After writing the post about what I would do if I had no fear I realized that deep down I was done with the retail side of herbalism. I wanted to get back to helping people that came to me directly and I want to make medicines for them on the spot with what is there. It may sound silly, and not at all business savvy, but I was getting too big. So within four weeks of that post I have sold my business name, almost cleared out all of my stock, and have really promoted my farm and school. I am getting regular queries on what my farm will offer and folks are signing up for classes.
Then I wrote two books and rather than waiting to be discovered I just self published them. This is called, Taking your life into your own hands! Just do it! It has to work! I am not afraid of whether the farm will work. Of course it will. I am afraid that I will not plant enough. I still do not have any idea how many lettuce seeds to plant. How many tomato plants? How many cabbages? We need enough vegetables to feed our family, to preserve for the winter, and to sell at the market, and have some available for folks that visit the farm. That seems like a lot. Do I have enough space? Time shall tell. I guess I will make charts. How much space does one broccoli take? (1 foot) How much broccoli do I want for us? (One head every other week?) Twenty-six plus however many I want to sell. So, let’s say I want to sell another twenty-four heads of broccoli then I need one fifty foot row to grow broccoli. I can grow greens in between and herbs. They can share space. I need to do that with all the seeds I bought! There has to be an easier way! I am sure the longer I farm, the more in tune I will be and this will come more naturally. In the meantime, where should I put the corn?
I’m excited to watch this year’s farming season transpire. I am excited to hear about how you are making your dreams come true as well!
Katie Lynn Sanders 
I’ve decided just to do a container garden this year. With some tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, raspberries and some herbs in hanging pots. We always get rosemary, maybe basil and mint. I want some calendula because it’s a beautiful flower and serves a purpose. What else does well in a pot?
Next year we will have a bigger garden.
Have you tested the soil at your new place? Don’t worry, I’m sure you will have a plentiful season.
You should write a book about how if you want to be a farmer, you have to learn to deal with loss, 🙂
P.S.
(I still want to take the soap making class one day)
I have not tested the soil. It’s gorgeous and has been sustainably farmed for probably fifty years but has had some years off as of late. I am anxious to get back in there! Virtually any vegetable and fruit can be grown in a pot. I will have an entire porch filled with pots to extend my gardens.
Life is all about learning and growing. The lessons you learn this year will carry into the next. The lessons you learn next year will carry into the following year. And it goes on and on and on.
One thing I’ve always wanted to try growing is blueberries. I think I have a perfect spot for them in the garden near a pine tree. Since it appears we may be here for a little while longer, I feel I should expand where I can. Maybe I should put in a couple fruit trees as well. The worst thing to happen is that we do end up moving before they produce, but that just means the next family will enjoy the fruits of my labor, right.
That is right, Deb. Trees are one of the greatest gifts we can leave on our planet and for future generations! Keep gardening!