IT'S TIME!

I am so excited, it's time to start the gardens!  I've been chomping at the bit, if you will, since about January.  It's finally time and we're starting with the seeds.  We may even have to put some plants in too, it's a little warmer than I expected soooo....

This spring we I am hoping to plant lettuce, beets, radishes, carrots, snap peas, garlic and celery, possibly a few marigolds for insect control.  Then it's straight into the summer veges, tomatoes, peppers, basil, chives, corn (?), onions, broccoli and dill.  I may even try some green beans and I would really like to get an herb garden started this year.  I've been so wishy-washy about where I want things it's been difficult to commit to one area in particular.

I've also got a very large tire I can plant in, if the cats will stop using it as their own private "rest" area.  I'm thinking succulents, I always forget to water the stinkin thing.  There are so many more ideas I have but I am trying to keep myself at a slower pace.  I'm afraid if I put too much in the ground at one time I'll lose most of it, again.  We could really use some trees around here but the 11 we planted last year didn't seem to take...Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.  I also put in three blueberries and they are not looking like returning either.  I'd really like some fruit trees but I think that's just a bit more than I'm ready for.  Maybe this fall when I have help in the manual labor department.

*Update*

I did it.  I got one raised bed planted, YAY!  I've got asparagus, kale and marigolds planted and I seeded collards, spinach, radishes, carrots, snap peas, chamomile, spearmint, lemon balm, garlic chives, cilantro, parsley, and I don't remember what else.  I'm horrible with labeling and such, I end up with a surprise garden.  I also threw (literally) some seeds into the big tire...poppies, morning glories, sweet peas, and others.  It's just my little "survival of the fittest" flowerbed.  I used some seeds I had from other years, who knows what will happen.

So that's it, for now.  We are expecting thunderstorms for the next several days, bring on the rain.  And the Thunder, I Love Thunder.  Hopefully we'll grow something, whatever.  I just love to get the food out of my own  yard.  I am far from a planning type gardener, it's about the only thing I can be a little "wreck less" with. I guess that's what makes it such a good outlet for me.

What kind of gardener are you?  Do you stay away from all things green?    Are you a graph paper and plotting type?  Or do you go "rogue" like I do?  I'd love to hear from you.

Have a Fabulous Weekend.

~Ash

Isn't it time to garden yet???

I know there are plenty of you who have already started your spring planting.  I used to be one of you!  I am now so far north most of my planting dates are mid April and beyond...for SEEDS!  I know, right?!?  So, I am looking on the bright side and reminding myself I have more time for planning.  Planning?  What's that?  Know what I mean?  I am more of a visualizer, I need those plants looking back at me asking "where do you want me?"  This year I am hoping to figure out a little about the planning.  In order to be ready to grab the plants and get them in the ground and on their way, long days but short summers here, this is a must.  So, what's it gonna be this year?  Let's see....

I have a confession...I am embarrassed about my yard!  We moved in with nothing more than a few bushes.  Our "windbreak" bushes, not my favorite, are all different shapes and sizes.  Some are growing nicely, others are sticks in the dirt. Literally.  There are a few lilacs and I do love them so but it's just not enough.  We tried to put in a few trees and I would estimate 2 of 11 might have made it.  Ugh.  A windbreak is a necessity out here or we'll all blow away!  So, I guess there's step one...Establishing a more effective windbreak.  Difficult when I need fast growing, strong species.  There is so much area to cover and so many ideas in my head that I just planted some flowers in pots last year.  I did put in some bulbs but I'm afraid they weren't too happy.  Who knows what will try to come back.  Let's just cross our fingers and see if ANYTHING comes back.

So, I guess it's time to make a list of desired plants, trees, bulbs and such.  Starting with the windbreak.  Any ideas out there?  Evergreens would be best since the wind is year round here.  Also, it will give the local wildlife some cover.  The grouse and pheasants would appreciate your help.

Thanks for reading.

~Ash

Resolutions

Good Afternoon.

Today I will be revealing a little about my New Year's resolutions.  In the grand scheme of things I am hoping to change my lifestyle a bit (LOT).  Every day seems to remove a little more "city" from this girl and add a little more "country."  For those who aren't "schooled" in WoodsFam history, here is a quick background.  Brian and I married in 1997.  We have three children.  We have lived in four different states and one other country, thank you Air Force.  We've been Blessed to see so much of the world and we take things away from each place we live/visit.  We are Catholic, Catholics who have a hard time making it to mass.  No excuses, it's just how it's been lately.  I am a SAHM and have been since the birth of our first, Kyleigh.  We have learned to cherish our privacy.  We enjoy time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to Brian's retirement and the next stage of our lives...full time hobby farming.  We have been on this little nugget of land (20 acres) since May 2011

As for the first of resolutions I am working to maintain this blog on a regular basis to record our history.  To share with any and all who wish to read.  I appreciate you all and thank you for taking time out of your lives to read a little about mine.  It's also a way to keep family and friends up to date on our little world.  Our family and friends are spread out, really spread out.

I am looking to have a more "natural" lifestyle, resolution #2.  It can be called many things; homesteading, hobby farming, sustainable living, etc.  I am interested in all aspects.  I am especially interested in reducing our "footprint" and learning to rely on ourselves and our land.  I am not a "survivalist" nor do I see zombie attacks in my future.  I like the idea of having a well stocked pantry, a healthy garden, happy children and animals and much more.  I am interested in so many things.  I have so many ideas.  I have so got to start somewhere, babystepping like "Bob."  Since we are so far north I have focused on things I can do INSIDE the house.

Inside the house it's saving money and DIY plans.  I have been making my own laundry detergent for about four months now.  It is simple and it works for us.   I use a powdered "recipe" which I have thrown together after much reading, researching and questioning online.  It smells good and works even better.  I NEVER thought I would leave my Tide, I LOVED Tide.  I also stretch my liquid fabric softener.  I don't remember where I saw the idea, sorry, but you just soak a cloth (I use old socks), in the softener then wring out and let it air dry and it's good for a LOT of drying cycles.  I use vinegar for my softener in the washer as well but the store bought helps with the static we have in our winter home.  I am tweaking a dishwasher soap "recipe" but its not quite there yet.  We have well water which is extremely hard and leaves spots all over our dishes.  So far I can only use the Finish tablets and rinse aid.  I use baking soda to scrub my tub and sinks.  I use vinegar for cleaning and mopping.  I made my own liquid hand soap, another I need to work on as this one is a bit on the drying side for me.  No smell of onions or garlic are left after washing with this soap, Yay!

This week I have taken the plunge and started working on making bath soap, shampoo, conditioner and face cleanser.  There are so many ideas and "formulas" online so I am sorting out and just going with my gut.  Today was the first day I used the shampoo/conditioner.  I'm really hoping it works well because we have a lot of hair in this house and shampoo is getting ridiculously expensive.  ~Did I mention I am a tightwad?~  I'll report back on the results of the hair at a later date.

Also on the list is resolution #3, more healthful eating.  It's a goal of mine to grow as much as I can here on our land.  Vegetables, fruits, herbs, meats and more.  I have a small area of raised beds and I was able to get  a little bit of veggies this past summer.  I didn't take care of them as I should have, I accept the blame.  I am hoping to do a better job of it this year and expand in the years to come.  I would like fruit trees/bushes and maybe one day I'll even have grapes...we have a perfect area for them.  As for meats and such, we have poultry for now.  We don't eat our birds, we are gonna have to get over that but the kids won't quit naming them all!  We do use the eggs and I've realized just how much I've come to depend on the ladies.  The turkeys and the ducks are just pure entertainment for now.  Eventually we would like to get pigs, goats and a cow.  Oh, we do have bunnies but they are not for consumption.  ;-)  Nor is the horse...lol

With having all of the "food" items, I will need to learn to preserve everything.  I have canned before but I'm not great with it.  I will certainly need more schooling there.  Also, smoking meats would be useful.  I am the family jerky maker...hehehe  and with the fall animal harvesting we've done, I really need to figure out sausages and such for the venison.  Good Lord, I don't know how we'll get that out of the freezer!

So, there you have it.  It's the first installment of my resolutions for 2013.  I'm a work in progress just like the farm.  There is always something new to learn and I like learning.  Every day is a new opportunity for us...

Carpe Diem

~Ash

Kitchen Gardening

Welcome Everyone.

It's Monday, again.  A new adventure on the 'ole farm.  Today I am planting a few seeds to see if I can get them to grow indoors.  Winter is just so long here, I can't wait.  I've focused on herbs for the most part.  I did plant some beans and tomato seeds, you can never have enough tomatoes.  I love to cook.  Why is it I have never maintained herbs indoors?  I've planted and grown and forgotten.  I've been a lazy gardener the last couple of years.  Time to change that one.  No more excuses!  It doesn't matter if it's pretty so long as it grows.  What is my obsession with patterned raised beds anyway?  Neat, clean lines in a garden...I am a little OCD about some things.  I am in awe of those who can place plants haphazardly.  Most of the time, it looks fantastic.  I am trying to loosen up a bit and get out of the "meticulously landscaped yard of suburbs."  I miss my yard and my old house.  I do not miss having neighbors on top of neighbors.  I am trying to embrace the natural landscaping.  I should probably sketch out some ideas.  I will be taking it slow this year and only grow a few different veggies.  Think quality, not quantity.  I have a bad habit of getting overly optimistic and usually plant too much and get overwhelmed, resulting in disaster.  I should also admit to being a composting nightmare.  I always put off and then forget the whole "stirring" of the pile.  I have found a few interesting ideas on Pinterest I may try, we'll see.

So there it is.  It's 7 January and I am already itching to get into the soil.  One babystep at a time.  I am thankful to have had the turkeys and ducks working on the garden areas for me.  I should let the chickens out soon also.  They have been staying close to the coop with all the cold weather.  I'm sure they are ready to get out and roam in some sunshine, warm sunshine.  It's also super windy again today.  I can't blame them for staying in, I am too.

What are your ideas/plans for gardening this year?  Please share.

TTFN

~Ash