Another valuable lesson:

People have lost basic knowledge on homesteading. We have read countless books (as in every night), went to lectures, watched documentaries, visit markets, etc but still make mistakes everyday.

Example: we don't have enough time to make mulch so our fruit trees and brambles are constantly being over taken by grass.

Our garden is a NIGHTMARE this year. We bought a tiller last year, but it had constant problems this year. Combined with the late snows and earlier rains we planted too late in improperly prepared soils. As our first year to "really have a garden" it looks terrible but has TONS of food growing in it. Our strawberries, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, beans, peas, radishes, lettuces, sunflowers, turnips, etc are all growing. I'll post a list later after I find it on my computer.

Our garden lesson is: don't go too big too fast.

Forgot we also have planted Almond and Hazelnut trees.