Getting down and dirty

[MorikoHa]

So I've poured through the online articles of BHM and Countryside.
I've read through the foxfire books.
I've looked at other highly recommended books I saw at the BHM and Countryside store, (What would I do without the library???)
I've read about researched and have been exploring my own skills and talents and thinking of other ways to make income and DIY, (still thinking).
I've done all the mental preparation I can think of to make the lifestyle change to "backwoods".

The only thing I really need is some good old hands on experience.

I want goats - never touch a goat udder, or any experience. (I've milked cows with a child, but always just a few squirts here and there.)
From all I've read about chickens, I think I can handle at least one, and I don't think I will kill it.
I'm ready to try herbs again, (the first time i over watered them in my apprehension over the Sacramento summer, the second time I left town and no one watered them.)

So where can I find a small homestead or farm where I can work to learn about homestead/farm life before making the big leap?
I'm ready for the "next step" in my education and research but don't know how to go about it except get up and move - which we can't do right now.
I'm rambling - advice?

[Farmer]

Try a local 4H club.

Check with your city and county to see whether they have set aside gardening plots. Don't bring goats into the gardening plots - the other gardeners will plant you!

Check with the county to see whether they have an exhibit farm where you can participate.

Find a local farmer who will take you on as an unpaid apprentice during any time off you have.

Start growing stuff in planters and pots.

Luck with your search! Keep us posted on what you find.

[12vman]

Check out these (http://www.dancingrabbit.org/) folks. ;)

[Terri]

Do you have a back yard? Is it rented or owned?

The REASON that California is an important vegetable growing state is the long growing season. You can start gardening right now, when most of us are winding down. Right now is the time to grow hardy vegetables like collard greens, beets, and so forth.

This spring, 3 tomato plants in california can grow to be 5 feet across and give more tomatos than most families can eat.

Some areas of California allow chickens. Check the animal control regulations for your city. Also check to see if you are allowed a flock of laying quail! Those little eggs that they pickle are not from chickens!

[cinok]

I agree with Terri If you have a yard Go with trial by fire method. I have always been tactil type person I can read and read about an subject but it doesn't start making sense until my hands get dirty. Chickens are a great start not much of an investment ot space needed, they are good start simple to take care of. We started out little adventure 2yrs ago and everyday is an experince. We want goats to but they need secure and I repeat secure fencing, At the present we have chickens and pigs, they are also a easy way to start just a small pen is all you neeed they are not dirty or nasty. THey are almost like a family dod we keep ours in a pen and they love when we go to feed them they come up an want to play and be scratched. But there time is coming. If you have kids this is a part that has to be reinforced tey are food. Our guys named the pigs Bacon,Ham, and Suasage.