Winter is a slow outdoor season for obvious reasons. I’ve had to do some pest proofing of various trees and bushes but for the most part we just wait for snow and then marvel at the resulting white. December I begin spring planning. Last years planning involved a lot of tree purchasing and mapping out of various earthworks. Dreams of our greenhouse, pergola and water harvesting mechanisms were also included.
We accomplished some of those tasks this year along with a lot of tasks that weren’t pre-planned. This year we managed the following:
- The mini-Kraters were built and planted.
- Water harvesting from our driveway was increased.
- Experimental seeds were planted. (sainfoin and a lot of other cover crop seeds)
- The sunken hugel was built and planted.
- Kitchen gardens were expanded.
- The yards were tilled and planted with low growing clover.
- Cider orchard was built and planted
- We got pigs
- We had a ton of hatchlings
- We lost a ton of hatchlings (all but 1 baby peacock died this year).
- We did the back porch project that included re-flooring, painting and wiring the sun room for lights.
Gosh, I’m getting tired thinking about the things we did this year. Still a lot to accomplish though. The major projects I had wanted to get done this year were not done. Now that I am not working these will be at the top of my project list. The pergola, the greenhouse and starting all fruit trees from seed. Because of the loss of my income I’m going to make a real push at growing my own from seed and growing root stocks to graft from the successful experimental trees.
Also on the list is improved food production in the kitchen garden and we are planning to butcher the pigs at home . I am trying not to set us too many tasks as house maintenance often surprises us. I know we need to repaint the house and probably caulk the windows ASAP.
One major project I want to take on is building a natural swimming pond that is also going to collect roof water. I admit, that will probably be #1 on my list. Stay tuned for that. I have a habit of over doing ponds. Hopefully this one will be sealed better than the last one I dug.
Other than that I’m preparing the basement now for the kids and for seedling growing. I’m also managing our permaculture group. Whoo. I’m glad I quit my job now. I’m going to be BUSY!