Greg Eckrich

Good morning Andrew!

"However, I am replacing some of these trees in my own system. I am leaving almost all the oaks, and some of the beech, and planting chinese chestnut, siberian pea shrub, and saskatoon. These plants will be widely spaced so that this is more of a savannah-style orchard. I am also planting a dense windbreak of osage orange and korean stone pine. We will see what happens. "

How did your Beech, Chestnut, Siberian  pea and Saskatoon do in the manure-covered hill side?

Thanks Miles--yes, these are the 10 Commandments from Whatley. Is anyone still using them? They seem very sensible to me.
For example: no middle men or women; only sell directly to the client.
For example: create a client purchase club wherein the clients pick their own produce on one's farm; this privilege is secured through a subscription; and, the produce picked is payed for when it is harvested by the client.
Apparent benefits of these two points: no (or minimal) investment in harvesting machinery or staff.

Obviously there is more. Are these things still valid?

Thanks.

PS -- yes, some of the points are a bit aged, i.e. the insurance and perhaps the distance to a population center. These can be addressed.

Need some guidance: Booker T. Whatley's 10 Commandments: are they still pertinent to a permaculture, making-a-living SMALL FARM? Anyone still applying them?
I'm a newbie but seek to purchase land (small scale) to support myself and family plus generate an income. Whatley seems to have it all wrapped up--but his book is 30 years old! Looking for an update.
Thanks.

Hello Paul.

Very much like the active threads list. Short, sweet, easy to read and decide whether or not to stop in.

Thanks.

Good morning Kevin!

Many thanks for the highly detailed reply. With your information in hand I expect we will attempt to plant several White Oaks to start. They will serve as the anchors for our plant association (guild). Follow-ups will be posted as time (and memory) permit.

Thanks again.

Happy New Year

Good evening all!

Does any one have hands on with planting Oaks in central Indiana sand?

The research I have done regarding planting in sand states that Oaks will do well in this medium. 1) can you verify this? 2) if true, what tips would you offer?

Best regards,

Greg. Eckrich

Good morning!

That's quite a list. Try this connection: http://ghorganics.com/
These folks have listed about 100 plants with their good and bad companion plants.

Best regards,

Greg. Eckrich

Andrew, thank you for so prompt and detailed an analysis. It rings true too. Indiana is known for Oaks plus other hardwoods. We will work on designing a guild around those.

Again, thank you.

Good morning permie-land!

Newbie here looking for some direction.

Friend of a friend has purchased a 2 acre plot in north central indiana. It is sand, not even a sandy loam.
Suggested two tacts: first, for immediate vegetable garden use raised beds. These he can completely control. Secondly, he start a long term soil regeneration program. This should include sowing organic matter (leaves; trees run through the chipper; manure from local farmers; etc). Need to find a ground cover too.

Is this the right way to go? Any suggestions?