Planning

I've been reading my Ball Blue Book and my mother in-laws Kerr Canning Book. Preplanning for next spring. Deciding what I want to can and how much of it. One of the books has a reference guide in the back. It charts the vegetable and the number of plants needed for the desired number of pints/quarts. I read an article recently that stated if a person spent $50 on seed for their garden, they could can the extras and save around $1300. Amazing!

Heirloom seeds have been another one I've spent time researching. I like the idea of Heirloom seeds. Not humanly altered, but in the state it was intended. Heirloom plants haven't been altered over the last 50-100 years if not longer. Some I've found are dated back to the 1800's. The nutritional value is also worth the investment. So I've charted out what seeds are needed for next spring, as well as the quantity desired. Bob is also a big advocate of Heirloom/Organic seeds, and is willing to make that investment.

Bob's still diligently working on the barn. Replacing, repairing, adding electric and lighting where needed, getting feeders made and restored. He's added several doors for the chickens and turkeys for next yr. We currently have 20 laying hens, and plan on adding around 60 broilers and several turkeys. All free range, and fed organic feed from EAT For Life Foods. Bob has been researching graze fed cattle and sheep. We would like to raise enough for ourselves. The last half of our farm ground is no longer under contract, and will give us more grazing options over the next several yrs.