Fall Report: The Final Harvest

Fall is officially here.

We've pulled in the meager offerings from the garden and are getting ready to till the ground in preparation for next year.

We waited too long to plant, so some of the produce didn't mature before the first frost.

It was a learning experience.

All in all we got a gallon and a half bag of carrots, which is about 1/2 to 3/4 less than expected, because not all the seeds sprouted.
The two Big Boy tomato plants produced a few tomatoes, just enough to satisfy a few toasted tomato and basil sandwiches (any excuse to make fresh bread), but the grape and cherry tomato plant kept us in just enough tomatoes for delicious salads...paired with artisan lettuce, that despite the frost, and light snow-fall today, continues to persist in the garden (along with the Swiss chard, in abundance and a lone small head of broccoli...the brave little thing).

Sadly only one of the potato plants made it, and its entire offspring will be in tonight's dinner.

We planted too many radishes, far too many...and they all came up. And got giant. And weird shaped. You could tell where they bolted in high heat, and then got stunted, and then bolted again. Ugly.

The garden, overall, kept us in various produce through mid-July - beans, Swiss chard, zucchini (SO MANY ZUCCHINI) - until we pulled out the last of the melons, and small amount of squash, this past Friday. The overall strange combinations of what did and didn't grow is likely attributed to both the late planting, and the poor weather conditions this summer.

Considering our first garden was as successful as it turned out, we're already looking forward to next Spring, we'll be starting some pants indoors, planting on time, and adjusting the quantities, adding some new items to the list, and crossing our fingers. Maybe next year there will be enough of something to can (the cantaloupe got dehydrated for winter porridge),.

Tonight, tonight we feast!
A 100% home grown dinner of:
Roast chicken (raised and slaughtered by dad), with roasted garden fresh potatoes and carrots, sauteed Swiss chard, and baby beets. Garnished with fresh basil.
Of course the flour in the gravy, and butter, were store bought, but the chicken stock in the gravy is from scratch.

Garden Update

Today we picked the second yellow zucchini, and the first green zucchini, the first 2 cherry tomatoes, a few more grape tomatoes, and an another arm-full of Swiss chard.

The big boy tomatoes are taking their time getting both big, and red.

The onions don't look promising, but the lettuce is the king of the garden, so far.

The snap peas have a few blossoms. We're keeping our expectations low. Pretty sure a rabbit had ravished half of the tops of the plants.
The beans are all flowers, hopefully soon they give-way to something we can eat.
The potato plant has some flowers.
The carrots are getting bushy. (the row that decided to make an appearance)
The melon plant is lush with flowers, but the beans are taking their time.
We'll have late-season spinach (after replanting in the second garden, because the first attempt did not show)
The radishes all look weird when we pick them, but they taste spicy and delicious.
The beets are plugging away...
The kohlrabi that we thought was done for is making a second attempt at growing.
The late-season squashes are in bloom...can't wait to see the first one!

So far we have put in nearly 10 solid hours of weeding this season.

All in all it's been an interesting learning experience.

Next year will only be better...but we're trying to stay focused on this one.

Vegetable Garden In Bloom: Photos

To be honest we are tickled pink that anything is growing out there. Of all the times in life we've tried to grow plants, or keep them alive, it's always been a terrible fail...

Our first garden is becoming a happy success. The second one was planted a couple of weeks ago and is doing well. We ended up not being able to full all of the space, but we're trying not to be too upset about it.

The thing about gardens is they need weeding..yeah...we'd forgotten about that...so today we hit the dirt and helped our budding plant babies out.

Garden Number 2 (didn't need weeding yet)

Located in Garden #2 these are the gourmet beans;
they are being pretty successful with growing.

Located in Garden #2, one of two cantaloupe hills.
They are also being very well behaved...so far. 

Other things in garden #3 are growing, but just not as impressive yet.

Garden Number 1

Garden One, a couple rows in of weeding and we decided to take a before picture

After weeding 

Out of all the squash plants the most successful ones were the spaghetti  and either the green or yellow zucchini.
At least five of the sixteen plants didn't materialize so we planted four replacements today *fingers crossed*

Only one out of five hills of potatoes sprouted...amazingly the one that did was the store bought potato that went to seed, and it's growing with a disturbing vengeance. Maybe the others are just taking their time??

Sugar snap peas becoming all beautiful

Leaf lettuce!

A baby Big Boy tomato!

Grape tomato buds ready to turn into juicy tomatoes!

...hopefully we'll have more photos soon.

Working in the garden is relaxing...for the first couple of hours...then the mosquitos find you, the sun burns you...and if you are unlucky with arthritis and carpel tunnel everything becomes swollen and sore.

But at the end of the day, the things we eat from this garden are trustworthy. There have been no chemical sprayed on them, we know the dirt it was grown in, and the hands that have touched them. It will all be worth it.

Our First Garden

By now we're over the fact that the property (farm) we had been trying to buy last October fell through. The house and yard we have now is adequate for our needs, very homey, comfortable for the most part; and as we've rolled with the punches and paved a new plan for our future, it's turned out to be a perfect situation.

Of course not getting our 40 acre dream property doesn't mean we can't follow through with some of our dreams; like having a nice garden, raising some of our own food, and canning and preserving them for fall.

It almost felt like we weren't going to get around to starting our first garden this year because of lack of the proper tools, time, and weather situations.

After much anticipation we finally go the neighbor to come over and till the old garden spot that appears to have been growing over for a couple of years. When all was said and done we ended up with a 30' x 12' garden full of wonderfully dark and moist soil. We can only imagine that it's the best soil people can ask for in this day and age of stripped-down topsoil in planned communities. This stuff is quality soil.

Hopefully that means we'll have good luck with it actually producing...something.
We've never had good luck with plants of any kind, so this year is a complete experiment.

We have another spot picked out in the backyard for a 30' x 10' plot, but have to wait until at last three days with no rain before breaking new soil (says the guy with the machine we have to use to do it).

Eager to sow seed to ground we paced around the yard gripping seed packets in our hand after plotting out on paper the design of the garden. You can't just throw sees anywhere. Some things need to be plated 36" apart, some seeds need to be planted 6" apart, and every variation in between. Peas need to be in a double row a few inches apart, and then the consecutive pair of rows need to be even further apart. It's not as simplistic as you'd think.

So after hours of measuring, and James digging and more measuring, we got our very first garden planted.

It doesn't look like much now but from closest (the west side of the garden) to the farthest today we planted:

GARDEN ONE

• 4 plots Spaghetti Squash
• 4 plots Acorn Squash
• 4 plots Green Zucchini
• 4 plots Yellow Zucchini
• 5 hills of Potatoes (1 of something random from the grocery store that went to seed, and 4 hills Red Potatoes from mom that sat in the basement for see)
• 2 double rows of Sugar Snap Peas
• 2 - 1/3rd row Garden Blend Lettuce
• 1 - 1/3rd row Salad Spinach
• 2 - 2/3rd rows of Searlet Nantes Long Carrots
• 1 - 1/3rd row of Short and Sweet Carrots
• 1 - 2/3rd row of Spanish Sweet Onions
• 1 - 2/3rd row of Evergreen Long Green Onions

and then we transplanted 4 tomato plants we bought a couple of weeks ago

• 2 Big Boy Tomato Plants
• 1 Cherry Tomato Plant
• 1 Grape Tomato Plant

Hopefully later this week garden two will go in so we can plant some of the rest of the seeds (and buy a few more plants, and more seeds, because we realized that we didn't start some of the ones are supposed to be transplanted, like the tomatoes and peppers and eggplants.

At least we'll know for next year.

Spring Is In the Air

So, we didn't get our farm. That's old news at this point.
But what we did get is a big backyard for a wicked garden. Hopefully wicked, anyway. Our thumb isn't exactly green.

We've already got our wishlist ready to go to shopping cart on Burpee.com, it's massive. Now we just wait until the snow melts. It's happening!

In the meantime, we're going to learn about ladybugs. Our new house has an infestation. When we first moved in the massive amounts of carcasses told the story, but today we woke up to a window sill with at least 8 of them crawling around, and have seen them here and there over the last month. It's warming up, and they're waking up.

We've heard from some people on Twitter and Facebook that they are actually really good for plants, they eat aphids, and they may end up being a life-saver to our lettuce plants. Some people actually order them online to put in their gardens! So, after we get the garden planted and little green shoots peek out, we'll be herding the ladybugs into the backyard. We're fine with them taking up space in the walls, or wherever they are sleeping on the southside of the house through the winter, if they're going to be helpful in the summer.

Dreams on Hold

So, our farm dream is on hold. The market just didn't work in our favour quick enough, after losing our Dream Property in October, and so we settled for a more local property. It's has a giant lot, fit for a giant garden. No animals allowed, of course, being within city limits...but we can wait.

So, our farm adventure, is now more gardening, recipe creation and renovation. House type things.
Not that this property needs anything in the way of renovations. The kitchen and bathroom could use an update at some point (soon, if we have our way) and we need to built a garage.
And the floors and stairs (all original oak) will be refinished.
Plus, painting.

It's pretty exciting.

The closing date is February 28th.

Photos coming soon.

Postponing the Farm

It's the time of year where moving to the middle of the country to a fixer-upper farm is a dangerous idea, because of freezing cold temperatures. So, until further notice we will be postponing our farm dream.

Being that we desire to move out of the current living situation (with family), we have decided to try to buy a house in the city where we currently reside.

So, for now...Frankie's Farm Adventure will be a less farm, and more city-home renovations and backyard gardening. We're keeping the blog the name it is though...because it's all a part of our adventure getting to "the farm"...

Tonight we signed a purchase agreement on a local 2-story house, with a small yard, that needs a LOT of work, but has great potential, as long as we get it for the price we desire...which is $27,000 below asking...

*fingers crossed*

Lost In Negotiation

Wednesday we had to pull out of the property sale. They wouldn't agree to the amended price after all the findings, (more in our previous post, and here: http://just-call-me-frank.blogspot.com/2012/10/it-all-comes-tumbling-down.html)

Today, of course, we find the property is still on the market, despite what our agent was told, AND with a price decrease (of $5000), which means no other sale is pending. Meaning we spent $450 in inspections and we won't see that money again...and it's likely that the property will now sit on the market through the winter, given it can't be lived in in it's current condition, and that is a requirement for a buyer, as stated in the previous post here on this blog...

We're kind of back at square one...though waiting to hear on another property in the area that is going through counter-offers right now. One we looked at the same day we found the one we fell in love with.

So, we wait.

Forty acres we may not get, twenty acres we would settle for...and right now love like it's forty.

The Inspections...

When we signed the paperwork for the house two weeks ago we were required to sign an agreement that we will live in the house for the first year. As a Freddy Mac foreclosure this measure is to prevent investors from scooping up all the foreclosed properties and to make real homes available to real people. So regardless of the condition of the house, we are required to live there...

The inspections went worse than we thought it would.

Here's a run-down of the list of things that the house/property needs:

• New siding
• New roof
• New electrical
• New plumbing, including hot water heater
• New heating, including furnace
• New insulation
• Foundation wall reinforcement
• Improved floor joist support
• New well
• New septic system

In more detail:

Plumbing and Well
We already figured we'd need a new well (a cost of $8,000-$10,000), however we had hoped that it would be required right away. The inspector found that the water lines between the well and house were broken, so there is no way water can reach the house. In addition the inspector found that the waterlines were undersized to properly supply water to the bathrooms and kitchen. Also the toilet in main floor bathroom is not properly vented, as well as the kitchen sink. In addition the water heater is at the end of it's life, has corrosion issues on the top and is not equipped with a relief valve with a proper size discharge line. Which is a safety hazard. The cost of the installation of new plumbing and a water heater is near, or above, $5,000.

Roof

Roof is near end of life. South facing roof is missing numerous shingles. Shingles are generally worn and felts are showing through in numerous locations. Roof replacement is recommended.
Gutters and downspouts/downspout extensions insufficient.
- Attic/Insulation - Insulation is insufficient at only 4" of R-11 product (minimum level for the region is R-44). Additional attic insulation, insulation air chutes and soffit ventilation is suggested.

Exterior plus Foundation and Structure
Foundation walls on addition are bowed in and show signs of movement after construction. These walls should be reinforced.
Stucco has been cut back to allow installation of new windows and doors but was not protected from water penetration behind stucco in these locations. Improper head flashing noted above new windows. Given the current condition of stucco and sheathing siding replacement is recommended.
Some floor joists have twisted and do not provide full bearing capacity.

Heating/Air Conditioning
Supply ducts are installed in the wrong place walls and no return air ducts are installed. Only one heat supply and no returns are located on upper floor. Proper return air duct work is recommended. Heater is near end of life.

Electrical

The electrical panels have not been stamped by the State Electrical Inspector.

Circuit and wire sizing correct so far as visible, Grounding system is present. Signs of amateur electrical work noted. Wires are not properly secured to framing. Breaker for clothes dryer is 40 amp and wiring is no. 10 AWG.
This wire is rated for 30 amp breaker. Numerous open junction boxes noted.

Environmental Concerns
Possible environmental hazards noted on property.
Oil odor noted in well pit. Solvent stored in metal pit in pole barn.
- Vermiculite Insulation - Vermiculite insulation noted in attic. The US EPA recommend vermiculite insulation be treated as an asbestos containing material.
- Mold - The inspector observed mold growing on building materials inside the home. The presence of mold in the home indicates some form of moisture problem. Mold noted under kitchen sink indicates prior leakage.

Septic Inspection
The septic system was a separate inspection. We figured the septic would fail inspection, one of the problems of note is the discovery of roots of the willow tree in the front yard, that we love so dearly, had destroyed one of the two tanks.
We were hoping for a traditional leach system, which costs about $4000-$5000, but after soil test of the area it was determined that it requires a mound system, which is a $10,000 system. So that was NOT good news for our pocketbook.

Leachfield Septic

Mound System Septic

Water Inspection
We waived the water inspection because after talking to the person who was scheduled to go do the testing, and explaining the inspection findings, she said she'd rather not have us waste our money because she already knows it will fail the water tests. (saved us money!)

So, we submitted a purchase agreement amendment with a request that the seller (bank) decrease the price further, it was submitted on Tuesday, so now...we wait...again...

Update: October 18, 2012 3:45pm
The amended agreement was rejected outright today, with no counter offer; they want to proceed at the original price. Having a cap on how much we have to spend on the property overall (which includes the renovation/repairs) we have submitted our final offer. It's final. Meaning if they reject it we can no longer agree to purchase this property for the price that was initially agreed upon before we knew everything that was wrong with it. To say we are taking this well...is an overstatement. *fingers crossed*

Step One: Inspections

The house closes on the 22nd and between now and then we have inspections to schedule. So far most of them look like they will be happening this Friday (October 12th)

The well inspection: Living in the country means no city water connections, instead the water comes from a private well dug into the ground of the property, which we are entirely responsible for. We plan on replacing it with a new well in the future, but if it passes the water test we`ll keep it for awhile.  That`ll save us around $8,000-$10,000...for now.
The seller had to put a new pump in the well, because the agent couldn't get the well running, which was a requirement in our purchase agreement, and for the house inspection. The company that put the well in said that the output/flow rate seems good - even though they could not get the water in the house running, only a spigot on the outside. So instead of spending money on as inspection, we'll hopefully be able to get the report from them. That'll save about $125-$175

The water test: We are getting the well water tested for, at the top of the list, excessive nitrates, coliform, E.Coli, in addition to other things. If it passes that it will be tested for GPO and DRO (Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Petrol and Diesel) due to the vehicle dismantling business that the previous owner had stone throw from the well. $110 basic test/$145 for the GPO & DRO

• National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Drinking Water Contaminates: http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm

The septic inspection: Like a well in the country, the septic, or sewage, system is not connected to the city, it is a private waste removal system that we are entirely responsible for, a point-of-sale inspection is requirement by the counties and states, and is becoming more and more common when buying a home in the country.
Some of the things they inspect for include: operation status and whether or not the system is a to the public/environmental health; condition of the septic tank, including age of the tank and the thickness of grease/scum layer; condition of the soil absorption system, health of the leachfield, including any signs of hydraulic failure. $175

Image Source: https://www.thenaturalhome.com/septic.html

The house inspection: The house inspection is probably the most straightforward, as most people get them. $275. They will inspect:

*Items in red are things we already know have issues.

Roof - needs to be re-shingled entirely
Ridge peak sagging.
Roof sagging between the rafters and trusses.
Signs of deteriorated asphalt shingles, likes curling, warping, broken edges, rounded corners, etc.
Loose flashing near chimney, roof-to-wall connection or etc.
Wooden roof deck rotting under the last row of shingles.
Visible roof vents.

Chimney
Cracks or breaks in masonry cap.
Flaking or missing bricks and missing mortar.
Leaks.

Soffits and Facia
Loose or missing sections
Any visible rot or paint problems.

Gutters and Downspouts
Proper gutters slopes and downspouts.
Rust or peeling paint.
Leaks or loose/missing/sagging sections.
Downspouts extended away from the foundations.

Exterior Wall Coverings - the house has a crappy stucco job over old wooden shingles. The whole thing needs to be resided.
Missing mortar.
Bricks flaking or cracking.
Lose, missing or rotten siding/deteriorated paint.
Exterior walls bowed, bulged or leaning?

Windows and Doors - they all need to be replaced
Problems with paint/caulking, and rotted wood.
Gaps around doors and window framing.
Porches and Decks
Cracking, broken or flaking masonry.
Paint problems, rotted wood, and contact with ground.
Settlement or separation from the house.
Inspect the underside if possible.

Foundations
Cracks, flaking or damaged masonry.
Water markings and efflorescence (whitish, chalky substance).
Bowing, bulging or other irregularities.
Soft mortar issues.

Lot
Grade slope from the house.
Areas of settling next to/near the foundation.
Grade compared to neighboring properties.

Basement - there are a couple areas of concern where the basement is partially open to the elements.
Evidence of water penetration such as stains, mildew/odors, efflorescence.

Floors
Deteriorated of floor coverings or cracked flooring.
Water staining or other damage.
Evidence of sloping or sagging.

Walls - all being ripped out.
Check that the windows and doors work.
Walls appear straight vertically and horizontally.
Cracked or loose plaster.
Stains, physical damage or previous repair evidence.
Drywall seams or nails showing.

Ceilings - all being ripped down
Cracks in the plaster or loose, sagging plaster.
Stains, mechanical damage or evidence of previous repair.
Seams or nails showing.

Bathroom and Kitchens - being completely gutted and remodelled.

The bathroom with mouldy corners.

Fixtures are secure.
Cracks in the fixtures?
Condition of the tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area.
Faucets working or leaking. Sufficient water pressure.
Staining and rot under the counter-tops
Operation of the cabinet doors and drawers.

Electro-Mechanical Considerations
Type, style and age and operation status of heating & cooling systems.
Water supply piping and drains inspection for visible rust and corrosion.
Size, age and operation status of electrical service.
Grounded outlets.
Visible wiring in good condition.
Noticeable upgrades.

- To get the furnace running we need to pre-rent a large propane tank, as the house is heated with gas.
Looking over the list it seems obvious that the inspection won't uncover much we don't already know, the key things are in the Electro-Mechanical considerations in bold blue. Those are items that will mean we try to get them to agree on a reduced price from the one we agreed on, if they don't work.

Things not covered during a home inspection:
Asbestos - there's not much for insulation in the house, and the floor coverings are fairly new, so the asbestos danger is low.
Radon Gas - n/a
Lead Paint - we signed a waiver, and it's unlikely to be in the walls because they have been partially redone.
Toxic Mold - there IS mold in the bathroom, on over half the walls, but we plan on gutting all the walls in the house, so it's not a major issue.
Pest Control - there are probably mice. It's been empty for a couple years. But with very little insulation there isn't a lot of material to burrow into.

This is going to be a big project. A big wonderful time consuming back breaking, tear and blood soaked project.

We've been going over design ideas, paint colours, tub and shower designs, appliance options, layout ideas, furniture wishes, etc. with James...and can already tell it's going to be....SO.FUN. (heavy on the sarcasm)

Next week will be Step Two: Haggle on the price, make the big payment and move!

Video: Back to the Start

Yes, it's sponsored by a fast food restaurant (one we have never eaten at) but the "story", and the song...brought tears to our eyes.

Back to the start...back to the farm. Back to simple and healthy.

Three Months Later...The End Is Near

The end is near, but the beginning has just started.

Today the seller finally met us with an offer on our 40 acre dream property that we were able to accept. $2000 less than the offer we submitted to them a full two months ago.

So, Frankie's dream of a farm...just became a reality.

It will be a struggle. It will be hard work. It will be sweat, tears, and knowing us...blood.

But it will be ours.

Pictures taken two weeks ago, when we made our most recent initial offer.

The "back 40" - it goes far past the first grove of trees in the distance.

Canning 2012

Green Tomato Mincemeat
fresh out of the hot water canning bath.

We've been canning tomatoes, and assorted produce from The Mother's garden. Today we finally tallied up what we could find sitting in Kerr and Ball jar boxes around the house.

The tomaoto plants have been the biggest givers this year, we just picked over 20 pounds more this morning that will need to be processed tomorrow. We've been picking an average of every other day for weeks now.

Here's our canning accomplishment so far:

4 - 1/2 pints of beet relish
3 - 1/2 pints mango chutney
4 pints banana peppers
5 pints green tomato mincemeat

6 pints pickled beans
7 pints mixed pickled vegetables
21 pints pickled beets

17 quarts whole/puréed tomatoes
13 quarts pasta sauce
12 pints pasta sauce
2 quarts salsa
12 pints salsa

The list will grow as we harvest more beets and tomatoes. And soon we'll be moving, and preparing for our own garden.

It's been fun learning, and we're really getting the hang of it.

Update - September 01, 2012:

3 quarts hot salsa
5 pints hot salsa
2 pinta heavy tomato sauce
4 -1/2 pints heavy tomato sauce
11 quarts stewed tomatoes
1 pint stewed tomatoes

Update - Spetember 03, 2012:

3 quarts stewed tomatoes
14 quarts stewed tomato chili mix (hot peppers, peppers, onion, garlic, tomato & cumin)
4 pints stewed tomato chili mix (hot peppers, peppers, onion, garlic, tomato & cumin)

Update - September 07, 2012:
7 quarts stewed tomatoes
1 pint stewed tomatoes
3 pints tomato sauce, seedless
2 - 1/2 pints tomato sauce, seedless

Update - September 08, 2012:
1 quart pasta sauce
5 pints pasta sauce
6 pints hot salsa
2 pints green tomato chutney
4 - 1/2 pints green tomato chutney
4 pints green tomato mincemeat

Update - Septeber 25, 2012
9 - 1/2 pints green tomato chutney
1 pint green tomato chutney
4 - 1/4 pints mango chutney
9 quarts tomato sauce

Update - September 30, 2012
12 quarts stewed tomaatoes

Countdown...

It's about a week, to a week and a half, before we put offers on one, or two (depending on how the first one goes) farms. It's been nearly three months of failed offers, and waiting.

The first property: 40 acres consisting of loads of trees with a small rolling pasture, a huge yard around the house with loads of garden space, lilac bushes, a young apple tree and the willow tree that we have mentioned in the entries about the property on the other blog, and three pole sheds in mediocre condition, one of which is giant.
Property number two: 20 acres of mostly tillable/pasture land with very few trees, a nice sized yard, and three maples in the handful of trees in the yard - for tapping syrup - the house is half the size of the first property and it has three buildings in very good condition, one of which is very small.

Both houses need A LOT of work.

It's getting close to fall, which is a good time to select gardening spots on those properties - they currently don't have any from the last owners - and till it up, working the dirt, preparing it for it's first growing season.

Soon we will have renovation tales, and photos of as much as we can, and we will be a whole different kind of stressed, the kind that comes with a massive uncertain future, as the whole of us, and James, try to build a self-sustaining existence and become "farmers".

Goods on Garlic

Image Source

While we wait for the farm property we have our eye on to continue sitting on the market, and reduce in price (again) so we can submit an offer (again), and hopefully this time have it accepted, we dream of gardens, and animals, and remodelling the distressed house on the property. It's pretty distressed, and the first order of business if it works out to our advantage (if they accept it next time) will be renovating the house to a liveable, at least, condition. It's going to be a long process. It'll be worth it.

In the meantime...

Today we're researching garlic. You wouldn't think there was that much to it, but apparently there are are. And we want to make the right choices.

There are two main types of garlic:

Hardneck (a strong central stalk):
Sub-types: Purple Stripe, Marbled Purple Stripe, Asiatic, Glazed Purple Stripe, Creole, Middle Eastern, Turban, Rocambole, and Porcelain.

• Hardier, generally (Purple Stripe and Rocambole being the most hearty)
• Northern climate friendly
• Fewer cloves
• Larger cloves
• Stronger flavours reflective of soil and weather patterns ("the wine of garlic")
• Easier to take the skin off of
• Shorter storage capability (a few months)
• Early summer scapes (scapes at the greens at the top, which as edible)

Softneck (most common in grocery stores):

Sub-types: Silverskin and Artichoke

• Better in milder climates (but that doesn't mean you can't grow them in harsher climates)
• No scapes
• Several cloves
• Small cloves
• Milder flavoured
• Better for long-term storage
• Perfect for making garlic wreaths/braids

We plan on trying to grow Elephant Garlic (sometimes poreceline Garlic is confused for Elephant Garlic) the first year, as well as other varieties. Garlic is very good for you, and has many health benefits, including promoting a healthy immune system and assisting in the regulation of blood pressure. (see below for links to information on the benefits of garlic)

Elephant Garlic is a not a true garlic, but a member of the onion family, is milder and sweet, subtle, compared to other garlics. And it's HUGE!

Elephant Garlic

The best thing to do with a head/bulb of Elephant Garlic (because sautéed it browns/burns easily) is cut the top off, just exposing the tips of the clove, drizzle about a Tablespoon of oil into it, season, wrap in tin foil, and bake for 30-45 minutes at about 375 degrees (Celsius).

When you unwrap it, roasted Elephant garlic smells and tastes glorious. You can spread on toast points, pizza crusts, put into omelets, sauces, dips, anywhere.

So, while we wait, semi-patiently, we're planning our dream garden, and learning things about what we want to plant, so we can have the best, and most diverse, first garden possible.

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Learn about the health benefits of garlic:

Garlic: Health Benefits and Actions, BioMedicine, 2011 http://www.e-biomedicine.com/article/S2211-8020(11)00037-4/fulltext VERY SCIENTIFIC, so...you might be more interested in...

Garlic Facts, Remedies and Health Benefits, Disabled World, 2008 http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/garlic-benefit.shtml

Unlocking The Benefits of Garlic, NYT Health|Science, 2007 http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/15/unlocking-the-benefits-of-garlic/

Exploring Fruit

We just found out that we can grow the following fruits in our growing zone; though some require a greenhouse, which we plan to have anyway, and are subject to varieties developed for our particular zone.

We knew the primaries were an option:

• Cherries
• Apricots
• Plums
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Rhubarb
• Grapes

Greenhouse dependant:

Dwarf varieties (which means the trees grow up to about 12'):

• Avocado
• Banana
• Lemon
• Lime
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Mango

We also found out that there is a coffee plant that can be grown and cultivated in our growing region.

To be honest, no matter if it is this farm (response on offer still pending) that we have our heart set on, or any other farm, the growing season/zone will be roughly the same (and it's a difficult growing zone) because we have the state picked.

The property in question already has a hearty apple tree on site, as well as a couple other random fruit trees. The only thing now is to choose which ones to start with!

With options like those it's clear that eventually we wouldn't have to use the grocery store for our fruits (or wine and coffee!), if we can manage to grow them properly. Preservation methods range from canning, freezing and drying, and of course juicy and fresh straight off the vine/tree.

We're getting pretty excited over here...and that's just about the fruit!

Step One: Find Property

We might be making our first offer on a piece of property.

40 acres of mixed grazing field, woodland, and house/yard site.

Buying an old farm/ranch is difficult, the well and sewer are all private.

The septic (sewer) system currently on the plot is a leaching type, which goes into a tank that has perforated holes in the bottom, and then leaches, or "drains" over a treatment bed (made of soil and natural bacteria) and then into a leaching bed, which may be one of two types, which we don't know.

The well is old, there is no township or county data on it (same situation with the septic system), so we're looking at the possibility of getting a new one dug, because the property used to be a farm and also had a good amount of auto mechanical work done on it, which means contamination to the well, depending on it's current location.

The house was left mid-remodel, so that needs to be finished, almost completely.

Sounds like a trap! A $20,000 dollar one! However, with a low offer we have the funds to put $20,000 into the new systems.

The house is a very perfect size with a decent layout, and lots of potential. The property has many out-buildings, as well as a large pasture, lots of trees and space for gardening. An giant oak tree stands in the front yard, and the driveway, which is along a dirt road, but less than a mile from a paved road (from our memory) is a horseshoe shape.

We hope to make an offer on Monday. Hopefully the bankers involved in accepting the3 offer (because it's a foreclosure) have a good weekend and are in high spirits.

The First Entry

Well, it's been decided.
We're buying a farm.
This is going to be a whole new adventure...