We are officially in fall. Another year has almost passed with its hope for a great harvest in the spring, wicked hot late summer days, and now, fall. So today, I wanted to share with you my early fall checklist on the homestead.
#HollerHatWednesday: Where is she and who is she with?
Listener Feedback from Jennifer
What’s Up in the Garden
- We had a terrible infestation of cabbage worms (what we did about it)
- Fall lettuce is trying to bolt - will have a shade strategy in place for next year
Main topic of the Show: An Early Fall Checklist
Gardens
- Gather the antifreezing materials: plastic and bricks
- Stock tank heater
- Outside sheets
- Prepare the garlic bed
- Plant fall bulbs (tulips and daffodils, here we come!)
- Begin to mulch areas that are already done for the year (asparagus)
- Trim the eldreberries and mulberries (they are already dropping their leaves)
- Plan for any new fruit tree plantings
Animals
- Updated food storage: more
- Ensure we have enough hay for the winter
- Test the water antifreezing systems
- Look at shelter and evaluate for winter
- Bedding
- Outdoor shelter for dogs and cats
Humans
- Prepare for the fall root cellar move
- Review the freezer contents and look for food storage weaknesses
- Finish the rocket mass heater
- Review pipe anti-freezing technology
- Start winterizing the yard things
- Look the cars over for decent antifreeze, etc
- Power outtage kit review
- First aid/medicinal support review (flu, colds)
- Firewood
- Clean the chimney
- Order the broken stove baffle (OMG)
- Holiday travel and guest plans
- Review winter clothing status
Really the only thing on this list that does not apply to a city fall check list would be the livestock list and if you have pets, it might well. I am often struck by how the lessons in developing my lifestyle freedom on a homestead apply to most other ways of living that a person might choose.
Make it a great week!
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