Transforming a 20 Acres into a Homestead Food Forest In The High Desert

[@heiditusberg565]

Hi, from Grand Junction👋 From one high desert gardener to another I wish you the greatest of success!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks! Wishing you great success as well. This year has been good with the rains.

[@heiditusberg565]

Yeah, we’ve been loving the monsoon season and getting a break from the hundred degree heat streak.

[@LeoCreatini]

"A good community creates happiness" 💯

[@StefanoCreatini]

There is room for more here =)

[@outadventurer]

Hello from Flagstaff, AZ Very impressed with the quality of your approach to regen ag, permaculture, community, sustainability and self-sufficiency. While I'm not in a position to do what you did (at 62 years), I am grateful to see more people taking the initiative to reclaim their sovereignty and live in harmony with Nature. Will be a foundation for the new, more conscious economy moving forward. Thank you for sharing your connections with others. It is inspiring.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.

[@RichardMartinie]

This video was perfect for helping me see the potential of a property that at first glance, seems useless (too dry where nothing productive grows). Wow 😮 with a vision and a little knowledge you can do SO much 👌🏻 Tytyty for a ton of great info! Thanks a million ☺️ God bless your family 🙏🏻

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thank you. I agree, it all about having different lenses. One of the aspects of permaculture.

[@gianni1827]

wishing you all the best for this new adventure, you'll have a lot of fun learning, designing and making all these ideas become reality,

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, it’s going to be a lifetime project

[@David-fv7zg]

Congratulations my friend, you’ve worked hard and hit the jackpot.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, it’s been a long ride of up and downs. I appreciate your comments on the fire build.

[@christcg1]

There's so much room for activities! Can't wait to see how it looks in some years

[@StefanoCreatini]

me too, I just need to enjoy the present moment

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Super informative tour of your place. Lots of potential and good plans for it all. Love the cows and the plan to calf-share the milk. Two gallons of milk for the family sounds good. Thanks and good luck. Will check back in the next season.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks! Ill keep posting content on the farm. We are gearing up for a big push this spring

[@HomesteadRanger]

Beautiful cows! The milk is going to be amazing!!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, I’m glad I have a year before milk to prepare the land and build us skills

[@HomesteadRanger]

@@StefanoCreatini good point, you built a foundation of necessary infrastructure prior to the arrival of your livestock, very key 😎

[@bradhafichuk]

Happy for you and glad you got the opportunity to get some land to work on

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks!

[@W4DSolutions]

Congratulations! What a great adventure you are on

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks looking forward to sharing the experience

[@JohnDoe-id9hi]

Great video, I'd suggest grafting to the trees near the old chicken coop, if you don't like the fruit you can keep the base and graft and variety you want in it's place.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Great Idea, i have thoughts of grafts plum varieties on the plum trees

[@KokoraLife]

Wow, that's a big plan! Best of luck!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, it will be a lifelong project .

[@DevinHeida]

Its neat to be this early, but ima watch this later as I like reading peoples comments and takes on this sort of thing.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Lol, love it, we can talk later

[@marlorodriquez5594]

Me gustan tus videos saludos desde new york

[@StefanoCreatini]

Gracias!

[@amettamail]

Seeing the water flow, you could possibly install a ram pump and move it back up a couple meters of elevation. I'm envious of your farm. You've got a new sub!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks and Definetly! , working on a ram pump over the winter.

[@beckygossett4697]

Well I'm in high desert too. Do you have gophers, voles, packrats & lizards? Controlling them is a constant battle. Deer I can control with fencing! My horses are my wildfire abatement team. And fertilizer factory. It's very beautiful there.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, having tons of water in this climate helps. I have all those rodents, not so much lizards. Foxes keep them in check.

[@coltnoah4779]

I appreciate you

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks, I’m at 6200 ft elevation

[@MrsPowerpoole]

I am a little older than you but you have encouraged me to

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks!

[@elizabethpostawa]

My husband and I just recently purchased almost 5 acres in Peyton Colorado. We’re trying to figure out what is the best plan on how to use the land and hopefully profit from it and grow our own food. Thank you for the Content.

[@StefanoCreatini]

thanks! Congrats! Peyton has different challenges, but the principles would be the same. Do you have a well, irrigation?

[@mkijn999]

Yeomans subsoiling Keyline plows on contour, especially together with springs. Solar water pumping from springs to tanks at highest points on land. Automated/timer watering.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Im working to see if I can get a yeoman plow for this valley, and working with NRCS for solar pumping from springs. Impressed you came up with that from just the video.

[@mkijn999]

​@@StefanoCreatini Thanks. I've been thinking about improving degraded land for years (preferably on a huge scale). Keeping water on the land, breaking up soil compacted by farming, animals or even rain is part of it. You have such a huge advantage with natural springs that a Yeoman's keyline plow/plough could extend across the desert areas (link at ends at half of plow depth like a zig-zag for flow/drainage - lines 1-2, 3-4 linked on left, 2-3 & 4-5 on right). Consider ferrocement for water tanks at high point of your property (cheap, you can build yourself, even carry). Weeds in a mesh bag in the water or separate fertiliser brewing can be added to the irrigation water. Biochar via rocket stove baking a semi-sealed container (sand to remove airgaps + low quality wood/leaves/poo/noxious weeds in a pressure cooker or similar. Avoid explosions - add a bung/relief valve!). Put new hot charcoal in water - cracks charcoal to have huge surface area. Leave under water (year?) - eventually add brewed inoculant. Hugely helpful for bio active land, plant growth, retaining water etc. Best of luck

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks

[@laughingbuddha28]

Hi, start with rain water harvesting and legumes. Best of luck

[@StefanoCreatini]

Which legumes? Alfalfa/covers?

[@ChristianMatthew315]

awesome!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Ang.0910]

Congratulations!! High desert is tough but u look to have hit the jackpot with all those springs! What part of Colorado are you in? Looks beautiful 😻

[@nateross14]

If someone knows what they're doing and gets creative with harvesting rainwater and geothermal Walipini greenhouses, the high desert is actually an amazing place to easily grow anything you want, even Tropical fruit trees. Just takes a bit of planning. Once you get the infrastructure in place, IMO much easier and more reliable to grow in zones such as 6 than in the hotter and Rainier southern states because you don't have to deal with extreme heat or heat loving pests.....as much

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thank you! Im in Paonia. I totally hit the jackpot, people didnt value the springs on the land. On the farm I managed in Durango, I learned quickly how powerful a spring can be.

[@StefanoCreatini]

These are valid points, with good water, we get good growth here. This area is the capital of organic agriculture in Colorado.

[@maigematthews5620]

7:17 Hey Stefano, There aren’t any goats or sheep to help trim the weeds? Maybe rent them temporarily from a local farm? I heard pigs do well too.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Yes, looking at all options at the moment. My wife doesnt like fresh goat milk, so that makes it tough to justify them, My neighbors had goats they can bring over. Only issue is keeping them penned so they dont kill trees.

[@maigematthews5620]

7:41 Have you thought about putting any wildlife in that pond? Maybe some big-mouth bass?

[@StefanoCreatini]

100%, Im thinking of creating a fishing destination spot, starting with trout in the higher ponds since the temperature coming from ground is constant, and doing bass in the lower ponds

[@DonteeWeaver]

Any suggestions for fencing off property lines of 20 acres? Most cost effective options?

[@StefanoCreatini]

What state? We get free game fencing if you put in an orchard in Colorado. Have to do labor yourself. Fencing is expensive.

[@DonteeWeaver]

​@StefanoCreatini In California, the county on San Bernardino where would I look for info about free game fencing?

[@steveberkshire3804]

Where is he? What is the altitude, climate zone, m rights, water..etc. How much was it?

[@petrarapp9850]

Hi Stefano, perhaps you would like look/learn the fireritual " agni hotra" - you became more fruits etc. Good luck 🙏

[@StefanoCreatini]

Hi! Ill look into it, thanks!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Looks like Ill need a professional to do it

[@barbarabigelow9110]

Are there any nut trees that would grow there? Hazelnut maybe?

[@StefanoCreatini]

Yes, Hazelnuts grow decently out here. Walnuts as well. Chestnuts do terribly

[@TheEmbrio]

Congrats on your farm and plans, look into producing legumes and cereals for extra self sustainability, not just grass fed to animals, perhaps space your swales for some small tractors, parallel lines for easier management (keyline) that sort of thing.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thank you! I plan on doing at least 60 to 75ft per swale spacing to accommodate grazing and animal tractors

[@coltnoah4779]

What elevation are you at?

[@StefanoCreatini]

6000

[@QuiChiYang2]

75 - 85% chance those cow patties are growing psilocybin cubensis.

[@StefanoCreatini]

I think so, I don’t have the fortitude to try them out lol

[@lunaallison2270]

I’m from Durango, Co and I’m finally able to grow my first garden and I’m in love with my plants. I feel like by the way your scenery looks you are pretty near there. You near alamosa ? Not trying to be nosy but I KNOW those mountains behind you I just can’t put my finger on it.

[@lunaallison2270]

I also saw your video that took place in Cortez, Co and that is an hour from me! I want to ask that nice family if I could have a tour of the farm. Thanks for that cool video!!!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Howdy, I’m up in Hotchkiss/Paonia. I used to live on a farm in Durango for 5 years. Glad you have some space for a garden. The goat farm and the sheep farm are both out that direction. They are doing amazing work

[@jimhanson2860]

are those the spanish peaks in the background?

[@StefanoCreatini]

North fork mountains

[@25Soupy]

Swales are good but I like using keylines.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Key line is preferred, but in this case I need to move large amounts of water across the contour.

[@jparker9320]

What area are you in? We are in Moffat. Definitely curious if the same trees and plants would work. I'm still learning the San Luis Valley. I would definitely like to talk with you if you have time. We are in the early start of permaculture. Hope to hear from you and thank you for your video.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Hi, SLV is slightly different in terms of climate compared to me. I am in North Fork Valley. Temps are lowered and higher winds generally. We are also at 5600 ft elevation. Reach out on my instagram

[@bryanprehoda]

High desert ….? Somewhere Colorado ?

[@StefanoCreatini]

Yeah, Hotchkiss/Paonia

[@elizabethlaporte4331]

Did you get a good potato harvest?

[@StefanoCreatini]

Somewhat, they are still a little small, need to wait a few more weeks

[@susanschmid2271]

Super.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thanks!

[@mechanics4all405]

is there no cover crop,that could grow add nitrogen,chop and drop regen,on the desert parts?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@StefanoCreatini]

Thats the plan, just need to figure out moving water first.

[@kartintoftalid124]

U should build a chikkne Garden to your organic garden

[@StefanoCreatini]

ill look into it!

[@denniskearney5266]

How much for a few acres on a subdivision so I can farm that beautiful land

[@StefanoCreatini]

Land here in expensive, no final numbers but 7 acre with water rights goes for 300s

[@denniskearney5266]

@@StefanoCreatini wow that’s nuts man 300 k

[@StefanoCreatini]

@@denniskearney5266 yup, this is one of several reasons people can’t afford to do homesteading or farming

[@kartintoftalid124]

Use the pigs at the pond

[@MrGman1956]

Where is your farm

[@StefanoCreatini]

North fork Valley in Colorado. Paonia/Hotchkiss

[@Tirra227]

Why would you reveal a rangers homestead bunker.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Because he asked 🫡

[@hoganmaps]

When you say subdivide - do you intent to rent it or sell it?

[@StefanoCreatini]

Ive considered both, doing seller financing with some down payment or flat out sale.

[@hoganmaps]

@@StefanoCreatini are you outside of the water tap moratorium area? I've been watching that area for a while now, I look forward to seeing it pop up on zillow if you choose to go that route.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Good question, I allocated one spring for domestic use and then I had a well for other lot.

[@richardlawrence5614]

Thanks for sharing this. I look forward to seeing more as your vision becomes reality there. My wife and I are just getting started with something similar on the other side of Hotchkiss. We’ve had the same experience you describe with how friendly and helpful everyone is here.

[@StefanoCreatini]

@@richardlawrence5614 looking forward to connecting, are you on the Roger’s mesa side?

[@TheEmbrio]

The chicken coop /run looks like it was chemically sprayed. Please reassure me ?!

[@StefanoCreatini]

Hard to tell, if it was, its been over 8 years since the old man sprayed it. That chicken coop is going to be a project on its and a video

[@pietroconstantino4848]

I don't even need to know your name to know you're Italian. Just needed to hear salami and cheese.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Ahaha love it

[@jf1274]

Need private investor funding?

[@petrarapp9850]

.....or worker? I'm here ... The nature - the best.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Always

[@juanalfonso9143]

If you spray your plants with deer repellent made out of egg, the deer won’t eat your shrubs

[@StefanoCreatini]

You got some recipes?

[@i_would_but_i_wont]

Just another cliched transplant moving to Colorado to survive the apocalypse. Sucks for those of us who've lived here our whole lives and can't afford land in our home.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Unfortunately, its like that in every state. Its a generational thing.

[@StefanoCreatini]

Only way I could make this work is because I learned how to use real estate. Im setting up a skool community and will teach different techniques to acquire homestead properties.

[@earthwormandruw]

@@StefanoCreatiniI'd love to hear about the legal aspects of all this. Like do you need permits to farm and sell produce? Can you build structures like barns?

[@susanschmid2271]