canesisters
Garden Master
I can't wait to hear all about your garden adventures. It's funny, there are a BUNCH of is doing the same things as you are planning - but no two of us are doing them exactly the same way. Looking forward to hearing more from ya.
Tomatoes are easy seeds to save too. Good luck in your 2014 garden. We're happy to help if you have any questions.
Welcome, Jess172!
Don't get frustrated, just keep doing what you can. Veggies are pretty forgiving of new gardeners' mistakes. If not, none of us would be gardening as we all had to learn.
You are biting off a huge chunk of self-reliance for your family. Don't take everything on at one time, but know that you CAN do it. How much land do you have to work with? Canning, freezing, and dehydrating all are good ways to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Canning may have the scariest reputation, but follow directions and you will find it no more difficult than any other method of preserving.