andrea elliott

i bought an acre with sm house that needs work(no money to fix,but livable and definitely better than a tent!)  for 40k cash,(was stay at home mom then worked last 10yrs and saved for this day) at the other end of the country so i wouldnt end up under a bridge(moved from BC to NB) .I grow veg,planted fruit and berry bushes and trees-permaculturishly.I do every thing by hand. Heat with wood. I have a 26yr old vehicle. I clean rooms part time at local motel, enough to pay the few bills.I barter/sell veg,maple syrup,bokashi,plants. I make under 12k/yr,so am considered poor, but feel like i am living the life. I do have hydro and a well. I have 2 of every thing, chairs, beds, plates,cups, in case i have company. Old stove,fridge and washer that came with house. I have a stick blender, crockpot and tv/dvd that were castoffs from others.I live a life i dont need a vacation from,although it is work,i love it. No need for gym,sleep or mental health meds. I also use library for computer, books and dvds. Walk,snowshoe,birdwatch, wild harvest and learning new things are my free entertainment. Every thing I own is from thrift store,given or found free.I think people would be surprised to know how little a person actually needs,especially if you are willing to wait.

Hi Steve,I am going to put some old wet wood in the bottom of my planting hole for the blueberries(my area is very dry and sandy soil), kinda huglelike and wondering if this is a good idea.

thank you. I am also contacting tree trimmers to see if i can get some. I read your wood chip posts

hello from Canada. I am new to permaculture,but not to growing. I have finally got my own piece of land to grow my own.At the ripe old age of 50+ I want to get it right,cause there wont be a second time.The land was used for corn before but has been left to overgrow last few(looks like there is white clover). My question is should i till(farmer will do it for me,pretty big area,) and do a cover crop or get mulching material and do small areas at a time? I will also be planting trees and bushes(food forest type)