Homestead Workshop Building Raised Beds

Hello Homesteader, April 15, 2010

What a great meeting it was Saturday! I thoroughly enjoyed working along side everyone and getting the raised beds constructed for the Good Samaritan and Rusk Community. As usual with volunteers and agriculture projects, everything does not often go according to plan. However, in the end the biggest concern from those who have spoken with me is that this garden is going to grow such wonderful produce that we will have to put in a security system to keep people from stealing the goods! The goal of this project was for you to learn how to incorporate such a project into your own farm or community. If you were like me and spent too much time in the sun, I hope that you are recovering for the long day of work and are busy on your own homestead while the weather is cooperating.

The next class is the much-anticipated tour of the Walker’s Straw House and Gardens just south of Rusk off of HWY 69. We will meet at the Good Samaritan (corner of 2nd street and hwy 23) at 9:30 am Saturday, April 17 and carpool to the Walker’s Home. Please call the office and let me know if you are going to be able to attend – as I do not want to leave anyone. In addition, please mark your calendars for the next Homesteader classes and learning opportunities:

• April 24 ETGRA Goat Workshop-Jacksonville, Also Master Gardner Plant Sale
• May 8 Small Forestry Workshop – Texas Forestry Service- Jacksonville
• May 15 Small Farm Solutions – Entertainment Farms – Goats, Gardens, & Poultry Douglass - Tour
• May 22 Prairie View A&M Goat and Small Farm Field Day – Prairie View,TX
• June 5 Review and Paperwork, Extension Office, Rusk
• June 8 AgriLife Extension Fair – Extension Office, Rusk 1-6pm

As always, please bring something to take notes on and with and you are welcome to bring camera’s to take pictures and “steal” helpful hits for your homestead. We do not plan to be doing any work but simply a tour of Mr. Walker’s “Hippie Paradise”. The weather is forecasted to be beautiful and sunny with a slight chance of rain, but you still need to come dressed to do a little walking in the “woods”. If you require special services, please let me know prior to the meeting and I will make the necessary accommodations. If you need more information or will not be able to attend as previously scheduled, contact Rene’ McCracken at 903-683-5416 or lrmccracken@ag.tamu.edu. I have also set up a blogsite http://myowngroceries.blogspot.com where you can find all the handouts, presentations, resources, and news about the class. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your best farm gadget or invention! Educational programs of Cooperative Extension Program are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

Thank you,


Rene’ McCracken