The Backyard Farmer
Anyone can be a farmer!
I've worked on farms in Maine, Massachusetts, and northern California, and grow produce in my own backyard. Here are some of the essentials that I use in my day to day that you might use too.
Suggestions welcome for areas I've missed!
3. Boss Pants
You'll need some pants to last you forever, and these are the ones. They are double fronted so they can take a beating, whether you're working on your hands and knees or slicing veggies against your leg with a knife. And, they're pretty comfy. Oh, and anything made by Carhart is hip right now, so you'll look awesome in your garden.
8. Yes, you need a shovel
This shovel is expensive. But I'm not listing anything that's crap and is going to break right off. I believe in investing in your tools so they can serve you well for many years. This is a beautiful and eminently functional piece of equipment. Rub the handle down with linseed oil every fall and it will stay strong and smooth for a lifetime.
11. Assuming you have dirt, now all you need are seeds
Heirloom tomatoes are beautiful and so darn tasty you will never eat one of those plastic tomatoes you bought at the store again. Let these beauties get fully ripe on the vine. They may grow in odd shapes and some will split, but just cut out any bad spots and you can make a meal of just tomatoes, they're that good.
13. You must grow basil
Basil is required for every garden. Put in on your tomatoes, make pesto, rub a leaf between your fingers and revel in the essence of fresh. Basil is highly perishable once picked, so having some plants in the backyard is better than gambling on the supply at the local supermarket.
Want to make your own list?