Starting Over
Starting over is hard. Especially when the job is as big as creating a homestead. But there are fundamental differences that make this time/this space feel right to me.- This is my home. I am not renting anymore. The changes we make here will not have to be changed back when we leave.
- We can plan on being here for a very long time. That means that doing things like planting fruit trees, or putting in a huge garden will not feel like a waste or even a compromise.
- I know the rules. When I started the homestead in the Red House I felt like I needed to do tons of research just to make sure what I was doing was alright. With landlords, with laws of the city, etc. This time I am outside of the city (by 20 blocks) and I own my own house. It never stopped me before, but it will make the going much easier this time.
I am daunted by this task. I feel like there are so many things to do and research before I even start with the building, digging, moving, and planting.
This week, it is apple tree research. In this catalog above I can get three year old, branched, bareroot fruit trees for $21 each. The man that runs this farm will make an appointment with you, let you try the apples from the trees you are considering, and tell you if your planting location will work. What an AMAZING resource! I am setting up my appointment for next week (our weekends are T/W/Th) and we will go out there and pick our three trees for the spot in the back of the garden. I am looking for semi-dwarfs, native to the Pacific NW. The catalog says that there are quite a few. I can't wait to taste them!
You can't find this type of service at the big box stores. Their products may be cheaper but there is something HUGE that is missing there. Not only are there only three kinds of trees, but the employees refer to the tags for the difference. lol! They rarely know anything about planting, growth, or when they fruit. Not to knock places like Home Depot or Lowes... honestly I am there quite often with requests for specific kinds of boards, hinges, paint, and door knobs. And they do a good job of helping you research while you are there. But for things like fruit trees, it just seems that you would want someone who has tasted the fruit. Doesn't it?
Comments
Jenny: Any help you would give me would be great! Although this guy seems really knowledgable. I think I am picking Semi Dwarf Brayburns, Gravinstiens and a Jaunagold (but the blush-red variety). I need to know if they cross polinate well. I also need to know soil conditions that they would need before planting. Because the spot that I am putting them in is currently covered in black plastic. That is all getting torn up, and most of it I am going to use for the walk ways in the new garden come Spring.
What do you think? Will those work?
Thanks!!
Val
Val
It seems like every time I ask someone a question at a large store I get the person who doesn't know what your talking about and they don't exactly act like they wanna help either. Drives me crazy. You work here right? Find out for me!
When should you plant the apple trees? We're looking at the same dwarf varieties and I'm going to have to make the trip to this guys farm. Sounds promising
When we go pick up out our trees then I will ask him and I will get back to you (or post about it).
Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend!
Val