A homestead lifestyle can be created by almost anyone. Those with a small lot in town can produce some of their own food. With today’s technology grow lights even provide a way for people to grow food inside of their houses. Some towns allow hens for producing one’s own eggs. Even if that is not allowed one does not have too look far to find a local farmers market where often farm fresh eggs are available. A drive in the country may reveal signs posted, ‘farm fresh eggs’. There are co-ops to join from which you may purchase farm raised food from both plants and animals. How can you make little shifts in your lifestyle to create more of homestead life style? How have I?
How can I use what I have to produce my own food? This question has been bouncing around in my head for several years. Not always about producing my own food, but always about using what I have. CG Heartbeats Farm is made up of 11.7 acers.
The last week of February 2019 I started a new practice of walking around the property to observe and gain a new perspective. The walks are most enjoyable. I have found them a nice break from getting things done. I allow my mind to wonder and give my imagination wings. I pick a certain area to walk. I have yet to walk it entirely at one time. One day I may get an idea about one area and other days I simply take mental note of what I see. There are several subjects I pay attention to as I walk. Water, air flow, wild life, trees, are observed for future or present potential. Not only do I think about current use of land and use of current buildings, but sometimes give thought to how they could be used in better ways. As I walk, I ask myself is this pasture best located here, or would this ground be better for growing vegetables. I also get ideas for projects I want to do immediately and in the future.
Table of Contents
Water
How the water runs, low spots, where it looks like a creek used to be, where water collects after heavy rainfall, how fast does it drain off,
Air Flow
Our climate is not extremely windy most days. We get occasional winds of 50+ mph, but not that strong. I have noticed where the wind seems to tunnel between buildings where the trees block wind from a certain direction and other spots with block, trees or buildings to influence it.
Trees
Almost half of the acreage is currently woods. While I enjoy walking in the woods in different seasons, I question if there might not be a benefit of scaling it back along the edges. Unfortunately, a few years back the Ash bore came through destroying all the Ash trees. A couple must have been getting close to 100 years old.
I am always on the lookout for fallen trees. Several years ago, as I was driving down the road, I could see the topline of the woods looked different. This prompted me to go look for fallen trees. Sure enough, one or more had fallen in that area. It is good to know your property no matter how large or small. Trees provide a break in the wind to help prevent soil erosion and give shelter to animals. I like where the trees break up the property into sections. I think it gives character to the homestead. Where are trees growing that could be harvested and that space would be used for a better purpose. What do I mean by better? I consider income, sustainability and producing plants or housing animals.
Land
As I have been walking around, I have been looking for flat spots to plant garlic and other edible plants. I realized that many areas are not as flat as I would have thought. In fact, most of this ground has some kind of slope. Length of slope and how far it falls over that distance determines how steep a slope actually is. I have not taken any measurements at this time, rather noted the areas that are flat enough to plant in. I have thought a terrace might be in order where the ground is not as flat. I am looking at how a given area is used now. How can it be used for a better purpose?
Wildlife
Not only do I enjoy seeing signs of wildlife, it also keeps me aware of potential predators. I already know many of the animals that spend time in the woods. The most common are dear, turkeys, racoons, ‘opossum, squirrels, chip monks, and ground hogs.
Buildings
There are buildings that need work and others that are newer. I like all things old including old barns. I long to fix up one that needs some TLC. From a practical standpoint, I let my imagination come up with what kind of barn would prove useful. I have an idea for chicken coops that has only manifested in my own mind.
Soil
Top soil and sub soil influence how well an area of land drains. Some plants need a well-drained soil while others need greater moister retained in the ground. In the past while digging fence post holes I have observed areas of this property that has a sandy subsoil and other areas that has a clay subsoil. This is another place I am giving consideration to the best places to plant specific plants.
Projects
I have come up new ideas for changes I want to make. One of them was to clean up an old cement pad. I have plans to use cement blocks I already have to create some container gardens in this location.
Going Forward
This process is a journey. Not all of the changes I want to see happen with happen this month or this year. I have a clearer picture of what this land can do. I expect I will have new ideas and plans while some current plans will turn into better ones. I plan to continue walking the property several times a week. I find it relaxing. In addition, I am provided with an over view of what is going on. I have come across assets I forgot I had. Seeing them may spark an idea for a project or a new way to use what I have.
