Branching Out: Maintenance and Development of Homestead Orchards and Woodlots

In this video, I take you on a tour of our homestead. We start with the blackberries, discussing their growth patterns and the challenges of getting them to survive the winter and mature during our shorter northern growing season.
Next, we move on to the asparagus patch, where I share insights on the harvesting season and how to keep the plants productive. I also mention our black raspberries and the future plans for expanding our garden area, including the potential for planting garlic.
As we stroll through the property, I check on our plum trees, noting their growth and the need for some care as the season winds down. I reflect on the history of the land and our efforts to transition it from pasture to a more productive garden space.
We then visit our apple trees, where I express my delight at the bountiful harvest this year. I talk about the different varieties we have, the challenges of managing the fruit, and our family's efforts to make dehydrated apples and applesauce.
Throughout the episode, I also touch on the various trees on our property, including box elder, walnut, and oak trees, sharing my thoughts on their utility and the challenges they present. I discuss the balance between maintaining the woods for recreation and managing the land for agricultural purposes.
Finally, I reflect on the ongoing battle with invasive sumac and the importance of maintaining the edges of our pastures. Join me as I share the joys and challenges of homesteading, gardening, and managing our little piece of land.
00:00:30 - Blackberry Harvesting
Discussion about the blackberry plants, their growth, and the current state of the harvest.
00:02:30 - Asparagus Patch Overview
Overview of the asparagus patch, including harvesting times and growth patterns.
00:04:40 - Future Garden Plans
Plans for a new garden area and the relocation of garden beds.
00:06:00 - Plum Trees Inspection
Checking on the health and growth of the plum trees planted on the property.
00:10:30 - Garden and Cow Yard Transition
Discussion on transitioning the garden area to a cow yard and making gardening more accessible.
00:13:00 - Apple Orchard Update
Overview of the apple trees, their fruit production, and plans for apple processing.
00:16:30 - Tree Varieties and Woodlot
Description of various tree types on the property, including box elder and walnut trees.
00:20:30 - Woodlot Management
Discussion on managing the woodlot, including the balance between recreation and maintenance.
00:24:30 - Sumac Control and Maintenance
Challenges with sumac growth and the efforts to maintain the pastures and hayfields.
Craig Steger is an attorney and dad of 9 who enjoys making video content about his family's homestead. Craig is an civil trial attorney in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. #resourcefullawyer #attorney #wisconsin #minnesota #iowa #crossfit #homesteading #sustainableliving
Blackberries
Asparagus
Wisconsin
Garlic
Plum trees
Black raspberry
Apples
Golden Delicious
Deer
Trail cam
Box elder trees
Walnut trees
Hickory tree
Oak trees
Cherry tree
Maple trees
Sumac
Organic farming
Cattle
Pasture
Hay
Compost pile
Garden
Produce
Homesteader
Firewood
Dehydrated apples
Kids
Calves
Pigs
Squirrels
Nature
Brush
Woodlot