Low maintenance crops for planned neglect

Hello!
First I'd like to share my exciting news, we have 'bought the farm'. My girlfriend and I just had an offer accepted on 4.5 acres. Not many of our friends really understand why we're so excited, from the outside it looks like a mess of blackberries with an RV on the side. I figured people here may understand a little better. The property was clearly kept by some amazing people (it has a history of being organic farm for many decades) but the last owners seemed to have gotten in over their heads, which means we got a bit of a deal for the price of some sweat equity.

All that to say, we are going to be slowly working on that property while continuing to rent our place in town. What I'm looking for is advice on crops I can grow here AND there that will be okay with a certain amount of neglect, as I'm sure we'll be very busy over the coming year or so. My girlfriend is completing her apprenticeship so we can't move there full-time quite yet, we'll likely be there 2-3 weekends/month plus holidays and the odd week off.

I'm looking for crops like squash and potatoes that you plant, water, and harvest, without too much fuss. Of course I will be growing small amounts of salad and tomatoes because I'm not sure I could go without, but I have about 1/10th of an acre in town and 1/4 acre including a polytunnel at the new place and am itching to plant. Another idea I had was to treat my place in town as a nursery of sorts for perennials I'd like to transplant up there, and sow a cover crop at the new property. Both places are zone 8b, with a typical PNW climate (very wet and mild fall and winter, mild summers that are totally dry). I can do a lot of winter growing with my climate but am looking for summer crops, as nature will water my winter ones.

There is irrigation at the new place (pond fed), however I don't trust the look of the drip lines and I imagine they'll need to be completely redone. One of my first projects will be to repair/replace these and get them on an automatic irrigation schedule for when we're gone - failing that I may offer someone local 20 bucks a pop to come turn it on occasionally. We have drought in the summer here so even cover crops need irrigation (unless someone out there has a PNW-proof summer cover crop?)

My head is spinning with ideas! The property already has a beautiful A-frame with attached sunken greenhouse that is begging to be returned to it's use as a small cabin/studio, a potting shed, a roundpole shed, a grey water system that drains into hugelkulture mounds, an old orchard with apples, figs, pears, plums, elderberry, walnut, chestnut, a hazelnut Grove, a soft fruits patch, 3 spring fed ponds, a seasonal creek, a shed that was kitted out to grow mushrooms, and my favourite/most heartbreaking is an old bunker, built by the first owner to survive the apocalypse, but now unfortunately totally collapsed and covered in brambles. I do wonder if the previous owners may even be on here, perhaps someone will recognize the description.

On a side-note I am thinking of beginning a blog (ha) to chronicle the process. I don't know that I'll stick with it for long and I know writing about my failures will probably be really hard but I'd love to hear from others who have done the same. I have no desire to monetize it or link it to a YouTube etc, but I would like to have a public record!

The only picture I have is of the 'Mother fig', she's 40 years old and I can't wait to taste her delicious fruit. If you look carefully you can see my little French Bulldog on the left for size comparison.

Hello there ! In what region are you ? It could help if you add it in your profile, so we could see it under your name when you post.

Here i have many things with low maintenance, i don't water them but i mulch very hardly. Garlic and jerusalem artichoke, good stash of herbs, and yes potatoes!

Raphaël Blais wrote:Hello there ! In what region are you ? It could help if you add it in your profile, so we could see it under your name when you post.

Here i have many things with low maintenance, i don't water them but i mulch very hardly. Garlic and jerusalem artichoke, good stash of herbs, and yes potatoes!

Woops! You're right, I forgot. I'm in zone 8b in the PNW. Will edit my.post.

I definitely will do garlic and Jerusalem artichoke is a great idea!

C Murphy wrote:
My head is spinning with ideas! The property already has a beautiful A-frame with attached sunken greenhouse that is begging to be returned to it's use as a small cabin/studio, a potting shed, a roundpole shed, a grey water system that drains into hugelkulture mounds, an old orchard with apples, figs, pears, plums, elderberry, walnut, chestnut, a hazelnut Grove, a soft fruits patch, 3 spring fed ponds, a seasonal creek, a shed that was kitted out to grow mushrooms, and my favourite/most heartbreaking is an old bunker, built by the first owner to survive the apocalypse, but now unfortunately totally collapsed and covered in brambles. I do wonder if the previous owners may even be on here, perhaps someone will recognize the description.

On a side-note I am thinking of beginning a blog (ha) to chronicle the process. I don't know that I'll stick with it for long and I know writing about my failures will probably be really hard but I'd love to hear from others who have done the same. I have no desire to monetize it or link it to a YouTube etc, but I would like to have a public record

Wow! I'm so happy for you. Hope there are no hurdle left for you to jump (in the UK a done deal can overturn for many reasons up to completion day). The place sounds like a great starting point. I suspect with all that has gone on in the past, observation for at least a year will be important - who knows what hidden plants are waiting to spring up?!
As regards 'blogs, mine has sort of gone a bit defunct now I'm sharing so much on Permies. Here's a thread where blogging was discussed:
https://permies.com/t/166626/permaculture-writing/art/people-blog-anymore.
Many people have one or more project threads on Permies. Rufaro's thread is one of my favorites. I'm thinking of starting more project threads myself - for my treefield, my polytunnel, my secret garden. I already have one on my natural farming area - that's where I hope to grow my low maintenance crops (but they're completely different to your possibilities) and my borrowed garden. I keep the project threads that are ongoing handy in my bookmarks and just add to them as I fancy. I find Permies is good for interaction, but of course you don't have power over what other people post here, which your own 'blog would give you (and we do have content rules too). Anyway one or more project threads may suit you, or you could just have a project thread and link to a new 'blog post when you make one.

Good luck with the new property and do let us know how it progresses.

I am in 8a Texas though I would say my zone is drastic compared to your zone.

My suggestion would be to grow perennial vegetables

There is a saying "Plant once and you are done".

The plants of course need to be watered to get the plants established and harvested in order to enjoy them.

The squash from this thread are maybe hard to get where you are at though check your local grocery.

This squash is one that a person plants whole in order for it to grow:

https://permies.com/t/136739/Article-History-Chayote-Mirlitons-North

And this squash sprouts inside the squash:

https://permies.com/t/174784/Sprout-surprise-Vivipary-spaghetti-squash

Nancy Reading wrote:
Wow! I'm so happy for you. Hope there are no hurdle left for you to jump (in the UK a done deal can overturn for many reasons up to completion day). The place sounds like a great starting point. I suspect with all that has gone on in the past, observation for at least a year will be important - who knows what hidden plants are waiting to spring up?!
As regards 'blogs, mine has sort of gone a bit defunct now I'm sharing so much on Permies. Here's a thread where blogging was discussed:
https://permies.com/t/166626/permaculture-writing/art/people-blog-anymore.
Many people have one or more project threads on Permies. Rufaro's thread is one of my favorites. I'm thinking of starting more project threads myself - for my treefield, my polytunnel, my secret garden. I already have one on my natural farming area - that's where I hope to grow my low maintenance crops (but they're completely different to your possibilities) and my borrowed garden. I keep the project threads that are ongoing handy in my bookmarks and just add to them as I fancy. I find Permies is good for interaction, but of course you don't have power over what other people post here, which your own 'blog would give you (and we do have content rules too). Anyway one or more project threads may suit you, or you could just have a project thread and link to a new 'blog post when you make one.

Good luck with the new property and do let us know how it progresses.

Thanks! Thankfully here in Canada it is much harder for a seller to back out. I've watched a few friends get raked over the coals by sellers in the UK, it's awful!

I do like your idea of project threads - I often use them in here and they're very helpful. I may do that as well as a blog, for friends and family to access who aren't permie-literate (I think my social media is already overrun with my madcap ideas so I need multiple outlets, ha).

Anne Miller wrote:I am in 8a Texas though I would say my zone is drastic compared to your zone.

My suggestion would be to grow perennial vegetables

There is a saying "Plant once and you are done".

The plants of course need to be watered to get the plants established and harvested in order to enjoy them.

The squash from this thread are maybe hard to get where you are at though check your local grocery.

This squash is one that a person plants whole in order for it to grow:

https://permies.com/t/136739/Article-History-Chayote-Mirlitons-North

And this squash sprouts inside the squash:

https://permies.com/t/174784/Sprout-surprise-Vivipary-spaghetti-squash

Yes, the USDA zones aren't the most helpful sometimes, ha. Perennials are definitely on the list but I'd like to wait a while to plant, at least until next autumn, to make sure they end up in the right spot! Not sure if chayote grows here but will do some research..

im a big fan of growing amaranth as a zero maintenance crop. Each year I've gotten some yield (yes, even in Canada!) and I've completely ignored it through our often extreme summers. much further south and you should have no trouble at all. The seed is a little finicky to winnow but just winnow wherever you want it to grow next year and the dropped seed will sprout up. I recommend the Golden Giant variety that rareseeds carries.

Depending on your number of frost free days, you might be able to give Cassava a shot.

Sunflowers are another great crop that are low maintenance, one time yield.

Daniel Sillito wrote:im a big fan of growing amaranth as a zero maintenance crop. Each year I've gotten some yield (yes, even in Canada!) and I've completely ignored it through our often extreme summers. much further south and you should have no trouble at all. The seed is a little finicky to winnow but just winnow wherever you want it to grow next year and the dropped seed will sprout up. I recommend the Golden Giant variety that rareseeds carries.

Depending on your number of frost free days, you might be able to give Cassava a shot.

Sunflowers are another great crop that are low maintenance, one time yield.

I like these suggestions! I have some callalloo amaranth that was successful in my garden last year, I didn't even think of it. Sunflowers are another great idea, although I do kinda hate fiddling with the hulls, and haven't found an easy way to remove them in bulk. I can do some experiments. And I'll look into cassava.

C Murphy wrote:Sunflowers are another great idea, although I do kinda hate fiddling with the hulls, and haven't found an easy way to remove them in bulk. I can do some experiments. And I'll look into cassava.

i can't say I'm a huge fan of shelling sunflowers either. for a first year yield you could roast em and sell them, or as gifts to neighbours and friends.

C Murphy wrote:I didn't even think of it. Sunflowers are another great idea, although I do kinda hate fiddling with the hulls, and haven't found an easy way to remove them in bulk. I can do some experiments.

There was a thread about sunflower harvesting last summer https://permies.com/t/189663/harvest-Sunflower-seeds, maybe it will give you a useful idea. It sounds like the timing may be awkward if you're not on site to catch them before the birds though.

Nancy Reading wrote:

There was a thread about sunflower harvesting last summer https://permies.com/t/189663/harvest-Sunflower-seeds, maybe it will give you a useful idea. It sounds like the timing may be awkward if you're not on site to catch them before the birds though.

That's a very helpful thread, thanks! I particularly like the suggestion of sprouted sunflower seed milk. I've also sometimes wondered if storing them in hulls and then pulsing small batches in the blender, then winnowing would get you a usable product. I mostly use sunflower seeds for adding to baking or in place of pine nuts for pesto so they don't need to be whole. I'm going to experiment with some of the seeds I have already.

The sunflowers I would probably grow in town, where we'd be most of the time and can keep an eye on them. I'm okay letting the birds have some.

Wow! Sounds like you have an exciting adventure ahead!
I second Nancy on observing first to see what is already there. (Reminding myself to do this at my new place instead of jumping in planting stuff!)

Jane Mulberry wrote:Wow! Sounds like you have an exciting adventure ahead!
I second Nancy on observing first to see what is already there. (Reminding myself to do this at my new place instead of jumping in planting stuff!)

I think this is wise. We know at some point it was a flower farm so I'm sure there are lots of bulbs that we can't see. It's also a very graded property so figuring out all the zones is gonna be interesting!

Trees and shrubs thrive on planned neglect.

I'm still harvesting apricots, apples, plums, and asparagus that was planted 150 years ago and neglected ever since.

Many of my edible weeds were part of the native American agricultural system which collapsed hundreds of years ago.  

Joseph Lofthouse wrote:Trees and shrubs thrive on planned neglect.

I'm still harvesting apricots, apples, plums, and asparagus that was planted 150 years ago and neglected ever since.

Many of my edible weeds were part of the native American agricultural system which collapsed hundreds of years ago.  

You're right! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what comes up in the spring. I actually think there is an old asparagus bed, now that you mention it. I'll hold back on the trees and shrubs until more observation is done but they are on the list.

I can't wait to see some more photos! Sounds like you've got a great thing going! Can't wait to celebrate your successes with you and brainstorm your failures.

Also in the PNW. Maybe we can collaborate, exchange ideas, barter skills? My partner is a tradesmen and I... have skills as well. Haha!

I'm thinking seed swapping, plant exchanges, advice and recipes being shared.

What do you think?

My name is Faeryn. Congratulations on your farm. That's the coolest ever.

F

Faeryn Savage wrote:I can't wait to see some more photos! Sounds like you've got a great thing going! Can't wait to celebrate your successes with you and brainstorm your failures.

Also in the PNW. Maybe we can collaborate, exchange ideas, barter skills? My partner is a tradesmen and I... have skills as well. Haha!

I'm thinking seed swapping, plant exchanges, advice and recipes being shared.

What do you think?

My name is Faeryn. Congratulations on your farm. That's the coolest ever.

F

Hi Faeryn, nice to meet you. I'm Chelsea. Thanks for your supportive words, it's always nice to speak to people who 'get it'.

Got the keys yesterday and will be going up this weekend, will have lots more pictures and information then. Would be happy to do some collaboration and sharing! I'm a bit haphazard with my internet usage but definitely stay in touch and I'm sure we can figure something out.

What part of the PNW are you in? We're in the Southern Gulf islands.

Wow, exciting to get the keys and to spend time at your new place! I look forward to hearing about the joys and the challenges!

Jane Mulberry wrote:Wow, exciting to get the keys and to spend time at your new place! I look forward to hearing about the joys and the challenges!

Thank you! I look forward to sharing them.

rose pebblewebpebble wrote:I totally get why you're excited, even if some of your friends don't quite understand yet. It sounds like you've got a great project ahead of you, and I'm happy to offer some advice on crops that won't require too much attention.

Squash and potatoes are definitely great options, and I think your idea of using your town property as a nursery for perennials is super smart. As for a PNW-proof summer cover crop, have you considered buckwheat? It's quick-growing and drought-tolerant, and it also attracts bees and other beneficial insects.

And wow, it sounds like the property has so much potential! The A-frame with the sunken greenhouse sounds amazing, and I'm definitely intrigued by the old bunker (even if it's covered in brambles now).

Starting a blog to chronicle your journey is a great idea - I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would love to follow along and learn from your experiences. And that mother fig looks incredible - I'm definitely jealous! Best of luck with everything, and I'm excited to hear more updates as you go along.

Funny you should say that - I actually have a bag of buckwheat that I bought for microgreens. We didn't really enjoy them as micros, but I could definitely use them for cover cropping! I didn't know they were drought tolerant. Thank you!

These are the 6 I would recommend:

Bocking 14 Comfrey: stays in place, does not spread (unless you disturb the roots). Beneficial around your fruit trees as it will kill off grass with its shade, easy to propagate with root cuttings, hard to kill
Horseradish: Plan it and forget it, easy to propagate
Poplar: Start with one, in the fall, pollard it, put the sticks in the soil and it will reroot easily.
Willow: Easy to propagate, you can make rooting hormone with it
Egyptian walking onion: onion with a bulblet at the end of the green growth
Goumi
Raspberries

Those are the 7 plants that I have that are low maintenance and easy to propagate (sun chokes is the 8th, but already mentioned)

Also, there is still time to do purchase scion wood and do some grafting, add some new varieties to your current fruit trees

Maarten

Maarten Smet wrote:These are the 6 I would recommend:

Bocking 14 Comfrey: stays in place, does not spread (unless you disturb the roots). Beneficial around your fruit trees as it will kill off grass with its shade, easy to propagate with root cuttings, hard to kill
Horseradish: Plan it and forget it, easy to propagate
Poplar: Start with one, in the fall, pollard it, put the sticks in the soil and it will reroot easily.
Willow: Easy to propagate, you can make rooting hormone with it
Egyptian walking onion: onion with a bulblet at the end of the green growth
Goumi
Raspberries

Those are the 7 plants that I have that are low maintenance and easy to propagate (sun chokes is the 8th, but already mentioned)

Also, there is still time to do purchase scion wood and do some grafting, add some new varieties to your current fruit trees

Maarten

Thanks Maarten, some good suggestions. We have a pond so willow would be nice.

Some pictures as promised: first is the garden, as seen from the RV. The large tree in the center is the biggest Bay Laurel I've ever seen, with a Carpathian walnut to the left.

Our roundpole shed, built from reclaimed materials from a fire that claimed the cabin.

A shed that was used for mushroom growing, and on the right is the old collapsed bunker covered in blackberries.

Taking a wheelbarrow full of blackberries to their final destination with my fearsome hound

One of our irrigation ponds

Our first harvest! Minus the single hazelnut we found on the ground.. It was delicious.