It is so hard to believe that this is all coming to life. Years and years ago, we started dreaming of living on a farm, and having our own mini-homestead. We are talking 7 or 8 years ago of hoping and dreaming. Years of container gardening on a patio.
Here we are. We have seeds started indoors. We have some of the early plants in the ground already– praying the sudden and unexpected freeze didn’t kill them. We have other seeds that you sow directly in the soil. The dream is slowly coming to life. A couple of years ago, I was sent a free water bath canning kit– with the big pot and utensils– from Ball Jars, and I can’t wait to make jam with our blueberries, cherries, and strawberries. That is, if my kids don’t eat them all before we get them inside. PS– this book is a life saver if you are new to canning. You get instructions for EVERYTHING.
It is all just such a blessing. It is not lost on me for one second how fortunate we are. We are fortunate that we bought heirloom seeds and two small raised bed kits last year. We are fortunate that God placed this home in our hands. We are fortunate that we have established apple and cherry trees in the yard. We are fortunate that Scott is “essential” and still has a job for the time being. I’m able to work from home for now. The future is so unknown for all of us, so we are doing our best to be wise and plan well.
The only dream on hold is chickens. We don’t feel that we are completely prepared. I’ve been trying to convince Scott that we need some baby emus. So far, he’s not going for it. 😉 I want to feel confident before we bring chicks home to raise, and I’m just not quite there yet. I’m afraid we would end up with all roosters, and I want none of that. I also want to make sure we have a GOOD system in place for winter.
For years, I’ve been reading and researching what it takes to homestead. Did you know that you don’t have to have a big farm to be a homesteader? Small baby steps can get you there. Bake your own bread. Grow your own spices in a small window box. You can grow a big tomato plant in a pot on your porch. Most communities have a local farmer that you can buy eggs, meat, and produce from.
I read this article recently, and I really encourage you to read it.
Here are a couple of good resources to help you learn–
The Prairie Homesteader gives great tutorials on just about everything you could need.