Researching the Homestead Life

Well, here it is, the adventure is beginning now. I have decided that without a shadow of a doubt, I am going to be a "homesteader" or in other words, a self-sufficient "farmer". I use the word "farmer" lightly because I am not going to be anywhere near what I would consider a farmer ((lots of animals, crops, machinery, brains)). I just want to be able to live off the land.

This idea started from my mother, she is very much a gardener and in the summer time rarely buys fruit and vegetables. I remember a few times our meals at dinner were all "from the land". We caught the fish, grew the beans and lettuce, and all the herbs to season the meal. I thought this was so amazing, how she just went into our backyard and gathered our food.

This Christmas I received a book from my sweetie called "The Backyard Homestead". In this book ((alreadyy)) I have learned so much!

One of the first things this book says is to make a list of things you think you would like to grow or raise. Be reasonable, choose things you know you like and know you will eat a lot of. Also to start small and each year add more and more.

Here's my list:

Fruit:                                              Vegetables:                                    Herbs:

Red Raspberries                               Potatoes                                         Mint (all kinds)
Strawberries                                     Sweet Potatoes                              Chives
Apples                                              Broccoli                                         Rosemary
Grapes                                              Asparagus                                     Oregano
Pumpkins                                          Carrots                                          Parsely                                                                                                   
Tomatoes                                          Green Beans                                 Basil
Blackberries                                     Peas                                              Thyme
Rhubarb                                            Peppers (lots of kinds)                  Lavender
                                                          Corn                                             Sage
                                                          Lettuce
                                                          Zucchini
                                                          Onions
                                                            
Animals: We will for sure start with Chickens, but the others will come later!
Chickens
Turkeys
Ducks
Goats
Pigs
Maybe a cow...

We also talked about possibly bees, but that seems like a lot more work and equipment than we want to use.

For now I will continue my research, Here's some books on Homesteading ((YOU)) may be interested in.