The New Pioneer

During the last few months some of you said you wanted to move to a rural area, to become more self-sufficient and take more control of your lives, yet second thoughts had kept you from making a final decision. They all started with a “but”: …we don’t want to farm full-time, we don’t want to give up what cities have to offer; we would need to supplement our income in some way and don’t know how, etc. In this issue of TNP we address those concerns by featuring new pioneers whose can-do approach to problem solving gave them the answers necessary to make their lifestyle change a success. To see what I mean by a can-do attitude, read mini-farmer Madelyn Fossum’s inspiring story. When Hurricane Ida destroyed the 14-year-old’s garden…

For most of us, the busy spring season is a balancing act between living in the moment and planning ahead. It’s the time to prepare and plant the garden, but we can’t neglect taking some time to enjoy the slower-paced projects, such as looking for spring mushrooms. And it’s always good to plan for the harvest. The more we do now, the smoother everything goes at the end of the season. PLANT BY NATURE’S SIGNS Gardeners have long been in touch with the natural world, and for good reason. While an early warm spell might fool us into thinking we can plant early, by watching what’s happening with the trees and flowers, we gain a better understanding of when it’s truly a good time to plant. Take a cue from Mother Nature…

Hobby farming gets a bum rap. Many people think it’s just a way for the rich to get tax breaks while hiring others to do all the work. In truth, a hobby farm is a satisfying way to supplement your income if you enjoy working outdoors—and, for couples like Julie and Steve Mast, a great way to raise a family. At first glance, Julie and Steve seem unlikely candidates to be hobby farmers. Both opted for city life after college and were living in Portland when they met and married. Dig a little deeper, though, and it’s easy to see how they ended up on a Christmas-tree farm in a rural area of Oregon about 14 miles from Portland. Their Roots Steve worked on his grandfather’s farm during the summer, and Julie grew…

“A couple has to be on the same page for this lifestyle to work out.” The other day, some friends stopped by early to tag a Christmas tree on our farm. As we walked through one of our fields, my husband, Steve, pointed out the brown, seared remains of our three-year-old trees. The heat wave that brought 116-degree temperatures in late June was too much for these young trees to survive. Steve commented, “It’s always disappointing when we lose so many trees at once, but thankfully this is a hobby and not our livelihood.” We’ve owned our farm for nearly 10 years, and this is a theme that continually gets echoed. Whether we lose a number of trees to heat or some blueberry bushes to a cold snap, we are grateful that…

“We’re helping Mother Nature by moving the seed in a wide area. I work with her rather than manipulating…” Strolling past a blanket of poppy blooms, I feel as if I’ve been transported to Oz as every step takes me deeper into an enchanting place. Imagine a mystical rainbow with rows and rows of orange, yellow, blue and violet blooms. Yes, it’s a fairy tale come true at Wildseed Farms. Just 7 miles east of Fredericksburg, in the Texas Hill Country, Wildseed Farms’ founder and president John R. Thomas, a towering gent clad in a cowboy hat and boots, invites the public—free of charge—to visit his heavenly gardens. Visitors tour the half-mile walking trails surrounded by 200 acres of blooming wildflowers. More than just a pretty place, Wildseed generously shares its secrets…

The Wildseed Farms planting reference guide helps you narrow down all the variables in order to achieve a thriving wildflower garden. Each species includes a success percentage rating from 1 to 10 percent. Pay close attention to the detailed seven-point step-by-step guide in preparing the site, planting the seed and watering properly. The farm has a call center that answers questions and offers advice on seed orders. Wildflowers can be planted in the fall or early spring, depending on the climate in various regions across the U.S. In the northern and northeastern sections, USDA Zones 1 through 6, an early spring planting is recommended. In the Southern states, USDA Zones 7 through 11, wildflowers are planted in the fall and can be sown in early spring. Learn more by visiting wildseedfarms.com/pages/…