Spring Plans...

So...the realization that we're not going to find 10 acres in the country that we can afford has hit home /ouch/. I've decided to be happy with what we DO have...one acre of land. The problem? Neighborhood restrictions. No goats...no sheep...no cows...hmmmmmmmm. This really limits the homesteading possiblities, huh?

I've decided to carry on with fruit and veggie plans (in leiu of the goats and sheep...hey, a girl can't have it all!). As of right now, I have five fruit trees in the ground, three blueberry bushes, and two old fashioned blackberry bushes...all planted in November. I also have one established Strawberry bed with oh, about 30-35 plants in it...thriving since last May.

I have PLANS to build four square foot gardens for veggies. We've already purchased the lumber and the soil mix as recommended on http://www.squarefootgardening.com/. I hope to add 2-4 more squares next year, but four seems a good start.

I've been drooling over the seeds from Seed Saver's Exchange (http://www.seedsavers.org/) ...especially the Cherokee Trail of Tears beans (http://www.seedsavers.org/prodinfo.asp?number=36) . They were carried by the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears (hence the name :-P), which appeals to me because I am part Cherokee. Continuing our heritage seems like a good way to teach my girls about their family history.

In addition, I hope to plant some cucumbers and other high yield pole beans on trellis supports so that I can do some canning...pickles and green beans, yummy!

I'll upload photos sometime soon to document our progress!