How to Be A Farmgirl

For those desiring a farmgirl lifestyle. Being a farmgirl is all about being close to nature, being frugal, being self-sufficient, and being creative with few resources at times. Living off the land may seem like a huge quest, but it is possible. Having close friends and neighbors is also a big plus! Working "together" makes life much happier and simpler. Getting things done is always faster and more fun with a friend by your side.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Creativity
• Intuition
• Desire
• An apron
• A house dress, skirt or your favorite jeans
• A good pair of boots or favorite sturdy shoes, or flip flops if you like.
• Gloves
• A sun hat
• Organization
• A plan

1. 
   old corn crib and barn

   I’ve been a farmgirl all my life. From the age of four I’ve lived on the same farm. I’m 50 years old, and still live here! With the exception of about 6 months after I got married, we lived in a nearby small town. Even there, I was wanting to get my hands in the dirt, plant, create, and didn't realize just what it was that tugged at me. I wanted to get back to the land, and back to the farm. It was truly in my blood to be a farmgirl. Once your feet have been planted on a farm, or a piece of ground that you can call your own - nothing else quite compares.
   
   But being practical, I know for some this may be impossible. So what do you do, to practice being a farmgirl when you are in the heart of a city? Or if you're in the suburbs? Or anywhere else that doesn't quite fit the description of a farm?
   
   I'll give you some pointers - to the best of my ability, from my own experience:

2. 
   Fresh corn

   GROW SOMETHING:
   1. Find a place to plant vegetables, flowers, herbs or even elegant orchids!
   2. Herbs on your kitchen windowsill
   3. Pots of tomatoes on the deck
   4. Peppers and onions on the balcony
   5. Is there a rooftop space where you can plant a small variety of your favorite plants?
   6. Window boxes are another option.
   
   MAKE SOMETHING:
   1. Find a pattern for a sewing project.
   2. Find a fabric store, and browse through the pattern books and find something that catches your attention.
   3. If sewing isn't very interesting to you, then perhaps crocheting or knitting would be more your style.
   4. Embroidery, or other needlework.
   5. Maybe art is more your style? In that case get out your canvas and create!
   
   COOKING & BAKING:
   Gather up your cookbooks, and earmark favorite recipes to try.
   
   CANNING & FREEZING
   Enjoy natures bounty all year long by canning or freezing fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you grow them yourself or buy them from a farmer's market.
   
   U-PICK FARMS:
   Find one in your area and enjoy the outdoors, while picking blueberries, strawberries or vegetables.
   www.pickyourown.org
   
   FARM ANIMALS:
   Have room for a cow? Maybe a small goat? Chickens? Fresh milk and eggs are another fabulous thing about farm living. If you don't have room or city code prevents the owning of these types of animals, then find a farm nearby to visit, and perhaps you can purchase eggs and milk.
   *See Warnings
   
   FISHING:
   Fishing in a stream or farm pond is one of my favorite activities. Again, find a place to go fishing in the local farm section of the newspaprer. Call you Home Extension Office and see of they any recommendations. Fresh fried or baked bream, catfish or speckled trout would be a fine treat should you be lucky enough to catch one or some.
   *See Warnings
   
   
   There is something so satisfying about making things, growing things, and feeling close to nature. Try it!

3. 
   free-roaming chickens

   Quotation: "A farmgirl believes in the strong arms of friendship, community, and the just plain fun of being together. A farmgirl takes joy in the quiet satisfaction of making things with her own hands. A farmgirl doesn’t have to live on a farm. There’s a farmgirl at heart in all of us!" ~MaryJane Butters
   www.maryjanesfarm.org

Tips & Warnings

• Experience the farm life on a working farm. Some charge a fee, some let you work there in exchange for payment.
• Volunteer to help with chores, gardening, or canning at a neighbors farm.
• Fishing in public areas require proper permits or licenses. You can be fined if caught fishing without these. There also regulations regarding the size of fish you can keep and those you have to throw back in the water.
• Certain cities have ordinances against having certain animals within the city limits. Be sure and check it out with the City Hall beforehand.