Operation: Going Organic ... Week 2

Almost 11 years ago, to the month, my grandparents deeded over a small tract of land to me. Nothing, I mean nothing, but hunting has taken place on this property and I figured it was the perfect opportunity for me to do something different and hopefully make a living out of it.

I made my decision to start up a small organic farm the other day while plowing one of the new Christmas tree field. For those of you who don't know, you will solve the world's problems and your own (several times over) while driving a tractor. I couldn't shake the idea from my head and I mentioned it to my father. He loved the idea (and was probably secretly glad to see that I am interested in doing this on my own) and I went about doing some research.

I've already ordered some of the seeds for this year's crop and am anxiously awaiting the many trials and tribulations I will encounter with this new venture. I will sell my "naturally grown" produce at local farmers' markets (depending on how much is harvested). I say "naturally grown" because I am not certified organic yet (a timely and costly process).

For those of you who are near the Fayette County area, look for me this spring, summer and fall (and possibly some winter markets too). I'd like to get some product in some of the local restaurants as well... Who knows?! But I am really excited about this new adventure.

Last week, we brought to the family farm an antique John Deere manure spreader my cousin Uncle Bill gave me. It's a wonderful find and will be another fun project for my father and me! It was covered in briars and there were a couple trees about 6" wide growing through parts... but it's a necessity and a great find too!

Keep checking back to see how Homegrown Girl is doing and the farming adventures I will encounter. I'm sure there will be many!

Take care,
Stephanie

On a side note, my father and I were closing in a part of one of the barns on his property for my office (I also work on their farm too) and we saw sandhill cranes already flying north! How CRAZY is that??? My prediction is that winter will happen sometime in March, so we farmers need to be prepared!

My first wood project

About 2 weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me of I could come up with something for her soon-to-be niece's birthday. I'd already made her a sign and her mama was requesting either something to hang coats on or a toy box. Well, you know how much I love Pinterest... And I happened to have just pinned a toy box on one of my boards so I said WHY NOT?? Haha! I'm not much of a woodworker but I gave it my best effort.

So I had a local hardware store cut the MDF board to the measurements on the plan (I ended up having to recut the wood myself!) and went to putting it together.

It was fun and interesting since it has been fairly cold here lately. So working in a cold barn was pretty tough. But it was still fun learning how to do it.

The finished product is actually different than the picture below... I took the purple flowers off and replaced them with single hot pink flowers. The finished toy box was much better looking! I hope they were all pleased with it... I really enjoyed doing it and would really do more soon. I need to think of different designs and paint themes.

2012 already?!?

I have majorly neglected this blog... My sincerest apologies. We have been sick since a few days after Christmas and we are finally getting better! Hallelujah!

I hope everyone's holidays were wonderful and I promise many interesting blogs for the next year to come. I am working on a project that will be finished soon... A wooden toy box for my friend's niece. I made her a cute sign with her name on it last year.

Keep checking back and see what many things we will be doing this year. My New Year's resolutions are interesting and include a new craft every month (in bulk to sell at the tree farm and tractor and truck shows too). I will blog about anything and everything involving them... So I hope you won't get too bored!

Have a great Monday night and I will talk with y'all soon!