We started out with a very small, traditional row garden our first year after moving to the country. It was nearly a disaster! We experienced above average rainfalls which washed the rows away and then a hail storm which made the entire yard look like a salad bowl!

One thing that survived was the little fenceline full of sugar snap peas. When they started to produce, the kids found them and discovered they had to walk past that section of fence several times a day! I was grateful for the decision not to put any chemicals on them. I could not imagine my babies eating carcinogens disguised as cute little peas!

From that point 'til now we are constantly striving to improve our methods, variety and practices. We are not finished, or perfect. Our cattle are fed some natural grains and will be until they can thrive on our pasture alone. Our pasture is a little better than that first garden, but not much--yet!

This journey into sustainability began with those first peas and has grown into raising cattle (for meat and milk), dairy goats, rabbits, chickens and of course the garden. The garden now consists of 10 large raised beds, fruit trees, herbs, ornamentals, and much more. I often think of those snap peas and view each project with the same scrutiny--am I assured that our kids will stay healthy if they eat/drink that? 

In regards to raising livestock I feel that our animals are well cared for, live peaceful, content lives, have room to roam and play; not dissimilar to our kids---fresh air, healthy diet and peace. I wish it on all of our planet, and am doing what I can here at our little piece of heaven.

Stop by and see our farm sometime, the snap peas are not in bloom, but the coffee pot is at the ready for visitors!

Liz Montgomery
Lucky Lizard Ranch
Conroe, Texas

Why eat well? >