Homesteaders

[rancher hicks]

I was afraid my few thousand sq feet wouldn't technically be considered a homestead.

I didn't want to get booted off you all are great.

Oh horse pucky! You can grow a lot of food on your small plot. Plus truth be told some of us have far to many chickens for the size of our families.

Kentucky - unless you've a great deal of kids 3 1/2 acres is plenty.

The key to success in many ventures is planning. What do you need ? Business wise you might be able to fill a small niche. You may not get rich but make enough to cut costs to some degree.

Lord have mercy a couple of milk goats should provide plenty for a small family. One or two apple trees is plenty. Choosing the right stock and variety of things is key.

I don't grow some things since no one here will eat them. One batch of jelly or jam is plenty for us. I do a variety of kinds but enough to last all year.

Don't pick your breeds because you think they're pretty. Choose them for utility. A small incubator will hatch plenty of chicks. Good garden o' peas, I had broody's coming out my ears this year. Only thing is I didn't have the coop for them to be separated from the flock. Next year maybe.

And remember to barter if you can.

Join the Granny Square swap and gets some nice squares for a bed cover. Look for the Granny Square swap thread.

I wish you well,

Rancher

 

[UnlabeledMama]

We'll my homestead is a suburban corner lot.

I do garden and planted two apple and a pear tree. I have a few ducks,chicks and rabbits. My garage is now a makeshift barn/workshop. Wish I could afford to move out somewhere with acreage maybe someday. Anybody got any lotto number tips.

Same here! I have 2/3 or an acre in town and have chickens, rabbits, a garden and some fruit trees packed on! I dream of more acreage. I would love a cow!

 

[rancher hicks]

Lots of folks have lots of land but I wouldn't consider them homesteaders. But that's just me.

Don't let the size of your land keep you away nor prevent you from offering advice. I personally can use advice on how to squeeze in one more plant.

 

[CedarAcres]

I totally agree with you, Rancher hicks. It's all about what you're doing with what you have! Managing your space well is key.

 

[sepaditty1]

You guys are inspiring me.

Anyone know what fruit trees can be successful for me? I am in Eastern South Carolina about 20 miles frommm the water. If you see a map, midway between Charleston & Myrtle Beach. And what time of year is the best to plant them?

 

[kentuckychicks]

You guys are inspiring me.

Anyone know what fruit trees can be successful for me? I am in Eastern South Carolina about 20 miles frommm the water. If you see a map, midway between Charleston & Myrtle Beach. And what time of year is the best to plant them?

What's your planting zone? That might be the easiest way to help you out... I'm not sure exactly how being close to the ocean affects it but I'm pretty sure it does. Just google it!

 

[kentuckychicks]

I just want enough space to try this and this and this and this and this too! Lol

I need to find a few mins to map out my property for you guys to get your input on laying out some things! Every property has their own issues. For example my property has almost no flat land almost a large W shape with two low spots that have to be drainage ditches. I will "try" to draw it out. I can draw it but getting it to scale? Oh the horror!!!!

Plus I have heavy clay soil. We are adding compost, manure by the truck load, straw and leaves (we even haul my neighbors over)! Trying trying trying to get better drainage . Does anyone have ideas about adding sand to loosen the clay? Love to here if anyone has done this and the results!

 

[CedarAcres]

@kentuckychicks Definitely map out your property! I'm sure a few people could give suggestions. Not sure about the clay, I've never dealt with that kind of soil.

 

[boskelli1571]

I just want enough space to try this and this and this and this and this too! Lol

I need to find a few mins to map out my property for you guys to get your input on laying out some things! Every property has their own issues. For example my property has almost no flat land almost a large W shape with two low spots that have to be drainage ditches. I will "try" to draw it out. I can draw it but getting it to scale? Oh the horror!!!!

Plus I have heavy clay soil. We are adding compost, manure by the truck load, straw and leaves (we even haul my neighbors over)! Trying trying trying to get better drainage . Does anyone have ideas about adding sand to loosen the clay? Love to here if anyone has done this and the results!

We have rocky/clay soil on the 'agricultural' area. We built raised beds, shipped in some top soil, used our leaves & compost, added peat moss etc. to build the nutrition. The top soil was slightly sandy in composition, so the result is good, crumbly soil. After 1 year we are growing some beautiful veggies now! Sand would help to break up the clay as will peat moss. Sue

 

[WeGotTheBeet]

For those concerned about lacking enough space, here is a great resource from a group in San Francisco. Ideas for sheet mulching your lawn, container gardening, etc.

http://www.plantingjustice.org/resources/urban-permaculture