Raising Your Own Food

A wonderful money saver for us is to raise our own food. Our goal is to become as self sufficient as possible as well as bring Tim home to work. We realize that ultimately all of these things will only be possible through God and his marvelous grace.

Currently we raise beef as well as vegetables and fruit. We try to raise things as naturally and organically as possible. It is a cinch when raising vegetables and fruit. However, we have not been able to afford it with our beef, but we are getting there. We do not use any antibiotics or hormones. We are even able to raise some of the feed stuffs for the feed we give them. We sell our beef too. Currently, we are selling just at cost with hopes to break even this year. Most of our customers are other homeschooling families as well as others who are concerned about where their food originates. If you or anyone you know is interested in our beef, please send me an email and let me know. Currently, we have 1 1/4 left to sell. The beef will be ready for pick up on April 10th. If you are interested, send me an email, and I will give you more information on pricing, packaging, pick-up, etc. frugalfarmfamily@gmail.com

We have also started our Spring Garden. As of now, we have planted carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, collard greens, mustard greens, various lettuces, kale, peas, and potatoes. I will also be planting strawberries, radishes, and spinach, but the seeds and plants have not yet arrived. In late April and early May, we will plant green beans, blue corn, okra, yellow squash, pumpkins, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, watermelons, and possibly other things. The children are really getting involved this year as well. Timmy (our 7 year old and oldest) helped me plant the potatoes on Saturday. He and Chandler (our 5 year old and third child) also helped plant several other things on Saturday. Calla (our 2 year old and next to youngest) also planted some seeds and loved it! Michaela (our 6 year old) and Blythe (our 3 year old) also help in the garden. On Saturday, they were playing and entertaining baby Wyatt (4 months old).

You may be saying, "Well, I do not have space or time to raise my own food!" I give you a challenge. Try container gardening with only a few plants. Right now it is still too cold for tomatoes and beans but you can try broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, or any of the other plants I mentioned above. Purchase or make your own container. Fill it with soil. You can use potting soil or another type of well draining soil. You can purchase plants or seeds. Select those varieties designed especially for pots. They usually have "bush" in their name (Better Bush Tomatoes are an example). Follow the instructions to plant your seeds or plants. Care for your plants by watering and feeding them as needed. In a few weeks, you will be rewarded for your efforts with something delicious to eat. I hope to have more details on container gardening and raising your own food.

Today, my children will have some lessons on gardening for their school.

Stay tuned for more posts. Feel free to send any questions you may have.