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A Farm of My Own:  Farm and home advice for novices...  |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 09 2007 : 08:04:31 AM
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There are so many of our beloved farmgirls moving to new homes or farms lately - it's so exciting to see these gals heading toward their dreams!
So, I was thinking - maybe we could help them by offering a piece or two of our best farm or home advice -- as sort of a "farm-warming" gift...
What do you think?
Here's mine:
 Take things step by step - while making your plans and working toward your dream farm (or farmette or home), leave room for changes! You'll always be learning new and better ways of doing things, so be sure to include flexibility in your new farmer's toolbox!!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2007 : 09:56:43 AM
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My "new home" advice: never start one project until you've finished the current. Otherwise, it becomes difficult planning multiple projects, juggling multiple projects, financing multiple projects, "staffing" multiple projects (i.e. your honey resents the "honey-do" list) and your home will just consistenly look cluttered and unfinished.
The only time this *may* not apply is when you've paid $400 to rent a 20'x6'x6' roll-off dumpster for a tear-out. Then fill it once instead of paying to bring it back multiple times...if you know you've got back-to-back projects, that is.
~ Kaylyn ~ (Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/
My Life: http://vintageredhead.blogspot.com |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2007 : 10:40:17 AM
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Live in your home and take time to settle in before you start any projects. Sometimes your perspective changes and you find that what you really "had to do right away" can wait or doesn't need to be changed at all. Besides, who wants all that added stress after the whole ordeal of moving!! :) Patience is a very healthy thing.
Karin
Wherever you go, there you are. |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2007 : 12:33:09 PM
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Don't be too proud to accept advice or help from neighbors, esp. older farmers who have been in the area for a long time. Sometimes they do know a better way to do something. At the very least, they know what the growing conditions are like and how to combat some of the local weeds, pests, or predators.
Then reciprocate with offers to help when they might need a hand.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 3:09:22 PM
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You said it, Erin! I can't tell you how many times I have gone to the older "sheep man" in town to ask questions about our sheep, or my senior true-blue farmgirl friends to ask for advice on ANYTHING. What treasures these folks are!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 3:39:53 PM
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The first project for gaining farm return for a family is generally a nice garden, emphasizing vegetables. You get return in the first weeks that reflect on your grocery bill, where fruit trees and cane crops take longer. First livestock should be chickens. They're inexpensive to raise, and a short lived project. And chickens give good return fairly quickly in the form of eggs,meat, and fertilizer. Think about what things can give return to you, so you don't end up spending more than you're bringing in. It's hard to wake up one morning and realize you're working your head off for something that's costing you.
And be patient with yourself. You're going to make mistakes. But you'll also be making memories. |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 03:30:24 AM
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Gosh, how did I miss this thread.....thank you for all of the wonderful sound advice!! I am going to print these off and save in a folder.
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings! |
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Bee Haven Maven
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
Beverly
Pennsylvania
USA
1862 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 03:52:46 AM
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I agree with Mary Ann...get started first with a garden. But I think it is a good idea to project into the future and plant a couple of things that will need more time....like a couple apple trees. It is amazing how time flies and the years pass....before you know it your saplings will be bearing fruit! I also agree that chickens are a must. They take little work and give back so much! Best of luck!
Keep Smiling.....Bev
Bee Haven Acres
http://beehavenacres.blogspot.com/
http://beehavenmaven.blogspot.com/ |
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MariaAZ
True Blue Farmgirl
203 Posts
Phoenix
AZ
203 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 2:33:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Horseyrider
It's hard to wake up one morning and realize you're working your head off for something that's costing you.
Such wonderful words of wisdom, and not just as farm advice for novices!
Visit my blog at www.craftyfool.net |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 5:06:53 PM
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My advice is ...Have fun. Grow what you like to eat, get animals you love to spend time with and do all you can to make chores fun. It really makes a difference.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 08:04:19 AM
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Oh, one more thing - bright red nailpolish hides the dirt under your fingernails!!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
Edited by - Libbie on Apr 23 2007 09:39:54 AM |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 08:51:56 AM
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Keep the good advice coming please...this is a wonderful topic! I've lived on a ranch all my life and I still feel like a novice. One thing I know is that it's really important to prepare for each season in advance. You know, stuff like prepare soil BEFORE you plant, wrap pipes BEFORE it freezes, have vet first aid supplies BEFORE you need them, things like that! It's also good to have a list of names and numbers for emergencies - pump repair, veterinary care, vehicle towing, plumbing etc. Being independent is great, but knowing who to call when you need help is better!
"i believe in god, only i spell it nature." - frank lloyd wright
http://www.myspace.com/svgrrrl |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 2:55:08 PM
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Sarah
That is such great advice, and so very true! I hate that feeling, in the middle of an emergency, when you realize that you are missing a critical object or the phone book with the phone number you need is suddenly missing!
Alee |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 3:07:07 PM
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I also try to find one thing that I enjoy doing on my farm - like enjoying the sunset while feeding the catfish - and making it my "relaxation" activity. That way I associate that activity with relaxing, which will help me use that if I ever get too stressed.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 08:32:09 AM
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That is a great one, Erin - hand-watering with a hose is my "relaxation" activity - I can just look around, daydream... it's like a little mini-retreat in the early mornings or late evenings.
Another new farm bit of advice - don't skimp on the fences. Pick their locations carefully, then build them solidly. Escaping livestock is such a pain in the...neck...!!! (can you tell that Bridget my Dexter cow has been on the run several times this past week? Ugh.)
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 12:51:59 PM
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Oh Libbie! I bet that gave you quite a run for your money! Is Bridget all safe and sound back at home once again?
Alee |
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livelife
Farmgirl in Training
45 Posts
Penny
Michigan
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 4:05:34 PM
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I remember when we bought this old farm house 20 yrs ago... was in horrible shape... the one thing that I'm so glad we did first was the bathroom, at each days end I could go in there and take a chin deep soak in the clawfoot tub... everyhthing in there was very new and fresh, it really helped get me through some very tough remodeling!!!
In His presence |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 9:39:40 PM
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Penny-
I love those old claw style bath tubs! What a treat! Was it original to the house or did you "import" it?
Alee |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 11:44:29 PM
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Libby, I luv your advice about the red nail polish, I'll stock up!
All of the wonderful advice/suggestions come at a perfect time, since DH & I will be moving with in the next 2-3 months, to a 'farmett' type of property in the Spokane WA. area.
We will be incorporating all of your advise, adding a pinch of "sence of humor" too!
tata-4-now
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 12:04:23 AM
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Libbie -- thanks so much for starting this thread. It is wonderful!! Can I do pink nail polish instead of red??
I don't have any advice to add since I don't have animals or a big garden. Oh I just thought of something -- get yourself a big flashlight. It's dark in the country!
Visit my Etsy shop at http://therusticcottage.etsy.com OR www.annarosetta.com
http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Apr 29 2007 12:04:45 AM |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 06:45:21 AM
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You all have SUCH great advice - I wish I'd thought of it when I first moved to this farm - and I KNOW that the new farmers/homedwellers/whomever! will love it. -- and yep, Kay - pink sure works!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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highlandgirl
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Cheryl
Colfax,
WA
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 10:38:39 AM
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I'm going to give a big yeah to Libbie's comments about find an activity you enjoy for relaxation. Mine is hanging laundry outside to dry. I really enjoy when the weather cooperates and I get to put the laundry outside. Not only is is environmentally friendly but I find it relaxing and folding after hanging outside is a "breeze".
All the suggestions so far are right on, especially the comment about getting the bathroom done first. I know when we moved from town to the farm, we had to do some major rennovations. I told my DH that the only thing I had to have before moving in was a decent bathroom and a functioning kitchen. For the first three months (Jan. - March) we slept on a hide-a-bed in the dining area but I had my kitchen and bathroom. You can deal with a lot of construction mess and missing walls when you can soak in that clawfoot tub and eat a good meal.
Katmom, I see you are moving to the Spokane area. We will practically be neighbors. Hope all goes well with the move and keep in touch.
Cheryl
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 3:00:25 PM
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Thanx Cheryl.
My daughter & son-in-love go into escrow on Monday for a home on 5 acres that they made an offer on this Friday. It is in Spokane just on the edge by Airway heights (just above Medical Lake)...so now we will concentrate our search in & around that area too. I would have prefered to be on the East side of Spokane near the Idaho boarder, but family is very important to us, especially since we only had 1 child & greatful for her as we were told we (me)would not be able to have children.
I so look forward to meeting up with all the lovely Washington farm gals, Idaho & whome ever else would like to come out and play.
Well, back to my play room to finish up my clothes pins that I am working on for the clothes pin swap.
tata-4-now
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 9:24:33 PM
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Grace-
Let me know when you are moving in- I will drive up from Moscow with housewarming gifts!
Alee |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 10:29:02 PM
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Alee,
You are so sweet & kind.
Just moving to Washington will be a wonderful gift!
I truly am excited about meeting all you lovely ladies & having the best tea party with linens & lace & hopefully lavender to scent the air.
I have day dreamed for the longest time to have a tea shop which I would call "Lavender, Lace & Tea". Who knows, maybe someday It will happen.
Ladies, my kitchen door will always be open to you and a pot of tea will always be ready.
Farm Girl Hugs,
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom. |
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A Farm of My Own: Farm and home advice for novices... |
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Farm and home advice for novices...
