My husband and I have been growing container vegetable and herb gardens for a few years now. During that time, we've been introduced to tomato hornworms and the right growing spots for the various plants.
This year we planted a small garden on the side of our house using a variety of containers ranging from one gallon milk jugs to City Picker Patio Garden Kits, and finally 5-gallon HDPE food-grade buckets. As we lease our home, we are unable to plant in the ground, or we could be fined for "improvements on the property."
We planted strawberries and marigolds in one gallon milk jugs and mounted them to our privacy fence. We planted basil, peppermint, dill, and cilantro in window boxes mounted on our fence. Then we planted tomato, marigold, lemon thyme, squash, nasturtium, bush beans, tomato, bush beans, jalapeno, and cucumbers. Of course all of those were in different containers in a line. We made sure we drilled appropriate drainage holes in the containers, and none of our containers sit on the ground (because what would be the point of drilling holes if you're going to cover them with the ground?)
We planted a bit later this year as last year, mid-April, we had a FREEZE...not a frost but a FREEZE here in Georgia that quickly killed our plants (even though they were covered and insulated.)
And the war is here against pests.
Thus far, we have already encountered (in four weeks) spotted cucumber beetles, striped cucumber beetles, ants, leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, dogsbane leaf beetles, and unidentified caterpillars (I haven't found them yet, and the wild birds have been snatching them off our plants for us when they find them.) We've done everything we were supposed to do for pest control, and now we have to kick it up a notch. Last year I read about flattening a piece of aluminum foil around the base of a cucumber plant to prevent cucumber beetles. The cucumber beetles laughed at that. We tried planting highly fragrant marigolds nearby (as in directly next to them) - again, the cucumber beetles laughed. This year, we've continued with the tried and true method of eradication (nitrile gloves and trapping them when we see them.)
Then I remembered that my work uses food-grade diatomaceous earth for one of our products. Not only do we use it, but a few months ago we got some 50 lbs sample bags in of various particle size to test, and there they sit - partially used on our shelf. What's diatomaceous earth? Well, it's basically a powder made up of pulverized fossilized diatoms. Remember the diatoms we saw in slides in school? The little wheels and cylinders that look like glass? Yes, those diatoms. Diatomaceous earth, however, is a respiratory irritant so you should use a mask and safety goggles when applying.
Let's see how this works...
Showing posts with label homestead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homestead. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
What is "The Preserve?"
As most of our friends know, we are both animal people. We are domestic and wild animal people. What this means is that we are not stereotypical animal rights activists. We are also realists. We do hunt, and we do fish. We are also respectful towards animals. When we do hunt or fish, we do so for what the animal can provide to us: hide, meat, and bone. No part of the animal is ever wasted or disrespected in any way. We do not hunt for sport. The only time we may end a wild animal's life without using 100% of it is if the animal is clearly ill and suffering.
When we leased our farm in North Georgia, we had several animals that called the farm their home: white tail deer, foxes, groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks, red-shouldered hawks, grey rat snake, black racer, and even an occasional black bear. It was "our" Wonderland. Well, the groundhog wasn't really part of our Wonderland due to his tunnel systems that my ankle would find, but he stayed. We watched as a mother fox and her kits called our farm "home." Even our hard-core farming friends stopped to take pictures of her as she'd make her way through our fields.
One particular November morning, I remember seeing a doe in our field with a broken shoulder or injured shoulder of some sort. She had been shot. She was grazing in our pasture, but she wouldn't put any weight on her left front. We, at the time, had no way of ending her pain. I called everyone I knew in the area who could come end her life, to no avail. I was incredibly upset as was my husband, but we saw a glimmer of hope when she jumped our fence and ambled up into the woods. We said a silent prayer that she would survive or that whomever had shot her could track her and finish her. It's a sad though, but I'd rather have an animal's suffering ended than prolong it. An animal that is wounded to the point of changing its mechanics normally cannot fend for themselves by fleeing from predators or traveling the distance it needs to in order to forage or find water.
The next Spring, we saw her. She not only had survived the particularly brutal winter we had that year (2011,) but she was of good weight, good, shiny coat, and she was leaping over the fence and grazing in our field just fine even though she still favored her left front. She moved along our pasture, happily nibbling the grass. She continued to flourish up until we moved in November 2012. We also watched as a doe cared for three fawns the previous year: one doe and two bucks. The following year we had two mature bucks that would graze with our horses.
We managed our (formerly-dilapidated and abused) farm as a wildlife refuge and a small working hobby farm. We knew that there could be a symbiosis of sorts between the two worlds. We didn't have chickens, but we had ducks. We ensured the ducks had a safe pen to return to in the evening. It was protected on all sides, top, and bottom. We made sure the holes surrounding the pen were covered in smaller wire weave to prevent raccoon paws from being able to reach into the pen. The girls were happy, and we didn't have any predator issues. We kept the grey rat snake and black racer around the farm (with some easy coaxing to my husband not to kill them since he is not fond of snakes,) and the black racer rewarded us when "she" pulled a copperhead into her hiding place that she had killed for us. Had I known how rare it was to see such an event, I would have snapped a photo. ("Sally" was the black racer's given name.)
We started out with one red-shouldered hawk on the property. Their calls are unique in that they often sound like seagulls. Considering we were five hours from the coastline, the possibility of the sound coming from a seagull was rather low. It wasn't until I had talked to a local bird rehabilitator that we identified the hawks. The following year, we had FIVE on the property. We never saw a mouse or rat after that.
We knew the two worlds didn't have to collide. They could sort of intermingle with one another like an awkward dance between two wallflowers.
When we started creating our goals, we knew we wanted a life in the future that had the same intermingling between the two worlds of domestic animals and wild animals: a place where wildlife could see our property as a refuge while coexisting with our domestic animals. We keep an eye on diseases that can be transmitted between wild animals and domestic animals, and we also know how to keep our domestic animals safe from wild animals. That is why we decided the name of our future property wouldn't be a "farm" or a "ranch;" it would be "The Preserve." "The Preserve" is the shortened form as the formal name will be given once we establish ourselves and use our land to name itself..."The Preserve at Lake Lure," "The Preserve at Black Mountain," "The Preserve at Rushing Creek." You get the idea. "The Preserve" will be a Wonderland between two worlds while also offering therapeutic services to people and animals.
When we leased our farm in North Georgia, we had several animals that called the farm their home: white tail deer, foxes, groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks, red-shouldered hawks, grey rat snake, black racer, and even an occasional black bear. It was "our" Wonderland. Well, the groundhog wasn't really part of our Wonderland due to his tunnel systems that my ankle would find, but he stayed. We watched as a mother fox and her kits called our farm "home." Even our hard-core farming friends stopped to take pictures of her as she'd make her way through our fields.
One particular November morning, I remember seeing a doe in our field with a broken shoulder or injured shoulder of some sort. She had been shot. She was grazing in our pasture, but she wouldn't put any weight on her left front. We, at the time, had no way of ending her pain. I called everyone I knew in the area who could come end her life, to no avail. I was incredibly upset as was my husband, but we saw a glimmer of hope when she jumped our fence and ambled up into the woods. We said a silent prayer that she would survive or that whomever had shot her could track her and finish her. It's a sad though, but I'd rather have an animal's suffering ended than prolong it. An animal that is wounded to the point of changing its mechanics normally cannot fend for themselves by fleeing from predators or traveling the distance it needs to in order to forage or find water.
The next Spring, we saw her. She not only had survived the particularly brutal winter we had that year (2011,) but she was of good weight, good, shiny coat, and she was leaping over the fence and grazing in our field just fine even though she still favored her left front. She moved along our pasture, happily nibbling the grass. She continued to flourish up until we moved in November 2012. We also watched as a doe cared for three fawns the previous year: one doe and two bucks. The following year we had two mature bucks that would graze with our horses.
We managed our (formerly-dilapidated and abused) farm as a wildlife refuge and a small working hobby farm. We knew that there could be a symbiosis of sorts between the two worlds. We didn't have chickens, but we had ducks. We ensured the ducks had a safe pen to return to in the evening. It was protected on all sides, top, and bottom. We made sure the holes surrounding the pen were covered in smaller wire weave to prevent raccoon paws from being able to reach into the pen. The girls were happy, and we didn't have any predator issues. We kept the grey rat snake and black racer around the farm (with some easy coaxing to my husband not to kill them since he is not fond of snakes,) and the black racer rewarded us when "she" pulled a copperhead into her hiding place that she had killed for us. Had I known how rare it was to see such an event, I would have snapped a photo. ("Sally" was the black racer's given name.)
We started out with one red-shouldered hawk on the property. Their calls are unique in that they often sound like seagulls. Considering we were five hours from the coastline, the possibility of the sound coming from a seagull was rather low. It wasn't until I had talked to a local bird rehabilitator that we identified the hawks. The following year, we had FIVE on the property. We never saw a mouse or rat after that.
We knew the two worlds didn't have to collide. They could sort of intermingle with one another like an awkward dance between two wallflowers.
When we started creating our goals, we knew we wanted a life in the future that had the same intermingling between the two worlds of domestic animals and wild animals: a place where wildlife could see our property as a refuge while coexisting with our domestic animals. We keep an eye on diseases that can be transmitted between wild animals and domestic animals, and we also know how to keep our domestic animals safe from wild animals. That is why we decided the name of our future property wouldn't be a "farm" or a "ranch;" it would be "The Preserve." "The Preserve" is the shortened form as the formal name will be given once we establish ourselves and use our land to name itself..."The Preserve at Lake Lure," "The Preserve at Black Mountain," "The Preserve at Rushing Creek." You get the idea. "The Preserve" will be a Wonderland between two worlds while also offering therapeutic services to people and animals.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Tiny Home to Tiny Cabin to.....Ka-ching.
So
We Did Some Math and Research
While our blog posts on “tiny homes” was informative, and we do highly recommend AmishMadeCabins.com for “tiny cabins” that are basically turn-key, we also did some research on site prep costs, land purchase, and then compared that to purchasing already-established homesteads.
Things to consider when you’re buying a tiny cabin (with or without modern utilities:)
1) Electrical set up
2) Well set up: is there an existing dug well? Do you know who to hire and what permits you need for a well pump and water being ran to your home?
3) Septic tank – no septic tank – you still need to figure out where that waste will go.
4) Land purchase: surveying, soil testing, grading, excavating, site prep, permits.
For us, we were able to find farms in the area where we will be living for under $175,000. Some of these were older farmhouses or cabins that had already been renovated, nice land, mostly pasture and some wooded, and some of them had existing outbuildings such as barns, coops, and sheds. To get the same amount of land and everything to set it up plus the tiny cabin we want, it was sort of like a cartoon – ka-ching! Ka-ching! Ka-ching! Land…. $100,000, Prep….$20,000……Tiny Cabin….. $43,000…..Tiny Cabin delivery outside of the delivery area…..$2000…Mowing, seeding, liming, fertilizing property…… $5000 (not including needing to drop any trees and grind stumps, construction of barn……$8000. Ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching….$178,000….minimum.
Of course you’ll want to inspect whatever property you plan on purchasing
including the insulation, roof, wiring, plumbing, etc. BUT as we said we would
keep our readers updated on things and changes, here you go. We are more than
likely going to purchase an existing homestead or homestead potential rather
than building from the ground up. Of course, this could be like the wind and
change again.
While our blog posts on “tiny homes” was informative, and we do highly recommend AmishMadeCabins.com for “tiny cabins” that are basically turn-key, we also did some research on site prep costs, land purchase, and then compared that to purchasing already-established homesteads.
Things to consider when you’re buying a tiny cabin (with or without modern utilities:)
1) Electrical set up
2) Well set up: is there an existing dug well? Do you know who to hire and what permits you need for a well pump and water being ran to your home?
3) Septic tank – no septic tank – you still need to figure out where that waste will go.
4) Land purchase: surveying, soil testing, grading, excavating, site prep, permits.
For us, we were able to find farms in the area where we will be living for under $175,000. Some of these were older farmhouses or cabins that had already been renovated, nice land, mostly pasture and some wooded, and some of them had existing outbuildings such as barns, coops, and sheds. To get the same amount of land and everything to set it up plus the tiny cabin we want, it was sort of like a cartoon – ka-ching! Ka-ching! Ka-ching! Land…. $100,000, Prep….$20,000……Tiny Cabin….. $43,000…..Tiny Cabin delivery outside of the delivery area…..$2000…Mowing, seeding, liming, fertilizing property…… $5000 (not including needing to drop any trees and grind stumps, construction of barn……$8000. Ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching….$178,000….minimum.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Tiny Houses.
We have all heard about "tiny houses." This is basically another step to becoming debt-free. Instead of buying a large home, people are resorting to buying or building "tiny houses" out of shipping containers, sheds, and other plans. Some tiny houses are portable. Others are more permanent.
I first learned of tiny houses back in college. I actually rented one on a horse farm for a "whopping" $400/month. It wasn't much, but it was just me and my dog. I couldn't begin to guess the dimensions of the tiny house. It was basically a log-sided shed. On one end was a door and a small window, and on the other end were two French doors. Immediately when you walked in the house to the right was a shower stall. To the left was a small fridge, countertop and cabinets underneath, sink, countertop, and a smaller stove/oven combo that was large enough for regular cooking. There was a window over the sink. Following the "kitchen area" was a tall dresser and television and another shorter dresser.
On the right side, after the shower stall, was a small wall. Immediately around the corner was a very narrow doorway and a toilet. After the toilet on the outside was a loveseat and a coffee table. In the back right corner, at an angle, was a queen-sized bed. It was the perfect size for a single person or a couple.
Outside, there was a garden area and a deck on the one side of the "house." I have no idea what the cost to build it out was, but I would venture to guess somewhere around $20,000 all-in.
Here is a picture of it:
I first learned of tiny houses back in college. I actually rented one on a horse farm for a "whopping" $400/month. It wasn't much, but it was just me and my dog. I couldn't begin to guess the dimensions of the tiny house. It was basically a log-sided shed. On one end was a door and a small window, and on the other end were two French doors. Immediately when you walked in the house to the right was a shower stall. To the left was a small fridge, countertop and cabinets underneath, sink, countertop, and a smaller stove/oven combo that was large enough for regular cooking. There was a window over the sink. Following the "kitchen area" was a tall dresser and television and another shorter dresser.
On the right side, after the shower stall, was a small wall. Immediately around the corner was a very narrow doorway and a toilet. After the toilet on the outside was a loveseat and a coffee table. In the back right corner, at an angle, was a queen-sized bed. It was the perfect size for a single person or a couple.
Outside, there was a garden area and a deck on the one side of the "house." I have no idea what the cost to build it out was, but I would venture to guess somewhere around $20,000 all-in.
Here is a picture of it:
 |
| Photo property of AmishMadeCabins.com - Boone Deluxe Permission for use granted by J. White |
When we started thinking about becoming debt-free and what to do in two years (when our lease runs out,) we couldn't decide between renting or buying. One thing we know is that we don't want to live in our area permanently. We actually plan on relocating out west to areas we are familiar with and more to our style. That's not the right word, but you get the idea.
That's when I came across this company: Amish Made Cabins. They have a wide variety of cabin plans and kits and more. They're located in Kentucky so it isn't too entirely far from us here in Georgia. As my husband and I aren't going to be having children, I saw this cabin plan: Boone Deluxe. As you can see from the page (go ahead, look. I'll wait,) the cabin is just big enough for two people and an occasional guest. The Deluxe cabin packages come with more options already installed including the following:
Insulation Package
200 amp Electric Package
Bedroom
Bathroom Fixtures
Cosmetic Dormers
Loft with Ladder
Kitchen Cabinets and Sink
6 Roger Windows
2 Entry Doors
Shutters
Natural Kote Stain
40 yr Metal Roof
Delivery within 200 miles of Shepherdsville, KY
Now I do realize I could just as easily build this cabin, but for all of the above (see the picture again of the Boone deluxe,) it is $28,000 to just over $39,000. As the person buying this cabin, you are responsible for buying the land and having everything set up for it (site prep, what sewer system/septic you plan on having, water, electricity, permits, if needed, etc.) Now for us, we are just shy of 400 miles away from Shepherdsville, I don't know what the transportation fee would then be, but let's look at what you get for $28,000 to $39,000, depending on what size you choose.
Our goal will now be to become debt free, be able to purchase land, and purchase a Boone Deluxe when the time comes. All in all, depending on the exact area we plan on living, we should be able to get 3-5 acres of land where we want for $24,000 - $40,000. All in, we're looking at around $80,000 all-in for a new cabin on 5 acres of land.
When I look at 5 acre mini farms in our area now, you're looking at around $200,000 or more for the same thing....but usually an older house. I realize this is a "tiny house," but it is just the right size for us.
At an $80,000 investment and some time and money to create garden and livestock space, the turn-around profit on the mini-farm once we move could be 25-40%.
I highly recommend looking at tiny houses and such. As they become more popular, the prices stay reasonable, and the options are even better.
That's when I came across this company: Amish Made Cabins. They have a wide variety of cabin plans and kits and more. They're located in Kentucky so it isn't too entirely far from us here in Georgia. As my husband and I aren't going to be having children, I saw this cabin plan: Boone Deluxe. As you can see from the page (go ahead, look. I'll wait,) the cabin is just big enough for two people and an occasional guest. The Deluxe cabin packages come with more options already installed including the following:
Insulation Package
200 amp Electric Package
Bedroom
Bathroom Fixtures
Cosmetic Dormers
Loft with Ladder
Kitchen Cabinets and Sink
6 Roger Windows
2 Entry Doors
Shutters
Natural Kote Stain
40 yr Metal Roof
Delivery within 200 miles of Shepherdsville, KY
Now I do realize I could just as easily build this cabin, but for all of the above (see the picture again of the Boone deluxe,) it is $28,000 to just over $39,000. As the person buying this cabin, you are responsible for buying the land and having everything set up for it (site prep, what sewer system/septic you plan on having, water, electricity, permits, if needed, etc.) Now for us, we are just shy of 400 miles away from Shepherdsville, I don't know what the transportation fee would then be, but let's look at what you get for $28,000 to $39,000, depending on what size you choose.
Our goal will now be to become debt free, be able to purchase land, and purchase a Boone Deluxe when the time comes. All in all, depending on the exact area we plan on living, we should be able to get 3-5 acres of land where we want for $24,000 - $40,000. All in, we're looking at around $80,000 all-in for a new cabin on 5 acres of land.
When I look at 5 acre mini farms in our area now, you're looking at around $200,000 or more for the same thing....but usually an older house. I realize this is a "tiny house," but it is just the right size for us.
At an $80,000 investment and some time and money to create garden and livestock space, the turn-around profit on the mini-farm once we move could be 25-40%.
I highly recommend looking at tiny houses and such. As they become more popular, the prices stay reasonable, and the options are even better.
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