Episode 19: Ten Things A New Homesteader Should Know

With episode 20 looming large I decided to talk longer about some of our regular segments today and to review ten things that new homesteaders should consider as they start working on a their piece of land. We have a new development! Samantha the Savings Ninja has agreed to give us a monthly savings segment. I asked her a question about couponing because I am just now relearning how to use them in the modern age of rewards cards, cell phones and rapidly intensifying technology. Do you have a question for Samantha? Send me an email with the subject line: LFTN Savings Ninja and I'll see about getting your question on the next show.

Things to ask a consultant before bringing them to your property:

1. Who have they worked with before and what do those folks say about them?
2. How forthcoming with their experience are they? Have they done a PDC or are they rather new to the discipline?
3. Will they let you come visit their farm before you decide? (which can tell you what they have implemented.)

What mother nature is providing

• The last cabbage & a lesson on broccoli
• Kale
• Oyster Mushrooms
• Stinging Nettle (Gathering hikes will keep me walking)
• Watercress is back
• 2 eggs a day (No yay)

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• The weekly squash - week 4: Roasted Butternut Squash Bake. Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, salt, smoked paprika - Link to the spice mix I use. Roast at 425 for 25 minutes Place in a casserole dish with mozzarella and butter wedges. Broil until there is a nice top crust.
• The story of the ham. 1) Ham, mashed and green beans 2) Sliced for sandwich meat 3) Ham Tetrazzini 4) Ham, cabbage and cheese Bierocks 5) Ham and field peas (Ham and beans)
• Pickled appetizers - ends up turning into farmer's platter dinners.

Stories from the Holler

• The greenhouse roof - is back together. For now.
• Hunting season is over
• The bee inspection
• Lessons learned from the gravity honey extraction method

Samantha's Saving Ninja Segment

Ten Things the New Homesteader Should Keep in Mind

1. KISS
2. Build your network
3. Set Simple, Attainable goals
4. Journaling is one of the most valuable things you can do for long term success
5. Profit is not evil - bartering is great but sometimes you need cash to pay the tax man
6. Failing forward is a thing, so is failing, you will do both
7. The internet is full of great learning opportunities - and also crap - learn the difference
8. Seek systems and system thinking to make things easy over time
9. Build in time for you, your relationship and for living
10. Take time to re-read your journals and assess progress - and don't be afraid to adjust the plan

Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway

This week: Chapter 3 The Week AFTER Next Week: Chapter 4

Observation about this chapter: Lots of examples of designs from which to learn, which I found very helpful (even though they are more centered toward a city setting.

Five steps in creating your garden

1. Observe
2. Visioning
3. Plan
4. Develop
5. Implement

Zones

Questions to ask yourself

1. What are your priorities when you use your yard? Do you want a great "hangout space? Is food production your number one goal? Do you need to look good and fit into a neighborhood? Do your children need a good, flat play space?
2. How does the sun hit your property at different times of day and different times of the year? With that information, what sorts of hazards do you need to plan for (safety, deer population, flooding areas, super dry areas, wind patterns?
3. What plants do you just really love and want to have in my yard? Which ones do you hate?
4. How much time will you realistically spend tending the outdoor space?

Song: Sauce, Calling My Name

..make it a great week!