THE BLESSINGS OF GROWING IN A WARMER GROWING ZONE

There were a lot of variables that we considered when we considering when we were making the decision to move to Arkansas.

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One of the potential benefits to moving so far south was that we would be in a higher growing zone, which meant that we would be able to grow many plants that would not survive the cold Wisconsin winters. Additionally many of the plants that we enjoyed growing up in Wisconsin would still be able to be grown down in Arkansas, so we were definitely gaining more than we were losing.

Since one of our main goals in homesteading is to provide for the majority of our own food needs, we felt like this was a great step in the right direction.

SHARING THE BLESSINGS

Since we are acquiring large amounts of various fruit trees and other food-bearing plants, we love to share the blessing and encourage others. I've mailed a lot of seeds and plants to a variety of steemians, and was able to give some to @provider, @msgreenthumb, @grandpa-pepper, @paradise-found and others on this trip.

Interestingly enough, some plants and seeds came my way too!

COLD HARDY KIWI

Last year @msgreenthumb picked up a couple "Cold Hardy Kiwi" plants, that just were not cold hardy enough for the zone where she lives. While I was in town, she texted me to ask if I would like to give them a permanent home down in Arkansas. Since she still had one female that survived and her male plant too, I gladly accepted her offer.

"Cold Hardy Kiwi" plants produce a smaller, green-skinned variety of kiwi rather than the larger, fuzzy, brown ones. By growing my own "hairless" Kiwis at home, I can not only save money, but also save time shaving, which will be a huge bonus!

Thank you so much @msgreenthumb we will take good care of these plants! It is to bad that they did not work out for you, but we will gladly enjoy them.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

While watching the eclipse in Missouri, some of our other friends from Wisconsin picked up some Brussels Sprouts seedlings. After contemplating how late in the year it was up here, they decided to give them to us instead. While we have no guarantee of a harvest this year either, we do have a better chance than they do, and we were happy to receive such a gift.

FREE SEEDS

It seems that every year there are a lot of free seeds flying around in some circles of gardeners. This is because stores are supposed to dispose of their inventory at the end of the season. Whether someone just knows someone, or someone raids a dumpster, somehow many of these seeds end up getting a second chance at growing.

While at the home of @provider this weekend, we managed to get our hands on some. With seeds like salad mix, cilantro, and spinach, many we can even plant this year and still get a harvest. Others, like sweet corn and okra, will have to wait until next year. Growing your own food can save money anyway, but when your seeds are free, it can be even cheaper!

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Overall it was a wonderful time up here in Wisconsin, and we are just about to jump in the truck to drive back. Lord willing, we will be home in Arkansas before sundown and able to check up on all of our animals. It'll be so exciting to be back working on the homestead. It was a great break from all of the hard work that I have been doing, but we need to be progressing. Now, we even have more supplies for our future, and new ways to enjoy our longer growing season!

As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:

proof-of-a-blessing-because-of-a-warmer-growing-zone

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Until next time…

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