Natural News |

December 14, 2014

| by Chris

Winter Arrives on the Greenhouse

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Winter is Coming

We have been doing our best to get the roof on the greenhouse before the snow arrived. Cold weather and high winds have taken a toll on our ability to get it completed.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we did get the very west wall cemented into place. It took another week to get the last post for the drive in door cemented into place due to cold weather.

Two weeks ago, we were able to cement the last upright post in place for the Greenhouse.

Cold weather, high winds and time restraints have appeared to be winning the battle in getting the roof on and complete before the first big snow.

We just could not get the last 2 rows of the roof pulled into place due to the wind. The temperature must be at least 50 degrees farenheit to set these 66 foot long panels into place. Too cold or too hot, and the tension will not be correct once it is completed.

Part of taking on a project of this size is keeping focused on the end result. We know that once the roof is completed, we can finish the sides, install the vents and get the water system and completed.

We have placed the top soil, compost, and Llama manure in the greenhouse already. We just got a “New to us” Troy Built horse rototiller to level the floor of the greenhouse also.

A 2 Day “Heat Wave” makes it possible to finish the roof!

Just this last Sunday and Monday, we were blessed to have warm enough weather to pull the last 2 panels! Finally, the roof is on and the weather was up to the low 50’s. We have had a couple of small snow storms, but the snow is all gone.

Here is a couple of pictures of the completed roof for the greenhouse!!!

Last items to Finish the Greenhouse

Now we can get the floor level and finish the side windows and vents.

Here is what we have left to do:

Build and install the 8 vents in the side walls
Close the other sections of the walls to keep the greenhouse warm and growing
Change the well pump from 240vac to a Solar powered well pump
Finish the cover for the water reservoir tank
Install the drain gutter on the south end of the greenhouse to get water to flow away from the greenhouse as rain falls or snow melts
Install the roll up garage door in the driveway ramp
This may sound like a lot of work, but compared to where we started, it is a short list.

We were hoping to get this completed before the first big snow, however, it came. The great news is that the roof is on and there is lots to do inside under the roof!

We have completed the majority of the tasks needed to start growing. We are hoping to start planting in 2 weeks.

How is your farm or garden coming along? Can you grow in the winter?

We will continue to give you updates as we finish the greenhouse. Our hope is that winter will allow us to finish the tasks needed to finish soon.

Staying out of debt while you build your dream home/farm

Whether you are nurturing your family, your business or your mindset or your land, it is all part of a healthy life.

What do you do to fund your dream? We do train others how to fund their farm or professional garden without going into debt. Is it easy? Not always, but if you are ready to get some help, you can contact me HERE

Are you a fit to work with us? Leave us a message and we will interview you to see if it is a fit for you and us.

Build your dream, keep your vision in focus and keep moving forward. Have the Grit to “Get R Done”! Remember to keep reading Grit magazine online for tips and reviews, Invest in your skills and knowledge and train others to do the same.

Together, we can make the world a better place, one great meal, homestead and farm at a time.

Chris Downs

hisfarm.org

Winter Arrives on the Greenhouse is bought to you by hisfarm

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Winter Arrives on the Greenhouse

Natural News |

July 27, 2014

| by Chris

CSU Sustainable Cropping System Tour

Learning about Cover Crop Water Evaporation science

We recently went on a 2 day (Coloradao State University) CSU Sustainable Cropping System Tour . CSU has an extensive science community dedicated to helping farmers of all sizes optimize their land. Both for crop products as well as taking care of the land we, as caretakers of the environment, have chosen to undertake.

The CSU Extension Crop Management Systems team hosts a Soil Quality & Productivity Bus Tour

This tour included training in Sustainable Cropping Systems (large farms, small farms and specialty crops, crop pest management & sustainable food systems). Also covered during this great tour was this valuable information where Soil quality and productivity are the primary themes but water use, storage, retention, and quality protection are essential for well managed soils. Specifically, we’ll be taking a close look at using cover crops and high residue farming systems practices on dryland and irrigated farms and at research stations across eastern Colorado. We’ll also learne state-of-the-art vegetable and agronomic crop practices under irrigation at Rocky Ford.

The Tour Guide

Bruce Bosley, our amazing tour guide, has had an amazing career as an extension agent for multiple counties here in Colorado.

He shared this quote April 8, 2013 in the “Today @ Colorado State” newsletter produced by Colorado State University. He was being honored for reaching the 25 year of service milestone.

“Profitability, sustainability and quality of life are the most important things,” he said. “I want to enrich people’s lives through education. It’s all about meeting their goals while still being able to see life’s big picture.”

Bruce gives up Preparation Homework

Being a lifelong Learner and Teacher, Bruce gave us some homework to do prior to us arriving. Bruce asked each of us to prepare to get the most out of this tour to plan on some informal discussion of using cover crops and other cropping systems and farming techniques for enhancing soil health & productivity while we travel on the van between tour stops. He also invited us to ” feel free to prepare and lead one of these discussions. If you do and wish it, bring handouts for 16 for anything you wish to share with others on the tour.”

This request made me more excited, as we would be sharing ideas and learning from everyone on the tour. We met more than 15 Soil Scientists, Extension Agents and Researchers from CSU. We met even more researchers and scientists from at the USDA research center in Akron, Colorado.

Bus Ride Conversations

As promised by Bruce, the bus ride conversations were lively and very informative. We learned about each other as well as each one shared their passion for growing healthy food as well as doing their best to keep farms profitable and sustainable. We talked about Soil science, entomology, Organic versus chemistry enhanced food. Sometimes, we had to ask definitions of some of the words being used during the conversation due to the scientific names and nomenclature I had not heard before.

The lessons were continual and useful for me and our farm as we listened and asked questions while also sharing our experiences. We also were able to visit 2 farms, one research farm at Rocky Ford CSU farm. Mike share his passion for Onions, as well as Bruce’s passion as well as his passion for growing great food.

Experiencing some of the Fruits of their labor

Bruce had set up a dinner that first night at a restaurant called Christine’s in Rocky Ford, Colorado. It is located at 209 N 2nd St
Rocky Ford, CO 81067. If you ever want to be served some of the best food, This is the place! If you are in the area, their phone number is: (719) 254-3833. Mike, the leader of the CSU farm provided the produce for the dinner. Bruce, brought some wine the he produces from his own grapes to share a glass. The conversations continued with the people on the tour with us. That was with the exception of a few who got delayed by rattle snakes and an army helicopter on a “short” bicycle tour of Picketwire Canyon – Dinosaur tracks & Petroglyphs .

Dinner was saved for them, so they did get to eat some of the great food!

Overview and Conclusion

It is a common goal for all on the people we met to work together and allow our differences in how we believe to best manage our land and our farms. It was 2 full days of exchanging ideas, practices and results. There is no way to convey in this article all of what I learned or was shared. I have so many notes and pictures that it would be a book all on its own.

CSU and everyone involved shared some basic information. There are large farms, homestead farms and hobby farms. The CSU extension agent Jennifer Cook shared with me her defined scope for smaller farms:

Hobby Farm: A farm that is not necessarily for profit. It is usually managed and owned by someone who is retired or still working. The purpose is to produce the lifestyle that they desire. Grow their own food, raise horses, cattle or other crops or animals for enjoyment and some profit. Profit is helpful, but their livelihood is not on the line. The owners are financially able to absorb extra costs that come with their farm.
Homestead Farm: This is the farm that needs to pay for itself, the owners have committed their time effort and finances in an “All IN” journey. Their life is 100% committed to success of their labor of love. The farm MUST make a profit to pay for the entire business of living this lifestyle.

My Conclusion is that there is a large number of scientists and farmers who desire to provide great food at a great price. Profitability is critical to help keep good healthy food available. If you are in Colorado and are farming or thinking about farming, I highly recommend contacting your local county extension agent.

They are dedicated and passionate about helping you reach your goals of sustainable small scale or large scale farming. Whether you choose chemistry to help you manage your farm, growing organic or permaculture principles, the great people we met are there to serve and help.

For me, we are building a Homesteading farm, my perspective is that everything we do must bring us success in the long run. All of our decisions must take into account not only the immediate future, but also 10, 20, 50 years into the future and beyond. I worked on both types of farms growing up at the Washington and Idaho border. Some of those farms are still going, but many are not. Housing developments have replace the fields of alfalfa, grass seed and grazing dairy cows, horses and beef cattle. The wolves, coyotes, deer, porcupines as well as a myriad of other wild animals have moved to other less populated areas.

Smaller family farms had been disappearing in this country, but they are on the rise again. I highly recommend tapping into the resources available to you. Life is for you, and by asking for help, you are increasing the opportunities to live the life that you dream of living.

Thank you Bruce and everyone on this tour. I appreciate your friendship and look forward to seeing you again! You have made an everlasting memory that will sustain my Hope, Joy and Passion for growing food and serving others.

Click here to leave a comment.

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

CSU Sustainable Cropping System Tour is bought to you by hisfarm

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CSU Sustainable Cropping System Tour

Natural News |

August 30, 2013

| by Chris

Water Line and Reservoir in the Ground!

Waterline and reservoir in the ground, Finally!!! As we shared before, we needed to bury the waterline at least eight (8) feet deep to keep the waterlines from freezing on the farm. Good thing we had an old backhoe!!! We had some challenges, but were able to just keep moving forward.

Here are a few pictures so that you can see the ditch, the hole for the tank and the tank in the hole! We dug down about 10 feet deep, backfilled with clean sandy soil then placed the tank in the hole. The water line and electrical are encased in 3″ PVC pipe for protection!

2010 04 24 06.07.05 576x1024 Water Line and Reservoir in the Ground!

Reservoir Tank hole and water line ditch 9 feet deep

There’s the Hole!

Reservoir tank in the hole!

Planning for the Water Line and Reservoir in the Ground

The great part of this is the way in which it is being completed. We have met some fantastic people along this journey so far. There have been challenges along the way, but the solutions and fixes always come just when we need them. Growing in an extreme environment takes planning, but we all must take action to get our dream accomplished. Especially when we only want to dig this hole and the ditch once!

Our plan is as follows:

1. Dig the ditch right up to the well head, 10 feet down

2. Dig the ditch 200 feet to where the reservoir would be buried

3. Dig a big hole for the 1700 gallon reservoir to be placed and buried for protection from damage and freezing.

4. Smooth off the bottom and sides of the hole and place the tank in the hole.

5. Lay the waterline and electrical line in the ditch and connect everything up together.

6. Fill up the reservoir tank and make sure all of the backflow preventions were in place and work well.

7. Once everything works as it should and passes the testing, cover the pipe with sandy soil. Then finish covering up the ditch and smooth off the top.

There is more to do as you can see from the ditch and the tank. We are at step #4, and the well guy will be here this next week to verify the installation and finish the connections. After all, it is 10 feet of digging if it is not right. So if you have an expert in the area, it is well worth the peace of mind to have it double checked.

This is a short update on the farm water system. It is great being up there! I also wanted to share with you the “Welcome Home” bouquet we received, growing right next to the door of our small trailer. I pressed the wrong button on my camera, so it is a 2 second video. But the flowers were a nice suprise! I am excited for my wife Heather to see them soon!

I hope that you are going to have a great labor day weekend here in the U.S., and I also wanted to share with you about one of the sales that Burpee is having:

Free Shipping at Burpee.com! Get Free Shipping on any order with coupon AFFBFREE. Hurry, offer ends 9/3!

If you are ready for your fall gardening, it is always nice to save money. We have been saving seeds already from our garden!

Today is a great day!

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

Water Line and Reservoir in the Ground! is bought to you by hisfarm

Originally posted here:
Water Line and Reservoir in the Ground!

Natural News |

August 19, 2013

| by Chris

Can You Get Organic Farming Benefits Without Having Money?

Organic Farming Benefits without money?

With no money, no land, no problem: Building a dream in Zambia

Jerry Kufuna Can You Get Organic Farming Benefits Without Having Money?

Building A Dream in Zambia

I want to introduce you to Jerry Kufuna who is building a dream in Zambia. He is a leader in Zambia, as well as one of our community members here at HIS Farm.org. Creating mini organic farms as well as larger scale farms, Jerry is well on his way to building his dream. Jerry Lives in Zambia, and has a Passion for Agriculture. Since we are all connected together, we wanted to share his story. But We will let Jerry Share his Passion and Purpose! Fr

Here is his story:

MINI FARMS DEVELOPMENT (Organic Farming)

After being a Pastor and doing community work among poor people for more than 25 years, I discovered that the best way to empower our people is through Agriculture.

We just have to go back to the land! And Organic Farming is the way to go…especially when we use locally available material.

I discovered that Africans know what they need to develop their economy .We need to give them the tools to do that. And one of the tools is information or education. Relevant information!! Something that works for Africa.

“I know of no pursuit in which more real service can be rendered to any country than by improving it`s agriculture”

GEORGE WASHINGTON – AMERICAN STATESMAN AND PRESIDENT (1732-1799)

My desire is to develop a Mini Farm Prototype, multiply that and spread it in all ten provinces of our nation and other nations through others. What I am doing is a launching pad or springboard to the rest of Africa.

We need to grow(develop) so that we can help many more of our people. We are still a small project with lots of potential to reach our nation and Africa.

In order to do that we need Partners.

The Government of Zambia recognizes our Project. We are helping them do a few projects like Tree Planting.

Recently I was given an Award from the President of the Republic of Zambia for Tree Planting and Environmental Protection.

I am at the moment developing a base from where we can reach the nation. It is a Demonstration farm plot, for the farmer.

Our farm is a place where the following is done on a smaller scale

We would like to develop all I mention below.

1.Research

Discovering new ways of doing the old things. Information, fresh ideas etc.

2.Production

Developing products from raw material. Manufacturing finished products. Promoting the cottage industry.

3.Outreach

Reaching out to farmers where they live, with resources, information etc. Providing extension services.

4.Consultancy

Helping people (farmers) interpret and fulfill their dreams. Providing market ,information, financing etc.

5.Training

Equipping the people for the task of rebuilding the nations through agriculture.

My dream is to prove to our people that agriculture is the way to go if we want a lot of things to change in Africa.

Agriculture will answer a lot of questions Africans are asking eg.Hunger,Unemployment,Lack of Capital,Forex etc

Our project does the following(on a small scale)

1.Food security:it provides food security.

2.Jobs:it creates employment for our people

3.Income:it gives us an income.

4.Raw material: it provides raw material for the cottage industry. Manufacturing industry.

5.Foreign exchange: it helps us develop foreign exchange to finance imports.

6.Purchasing power: it shall help develop purchasing power for the majority of our people.

7.Surplus capital: it gives us surplus capital to finance other areas of industry development etc.

At the moment we are using ten pieces of land that are 50×50 meters each. We need to grow(develop) that so that we can take the project to other places.

We also have other pieces of land……533 hectares in total. That will be for commercial farming so that they can support the project in the future.

Our people usually find it easier to imitate what they can see working. That is why the whole project is like one big classroom.

We have been working with a number of farmers in our area- promoting organic farming.

We raise goats, free-range chickens, vegetables, grain, herbs, spices and fruits.

All these are on a smaller-scale.

This year we are also planting about 20,000 tree seedlings for our tree-planting exercise in this town.

My dream is to see this project develop into something like a university. Teaching others through hands on experience and learning-centered methods, a place where people learn by doing. It will be like a Long-Distance/Open University facility for the Farmer.

In order to develop we need the following:

Electricity. We have no power on the plot.

Boreholes for water. Most of our farming is done during rainy season.

Drip Irrigation equipment

Roofing Sheets and timber to build Food Processing shelters

Greenhouse

Fencing for security. We need to protect the property…….fencing-off even our animals and chickens, etc

Goats. Our Goat population is only 8. We desire to grow our Goat project, so that we can give from it (like we do with Chickens).

Chickens. We need to develop our Chicken Bank. We give and sell from there.

Incubators. The ones we have are manual. We need automatic-turning Incubators.

Accommodation for students. That will be used to accommodate small numbers of students for short courses.

Classrooms and Administration Block

Accommodations for staff. We need to stay on the property.

Skilled man power. That could be volunteer or full-time.

Transport. Our car broke down more than two years ago.We need a van and a car.

Simple tools

Information

Our focus is to reach the young people as we reach the adults. Our concern is: What type of young people are we going to leave for this great continent?

We have already helped so many. Teaching all sorts of things: Food Production and Processing.

We also need to have this project self-sustaining after a few years.

We are dedicated to help others discover organic farming benefits, even on a budget. One way to do this economically is by using food4wealth growing system The link for you is www.hisfarm.org/food4weatlh and it is how we grow the small garden in a mobile home park.

By working together, we will be making a difference in the world by implementing organic farming practices.

We are going to start recommending more products that may help you create your farm. A portion of the net profits will go to Jerry’s Zambia project, as well as other projects that you share with our community members also!

If you want to contact Jerry Directly with some help, here is his email: jkufuna@yahoo.com. Or you can leave a comment with questions or offers of help for Zambia at the end of this post.

We are all connected together in this world. I am so excited to read Jerry’s story and look forward to seeing the Vision that God has given him come to fruition.

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

Can You Get Organic Farming Benefits Without Having Money? is bought to you by hisfarm

Originally posted here:
Can You Get Organic Farming Benefits Without Having Money?

Natural News |

May 30, 2013

| by Chris

Reader Mail:Growing Food and Finding Organic Seeds

I was asked a question by Jan,one of the readers of our blog, who has decided to start growing her own food. Her and her husband have some health issues as I had. So Jan asked us some very specific questions about growing food using the food4wealth system. They like the Food4Wealth system, for organic vegetable gardening for themselves.

Growing food for sale is not their ideal.

First Jan , I want to thank you for sharing your challenges! There are lots of people who are looking to improve their health by eating right. I am one of them myself! I was put on a heart transplant list, but since switching to Vegetarian, my health has improved to where I will not need a heart transplant. The Hippocrates quote: “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food” is perfect. The more we eat healthy, the healthier we become also. Good clean water, Clean natural or organic food, exercise, proper breathing and of course a great mindset (attitude) are all critical to a healthy, happy life.

I hope and pray that you will continue to grow healthier every day! The Food4wealth system works great for my wife and I. We put up a greenhouse this year due to the extreme conditions here in Colorado at 7,000 feet elevation.

I am thinking that you will be dealing with the heat as you shared that your season for growing by seed is coming close to the time line to start quickly.

Getting Organic Seeds

Johnny’s Seed sells non-gmo, Organic and Heirloom seeds also. They were selling some seeds from a company that was purchased by Monsanto. I was told by a supplier of mine, that they discontinued that line due to lack of trust for anything that Monsanto makes. I have not seen it in writing or read it myself so it is hearsay evidence at best at this point.

We have never grown using Bonnie Plants. I see that they have been around since 1918. Looking at their site, they do have the following statement:

“Committed to green gardening, we provide eco-friendly gardening products that are safe for the environment and easy to use. Our biodegradable peat pots and fiber pots have already prevented millions of pounds of plastic from entering landfills. Our commitment starts at our headquarters in Alabama, where we employ green growing practices such as sustainable energy production, reuse, and recycling.”

That is a good statement, so I hope that you are using their product. I will contact them to follow up with an interview and write a post about them afterwords. Monsanto did purchase Seminis, Seminis is said to produce 40% of the fruit and vegetable seeds in the US.

Purchase seeds from someone you know is a good practice.

If you can go to a local hydroponics shop or nursery, they usually have access and sell Organic and heirloom seeds. Just make sure that you verify that the seed packages have the USDA Organic label on the packages. Burpee seeds also sell organic vegetable seeds. Some of your local stores may even carry the seed that you are looking for.

I am amazed at how much information that you have gathered, and are sharing. If I do not know the producer of the seeds, or someone who has been growing with them for years, I do not use them.

I always look for the USDA certified organic seeds, but I continue to read about new exceptions for different additives or food preparation standards that the USDA is allowing. Somewhat concerning for the “Organic” label.

Are they all bad for the consumer? I do not know, but with my life on the line, I want to read the scientific data and talk to my brother who is a chemical engineer. If I hear of a chemical that is not naturally occurring, I do not use it.

Alternative Growing Choices

container gardening 200x400 Reader Mail:Growing Food and Finding Organic Seeds

Since you are having a bit of a time getting started,

Can you start growing in containers?

You do not necessarily have to start with a 15X15 food garden. Since you want to get started right away, can you make a smaller bed and then plant what you have.

What does your health allow you to do?
Are there activities that keep you from digging in the soil?
Do you have any relatives who could help you with the labor in exchange for some goodies at harvest?

Composting

For your Compost, horse manure is great. Add your table scraps, no meat, and get some worms to help with the process. Make sure that the compost bin is covered and reaches a temperature of 104 degrees F. But you do not want the temperature to go above 149 degrees F. That will cause the micro-organisms to die.

Using good soil, good water, good seeds as well as learning from your neighbors and local nursery you will continue to learn as you grow.

Composting Temperature Resource:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8069722_composting-bin-temperatures.html
This is an easy to understand explanation for you.

As long as you are making progress, just keep learning and growing! Using Jonathan White’s system is a great start. You can also ask the local feed stores or nursery’s what and who is growing what you want to eat and grow. Thank you for asking questions, and I know I have not answered all of your questions yet. Please get back to me on any item that you need clarification on. If I do not know, I know who to ask for help. My Wife, business partner and I love to help others. We were created to help one another and It is a joy to do so.

You are doing a great job. Vegan and Gluten-free is a great way to get back to being healthy. Do not forget about your water though. Clean, healthy water is important.
Looking forward to helping you reach your health goals through good, Organic, Food!

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

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Reader Mail:Growing Food and Finding Organic Seeds is bought to you by hisfarm

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Reader Mail:Growing Food and Finding Organic Seeds

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May 22, 2013

| by Chris

Growing Microgreens for Profit: A book review

Craig Wallin is an expert at growing and building a profitable lifestyle. In his newest book titled: Growing Microgreens for Profit. I believe he has come up with a perfect answer for many people who not only want to lots of their own food, but also create a second (or primary) income.

Here is the “notes” of some of what you learn in this book.

Learn what microgreens are, and why they’re a hot culinary commodity.
Learn “3 steps to the perfect microgreen crop.”
Receive instructions for building the “Microbox,” which can put you in business in less than a day!

I took this from his website: http://www.profitableplantsdigest.com/. I highly recommend this book.

As a traditional “Farmer and Gardener”, I had not thought much about microgreens. Sprouts had always come to mind, but never Microgreens. I am excited about the opportunities in growing, selling and of course eating these tasty morsels.

You know how nice it is to walk through the garden, smelling the fresh scent of the young plants! I use to take a nibble here or there of the young plants leaves. Just to make sure that they were of the highest quality you know. Have to keep the quality control in place.

But Craig has gone way beyond what most authors will do. He gives you resources, examples of businesses who are successful with their microgreens that they sell. I was very impressed with how simple a system can be. With the ability to start growing immediately and creating an income within 7 to 10 days!

Craig always shares more than most people would, and has shown that he cares about health and wealth of his customers.

I highly recommend that you read Growing Microgreens for Profit and implement all that you learn as soon as you can.

Sustainability is not just about the big systems, it is about a way of life that keeps you focused on your entire environment. The food you eat, water, the air, and your neighbors. The 4 legged, two legged and even the winged neighbors who also like the bountiful harvest that you produce.

I really do like the program that Craig shares. In fact, we are implementing an entire portion of our new greenhouse to just Microgreens! Thank you Craig!

Click Here to get your copy of “Grow Microgreens for Profit”. Get 2 of them I am going to get one for a Fathers day Gift!

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

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May 20, 2013

| by Chris

Can I Grow Garlic on My New Farm?

I just got this great question from Marian from Ohio. Can I grow garlic on my new farm?

“Am trying to purchase an OH farm. It has quite a bit of rain, and not a lot of snow in winter, on almost 20 acres.

A modest farm, but flat and all useable, with a house and 2 big, sturdy barns for alpacas and storage. Flat land, but no flood plain, and no standing water, which I observed.

Since I have no experience in farming, would like to know what I could plant that would have the right amount of precipitation and cold winter (for a 2-yr crop, if planted).

Only about 4 or 5 mature deciduous trees on the whole place, which animals can use for pasture shade.

Presently, about 10 acres are cropped out to a neighbor for 2013, by owner. What could occupy an acre or so for a dependable yield without huge money investment that would yield a high rate of return? Is it too wet for garlic?

What would you recommend? Presently, have no equipment, but could secure use of a tractor. I do have gardening experience, but never grew garlic.”

You Can Grow Garlic on your new Farm.

You just need to answer some specific questions. ( My friend David call this a cuss word: Depends).

It does depend upon some basics as well as how much you want to grow. Since Marian wants to earn money from her farm, Let’s ask some questions:

I appreciate getting questions like these. I love new challenges, especially if I have more questions than I do answers for you. So here is a list of questions that I have asked Marian to answer:

Can you tell me what is currently planted on the 10 acres that is leased?
Also, do you have any other farmers there who have their own CSA, (community supported agriculture)?
OH is a pretty big state. What is the USDA Grow Zone?
Have you talked to a local Agriculture college, high school FFA chapter or your local county extension agent?
What do the other farms grow there?
What Life do you see yourself living on the farm?
You said you wanted some Alpacas. What about Chickens?

This farm, can grow garlic, but let me share a little basic information about Garlic:

Garlic grows best in well-drained soils. Sandy loam soil high in organic matter works best for garlic. Excessive moisture or drought will lower the price you can get for your bulbs, as well as lower your yields. A good quality green manure, Rye grass, peas, beans, alfalfa, buckwheat and even leaves are used to till into the soil. You want to place this on your beds before you plant garlic.

Most recommendations are to add between 15 to 30 tons per acre depending upon the soil condition when you start. Garlic likes a pH between 6 and 7. Add Lime (organic of course) if pH is below 5.8. The best thing to do is Test, Test and Test the soil. I would recommend calling a local garlic farm in Ohio for some local help. I will share some recommendations after I speak with some of them.

What is it that you want to accomplish with your farm? Is it going to be your only source of income?

I have a basic list of questions that I ask any potential Farm business owners so that I can help them decide what it is that they want to do.

If you want, I can send you the “Test”. It is really a list of questions to get you focused on what you need and want. As well as what will sell in your area and who you can speak with locally.

I also want to share with you a very basic guideline to growing garlic.

No matter where you are located, there is always some way to become more self-sufficient and sustainable. We have been testing systems for growing food, as well as finding others who are making a living on 1/10^th of an Acre in the city of Los Angeles.

We are currently using the Food4Wealth system in a trailer park in Colorado at 7,000 feet elevation.

The best thing that I can tell you, is to start growing! Keep at it and ask questions.

Decide what kind of food you want and enjoy the journey!!

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

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Can I Grow Garlic on My New Farm? is bought to you by hisfarm

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Can I Grow Garlic on My New Farm?

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February 21, 2013

| by Chris

We Can Either Pay the Farmer or We Can Pay the Hospital

True words from Birke Baehr, who was 11 years old when he gave this Tedx talk in August, 2010.

http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/page/20869.html

He has changed his life dream from becoming a professional football player to being an Organic Farmer.

I had to share this with you. When you look at all of the reasons you want to eat healthy, what is your number one reason? Is it for your children? If you do not have kids, is it for your health? When I switched back to organic eating and gardening, I had people ask me: “How can you afford to buy organic food? Isn’t that really expensive?”

I like to answer that my first heart attack was a three day stay in the hospital. The cost was over $100,000. Organic food, especially that which we grow ourselves is less expensive. Especially since I have not been hospitalized since eating healthy. So we now save over

I highly recommend that you watch this youtube video from this 11 year old boy. You can hear the passion in his voice. He has been talking to old Organic farmers and he was impressed with the knowledge he received. For myself, there is no other way to grow and eat healthy now, other than organically.

I am blessed every day that I wake up. Growing food organically has brought a flock of neighborhood kids to our home to “See” what the heck this “Garden” thing is. Most of them had never seen a garden before. Sure they had heard about them, but few have ever eaten food right off of the plant.

You have in your minds and hearts to take care of others and Your homes. You want the best for your children, parents as well as your friends and neighbors. This is an abundant world that we live in. You have the knowledge and desire to share with others, or at least take care of those that are close to you and yourself.

After surviving quite a few heart attacks, I was told to get my affairs in order. But I decided to live. I have never done anything completely on my own. I have traded for material, bought land, purchased equipment, seeds and compost. I have good friends Robert and Terri TallTree who are my mentors. They have helped me to change my life so that I know that I can live an abundant life. They helped me to get rid of my doubting thoughts. Thinking the right thoughts and Their help has made a huge difference in my life.

When I was younger, I learned from the horses that I trained that I couldn’t be inpatient. I needed to relearn that now that I am older. That is what I love about organic farming and gardening. It is a peaceful and healthy lifestyle.

Your family wins, you win, and your pocket book wins.

I want to share just one little tip that I have learned by taking the miracle mindshift training from my mentors: I choose to have faith that yes, I can continue to get better.

Doubt sees tribulations, problems, troubles, difficulties and obstacles.
Faith sees anticipation, trust, confidence, hope, expectation and a way.

Doubt sees gloom, doom, thunder, lightning and the darkest day.
Faith sees light, sunshine, radiance, beauty and life abounding.

Doubt causes terror, fear, worry, apprehension and ultimate calamity.
Faith soars with opportunity, occasion, freedom and peaceful grace.

Doubt questions faith, belief, conviction and creative ideas
Faith answers existence, being, time and living life as God has created us to!

I recommend that you fill your body with good fuel. Healthy Organic Locally grown food. I also recommend that you feed your mind with the right thoughts. The Miracle Mindshift Month has helped me, and continues to help me stay focused on what my dream is.

Go here: www.hisfarm.org/miracle and experience for yourself the life that you dreamed of.

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

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January 21, 2013

| by Chris

Compost or Profitable Herb, the Dandelion

What do you think about the Dandelion? Is it just compost or is it a herb or vegetable that can be profitable?

If you are looking to have the perfect golf course style lawn, it is a weed. Poisons, pulling, burning or whatever means that you can find to get rid of this pesty plant do not always succeed.

If you are looking for a profitable plant that has many great uses, the Dandelion is a plant for you. What is it good for?

Dandelion Wine: uses the petals only from the flower. It takes up to 11 months to “Cure”, but tastes great! (My Aunt Vi made it every year)
A natural source of protein
Rich in Vitamin A
Excellent source of Vitamin B, C and E.
Rich in Potassium, Calcium and sodium
Contains some phosphorous and iron as well as nickel,cobalt,tin,copper and Zinc
Benefits the function of the liver.

It is also known in some cultures as a valuable survival food. It contains all of the nutritive salts that are required to the body to purify your blood.

It is also credited with promoting

Healthy circulation
Strengthening weak arteries
Cleansing skin blemishes
Restoring the balance in the digestive system if you have suffered from severe vomiting

The Juice of the broken stem is applied to warts, then allowed to dry. If you use it daily for two or three days, it will dry the warts up. It is also used in the same way for corns, acne and blisters.

A diet with dandelion is also been connected to improving the enamel of the teeth.

I can tell you from personal experience that the greens taste great in a salad. If you want to eat it like spinach, boil it twice, changing the water each time that you do to get rid of a bitter taste that happens when you boil the greens.

Here is a list of the different conditions that we have read about or heard our elders tell us what dandelion will help cure:

Age Spots	Corns	Fever	Metabolism (stimulates)
Anemia	Cramps	Gall Bladder Psoriasis	Blisters,external
Dermatitis	Gout	Rheumatism	Blood Pressure
Diabetes	Jaundice	Spleen	Blood Purifier
Endurance	Hypoglycemia	Stomach	Constipation Fatigue
Liver Problems	Warts

You can use the Roots, Leaves and the flowers. The flowers are not only a great gift from a young child in the form of a bouqet, but as I can attest a good wine.

Dandelions have been around for a long time. If you want to improve your health, increase profit and help other improve their health, become a user of Dandelions.

Make a plan, pre-sell this herb and increase your profit. Dandelions are no longer just a pesky weed destined to become part of the compost heap.

Read more about dandelions and other herbs by adding us to your RSS feed.

Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams

Chris Downs, the Caretaker

Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com

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Compost or Profitable Herb, the Dandelion is bought to you by hisfarm

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Compost or Profitable Herb, the Dandelion

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January 17, 2013

| by Chris

Profitable Plants for Small Scale Farming: Garlic

Garlic is a relatively easy and profitable plant to grow. With Garlic you can create up to $40,000 per year on a ½ acre plot of ground with good soil and farming practices. Possibly even more when using organic certification.

As a local grocer in a very rural area, we would purchase garlic from the local small farms. Garlic is sold at the rate of over 300 million tons per year. Those are the statistics from last year.

Garlic is second only to pepper in the spices section as of my last research. It is not a get rich quick crop, but with care and nurturing, you can make a good living.

Garlic Profitable Plant Varieties

Hard-neck garlic bulbs usually have a larger clove and are easier to peel.
Soft-neck garlic varieties have been cultivated by growers over the centuries from the original hard-neck bulbs. To date, there are over 600 varieties of soft-neck garlic identified and grown.

Carpathian: A heirloom Polish variety.
Spanish Roja: Heirloom that produces very large bulbs.
German Extra-Hardy: Mild, excellent flavor.
Georgian Crystal: Nice mild flavor.
Siberian: Mild flavor, good to grow even the coldest climates. Heirloom variety.
Chesnok Red: A gourmet garlic.

California Early
Chet’s Italian Red
Early Italian Red
Inchelium Red
Nootka Rose
Polish White
Red Toch
Siciliano

There is also Elephant Garlic, but it is more closely related to the leek family. It does not last as long as other garlic, and is not as tasty. You will want to choose a tasty garlic to sell for profit.

A List of Things to Consider when Starting your Profitable Small Scale Farm

Grow what people want to buy where you live
Find out by asking local stores, restaurants and farmers markets
Friends and family may also purchase from you
Start a CSA (community supported agriculture) service and pre-sell your garlic.
You want a sunny spot to grow your garlic
Well drained soil with a PH between 6.8 and 7.2 (some growers have told me that for their garlic they use 6.2 to 6.8ph. Do your research)
If the soil is too wet, the garlic will not thrive. Prepare your soil ahead of planting time, up to a year in advance.
Keep your soil clean, healthy as well as free of pests, weeds and other problems
Remain patient and make wise choices with your garlic crop.

Now just sell your garlic to restaurants, stores, vendors or to a community of hungry garlic users who want your product!!

After you have made all of that money, all you have to do is prepare the soil with organic fertilizer, materials and replant again in the fall.