Hello from Connecticut

Hi, I'm Jim from Connecticut/Costa Rica. I like many others have looked through the forums for some time before posting. This is an invaluable source of information and, as a new person here, will help me establish my family in New England.
I have spent a long time in Southwest Costa Rica on 62 acres. We improved our farm from wrecked cattle pasture to an almost self sustaining plantation. Now, family needs us home so we need to start over in New England. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute to the forums as I have learned from the many posters here.

Hello Jim

Nice to have you as a part of the discussion.

It would be good to learn about your repost from Costa Rica to Conn.

"Starting again"... how is it going and what are the biggest challenges you face?

jv

Hi Jay,

So far so good. I have acquired chickens and rabbits to start. And I'll start a pig sty soon for the spring.
The chickens are free range and roost at night in a coop. The rabbits have an area that will need some improving but not bad to start with.
The previous people here had livestock so most of the infrastructure was here.

The crops next year will be more problematic. I am not familiar with the Northeast and would like to incorporate many beneficial plants to aid in the garden. I have a blank slate.
One acre of grass and nothing else. Well almost, I have planted garlic and asparagus. Both in a somewhat Hugel bed. The previous people buried trees that fell in last years hurricane and cover it with manure and leaves. I moved some dirt to cover it. Hope it works.

In Costa Rica, it was cut and dry after 8 years. We knew when to plant and never had to worry of frost. The biggest concern was trying to keep too much water from one's garden.
Also, I have a extensive seed contingency there for annuals. Here, I'll have to find a decent seed distributor. So far I have not found anyone local and I'm constantly looking. I'd rather not use a catalog company unless it is a last resort.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and try to familiarize myself with all that I can.

Jim

Here is my garden in Boston, MA
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjpWBJwPQ0nMdEpjV1AwcVJ0dGFZbnVpVEw0RlFQR0E#gid=0