tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post8785308642211657924..comments2024-03-26T10:01:18.135-04:00Comments on Living the Frugal Life: Homesteading Books GiveawayKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-724672821116806342011-03-11T14:16:44.204-05:002011-03-11T14:16:44.204-05:00We've got a tiny little urban yard in Minneapo...We've got a tiny little urban yard in Minneapolis -- not much space to work with, but we've pulled out most of the grass and put in garden beds (lots of root crops, some tomatoes, and some lettuce last year) and hope to convert part of our shed to a chicken coop in the next year or so. We're still in the experimentation stage to figure out what will work best, but one of our big goals is to produce a wide variety of fruits, particularly in cases where we can find those that will grow and thrive in our Minnesota climate and that can replace the fruits that are shipped in from tropical places. <br /><br />A copy of either book would be great! Thanks for doing the giveaway! :)Angela M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-64762328067604286232011-03-11T12:31:20.109-05:002011-03-11T12:31:20.109-05:00Half-acre in the Washington, DC suburbs. 24x8 gard...Half-acre in the Washington, DC suburbs. 24x8 garden (newly enlarged this year). Thinking about berry bushes. Sadly, no livestock allowed (not even chickens).Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17408876221672414345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-48518188266060839342011-03-10T22:33:42.666-05:002011-03-10T22:33:42.666-05:00I am not currently Homesteading, but have position...I am not currently Homesteading, but have positioned myself well to do so. In the next 3 years I will be building a house on a corner of some land my family has owned for a few generations. Two of my aunts currently own houses on the property. My house will be made primarily of timber from the land (we have to log so many trees per year to keep the property tax credits). The timbers for the structure have all been cut and are drying for construction. The land currently has 3 cows that were given as a gift to my daughter, and by the time we are ready to live there full time they will be producing enough milk to sustain my family. We will have a few beef cows as well. As for veggies, there are already 3 large, established gardens from which my aunts and myself grow tomatoes, cukes, lettuce, corn, spinach, peas, carrots, and squash. There are berry (strawberry and blackberry) bushes scattered throughout the property, and a very large patch on the border of on of the gardens. <br />I plan on living off this land as my grandparents did for so many years. There was never a canned vegetable in my grandmothers kitchen, everything came from the garden. Their income came from the maple syrup they made, and much of the meat from the pigs they kept. <br />Gosh, Id love both books! Surprise me and pick one! ;-)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15476008288560967911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-42438888361460759962011-03-10T13:24:18.901-05:002011-03-10T13:24:18.901-05:00Right now I have a huge veggie garden and two comp...Right now I have a huge veggie garden and two compost piles, and we try to eat real food as much as possible. But in the future, I'm seriously considering getting backyard chickens and making our own butter and cheese.Amy Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-58194795147269065102011-03-10T10:01:34.612-05:002011-03-10T10:01:34.612-05:00How very nice :)
We live in the boondocks on 3 a...How very nice :)<br /><br />We live in the boondocks on 3 acres of land surrounded by family land. Right now we have a small veggie garden that I am waiting to plant. Hopefully in the years to come my knowledge of gardeing will grow greatly, as well as the size of my garden! I also have an 8x12' greenhouse waiting on an exhaust fan... I accidentally left the door shut on Tuesday and my thermometor said it got up to 125* that day! Yikes!! I have some healing herbs planted around the green house as well. Chickens are in the plan, but probably not this year. DH wants a few goats, too, so we're looking into what it takes for them. We have a few fruit trees and bushes planted so far, and intend on adding more. One day I'd like to be able to set up a a booth somewhere with organic veggies and homemade goats milk soaps!<br /><br />jenna_zeigler@yahoo.com<br />LivingsoGAnoFLA.blogspot.comJenna Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17709979686992439365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-74933698001797288882011-03-10T00:13:09.769-05:002011-03-10T00:13:09.769-05:00We are in the process of completing the purchase o...We are in the process of completing the purchase of one acre in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro. The dream is a big garden and chickens and a mini-orchard and more. But where to start?!?! I've been reading blogs for hours looking at ideas. Oh to have a little reference library that the public library doesn't want back from me every few weeks.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877673993380199620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-92125209583842896732011-03-09T22:22:20.453-05:002011-03-09T22:22:20.453-05:00We live on 3/4 of an acre in a rural area of Orego...We live on 3/4 of an acre in a rural area of Oregon. We have a fairly large garden. Lots of fruiting trees and plants spread all through the yard. We currently have chickens and 1 bee hive(soon to be two). We are trying our hand at growing mushrooms on logs and making our own olive oil, and smoking meat. Recently we took a class on how to make cheese. So we are trying to become self sustainable in some little way. We both work but I hope to stop soon. We also put up all our produce for use during the lean months of winter. I love your blog. Thank youvcocker1957@hotmail.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-22961080454133967122011-03-09T19:28:26.767-05:002011-03-09T19:28:26.767-05:00I would very much like a copy of the Urban Homeste...I would very much like a copy of the Urban Homestead. We have an interesting situation... I grew up with my siblings on my parents rural homestead. They have tried many different projects and had varied success and different levels of self-sufficiency. Well, my small nuclear family lives in the city 20 minutes from my recently-widowed dad. So, he aims to keep his retirement un-retired, but needs assistance with his ideas. Enter, me, my husband, my daughter, and often my other siblings, when available. So far we are re-organizing the garden, helping to repair fences, prune the orchard, turn compost, repair the old chicken coop so we can start a flock, cleaning out old storerooms, etc. In essence, I'm commuting to my homestead. It's a new experience, and your blog has given me some great ideas, inspiration, and information.<br /><br />Thanks!Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08160639032946554005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-49234484922950648592011-03-09T17:43:50.327-05:002011-03-09T17:43:50.327-05:00We live on a two acre parcel about 1/2 of which is...We live on a two acre parcel about 1/2 of which is our yard and house in rural Maine. I have expanded the vegetable garden each year, reclaiming land from the lawn. Last year we added an unheated greenhouse. We have a pear, apple, and peach tree. We may add a chicken tractor, inspired by yours this year. I would be happy to have either book or both and I appreciate your bringing the situation in CA to our attention.Kristi in Mainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-90502382129878061852011-03-09T16:51:33.927-05:002011-03-09T16:51:33.927-05:00We have 6 acres, which sounds luxurious, but it...We have 6 acres, which sounds luxurious, but it's mostly ROCKS! We're working on it, though. I don't have any homesteading books (right now I'm wondering why I don't!) so either book you mentioned would be a real treat. Thanks for the great give-away.Mimi and Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03920948723508160738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-54334115445615373882011-03-09T15:39:32.392-05:002011-03-09T15:39:32.392-05:00I live in a suburban sub-division...I have about 1...I live in a suburban sub-division...I have about 120 sqfeet of garden with the goal this weekend of adding another 96 or so sqfeet...I've ask for blue berry bushes for my birthday...and I am lusting over apple trees...I want chickens but the rules of the Home Owners Assoication say NO...I crochet, make my own bread, make my washing soaps and just do what I can to be frugal and earth frinendly...oh and this weekend I get worms...yay compostMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10392813946841783535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-65826796034575165852011-03-09T14:45:01.823-05:002011-03-09T14:45:01.823-05:00Hi from just a bit south of you, Kate.
Right now, ...Hi from just a bit south of you, Kate.<br />Right now, we have only a tenth of an acre. We have churned up the entire back yard, with the exception of under the clothes line to be garden. We have a compost pile, though I would like to get two going this spring, a la Eliot Coleman. Up until this fall, we had Khaki Campbell ducks, which had an untimely demise by different predators. We plan to beef up security and try again this spring because chicken eggs pale in comparison. :) In the front yard, we have some raspberries, blackberries and a dwarf fruit tree that we haven't identified, as it was the only one from six to survive transplanting and a house fire. We would like to have rhubarb and asperagus soon, so if anyone is near Dover, DE and has extra roots, I'd love to have them! Either one of the books would be fantastic.Mandi from Delawarenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-22659615876794758642011-03-09T13:00:42.906-05:002011-03-09T13:00:42.906-05:00My husband and I have just started the homesteadin...My husband and I have just started the homesteading journey. Waiting for enough snow to melt to extend gardens and we want to get a chicken coop in this year. <br />We have been blessed with 5 acres with my mom owning an adjacent 5. <br /><br />I would like to enter for both books, as anything that will help us along this journey would be a blessing. <br /><br />Good luck to all who entered!Jodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01569381849306075895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-55488481151463530822011-03-09T09:27:20.460-05:002011-03-09T09:27:20.460-05:00We are still in the planning stages, since we'...We are still in the planning stages, since we're still looking for our 'forever home'. We're planning a large garden with a chicken moat (which, of course, means we'll have chickens), lots of blueberry and blackberry bushes, and probably a few apple trees. My fiancee wants ducks, so we're looking at getting a couple of those too. I already can a lot of my harvest, so we'll probably expand that, and add a chest freezer.<br /><br />Would love to win either book. :)<br />magicalcourtney(at)yahoo(dot)comCourtneynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-85058314749095527452011-03-08T18:35:35.691-05:002011-03-08T18:35:35.691-05:00Wow! How did you know I had Backyard Homesteading...Wow! How did you know I had Backyard Homesteading on my Paperbackswap wish list? I would love a chance at it, I already own urban homesteading and consider it a very essential part of my library. I have a 1/4 acre lot in a subdivision in central WA. I have some edible landscaping such as blueberry bushes and herbs, but hope to expand it even more this year with some dwarf fruit trees and more herbs, along with a seasonal kitchen garden.<br /><br />Kellie ~ yakima, wa <br />frugallane.blogspot.comKountrysidegirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03994634926404654091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-17748093306960356252011-03-08T16:58:18.924-05:002011-03-08T16:58:18.924-05:00We are on 1.5 acres in Southcentral Alaska. We...We are on 1.5 acres in Southcentral Alaska. We've been in this house for a year it came with some raised beds, a greenhouse, wild blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. My gardening was a failure last summer. We added chickens this past fall. I hope to add more berries this summer and dairy goats next spring. I'd love to win a copy of the Urban Homestead as I already have The Backyard Homestead. <br />dickinson_4(at)msn(dot)comLavinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11323445386487182708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-14523904371594464902011-03-08T13:31:38.320-05:002011-03-08T13:31:38.320-05:00We are on year two of a little garden in the city....We are on year two of a little garden in the city. Someday I want acerage with a wide variety of trees, fruit, nut, & Maple.<br /><br />Ryan & Nancy in IowaRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14977832744110795028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-19141577254405228372011-03-08T12:49:54.213-05:002011-03-08T12:49:54.213-05:00Trying my hand at living green 100%. Last year we ...Trying my hand at living green 100%. Last year we turned out property 100% organic. This year I plan on gardening all over my property taking advantage of every spot. Yeah! I live in Portland Oregon in the heart of the city. Even I can do it. <br />I would love any one of your books. Just love it!Surviving and thriving on pennieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17549443211123230264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-70687283796713098492011-03-08T12:38:51.303-05:002011-03-08T12:38:51.303-05:00Awesome and thank you! I already own the Backyard...Awesome and thank you! I already own the Backyard Homesteader (great book, btw!), but would love a shot at the Urban Homestead. There are lots of Lisas in the world so I can be "Lisa doing her own Town-steading" as I'm not quite urban, rural <i>or</i> suburban! :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04236305250840092635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-75410400960973163572011-03-08T11:06:24.967-05:002011-03-08T11:06:24.967-05:00We currently have a tenth of an acre that we try t...We currently have a tenth of an acre that we try to utilize to the max. Our dream is to someday have a few acres with berry bushes, fruit trees, a bigger garden, bees, and maybe even a few chickens!Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06671554048612859438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-3713302423461418462011-03-08T10:28:43.982-05:002011-03-08T10:28:43.982-05:00rI am on 1/2 an acre in a suburb of Minneapolis. ...rI am on 1/2 an acre in a suburb of Minneapolis. The first year we built about 15 raised beds, and will triple the area devoted to veggies this year. Last year we added bees, and tore up the front yard to plant apple trees. Also on the front yard we have an herb garden and we planted squash as well.<br /><br />This year we are adding 2 more hives, more fruit trees and will continue adding more grapes to grow along our fence. A pond for the bees to enjoy is also on this summer's to-do list.<br /><br />Cindy Naas StapletonCindyhttp://www.beesinourbonnets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-32806036672557329462011-03-08T10:25:59.221-05:002011-03-08T10:25:59.221-05:00I usually just read your blog but I would like to ...I usually just read your blog but I would like to enter. I have just started trying to be a little more self sufficient. I have a small 8x10 area in the back of my home and hope to grow some tomatoes and zucchini something easy. My boys are old enough to learn how to grow things. I would like either one which would help me. EmmyG thanxEmmyGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-19414287476006496572011-03-08T10:23:35.248-05:002011-03-08T10:23:35.248-05:00I live in an apartment so I guess I would be a gre...I live in an apartment so I guess I would be a great example of an urban homesteader. I rent land from family members to tend my beehives, grow veggies and even forage for food. Right now I'm tending a shitake mushroom kit that sits on my coffee table in my apartment. I freeze and can as much as possible and have also recently made my own beer. I might not have my own land but I don't let that get in the way of becoming more self-sufficient!<br />-Erica in NW Ohio.<br />www.ericasbees.blogspot.comEricabeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17191232581211195646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-65124756156134284532011-03-08T09:56:34.451-05:002011-03-08T09:56:34.451-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05760615048492112540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-36571424448041700142011-03-08T08:10:40.371-05:002011-03-08T08:10:40.371-05:00I entered earlier, but just adding my name and cit...I entered earlier, but just adding my name and city: Christine from Hartford-area, CT. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com