Finding the property to get started.....
(pics above is what our garden area looked like at first)
Finding the perfect piece of property to start an ideal garden or farm can be challenging for some and for us it was!
Budget was our biggest issue and being able to afford flat land that is ideal for our ambitions was not something we could afford. We had been searching for quite some time and was hitting a wall. Trying to find ideal farm land in the Appalachian mountains can be a challenge in its self. We wanted something that was physically possible to handle and not break the bank. Even though it was a tough search we eventually found some property that worked and would help us obtain our farming-garden ambitions.
I was so tickled to obtain this property and couldn't wait to start our garden!
Once everything was said and done, we took on the challenge of getting the flattest part of the land prepped and ready for next seasons garden. With all the clearing we needed to be done in being late June and all, we knew the garden would not be possible until the next season and kept working on and on. A lot of prep was needed and drive to get things underway.
At first we where unable to take our small tractor in to mow. Having to clear by hand, using cutting tools and hard rakes. Some parts had weeds and brush that were over four feet tall. Fallen sumac and other trees on the land laid under all the brush making it uncertain what creature or tree you'd come upon next. Thankfully we did not come across any snakes, during the clean up process.
(pics of our garden area at first)
After all the brush was out of the way we could finally get our tractor in to mow, next we cut down the un-needed trees, next would be digging out the stumps. With the help of a larger tractor and team work, we were able to get all the small trees and stumps out of the way in a day.
(garden area two months later)
Stepping back and looking at what we started with just a few months prior to where we are today was pretty amazing to see all the hard work come to light.
This property was coming back to life!
What we've accomplished so far made me think, "It's probably been over seventy years since a garden of any size has been on this property", What a blessing to be able to revive it! Can't wait to continue putting my personal touch to this lovely little piece appalachian mountain land.
....More updates to Come....
Wishing those who inspire to garden and grow what they love .. blessings and hope you get to do so....
{ Some advice when choosing land... Be wise, only invest in what you can personally and physically handle. Plan, prepare and obtain the right tools to help you get your garden underway. Happy land hunting and gardening.}