Our Property...
To Recap...
A while ago, I made a post and told you guys that my wife and I had purchased eight and a half acres of unrestricted raw land in Missouri. Well, this post is about one of the first steps we are taking to turn it into an actual homestead capable of supporting us, and that step is fruit trees and bushes! Anyone who has looked into homesteading knows that starting an orchard should be one of the first things you do, mainly because it takes so long to see any payoff, years in most cases...
The first order...
Trees Are Not Cheap!
Deciding which trees to order was a little intimidating at first. I had to do a lot of reading as to what would grow best in the zone our property is located in, then I had to look into which trees and shrubs are self-pollinating, and which ones need another tree for this. You can see I went with two apple trees and two pear trees for pollination purposes. The plum, elderberry, and grapes are all self-pollinating so I only purchased one of each of those...
Bushes!
But Wait, There's More!
After buying the trees and vines, I then started looking at shrubs to get as well. I had to work within the budget I had or trust me, I would have bought everything I could! I still want to get some strawberries, but I think I can get them locally easier than mail order, and cherry trees as well. The place I ordered from was sold out of cherry trees so I am going to look at another place this week when I get paid and see what I can come up with.
But But But...
I am sure someone is thinking, but wait if you live in Michigan, and your land is in Missouri, what are you going to do with trees now??? Well, I am going to get them started in containers. This will let me get them started strong with a good soil mix specialized to their needs. Then, later this summer, after we have a suitable spot cleared on our property, we will go down and plant them, God willing. And also God willing, these trees will bring us food for years to come! Maybe you should plant a fruit tree or two wherever you live.
Something to think about...
