Want to get started ASAP turning 3 acre homestead to a permaculture and food forest style farm

Hello all!

Recently moved to my new 3 acre homestead just east of Panama City, Florida. I really want to get things going! I used to have a six year old food forest garden down in Sarasota. It was rather productive and was doing very well all things considered. I realize down there was much more tropical and easy...but I figure just as much splendor could be created here at the new homestead. This time I won't have to rip it all out and leave it either! Unfortunately I had to more or less destroy the whole food forest garden after being told for years it was OK to do...he did let me leave the starfruit, Java blue banana, and a Kratom tree.

I want not to take anything from anyone without it being mutual worth for both parties. I like not owing anyone for anything so we can figure a way somehow to make things fair for any help received. So that's it I need help getting going! I've obviously started doing things and stuff but I'm one guy with only usually two days a week if I'm blessed. I must work to support what i just bought etc and spend time with my wife and kid. I had a fairly profitable and established online nursery going in Sarasota which I want to get rocking again ASAP. I want to get to a real self sustaining point from eating to financially. I'm a grower and a family man and that's where my heart is and that's what I'm going to do no matter how long it takes with or without help! However I'm reaching out into the permaculture  community to see what beholds. Want started now!!! I'm currently working as a roofing construction guy which is cool and decent paying but I'm a grower and that's what I'm gonna make my life doing. I'm a devout believer in the divine albeit in a more untraditional way which is a summation of my experiences in life and the way I've come to understand things.

If there is anyone in my immediate vicinity that's down to come meet us please do! If there's anyone further with the means and desire to help too by all means contact me here. I'm ready to go! Want to get out of the system and into the real world forever more...

Thanks for your consideration! Derrick

Hi Derrick,

Love your story and what you're doing...

We're in Pensacola- bought an acre just east of you in Crawfordville.  We plan on starting our food forest soon....  

At the moment, we're kind of going back and forth to both locations, maybe at some point we can connect.  

Wishing you luck in all of your endeavors,
Sandy

Very cool and thanks for the reply! I'll be around just let me know!

Derrick

Congratulations!  

I am in a similar situation, (just bought about 3 Acres)... but it's the dead of winter in my hometown, so my projects are all in the paper/planning stages.  My first project was to go through the Yeoman's Site Design Priority list.  I encourage you to do the same; it's a good framework for long-term thinking about your land.  

Thank you Sadie I will check it out! Wish you the best getting going. What I can say is compost gardening and or deep mulching beds totally works. Feels at first like, "what am I doing", when you try such methods but just let time allow you to see the benefits. All that material rotting into the soil below really gets plants rocking. Squashes and sweet potato did exceptional in particular but cranberry Hibiscus, pigeon pea, fruit trees, papalo, jobs tears, and many more things I've tried did good too. I'm a full believer in planting right into compost piles be it an actual pile, hugelkultur, or sheet mulched beds.

Derek

Love all of the ideas--

Yes, Derrick-we'll definitely see about getting out there at some point to connect/help out...

Sandy

What type of kratom tree? I am looking at starting somewhat of a harvestable kratom farm in south central florida. Can you give me some tips on how it thrived? Also can you get me some cuttings if its a harvestable tree? I can pay you for them.

The type is Red vein Thai. Unfortunately I'm no longer near the tree where I moved however my father owns the property where the tree still stands. I could ask him to take some cuttings for you no problem if you like.

Kratom isn't very picky with nutrition or soil type. I've tried all kinds of fertilizers and soil mixes and they don't bat an eye at anything it seems. The real hard part is cold. Under 50°F and they aren't very happy. However won't kill it necessarily. Seems to like the FL sandy soil too. They do very well below the Tampa bay area temp wise outdoors all year with minimal protection if real cold. They really like water and enjoy being saturated to the point you can set the pot in water permanently but also does well with lessly wet soil as long as they don't dry out completely. Best to root cuttings while in active growth in spring to summer. In my experience an easy plant to grow in a suitable environment.

Omg that would be awesome! I live in Ft Myers area, where is your Dad's property? Maybe I could drive there if its not too far.

Thanks,
Caroline