The Dead of Winter

So, I feel pretty proud that I am posting again in a reasonable amount of time. It has not been the usual annual update. Hopefully this is the start of a trend. So, the wind is howling and snow is swirling in no consistent direction, and the planter pots are so buried that you can't even tell that they are there. There is two feet of snow in some places.

I have been thinking a lot about moderation, and growing organically since South Carolina. I think the best way to build a working urban homestead is to build foundations first. Richard said we could do 2 raised beds this year, in addition to some fruit trees. I already had done a garden plan for those beds, and have already started some seedlings inside. But, I am thinking that I may abandon the whole plan. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to change course now.

This is the first year of the homestead. I need to grow this in a rate and system that is sustainable and makes sense. We ordered 5 dwarf apple trees, several raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry plants. I am also thinking that I will order an almond tree. But the new plan, I think is that we need to build a foundation for long-term homestead. Instead of shoving the annual veggies that I can into those two beds (the fruits don't count toward the bed limit), I think I should try to establish my perennial plan things first, and then grow to annuals. If we use the first year or two to get bulbs, fruits, trees, and perennial vegetables started in a way that allows them to flourish.

So, I will spend my energy on creating a perfect space for our brambles and berries. I will devote one raised bed to asparagus, and the other for a small salsa garden. It will be extremely hard to let go of the idea of cucumbers, green beans, and everything. But it will be harder to live with a plan that is too overwhelming that it fails. If I build a good foundation it is more likely that I will end up in the place I want.

Anyway, the more I think about it, I have plenty to do with just the permanent plantings, the children's garden, and helping get the grass back. I am just excited for winter to be over. But not too soon, because I still have so much to do before spring comes. I need to finish ripping out the forsythia bush in the front yard, the forsythia vines along the back and side fence. I need to dig in the bramble beds with compost. I need to dig in the blueberry bed, and fill with compost and soil acidifier in enough time for it to marinate before the plants arrive April 1st.

So, I had better go to sleep. I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow, so I don't have to go to work. I haven't been feeling well this weekend and another rest day would be a blessing.but I don't want to push it by staying up. Thanks for sticking with me.

Colorado Homestead Photos

Here are the long-ago promised "before" pictures of the new Carlsen Homestead. So let's hope I figure out how to get all of them up with my iPad, lol! Our lot is a large rectangle. The front yard keeps that shape. But in the back yard, a large detached garaged takes a square out, causing our yard to be a rough T shape. I think it makes it very handy though to divide the yard into zones. These photos were taken this winter, so all is dead. But come Spring, it will be full of new life.


So, homestead news is that we placed our order for 5 apple trees, several blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, and strawberries. They will be delivered in the beginning of April. Now we just need to prepare their new homes!