Homesteader hello

Hi guys!! I'm a newbie on this site so I'm just warning you, be gentle. My husband and I are homesteaders and after discovering this forum I realize.....I don't know as much as I thought I did. lol. There's lots to read and I have lots of questions, but I just wanted to introduce myself first.

Hi Tina, nice to meet you! I am New as well. There is so much to learn!

Welcome Tina! Don't worry, we all start somewhere! I still have a lot to learn too, I find a lot of permaculture is just rewriting what we've been programmed to do for so many years.

Enjoy, this is a great site full of sage wisdom and real people, don't be shy

Destiny, As Tina and Avalon are both new here what guidance could you offer to them to help navigate this site? Where to start?

Karen Layne wrote:Destiny, As Tina and Avalon are both new here what guidance could you offer to them to help navigate this site? Where to start?

I think it really just depends on what they're doing right now. I know with me, my big projects right now are seed starting indoors, chick brooding, and free ranging ducks.

My suggestion would be to look at what you're working on this week, and they re-examine your entire process. Spend a little time milling through the Growies Forum and see what everyone's talking about.

Some of the biggest topics 'round these parts when it comes to gardening are definitely Hugelkulturpolyculture, food forests, and natural soil amendment methods like chop n' drop mulching with plants like vetch and comfrey.

One of the biggest emphases in permaculture is to keep in mind that repeated use of heavy machinery, like tractors, compact the soil, and frequent farming without any attempts to build the soil can actually cause nutrient depletion in both soil and crops, so you have to put in at least what you take out of the dirt (and that's a simple way of saying that, like I said, I'm still learning too )

It's about soil building, working with nature, and gardening in a way that actually enriches the environment, rather than takes away from it.

One more link and key term for you: cover cropping - a dandy way to build soil!

Don't worry about being overwhelmed, we're all learning together!

I have already been looking into Hugelkultur for sure! Everything I have heard about it, has been nothing but good!

Cover Crops is still new to me, that I'm just now learning about, but a lot of it is still a bit confusing to me (at least until I start to understand more about it).

I have learned so much reading through these Forums, but also, I look back and see what I still have questions about, and it feels like I have barely learned anything, as there is still so much I don't know yet!

I don't have any Land yet, but I want to know a good bit of what I'm doing, before jumping into any project.

Avalon,
I like that you are learning and preparing now. I do that too. I believe knowledge is power. When you do finally get your land it will show you more of what you need to do and learn ,as every plot is different. Each has its own unique features and obstacles.
I need to learn more about cover crops too. Last Fall we covered several gardens with crimson clover. It didn't grow very much before winter but has really started growing these last few weeks. I hate to till but I'm sure my husband will want to till it into the soil. Next year I want to try a tillage radish. Then i could leave them in the ground to rot. They'll accumulate lots of nutrients, add organic matter to the soil, open large air pockets and leave leaf mulch on the surface. And i won't shred the worms with the tiller.

Tina,
Tell us more about your homestead. Where are you located? ( You can complete information such as location, interests, etc. by going into My Profile in the dashboard at the top of the screen.)
Be sure to check out the universal welcome page and lots more helpful threads at How Permies Works.

Howdy, While going thru the threads today, I noticed your "Hello!", (and since I just "outed" myself as a voracious reader (but never a post-er) until today (!) Feeling light as a feather with my newfound emergence from the shadows, I feel like I should post here as well and say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I think, (and I'm sure there is some high-tech-y way to show this) Paul & Co know that there are thousands (hopefully tens of thousands) of folks who are reading and digesting this wonderful information and movement towards world domination.

I can relate to your post, (and admittedly, fell victim to the "please be kind, I'm a relative newbie" introduction when posting myself mere minutes ago) but I think that, even though it is easy at times to get overwhelmed, (both to the vast amount of information to digest/the expertise/development towards ones' goals-whatever they might be) of some members, I find that as I devour each page/subject, I see that 95% of people in this community, are incredibly open and welcoming to others who embrace a complimentary path. (I say "complimentary" with a nod to the fact, it is important for everyone to remember that what works for them, might not work, or even be a goal or on another persons radar-and that is OK.)


You stated in your first post, you're a homesteader- that's awesome.- That is a big accomplishment in itself- just getting there (from, what I hypothesize, was a more "citysteader/townsteader/suburbansteader" life at some point, and I will put my money on the fact, THAT (which you already have accomplished) took commitment and earnest behavior. and That's the type of commitment, that I believe lends itself to the development one needs to embark upon to fully commit oneself to the world domination Paul speaks of- that is the most important thing.

In today's "daily-ish" email there was a link to the "frugality" section, and I read a post (that appears now is 3 years old) by an individual who said they were "stuck in the system"- There was a handful of replies, ranging from, what I felt was a bit of a "tough love" approach, encouragement, to telling the young guy (he was 19) to file for bankruptcy, camp for a year, and move to a foreign country. I was happy to see, towards the end, a veteran of the site, was thoughtful enough to state that permaculture (whatever that means to you) is a journey, and it can be attained in stages, or in different ways, and often the "end in site" (if you have one, btw is there one? ha! that thread would be 9 years long) is something that is unique to the person, and that goes for all- I think that can be applied even to individuals who are "in it together"-whether that means a couple, an intentional community, co-op, what have you)


Though it might have a place in another thread, (and sorry for that if it is, or feel free to move) but I felt compelled to post, as I nearly did the other day (for the first time mind you, emerging from the voyeur shadows) after spending, a somewhat ridiculous amount of time/hours, reading through the various PEP1, Gapper, Ant threads (as I really want to get a feel for this community, I think it is important to be 'on the same page' and to put that effort in.... So I was reading all the threads on various developments of programs, 'problems', strategies, etc) and once I got to the sea of posts regarding the various levels of "attainment"/merit badges, certification(s) proposed for various educational models-my eyes began to glaze over, and I started to feel like the alternate pitcher for the bad news bears, who really wants to play, but so far, is just sitting on the bench in the uniform....I doubt that was anyone's intent, and I realize I was eavesdropping (in a sense) of seasoned folks discussing some kind of pedagogical format in which to, at the end of the day, assist others in their journey- but that being said, I started to feel like "whoa..."
That being said, it isn't a "bad" thing whatsoever,( and in fact, it is a very *good* thing, most of the time) to set the "bar set high"- It often can 'separate the wheat from the chaff' -persay, And concerning those you want to be alongside you, leading a charge for this world domination that we speak/read about in this forum, it becomes very important. I like, and respect this stance I see permeating (ha, bad pun) from Paul in general- (especially regarding listening to the podcasts, etc) It is necessary, especially when there is a commitment of time/energy/$$$ from one individual to another. I like this, so yes, I bought the mega cache of podcasts, and I find, I read every thread, even though some, I might as well be reading Japanese. (and I don't read/speak Japanese)

I was moved to post this, as I've noticed a fair share of newcomers, popping up here and there, and showing similar self consciousness(or even apologizing, as if almost for existing/reaching out) in beginning their journey. Since I kind of did the same thing, I thought... "wait a second..."- stop the boat.

I would say this is a less than awesome, symptom of the "old society/machine" viewpoint/ie that icky "box" (that most of us really aren't into, ran away from, are trying to escape, etc) that easily keeps people (sometimes forever)from stopping the cycles that are unsatisfying (or they realize they don't agree with ideology wise) and embracing/dipping a toe into new, sustainable, satisfying, and universally "better" waters....from taking hold. and that sucks! let's all agree that sucks!-but I think it is easy fall victim to that, even for a moment, and though I am sure it gets easier as one develops their plan(s) and gains tools/insights (from experience, trial and error, or community-what have you) to ignore, but the "knee jerk" is certainly there. Most people in my orbit think Ive gone looney for this "permaculture thing", and I'm certainly excited and inspired-but I still get that little jerk of self consciousness, and I'm not afraid to say so, especially if it helps another person, whose feels knee deep in sh*t, and it's not the good, organic kind.

People (including myself, jeez!) shouldn't feel they have to apologize for anything when emerging with their "Hi, I'm into this too, I am doing a,b,c, myself, curious about this, this is my story, hello world!!"- I've spent a respectable (imho) amount of time reading through and experiencing the content on on the site/members/Paul, and I've noticed this several times! (even in this post, "I'm new, please be kind!") so I felt like speaking up, and saying, not only to you, but also should probably stand in front of the mirror and say it to myself (like a mantra of sorts) It's pretty darn wonderful to arrive at this point here, and if you want something for yourself and your life, and you really want it, you will find your permie-legs and run soon enough-in whatever vein or level of what "works" for you than you decide or arrive at.


I do believe that when you stop learning-you die, and that even the person (and hopefully, they are evolved enough to agree themselves, seeing the quality of folks on this forum) even those individuals on this forum, the ones who have a million "apples", posts, their own thing going on/a successful situation (whatever that is)would agree with this belief.

I liked that Karen post asking about your homestead and asking for photos. I'd love to see those too!

As a person who also just took the "major plunge" (in buying my own property/finally getting to do what I have only been reading about for 4 years) I am very interested in what others have going on- period- those who are in the beginnings of getting their property "in shape"- to others who have been on the "train" (would it be better if I said "bicycle"? ha ha) and are using large earth moving equipment with aplomb. ..........That's currently not me, but I hope that soon it will be me.
I think many are in my boat. - So lets go down this river, and not scream too much when we hit rapids. - because all beings being hit rapids, sometimes I think, (and concerning myself- I know this is certainly true, though I have moments, where I am stubborn to admit it) regardless of where you're at, sometimes you just wanna curl up in a ball under the covers, or continue commuting to work, or buying all your produce at the whole paycheck foods.......... I am coming to 'permaculture world', at a point in my life, where I had previously, at least in the general, societal "sense" edging up at 30 yrs old, just "arrived" (that's the machine talking, not really me, I was miserable) in a field, worked my butt off my entire adult life, accomplished some "stuff"-and now I find myself here.... all the time....everyday.... ha

I will say, it is an interesting feeling and place to be in development wise (in every sense)
Definitely humbling.
There are weird moments of ego, (yes I totally admit it. ha) because I worked 16 hours a day at my vocation that occupied me/fed me/propelled me, (which I admit, at huge moments of my life, I was really passionate about, but then I found.........hold your breath.......... I changed. (Wow, people change? ha) and all of a sudden what I was doing, though fascinating/cool/well paying (blah blah) wasn't as cool to me as...............making my own compost and growing things from seed.)
It still feels somewhat alien, but mostly AWESOME, to take a deep breath, and ignore every convention/the past, and think: YES, I really do want to make compost via "The Berkeley Method" than costume design an HBO show based in the 1880s, (my old field was an industry expert on historical fashion/costume/lifestyle primarily from the Georgian period to WWII-yes, rather "niche"-ha, I guess I have always been "eccentric") but despite, the responsibilities of still doing some consulting, (and always may, I liked what I did, but I just am really into "THIS" (the permie universe this)
I just know that *this* lifestyle is what I want, despite the occasional, and sometimes frequent (depending on the task) moments here and there, or some distractions (especially after being immersed in a project in my other field) where I feel that "machine"tug, (or perhaps, which is understandable, the lure/ (or sometimes necessity) of the old paycheck/work schedule)-
and 'the tug' really torments me during those depths of momentary despair over some thing like.... the wind blew all the seeds I planted away, and since I had the seeds for 4 years and propagated them every time, I'm really upset.... (and no one around me gets why I am really bummed, since they think I've kinda lost my mind and "want to become Amish or something" (at least a lot of my friends in my former home of NYC)
Yet, overall, especially with little injections of positivity and cool ideas, that I usually get from this website/forum... I get over myself, and once again, feel cozy in that this is the life I'd rather attempt/have (depending on the situation) regardless.

I can relate to Tina, Avalon, (and countless others) in that something that I just planned for several years, is now "real"- I'm on the land, I'm "in it"-finally- here we go.

SO-no matter that the cruel high desert wind blew my seeds away, or now finally looking at my land and trying to "figure out what the hell to do, zone-wise", or eyes glazing over at certain topics I feel are 10 years away (or maybe never)
This life/these ideas/community is..........just what I want for myself......and so do you, and how cool, (whoever "you" are)

That is mighty simple, (and I certainly have typed a lot of characters to get to that point. (ha)- but it is powerful, and honestly, it is beautiful.

It's great to be immersed and experience others who want that powerful, beautiful, experience (at all levels and in all walks of life) and are on a similar wavelength.
p.s. I really like that 99 percent of the people on this site are nice. nice is so.....nice

Hi Jen,
Glad you have joined us. This is a very large gathering of extremely nice ( as far as I've seen), helpful, informative, inquisitive, green/brown/purple/multicolored permaculture minded, are now/wanna be (maybe someday), world dominating or at least influencing one other somebody somewhere in someway, kindred spirits. All stumbling around trying what may work and / or learning even more from our own mistakes and those made by other brave souls who've been willing to try (and share).
I also read alot of post here before joining in. I am sure many others did too. I think no one should ever apologize (or feel they need to) in their introduction here or anywhere after being introduced. There's no one who isn't welcome here. I've been here several months now and i think i have a grasp on maybe 2% (or less ) of all that's offered here. That doesn't matter as long as you are having fun, meeting great people, getting motivated, learning lots and are able to get up everyday willing to try something new whether it works this time or not. Roll up your sleeves, hang on to your hat and jump in with both feet!

I like you Karen - Permies like you make this such a nice place to learn

What she said - we're all at different points in our lives, we've all got our own responsibilities and constraints, but you just do what you can, when you can.

This is a great place to learn, and there are so many incredible minds from all over the world here, it's the ultimate in brainstorming. I've learned things here I didn't even realize were things I could learn about - humanure, composting hot water heaters, rocket mass heaters - natural building has been my obsession for a few years now.

Just explore and learn, and enjoy discovering what makes your heart sing! And if you have the time and budget for it, there's even a totally inclusive permaculture design course coming up at the Labs soon! Here's the thread: https://permies.com/t/54447//Wheaton-Labs-PDC-Technology

Oh, grow on now! Thanks and i like you too. Keeping it real Peace.

Jen,
I just re-read your post from yesterday and i have decided it is definitely one of the best/coolest/most interesting posts I've read in some time. It's almost .... poetic.

Karen Layne wrote:Avalon,
I like that you are learning and preparing now. I do that too. I believe knowledge is power. When you do finally get your land it will show you more of what you need to do and learn ,as every plot is different. Each has its own unique features and obstacles.
I need to learn more about cover crops too. Last Fall we covered several gardens with crimson clover. It didn't grow very much before winter but has really started growing these last few weeks. I hate to till but I'm sure my husband will want to till it into the soil. Next year I want to try a tillage radish. Then i could leave them in the ground to rot. They'll accumulate lots of nutrients, add organic matter to the soil, open large air pockets and leave leaf mulch on the surface. And i won't shred the worms with the tiller.

Thanks Karen! I like to do a lot of research before starting on a project. However, there's only so much "Research" or "Planning" you can do, before you just have to jump in and say, "Ok, now let's get this started!" People look at me weird when I explain what I want to do. I believe the Earth would be a much better place, if everyone learned to care for the Earth, and tended to the Earth, even if it may just be a very small garden. It doesn't have to be anything big!

I grew up with Bi-Polar and Severe Depression. I didn't have much interest in many things growing up. I now have those issues under control, however I never expected to ever have an interest in Gardening/Farming! Even my own Mother is at a loss for words. I was raised in the Country, but had very little interest in it when I was younger. Now, I find myself asking her how her flower garden, and fruit trees are doing, and yearning to be able to start my own garden!

Even though I am still in the "Research" Stage of my dream, I have found an incredible kind of Peace, just in learning about caring for the land! We have grown so far away from caring for the Earth, and more and more illnesses/diseases are coming out. I truly believe that is due to how far from Nature we have come.

Karen Layne wrote:Jen,
I just re-read your post from yesterday and i have decided it is definitely one of the best/coolest/most interesting posts I've read in some time. It's almost .... poetic.

Wow Thanks Karen, That is so kind of you.


Well I am happy to say that the Permie Community, just like online, in the real world, has been receptive to me, and I am just beginning to intern/volunteering for Flowering Tree Permaculture's related projects, and I am volunteering for another Permaculture project who received EPA funding for a garden on barren space for families. Whoo hoo!

To get all this done, I am getting up an hour before dawn, (I am a slowpoke in the mornings, like to do my coffee, and emails/internet stuff in the am) so I am tired! (and not on the internet as much!)

I am very excited to have an opportunity to help others, learn from the force of Nature, (and incredibly nice and giving) Roxanne Swentzell, and LEARN.

Today, I am on my own land, and I am working away mixing a concoction of soil to Broadfork into the ground. My soil, well..... SUCKS, in the area where I had initially planned to plant my first guilds (really sunny! top of the mesa! unfortunately pretty scary lack of organic matter! I'm glad I planted a few "sacrificial seedlings" to see how scary and nutrient deficient things were. RIP trader joes $2.99 herbs...... ha ha)

Unfortunately (and really annoying) the fence company ( my rescue dog is a little "naughty pants"- she seems to want to chase and play with anything, even things that are across our county rd, at the bottom of our property, and this is farm country, those pickups drive 75 on dirt roads eek, I will be stressed every day until the fence is done... ) But getting to the travesty, THEY DESTROYED MY COMPOST BIN (AND ALL MY COMPOST) dragging it across the lawn (tied to a caterpillar?) because it was "in the way" (Hello? I am inside my home, knock and I'll move it, and shovel out the contents) They thought it was a "Garbage Bin"- well I guess technically, but it was GOLDEN GARBAGE.
- they are replacing it, but still.............ugh.
Since I have bare root trees (in the bathtub in a small bit of water, with damp newspaper) I hastily, I bought some really nice organic bulk compost ($$$ kind of bummed, but I invested in all these trees/bare root and have to), and may splurge on one more pickup truck load- trying to scrounge up as much organic matter, mulch-y material, and wood, to augment my soil, since the compost was ruined, and I can't afford to buy much more prefab stuff. (If anyone knows anybody in Northern New Mexico that would sell me Compost, PLEASE let me know- (I know all the commercial places, but if it was a friend etc)



Anyways. I am happy to say things are going well, and I am progressing. I will post on other forums later about some of the Permie projects and Earth Building projects (especially w/ Flowering Tree) as I know that would be of interest to the fine folks on here. I just saw now that nice compliment, and I wanted to say thank you, and send good vibes to those who are beginning their journeys, now that the "planting season" is in full swing (for the most part)

I only arrived to the SW 3 months ago. I put myself out there, showed up to volunteer, got dirty/muddy, and didn't have ego/push my own opinions on anyone in this volunteer process, and I am being given the opportunity to learn, and also gain my skill set which will benefit my here on my own land.
I understand that many who have moved to their farmstead, and in the midst of trying to design their spaces, nurture animals, crops, and there is extra stress if they are quickly trying to turn what they are doing into a cottage industry for $$$, but I would wholeheartedly try and volunteer/intern. I am thrilled that I have been given opportunities that are going to keep me busy for the next year, and I am sending good vibes to everyone in this post, and on this forum, (especially those who are just starting out) to just do 1-2 zones at a time, try to find workshops and other community/friendship gaining opportunities (even if sometimes I have to drive an hour, I have to be honest, I was starting to feel a little "Ted Kaczynski" bound out in a rural area by myself. (My husband travels for work-ALOT) I am not particularly "social" usually, but I just forced myself to put myself out there a little, and I can't say enough, even if it was just a friendly "Welcome to the Area!, Come by the farm when we are open and say Hi"- meant a lot to me, and made me feel inspired and excited about the long journey I have ahead of me. (which I know will be hard)

I got up an hour before dawn, and somehow the internet, and emails, have stolen 2 hours of light from me, (geez, I either have to throw my computer away, or get up at 4 am it seems) so I have to go.

However, I am excited to hear about others progress (on this thread and otherwise) especially the beginners/PEP1/2 level folks like me, and I hope you all have a beautiful Saturday. Go plant something!