farm questions
[email protected]
First of all, how does one go about buying a farm? I mean, I hear
about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers. Boy wouldn't I
love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked into it, but
it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still, my husband's
first problem with buying a farm - even before the money is...
ahem ... "What about socialization??")
Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I washed all the
nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a garden (very small
as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to plant some
lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close) and no
animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free fertilizer. Any
ideas for something quick?
Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers. Boy wouldn't I
love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked into it, but
it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still, my husband's
first problem with buying a farm - even before the money is...
ahem ... "What about socialization??")
Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I washed all the
nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a garden (very small
as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to plant some
lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close) and no
animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free fertilizer. Any
ideas for something quick?
Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
Lynda
Farms that are up and running can be expensive. Land in some states that
could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kind of farm
then you could figure out where and how much.
As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies and most,
oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children and children play
with other children regardless of where they live.
Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizer for gardens
for human consumption. Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where you are.
Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it. You need dirt and
green material. Layers of yard clippings, vegetable "stuff" (peelings from
potatoes and carrots, that kind of stuff) and dirt. Then turn occasionally.
You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. It has lots
of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space. Another
good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And, of
course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>
Lynda
could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kind of farm
then you could figure out where and how much.
As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies and most,
oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children and children play
with other children regardless of where they live.
Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizer for gardens
for human consumption. Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where you are.
Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it. You need dirt and
green material. Layers of yard clippings, vegetable "stuff" (peelings from
potatoes and carrots, that kind of stuff) and dirt. Then turn occasionally.
You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. It has lots
of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space. Another
good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And, of
course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: <vouget@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 11:08 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questions
> First of all, how does one go about buying a farm? I mean, I hear
> about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers. Boy wouldn't I
> love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked into it, but
> it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still, my husband's
> first problem with buying a farm - even before the money is...
> ahem ... "What about socialization??")
>
> Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I washed all the
> nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a garden (very small
> as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to plant some
> lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close) and no
> animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free fertilizer. Any
> ideas for something quick?
>
> Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
>
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Tracy Oldfield
First of all, how does one go about buying a farm? I
mean, I hear
about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers.
Boy wouldn't I
love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked
into it, but
it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still,
my husband's
first problem with buying a farm - even before the
money is...
ahem ... "What about socialization??")
Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I
washed all the
nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a
garden (very small
as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to
plant some
lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close)
and no
animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free
fertilizer. Any
ideas for something quick?
Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
If you don't want to 'do' compost (and you don't have
to) you can use mulch, I have an old book by Ruth Stout
called the No-Dig Garden Book (now why did I buy
this??... hmmm...) she used hay, about 8in at a time,
it very quickly softens down, and it works as a weed
suppressant, the worms and soil structure aren't
damamged by digging, and you can plant seeds directly
out, they're protected by the mulch. I believe it is
(was?) known as the Stout Method...
HTH
Tracy
mean, I hear
about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers.
Boy wouldn't I
love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked
into it, but
it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still,
my husband's
first problem with buying a farm - even before the
money is...
ahem ... "What about socialization??")
Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I
washed all the
nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a
garden (very small
as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to
plant some
lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close)
and no
animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free
fertilizer. Any
ideas for something quick?
Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
If you don't want to 'do' compost (and you don't have
to) you can use mulch, I have an old book by Ruth Stout
called the No-Dig Garden Book (now why did I buy
this??... hmmm...) she used hay, about 8in at a time,
it very quickly softens down, and it works as a weed
suppressant, the worms and soil structure aren't
damamged by digging, and you can plant seeds directly
out, they're protected by the mulch. I believe it is
(was?) known as the Stout Method...
HTH
Tracy
[email protected]
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "Lynda" <lurine@s...> wrote:
hobby - not too big, just enough for a couple horses, goats,
chickens, and a HUMUNGO garden. I'm starting to daydream again. But
land costs a fortune - more in some places, less in others. How can
anyone straight from high school (or whatever) afford to be a farmer?
Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
cows, or nice compost full of earthworms and grass clippings and
stuff. Since we live in an apartment-type place, compost doesn't
seem to be an option. Our garden is going to be about 3 feet
square. I guess I was just hoping for a quick fix...<g>
Melanie in Indiana
> Farms that are up and running can be expensive. Land in somestates that
> could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kindof farm
> then you could figure out where and how much.*I'm not sure I understand this. I want to buy a farm - for a
hobby - not too big, just enough for a couple horses, goats,
chickens, and a HUMUNGO garden. I'm starting to daydream again. But
land costs a fortune - more in some places, less in others. How can
anyone straight from high school (or whatever) afford to be a farmer?
> As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies andmost,
> oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children andchildren play
> with other children regardless of where they live.*Of course. I just need to be able to explain this to DH.
> Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizerfor gardens
> for human consumption.*I know. That's why I was complaining...
Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
> they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where youare.
> Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it.*I know. My dad ("urban farmer") either used manure from the
cows, or nice compost full of earthworms and grass clippings and
stuff. Since we live in an apartment-type place, compost doesn't
seem to be an option. Our garden is going to be about 3 feet
square. I guess I was just hoping for a quick fix...<g>
> You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. Ithas lots
> of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space.Another
> good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And,of
> course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>*Next time I'm at the library. Thank you for the references.
Melanie in Indiana
Vaughnde Edwards
You can also buy aged manure at the farm feed stores or at
a garden store. You might also want to consider container gardening and french
square gardening. Any kind of land an acre and under might work...maybe an acre
and half. I'm sure you can get a nice low-cost mortgage for that if necessary
and just plop a small trailer/tent out there in the summer as you improve the
land and build a temporary A frame house for the winter until you decide how you
want your permanent housing to be.
-----Original Message-------- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "Lynda" <lurine@s...> wrote:
From: vouget@... <vouget@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 3:42 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: farm questions
> Farms that are up and running can be expensive. Land in some
states that
> could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kind
of farm
> then you could figure out where and how much.
*I'm not sure I understand this. I want to buy a farm - for a
hobby - not too big, just enough for a couple horses, goats,
chickens, and a HUMUNGO garden. I'm starting to daydream again. But
land costs a fortune - more in some places, less in others. How can
anyone straight from high school (or whatever) afford to be a farmer?
> As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies and
most,
> oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children and
children play
> with other children regardless of where they live.
*Of course. I just need to be able to explain this to DH.
> Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizer
for gardens
> for human consumption.
*I know. That's why I was complaining...
Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
> they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where you
are.
> Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it.
*I know. My dad ("urban farmer") either used manure from the
cows, or nice compost full of earthworms and grass clippings and
stuff. Since we live in an apartment-type place, compost doesn't
seem to be an option. Our garden is going to be about 3 feet
square. I guess I was just hoping for a quick fix...<g>
> You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. It
has lots
> of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space.
Another
> good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And,
of
> course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>
*Next time I'm at the library. Thank you for the references.
Melanie in Indiana
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
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Johanna
We keep a plastic bucket with a tight fitting
lid in it right in the kitchen. Anything vegetable we put in it. Lettuce, carrot
and potato peelings, tomato stems, coffee grinds apple cores and peelings, egg
shells (rinsed of any egg). Just make sure no fat or animal meat goes in
it. We empty the bucket every few days and add a layer of leaves or grass
clippings on top. If you do it right, there really is no foul odor. How do you
think you depleted the nutrients? Another way to add nutrients to your soil is
to grow a cover crop and till under. I agree with Linda, Rodale has great books
on organic gardening. Most of what I have used effectively came from their
publication. the magazine Organic Gardening is also an excellent
resource.
Johanna
Life is the ultimate learning experience!
Life is the ultimate learning experience!
----- Original Message -----From: LyndaSent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 1:33 PMSubject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questionsFarms that are up and running can be expensive. Land in some states that
could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kind of farm
then you could figure out where and how much.
As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies and most,
oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children and children play
with other children regardless of where they live.
Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizer for gardens
for human consumption. Compost piles should not bother your neighbors if
they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where you are.
Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it. You need dirt and
green material. Layers of yard clippings, vegetable "stuff" (peelings from
potatoes and carrots, that kind of stuff) and dirt. Then turn occasionally.
You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. It has lots
of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space. Another
good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And, of
course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: <vouget@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 11:08 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questions
> First of all, how does one go about buying a farm? I mean, I hear
> about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers. Boy wouldn't I
> love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked into it, but
> it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still, my husband's
> first problem with buying a farm - even before the money is...
> ahem ... "What about socialization??")
>
> Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I washed all the
> nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a garden (very small
> as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to plant some
> lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close) and no
> animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free fertilizer. Any
> ideas for something quick?
>
> Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
>
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Tami Labig-Duquette
Another great magazine is Mother Earth News :)
Tami
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Tami
>From: "Johanna" <saninocencio1@...>_________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: <[email protected]>
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questions
>Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001 10:41:38 -0500
>
>We keep a plastic bucket with a tight fitting lid in it right in the
>kitchen. Anything vegetable we put in it. Lettuce, carrot and potato
>peelings, tomato stems, coffee grinds apple cores and peelings, egg shells
>(rinsed of any egg). Just make sure no fat or animal meat goes in it. We
>empty the bucket every few days and add a layer of leaves or grass
>clippings on top. If you do it right, there really is no foul odor. How do
>you think you depleted the nutrients? Another way to add nutrients to your
>soil is to grow a cover crop and till under. I agree with Linda, Rodale has
>great books on organic gardening. Most of what I have used effectively came
>from their publication. the magazine Organic Gardening is also an excellent
>resource.
>Johanna
>Life is the ultimate learning experience!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Lynda
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 1:33 PM
> Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questions
>
>
> Farms that are up and running can be expensive. Land in some states
>that
> could be a farm is not. First order of business would be what kind of
>farm
> then you could figure out where and how much.
>
> As to socialization, farms aren't necessary out in the boonies and most,
> oops, better make that lots <g>, of farmers have children and children
>play
> with other children regardless of where they live.
>
> Now, on to your garden. Cats and dogs do NOT provide fertilizer for
>gardens
> for human consumption. Compost piles should not bother your neighbors
>if
> they are done right, so shouldn't be a problem no matter where you are.
> Compost doesn't have to have any "fertilizer" in it. You need dirt and
> green material. Layers of yard clippings, vegetable "stuff" (peelings
>from
> potatoes and carrots, that kind of stuff) and dirt. Then turn
>occasionally.
>
> You might want to get the book called the Square Foot Garden. It has
>lots
> of helpful info on getting lots of good food out of a small space.
>Another
> good one is Tomatoes Love Carrots (I think that's the name). And, of
> course, one must have a good Rodale book on organic gardening <g>
>
> Lynda
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <vouget@...>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 11:08 AM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] farm questions
>
>
> > First of all, how does one go about buying a farm? I mean, I hear
> > about kids fresh out of high school go to be farmers. Boy wouldn't I
> > love to be able to afford to be a farmer. We looked into it, but
> > it's soooo expensive! I mean buying the land. (still, my husband's
> > first problem with buying a farm - even before the money is...
> > ahem ... "What about socialization??")
> >
> > Question #2: I just did something stupid, and think I washed all the
> > nutrients out of the soil I'm planning to use as a garden (very small
> > as we don't have much yard). I'd like to be able to plant some
> > lettuce, but can't do compost (neighbors are too close) and no
> > animals nearby (except dogs and cats) for cheap/free fertilizer. Any
> > ideas for something quick?
> >
> > Melanie in Indiana - it's still snowing
> >
> >
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> > http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
> >
> > Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> > http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
[email protected]
>How do you think you depleted the nutrients?*I don't have to answer this, do I? :) I was really stupid...
I, uh, don't laugh... Well, it was lawn, and I pulled up the grass
and all the dirt came with it, so I (please don't laugh), well, I
filled a big bucket with water, and washed the dirt off the grass.
Then, I poured the dirt and water all over the place where I wanted
the garden. I did this several times. (You're not laughing at me,
are you?? <g>)
So, I went to the store, and picked up a $2 bag of organic
fertilizer.
Melanie in Indiana
Juli
I dug up lawn for my front garden in just as
unconventional a way! I pushed the shovel into squares
of lawn, and the kids came behind me and yanked them
up with their hands. Then they just shook the dirt
loose and threw the sod clumps in the compost pile.
But they were slow, so I had to do some of that, too.
The neighbors must have thought we were insane,
crawling around in the dirt every afternoon for days.
I could have DUG the clumps up with the shovel, but I
have a bad back and it was easier to just get down and
use our hands. Juli
--- vouget@... wrote:
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself --Galileo
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
unconventional a way! I pushed the shovel into squares
of lawn, and the kids came behind me and yanked them
up with their hands. Then they just shook the dirt
loose and threw the sod clumps in the compost pile.
But they were slow, so I had to do some of that, too.
The neighbors must have thought we were insane,
crawling around in the dirt every afternoon for days.
I could have DUG the clumps up with the shovel, but I
have a bad back and it was easier to just get down and
use our hands. Juli
--- vouget@... wrote:
> >How do you think you depleted the nutrients?=====
> *I don't have to answer this, do I? :) I was
> really stupid...
> I, uh, don't laugh... Well, it was lawn, and I
> pulled up the grass
> and all the dirt came with it, so I (please don't
> laugh), well, I
> filled a big bucket with water, and washed the dirt
> off the grass.
> Then, I poured the dirt and water all over the place
> where I wanted
> the garden. I did this several times. (You're not
> laughing at me,
> are you?? <g>)
>
> So, I went to the store, and picked up a $2 bag of
> organic
> fertilizer.
>
> Melanie in Indiana
>
>
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself --Galileo
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
Tracy Oldfield
I dug up lawn for my front garden in just as
unconventional a way! I pushed the shovel into squares
of lawn, and the kids came behind me and yanked them
up with their hands. Then they just shook the dirt
loose and threw the sod clumps in the compost pile.
But they were slow, so I had to do some of that, too.
The neighbors must have thought we were insane,
crawling around in the dirt every afternoon for days.
I could have DUG the clumps up with the shovel, but I
have a bad back and it was easier to just get down and
use our hands. Juli
Hey, I'm doing this with ours, I'm doing a border, but
not planting anything in it atm cos the lawn had
basically been put down on top of the builders' rubble,
ther's no top-soil to speak of. So I'm digging it up
and sticking cocoa-shell mulch down. The worms can
feast :-) A good way of using the turves as ready-made
compost/topsoil is to turn them over when you dig them
up.
Tracy
unconventional a way! I pushed the shovel into squares
of lawn, and the kids came behind me and yanked them
up with their hands. Then they just shook the dirt
loose and threw the sod clumps in the compost pile.
But they were slow, so I had to do some of that, too.
The neighbors must have thought we were insane,
crawling around in the dirt every afternoon for days.
I could have DUG the clumps up with the shovel, but I
have a bad back and it was easier to just get down and
use our hands. Juli
Hey, I'm doing this with ours, I'm doing a border, but
not planting anything in it atm cos the lawn had
basically been put down on top of the builders' rubble,
ther's no top-soil to speak of. So I'm digging it up
and sticking cocoa-shell mulch down. The worms can
feast :-) A good way of using the turves as ready-made
compost/topsoil is to turn them over when you dig them
up.
Tracy