Kitchen Hand Scrub soap that would be perfect.   A basket of teas and a garden book or magazine would delight most gardeners, as well. 

OK, now that you know what this gardener  would like for Christmas ... or any other time of the year  ... I do hope these give you some ideas for that special gardener on your list!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

Cold weather has arrived to my area (at least for a short while), and it is time for me to do some planning for next season's garden.  The seed catalogs should be arriving soon and I'll be making a wish list of new things to plant.

 I'm a bit behind, as I usually request seeds for my November birthday .   I guess I'll just have to put them on my Christmas list instead!

 

Are you planning for next year's garden?  You might want to add Amaranth to your planting list, I have.   Check out this excellent article to read why- Amaranth, the Wonder Crop: Beautiful and Edible in Many Forms!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

I don't want anyone to miss this great post about bees on the homestead by Mrs. P. at Handmade at the Farm.  Check out her entry, And Supper was cold to see a beekeeper in action!  Brave man, Mr. P. . 

Those bees will help the garden out, not to mention provide the P. family with some delicious honey, too.

Have a blessed weekend!

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

Working in the garden gives me something beyond the enjoyment of the senses.
It gives me a profound feeling of inner peace.
~Ruth Stout

I find that a few moments spent pulling weeds, trimming spent blooms, or planting a few seeds to be a wonderful way to find a bit of peace in an otherwise hectic day.  I hope to do just that later today; but for now I'm off with my family to purchase supplies for the new Children's Ministry that we've found ourselves leading ... certainly not as peaceful an activity as gardening, but one with eternal rewards nevertheless!

Hope your weekend is filled with the beauty of God's garden.

Many Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

Fall is a great time to plan and plant ahead for some springtime beauty.  Bulbs planted in the fall will grace your yard and garden with a lovely burst of color. 

Yes, I'm here a day early again; but for a great reason ... My family is moving this weekend!  Praise the LORD!  I know tomorrow morning will find me hustling about trying to get things packed and out the door, and just to keep me on track my husband just may pack up my computer first thing  ... He tries to be sneaky about things like that, but I know his game by now.  He knows mine, too ...which is why he'll feel the need to limit distractions in order to keep me on task . 

At any rate, I'll be offline for a bit, and wanted to share the following link to some gorgeous bulbs to plant in the fall from White Flower Farm before I get "disconnected" .  I want to plant some bulbs at our new home in the coming days, and found a nice  variety on the White Flower Farm website.    I'm partial to the little bloomers like crocus and muscari; but there are many other things I'd like to try, too.  Check out the beautiful bulbs for fall planting at White Flower Farm. 

Don't forget about forcing bulbs indoors for some holiday and winter enjoyment.  A few bulbs can brighten up a windowsill or table with a burst of color or fragrance even if the weather outside is frightful!

If you plant bulbs in the fall or have experience with indoor bulb growing, please share your tips and tricks with us ... photos, too.

Hope you have a wonderful autumn weekend!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

Here's a link to an excellent article by Rhonda at down--to--earth, on open pollinated seeds.  If you've not read her blog before, you are missing some good reading, you might want to check it out. 

Today's Towards Organic and Local Challenge is something I'm thinking about participating in.  Anyone care to join me?  Organics I can easily access ... our farmer's market isn't the greatest, so I am limited in what I know I can buy locally in the realm of eggs, milk, cheese, & meat, at the moment.  I'll have to do some research and see what I can find. 

OK, that's it for me today, short and sweet.  My computer is acting crazy and I have no idea what's going on ... some things are loading v-e-r-y slowly and some of the graphics look weird like the toolbar here, everything seems bigger and "blurry" for lack of a better term.  I have no clue what the issue is, it does seem limited to the internet, I think.  Maybe an Internet Explorer issue?  OK, I know I'm posting my computer woes in the garden area ... but if anyone has any ideas, please send me a message.  Gardening problems I can usually handle, technical ones, I can't!

 

Blessings,

Catherine