So What Is Amish Poly Outdoor Furniture?

Poly wood furniture is made of recycled polyethylene plastic. The same type of plastic is found in many everyday items, such as the plastic in soda bottles, vehicle interior door panels, and many other household storage containers. However, a great thing about Poly wood furniture, or HDPE as many people refer to it, comes about in the recycling process. The pigment or color in the polyethylene furniture begins in the recycling process, where items such as old bottles are separated by color, size, and thickness. This separation is to ensure that there is no contamination at the end of the recycling process. 

After the first initial separation process of the recycled plastics, the separated products are washed. This washing of the old plastic removes labels and leftover residue from things such as detergents. A little side note, it only takes one small label to ruin an entire batch of recycled plastics. Next, the clean plastics are put into a shredder. The shredding process is where different grades of plastic can further be separated to make other items, such as additives for different plastic mixtures. The shredded pieces of plastic are then checked for weight and, once checked, are melted down to form small plastic pellets that will be heated, formed, and pressed into different grades of plastics, such as the grade of plastic poly outdoor furniture is made. Below is a table showing six different types of plastics and what they are used for, and for a little more information, here is a link to shed a little more light on how Poly wood is Poly-Wood Lumber.

Six Different Types Of Plastics And Their Uses

• Polyethylene Terephthalate #1 : Used For (Food Grade Containers)

• High-Density Polyethylene #2 : Used for children's (Toys)

• Polyvinyl Chloride #3 : Used For (Amish Poly Furniture)

• Low-Density Polyethylene #4 : Used for (Garbage Bags)

• Polypropylene #5 : Used for plastics found in Tool & Die Machine work for making (Surgical Tools)

• Polystyrene #6 : Used for completely disposable products that can only be recycled once (Packing & Shipping Material)

How Do You Spot Good Grade Amish Poly Outdoor Furniture?

Now that you have a better understanding of how poly plastic wood is made, one major thing to look for when buying Amish poly wood lawn furniture is to check for significant imperfections in the finish of the poly plastics. On some rare occasions, you will see a piece of poly plastic that did not form correctly. In the forming process, the poly wood pellets are heated and pressed into extremely long boards. Then, the boards are sent through a cooling tank that sprays the new plastic boards with high-pressure water. The High-pressure water spray gives poly wood its wood grain look. Also, the use of high-pressure water spray is what cools the plastic, so it gains its rigid toughness. Remember, when buying Amish poly wood outdoor furniture, if the cooling water jets clog during the cooling process or the CNC machines that cut and shape the boards have dull tool bits, the poly wood could have significant imperfections in the finished boards. Poly wood looks like natural wood!!!

The Amish believe the quality of their work should always shine through. Just like the traditional wood products the Amish woodworkers construct. The Amish woodworkers carefully check the new poly wood lumber by hand before assembling any outdoor furniture. Doing this makes the Amish-constructed poly furniture better than most. Suppose there are any imperfections in the new poly boards. In that case, it is common for the Amish woodworkers to turn the imperfections downward or completely discard the piece, to keep the visible parts of the new furniture looking its best. You might need help finding this careful inspection of the boards on any of the cheaper poly wood furniture found at many major box stores. 

1. Amish Poly wood furniture does not have to be painted.
2. Amish Poly wood furniture can withstand the elements better than traditional outdoor furniture.
3. Amish Poly wood furniture is lighter in weight than tradition outdoor furniture (makes it easier to move, if needed!!!)
4. Amish Poly wood furniture helps save the environment from waste plastic products (ECO Friendly).
5. Amish Poly wood furniture requires no maintenance, other than a good was with a garden hose.  

So How Do The Amish Sale Poly Wood Outdoor Furniture Cheaper Than Most Places?

If you have ever priced good quality outdoor furniture, then you know it's expensive!!! The Amish usually buy supplies in bulk, and Poly wood is no different. Also, the Amish woodworkers are usually cheaper in hourly labor cost, and when you combine those two points with quality craftsmanship, you can't beat Amish-made Poly wood furniture. The Amish built the above chairs in Ethridge, Tennessee. Usually, chairs of lesser quality than those above will cost upwards of $400.00 apiece. The Poly wood Amish chairs in the above picture will sell for a quarter of the price of conventional poly wood furniture pieces. Not only are they better constructed than the chairs you find at most box stores, but the styling and design of the Amish poly wood chairs are usually more unique than the standard poly wood outdoor furniture found at major retail stores. It's not uncommon to see Amish Poly wood furniture, such as the chairs above, with gliding footstools or drink holders built into the design of the poly products.

On one of my trips to Amish country, I asked an Amish woodworker just what went into building a piece of poly wood outdoor furniture. Here's what he told me.*

"We do all the work by hand, and our poly wood comes to us unshaped. We drill all the holes by hand, cut all the poly wood on our saws, and do all our routing. We try to build poly furniture comfortable with different options and styles, unlike the ones at the stores." *edited for clarity and conciseness

What Other Products Do The Amish Build From Poly Wood?

As always, the Amish woodworkers build the typical Adirondack style of outdoor chairs from poly wood, but did you know if you are in the market for a folding poly wood outdoor chair, the Amish also build those? Not to mention you can buy porch swings, foot gliders, glider chairs, tables, rocking chairs, gliding swings, stationary benches, and chairs, all made from poly wood that the Amish construct! But another unique thing that many visitors to the Ethridge Amish community find interesting is that our Amish community builds out of Poly wood. For example, the Amish woodworkers in our community build playground sets for children, usually constructed from regular wood and poly wood. In the above picture, the handcrafted playground equipment does have natural lumber in its construction. But, if you look closely, many of the smaller pieces of the play set, such as the ladder, are made from Poly wood, not to mention the slide and swing seats are all polyethylene plastic.

If this blog post has helped you better understand what types of poly wood products the Amish woodworkers construct, and you would like to stay up to date on everything going with The Amish of Ethridge, sign up for our newsletter. The newsletter is free, and we DON'T sell your information. Feel free to look around the rest of the Amish of Ethridge website for more information. Also, look for Amish of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thank you all for taking a second to read this post. I hope you have a great day and an even better tomorrow. 

So What Is An Amish Barn Raising?

So, if you have ever heard the phrase "barn raising," you might ask yourself, what does that mean, and where did that term originate? The term barn raising is an old saying that originated in the United Kingdom around the early 1900s. Then the term made its way to the United States. Farming became more industrialized, and farms became more prominent in size, producing more livestock and crops. So, it was only natural that the size of the barn should increase to handle a larger capacity of animals, farming equipment, and crop storage. However, the Amish used the original way of raising a barn. To do this, they gathered members from their community to help one another with construction tasks, building costs, and getting the materials needed to build a barn. Now you might be wondering why the Amish farmers want to be so helpful to one another? The Amish culture says to help your fellow Amish man. The amount of physical work that goes into barn raising is very labor intensive. Remember that the Amish, due to their cultural teachings, do NOT use electric tools in the way we English folks do. However, the Amish will sometimes use a few power tools powered by a gas-powered generator. This is usually very rare, especially in the "Old Order" Amish community in Ethridge, Tennessee. 

The above picture shows an electric table saw powered by a generator. Still, everything else in the building process is being done by hand, in an old style of construction!!! Of course, the above picture is an Amish home being built, and it is hard physically to build, but it does not compare to the amount of hard work that goes into an Amish barn. Amish farmers understand it is critical to own and operate a large farm. That point is to help your fellow farmer, neighbor, and friends in your community because you might need help on a large project. Seeing as how some Amish barns can be as large as 5000 square feet or larger and many of the barns will be three stories tall!! When you have a barn of that magnitude built by hand, it's common to have a large group of young Amish men on the project, each helping out. Many times even a barn with a large square footage layout, the Amish builders can construct it quickly! Here is a link with some fantastic vintage barn-raising pictures that describe in more detail the entire barn-raising process.

Amish Barn Raising Construction Styles And Their Functions

When it comes to raising any barn, many different techniques and styles are used. Amish build and use Dutch Barns, English A-Frame Barns, Tobacco Barns, Prairie Barns, Gambrel Roof Barns, Bank Barns, and English Gable Roof Barns. Bank Barns are frequently used in Ethridge, Tennessee. There are many different styles of barns, all with their own purpose and function for use. The Ethridge Amish are primarily row crop farmers. They have side businesses such as sawmills, tack shops, and woodworking shops to supplement their income. But don't let row crop farming fool you. Also, you will see lots of dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens on Amish farms in the Ethridge community. Many of the barns mentioned are built or "raised" on Amish farms for animals. For readers in the extreme northern hemisphere wondering what types of barns the Amish build in Tennessee, the amount of snow on the roofs we get is different from the amount you get. So, step A-frame roofs on the barn are usually not seen here in Tennessee, like in Amish communities in Ohio, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania.

Bank Barns are the most prevalent type of barn built and used by Amish in Tennessee. The Bank Barn is just that, a barn built on a slope or the side of a bank to give access to animals such as beef cattle or pigs at the rear lower section of the barn. Frequently when the Amish raise a Bank Barn, they do so by building the lower walls out of concrete blocks a week or so before the second and third floors of the barns are built to allow for the joints in the block walls to dry. The use of concrete in the foundation's lower back and side walls in Bank Barns the Amish build supports the weight of the timber above. Listed below are reasons why Amish farmers use concrete blocks on the lower foundation of some Bank Barns, Prairie Barns, and some of the Gable Roof Barns in Tennessee.

Why The Amish Use Concrete Blocks In The Lower Walls When Raising A Barn

1. To keep the barn from falling or shifting due to bad weather such as rain, winds (tornados), and snow.
2. To protect the lower walls from livestock that likes to kick or chew on wood boards.
3. To help prevent erosion from the base of the barn due to rainwater runoff and livestock traffic. 
4. To keep the barn clean and sanitary, it's easier to clean block walls than wood walls with water.
5. Repel such things as termites, wood beetles, mice, and rats. 
6. Longer lasting, the concrete block can last much longer in harsh elements compared to even the strongest Oak Boards.

Most Amish Milking Barns in Ethridge have Milking Rooms concrete floors and Milk Barns with concrete walls. These keep the area extremely clean and dairy cattle healthy. But, in the Bank Barns, the most exciting part comes when the Amish farmers build the top two or three floors. The top or second floor is reserved for hay, straw, and some grain storage in the Bank Barns. During the construction of the Bank Barns, Amish builders will install pitch-down doors on the floor of the hayloft. The doors open for hay and straw to drop directly below to feed the animals or be used as livestock bedding. In different styles of barn constructions, the loft will be on the third floor or on the second floor of a barn with attic space above. Three main styles of lofts are found in a barn; they are known as the full loft, partial loft, or center loft. It depends on the building style and the inside construction to know which term to use. How do the Amish get their hay to the loft? This is where on some Bank Barns and other styles of barns, the Amish farmers use the Hay Door to access the "mow," or loft as some people call it. The Hay Door is a small door found on the top floor of the barn, opened to give access to the top of the barn from outside. The hay door is used to transfer the hay, straw, or grain from outside into the loft using a conveyer belt or pitched by hand as either square bails or loose hay. Also, an essential function of the Hay Door is to give ventilation to the hay, straw, and grain. In Tennessee, the temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Things such as hay and straw will generate heat while drying and can become a fire hazard when stacked together, so the air circulation in and around the hay, straw, or grain is a must!!! Below is a picture with an excellent example of the Amish getting airflow through the top of a barn. In the picture below is a building where the hay door in the front is fully open to give ventilation at all times. The rear top back wall of the barn has light shining through and spaces between the boards to give some cover from the elements but allows for some air flow and light even in cooler weather.

So What Other Features Are Found Inside An Amish Barn?

Before the Amish builders raise a new barn, they plan ahead of construction time for its square footage, how and when the barn will be constructed, and what the barn will be used for once it is completed. The barn's usage dictates the barn's interior features. Below is a list of terms readers need to know to understand barn interiors.

A Few Things To Know Before Continuing

• Bay: The distance between the columns and posts in a barn
• Stall: Usually where animals such as horses, cows, sheep, or goats are kept inside a barn
• Knee Wall: Usually a tiny wall found under the roof rafters to give support
• Wind bracing: A board between the rafters to give support
• Hay feeder: An area or section inside a barn built to feed the livestock hay
• Hallway or Runway: The center section of the barn that spans from end to end
• Cupola: The square structure found on top of a barn roof used for light and ventilation
• Double Dutch Door: A door divided in the middle (*usually used in stall doors)
• Cross Buck: The X design found in the middle of barn doors to prevent the sagging of heavy wood doors
• Track Pass or Sliding Door: A large door usually at the front of a barn with steel wheels at the top that slides on a rail, which allows the door to slide from side to side
• Ramp: A structure usually outside the barn at the entrance gives trailers, wagons, and livestock access to the barn's second floor for also used to load trailers and wagons from above (*ramp may be made from earth, wood, or stone)
• Tack or Storage Room: A room inside the barn used to store things such as horse saddles, horse bridles, and equipment
• Farrowing Crate: Usually found in barns for pigs, it is used to keep the sow from crushing the piglets during feeding 
• Hay prow: The overhang of the roof above the hay door that is an extension used to load hay and heavy objects into the loft (*usually has a pully system to help raise heavy loads)
• Hay Trolley: The sliding system in the top of a barn to move loose (*NOT Bailed) hay through the hay door to the loft floor
• Hay Sling: The rope webbing found at the bottom of the hay pile on a wagon; the hay trolley line attaches to the sling to bundle up the loose hay to lift hay to the loft
• Hay Fork: A metal fork attached to the trolley line, dropped on top of the loose hay to grab and pick up the hay to be transported to the loft 
• Granary Room: The room found in the main barn that houses grain for the livestock such as wheat, oats, and rye
• Lean-To: The room or structure on the side of a barn that leans against the main barn structure (*usually a cover for equipment or sometimes to access grain chutes or chutes to remove animal droppings)

One great thing about an Amish-built barn is the amount of versatility that someone can find. On most modern commercial farms, you will usually notice that the farms primarily focus on one or two particular types of livestock. However, on most Amish farms, there is usually a variety of livestock. When the Amish have a barn raising, the barn they build usually accommodates many different types of livestock.  

During a trip to Amish country, an Amish farmer was asked what he could do with his barn and what animals the barn could accommodate. Here is what he said.

"I usually keep horses in the barn and chickens on the side in their coop. But I have had pigs in there. So I built the stalls wide enough for horses on one side and wider for cows on the other. But, if it will fit a horse or a cow, sheep would have enough room in the stalls too."

So, one of the primary purposes for the Amish barns being so prominent is due to the space requirements needed for various farm animals.

Other Types Of Barns and Coops Built On Amish Farms

Another type of barn seen in Tennessee on Amish farms is the Tobacco barn. In different varieties of tobacco crops, getting tobacco cured and ready for sale was only possible with the correct barn type. A few of the different types of tobacco are Nicotiana tabacum (common name Virginia Tobacco), Perique (common name Saint James, Louisiana Tobacco), and Burley (commonly seen in Tennessee). The tobacco barn is essential in different drying processes of different tobacco varieties. For example, there are air-cured, fire-cured, flu-cured, sun-cured, and fermentation-cured tobaccos. Some tobacco drying processes commonly seen in Tennessee are air-cured and fire-cured tobacco. During the barn-building process, Amish farmers that grow air-cured tobacco will construct a barn with many different rafters overhead to hang the tobacco leaves to dry after cutting.  

Another type of tobacco barn built by some Amish communities in Western Tennessee is the fire-cured tobacco barn. This type of barn is constructed much like an air-cured tobacco barn. However, fire-cured tobacco barns are constructed so that during the drying process, tobacco leaves are dried by being hung above wooden planks that are set on fire below the tobacco. This drying process helps give the tobacco its "dark fire" smoke flavor and look and removes any excess moisture from the tobacco leaves.

A Pole Barn is another barn the Amish often construct to cover crops, equipment, saws for sawmills, crop sales stands, or sorghum molasses boilers. The Pole Barn is usually just a roof with large poles at each corner of the building instead of using the typical studded walls. Often in a more prominent pole barn, there will be cross bracing or wind bracing on the tops of the Pole Barn roofs or connecting the bays of the walls to ensure that the structure is more resilient to high winds.

Many times on an Amish farm, you will see a flock of chickens running wild around the Amish barnyard. But rest assured, the Amish farmers have a special place for their chickens. The Amish chicken coops are usually separate buildings. However, the Amish farmers often have a chicken coop connected to their main barn. Usually, when you see a chicken coop on an Amish farm connected to the main barn, the construction of the coop is outstanding in every way. For example, the Amish chicken coop is usually built on a knee-high block wall to help ensure that no predator can break into the coop and hurt the chickens. In addition, an Amish chicken coop with chicken wire that spans from the ground to the roof will have installed predator cloth around the outside wire coop walls to keep out animals such as coyotes, foxes, and raccoons like digging under the chicken coop walls.

The greenhouse is another structure the Amish farmers raise. On most Amish farms in Tennessee, you will see greenhouses the Amish have built to start their seedlings out and dry clothing, often in cooler weather. The Amish greenhouse is usually a wooden frame or light metal structure covered with plastic and has a wood-burning stove for heating the air in the early spring so the Amish farmers can get a head start on early crops. Usually, the floor of the Amish greenhouse is limestone rock, concrete, or some form of sawdust to allow the sun to heat the floor through the plastic walls to help generate warmer air inside the greenhouse for plant protection in cold weather.

On your next trip to an Amish community, you will better understand how the Amish raise a barn and other structures. Sign up for our newsletter if you want more information on everything going on here at Amish of Ethridge. Make sure to look for Amish Of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thank you for reading, and have a great day and an even better tomorrow. 

Where Did The Amish Speaking In Pennsylvania Dutch Originate From?

Jakob Ammann started the Amish church and way of life in Switzerland around 1693. In the late 19th century, the Amish church split again to form the Old Order Amish and Amish Mennonites. The first Old Order Amish people to arrive in the United States showed up around the 1730s. This arrival of the Old Order Amish followers in the United States was partly due to escape the religious persecution that the Amish Anabaptist people faced in Europe at that time, but also because of land offers. 

Now keep in mind that not ALL of the Amish Anabaptist people came directly from Europe or surrounding countries to the United States. Many Old Order Amish people escaped religious persecution by fleeing to other parts of the world, where they picked up different dialects of languages. One example of this is found with Jakob Ammann. In his early life, he was born in Switzerland but later moved to the northeast part of France to escape persecution. These two moves can show many differences in the various languages even the founder of the Amish religion probably could speak. In Switzerland, there are four languages spoken to this day: Swiss German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Throughout history, if you study the Amish Anabaptist church, you will find that in the present day, due to many differences in religious viewpoints, there are many subgroups of Amish cultures and church districts. Most Amish and Amish subgroups speak Pennsylvania Dutch in their daily life, Old High German in their religious services, and English to almost everyone for general conversation. But, the entire Amish population of the United States does NOT always use the same Pennsylvania Dutch dialects as they came to be known when speaking. Because different members of the Amish groups and subgroups found refuge in other countries before eventually moving to the United States, these different subgroups of Amish people brought with them their own different words, sayings, and ways of constructing words in their Pennsylvania Dutch language, which gave us a beautiful mixture of languages that form how some sub-groups of Amish communities speak.  

What Are The Different Dialects Found In The Pennsylvania Dutch Language?

Now because of separations in the Amish church throughout history and the movement of the Amish people due to these diverse beginnings. We now have a few different Amish communities that speak in what the English refers to as Pennsylvania Dutch. This goes back to when German immigrants came to Pennsylvania and told the English they were Deutsch or Hoch Deutsch. This translated to "Dutch" or "High Dutch." However, those immigrants were from Switzerland and had gone to other countries before landing in North America, so the language they spoke contained hints of German, English, and possibly some French mixed into their language. To be more exact, the different Amish communities speak in three different dialects: Pennsylvania German or Dutch, Alsatian German, or Bernese German. Most Amish learn standard high German to understand the Bible in their religious services. But, a great example of the Amish Swiss-derived German is the Swiss Amish community in Indiana. Speaking in their Swiss-derived German is much different than an Amish person speaking only in Pennsylvania Dutch.

To explain the difference between Alsatian German and Swiss-derived German is more complex than it might seem. At first glance, many words or phrases appear to be the same but many times have different meanings. But, one other factor to remember is that with both dialects, Amish speakers have also added sayings from the English language, giving us a great mixture of broken Swiss German and English or Pennsylvania Dutch and English. This mixture of both languages is quite interesting compared to the modern Dutch speakers in European countries. 

A Good Example Of The Differences In Amish Dialects

• In Modern German:  Good Morning would be pronounced Guten Morgen
• In Pennsylvania Dutch:  Good Morning would be pronounced Guder Mariye
• In Swiss Dutch: Good Morning would be pronounced Goede Morgen

The Different Uses Of Phrases In The Amish Dialects 

In daily life, the Pennsylvania Dutch and Swiss German speakers from the different Amish communities and the Dutch-German speakers from Germany would construct their sentence structure in many different ways. For example, in Pennsylvania Dutch, someone might say "Guder Daag," which translates in English to Good Day instead of saying good morning. In Germany, the German-Dutch speaker might say "Was geht," which translates to "What's Up" in English instead of "Good morning" when first greeting friends in the morning.   

Of course, you have to keep in mind that the Amish throughout the United States will speak in an old proper form of Dutch dialect, compared to the modern speakers in Dutch-speaking countries in the present day who use slang that the Pennsylvania Dutch speakers do not use in general conversation. It's almost as if the Pennsylvania Dutch language is a look into the past much like the entire Amish culture. Another great example of this might be in a conversation where a Dutch speaker from the Netherlands is commenting on how great something is, such as a situation or object, or used condescendingly; most likely, you will hear, "leuk man" or /luk/ which translates to nice man!!! You don't hear our Amish speakers saying "nice man" in America to show dismay or support for anything. It would be more correct to say that our Pennsylvania Dutch speakers would probably use a phrase such as "Das Wundert Mich," which translates to it wonders me, or it makes me wonder in English.   

When asked about different Amish dialects, an Amish man explained them this way.

"I've met people from other parts of the world that speak Dutch. They have traveled here to see the Amish way of life and visit our community. I can understand SOME of what they're saying when they speak, but it's like they're speaking a foreign language; I can't understand all of what they're trying to tell me!" (*edited for clarity and conciseness)

Another Amish man said to think of it like this. The differences between Pennsylvania Dutch and modern Dutch speakers would be like saying if someone from the extreme Southern United States was speaking to someone from the uppermost Northern United States. They understand each other, but they sound different when pronouncing their words. He also told me that his wife's family had some Swiss Amish roots from Indiana, and when his wife's family spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch, even he could not understand all of what they were saying!!!

Phrases To Know And Use In Pennsylvania Dutch

Now that you know a little more about the Pennsylvania Dutch language from its beginnings and the different varieties of the Pennsylvania Dutch languages you might hear spoken in and around different Amish communities. Below are a few phrases to help you out when traveling to an Amish community that speaks Pennsylvania Dutch.

Phrases In Pennsylvania Dutch You Should Learn

1. Wie bischt du heit? - How are you today?/ Greetings
2. Guder Daag - Good Day / Can be used any time of day to say hello
3. Was iss dei Naame? - What's your name? / Good to start a conversation
4. Was iss die price? - What's the price? / Good to know for purchasing in an Amish store
5. Iss a schtore bel? - Is a store near? / If you need to find a gas station
6. A baadschtubb? - A bathroom? / In case of emergency 
7. Denki - Thank You / Being polite
8. Gern gschehne - Your Welcome / Being polite 

If you like this blog, take a second to look around the website and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with everything going on at Amish Of Ethridge. Also, look for the Amish Of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thanks for reading, and have a great day and an even better tomorrow. 

The Amish Woodworkers That Build Caskets

When you think of Amish craftsmanship in woodworking, the obvious comes to mind, such as patio furniture and bedroom suits. However, a topic that English folks forget is that many Amish artisans who specialize in woodworking also build tremendously specialized caskets and coffins. The topic of death is a morbid subject, but unfortunately it is essential to have a plan in case of an unexpected death. Also, many people want to ensure that the arrangements are prepared ahead of time in case of their own passing. The Amish artisans that are casket and coffin builders usually offer many options regarding casket design and wooden materials to construct a casket or coffin. Amish casket builders are also skilled in sewing. Therefore, they can offer many options in the interior of the caskets, from handsewn interiors in different colors and styles made from crepe and velvet to ensure that the deceased rest in comfort. 

 Another topic of interest when speaking about funeral arrangements and Amish craftsmanship is the wicker coffins some Amish craftsmen offer. Remember that handwoven wicker coffins can not be found in all Amish communities. Usually, the Amish community that offers wicker coffins and caskets will also hand weave items such as wicker yarn baskets, clothes baskets, and wicker chairs.  The Amish-made caskets and coffins give the deceased's family different options for burial in the earth, vault, or cremation. This is very helpful if the deceased had wished for a viewing or wake of the entire body but wishes to be cremated after the viewing. However, let's face it, metal coffins and caskets do not burn well and can be pretty expensive for just being used in a viewing or 24 hour wake!!!

Quick Funeral Arrangement Differences And Facts

• There is a difference between a coffin and a casket.
  • Caskets: generally rectangular four-sided boxes with handles or bars on the side for accessible movement.
  • Coffins: have six sides or are oval and shaped to give a more fitting look for the deceased with a taper at the deceased's shoulders. Many times a coffin will have rope type of handles. 
• There is a difference between a wake and a visitation or viewing.
  • Viewing or Visitation: usually held at a funeral home and held the day before the burial for a short time or a few hours directly before the funeral.  
  • A Wake: traditionally held at someone's home, church, or some mortuaries, and could last for 24 hours to allow for friends, family members, and others to have time with the deceased and their family. 
• During a Wake, generally, the family stays up with the deceased for 24 hours. This is where the term "Sitting up with the dead" originated. The term was coined because sitting up with the deceased was to ensure the person had "really" passed away. Before advancements in medical science, some people had been buried alive by accident.
• The term "Dead Ringer" was coined because people were buried alive. To prevent this, a bell was placed on top of the ground above the grave with a string running into the grave attached to the supposed dead person's finger.  The bell ringing would signify the buried person was still alive!!!

Types And Styles Used In Amish Caskets Design

One great thing about any Amish products is the versatility that the Amish offer in design, materials, and functionality; caskets are no different. Most Amish caskets can be made from various hard and soft kinds of wood. Therefore, the Amish can help anyone in need of a casket that can't afford a lot of expensive metal caskets. Generally, an Amish casket builder has a relative, friend, or another person from whom they get their hard and soft wood from the Amish community. As we know, prices of wood can many times be costly when bought from a "big box" style lumber yard or home improvement center. But, in the case of the Amish, most materials used in a project are purchased from within the Amish community to produce caskets. So it is not uncommon to see Amish caskets made from woods like Cedar, Pecan, Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany, Pine, Hickory, or Red Oak. Another significant effect of the Amish's wood is the availability of seasoned barn wood to give a distinguished exterior look after being planed, sanded, and clear coated. 

Regarding the overall design, the Amish offer many traditional ways of crafting the caskets; many times, the Amish use a traditional tongue and groove style bottom on their wooden caskets. Doing this is one way to make the casket more sturdy and ensure it is durable and can carry more weight. Also, the Amish artisans use a standard internal side rib to help the caskets have a less segmented appearance when it is finished. You might be wondering how the Amish caskets look on the outside when completed; after all, the Old Order Amish usually don't have electric power to operate such things as air compressors and air finish sprayers. The true nature of the Amish artisans shines through in casket finishes. Most of the time, the Amish have a hand-polished furniture type of exterior appearance to all of their caskets. But not everyone wants a casket that is so shiny that it reflects. They also offer a line of standard finishes on some of their caskets. But it depends on the person purchasing the casket and what they want when it comes to an Amish casket. Amish Casket makers building caskets for the general public are usually limited by the wood they have on hand and the time it takes them to prepare the casket.    

Suppose you have decided that the Amish artisan might be what you're looking for when it comes to your casket and coffin needs. There are a few things to keep in mind before going to purchase an Amish-made casket. Below are a few steps to remember to ensure that you get the particular casket you want and that everything works out smoothly in your Amish buying experience.

Steps To Remember When Buying An Amish Made Casket Or Coffin

1. Keep in mind that good quality woodwork can often take time if you are preparing to purchase an Amish casket. Don't be in a rush; the Amish casket builders are often backed up on orders. So the earlier the trip to the Amish casket maker, the better.0
2. If you need an Amish casket quickly, this is possible. Just remember that the Amish will often adjust their prices in the case of casket building if they have express orders. 
3. Always remember if you buy a casket or coffin before anyone passes, you will need a dry place to store the casket. (Note: Some Amish Casket Makers Will Have A Storage facility, Or Keep Caskets For A Short Time.) 
4. Transportation of the casket or coffin after its construction is a significant point to remember!!! Both caskets and coffins are heavy when finished. The Amish usually do NOT deliver, and some mortuaries do NOT pick up caskets unless it's from their casket supplier.  

Amish Made Casket Cost And Other Amish Made Funeral Products

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The Awesome Background Of The Blue Heeler Cattle Dog 

When looking at the Blue Heeler dog, the most important thing to remember is where the breed originated. The answer to where Blue Heelers come from helps answer the question of why the Amish love the breed and the many uses of the Blue Heeler so much. The Blue Heeler originated in Australia in quite a fascinating way. The Blue Heeler was created by people traveling from England with their particular pure breeds of dogs to Australia and crossing the pure breed English dogs with the wild Dingo dogs found in Australia. This cross of the domesticated dogs with the wild Dingo gives the Blue Heeler its look and shape and its ability to live and work in harsh climates!!!

As we all know, Amish farmers often have large amounts of livestock on their farms. So the Amish are always in need of a good herding dog to help move livestock from one place to another. Amish farmers learned the Blue Heeler had breeding to do just that. The Blue Heeler, with its genes from the wild Dingoes mixed with purebred herding dogs that originated in England. This gave the Blue heeler the want to please their owner and perform a job such as herding.  But to also have the health and mental capabilities to withstand many different weather conditions and have the strength to move quickly and not tire while working all day.    

The Founding Fathers Of The Blue Heeler Breed

George Elliott of Queensland, Australia, around the 1840s, was the first to cross the Blue Merle Collie with the indigenous wild Dingo dogs found in Australia.  The first cross was successful, and many of the puppies from the crosses George Elliott made were excellent working and herding dogs, but Australia's cattle farmers wanted more. So from George Elliott's cross, two gentlemen, Jack and Harry Bagust, decided to add to the Blue Heeler cross George Elliott had made and mixed the Blue Heeler of that time with the Dalmatian coach breed of dogs. This was to help give the Blue Heeler a shorter, different color coat and more intelligence when dealing with humans and guarding property. Unfortunately, the downfall of the first crosses made by the Bagusts was that the first Blue Heelers crossed this way lost some of their working and herding abilities. 

Gaining the intelligence for companionship and guarding that was sought after by the cross of the Dalmatian and Blue Heeler. They then changed their focus to bring the herding genes back. They decided their Blue Heeler pups needed more breeding to produce a Blue Heeler that could do more in herding and gathering livestock. In addition, they wanted to install more working ability into their new Blue Heeler cross. So with their subsequent breeding, they used a Black and Tan Kelpie. The Black and Tan Kelpie is a small, short-haired dog found in Australia that was also used for herding and was developed originally to be a herding sheepdog. So the cross of the Black and Tan Kelpie and the Blue Heeler Dalmatian gave the Bagusts the Blue Heeler that we know and love.

The results of all this cross-breeding make the standard for the Australian Blue Heeler, with its short body resembling a Dingo with a thick and muscular frame but still slim in hind quarters. The coat and markings of the Dalmatian and Black and Tan Kelpie with its tick coat that is marked with patches on the chest and dark marks over and around the eyes and followed up with the intelligence and loyalty of the Dalmatian and the working herding drive of the Black and Tan Kelpie.

A final name to remember is Robert Kaleski regarding the Blue Heeler breed. Kaleski acquired the Blue Heelers of the late 1800s and continued to work on the Blue Heeler breed. He wanted to refine and help the Blue Heeler even more through more selective breeding to ensure that the Blue Heeler would NOT have as many red tick markings in its coat and to ensure that the Blue Heeler breed would be able to endure harsh climates, much like its ancestor the Dingo. He also wanted to ensure, through more extensive selective breeding, that all of the herding traits of the Blue Heeler would be expanded on to make the Blue Heeler a known name in the herding dog world. This need for greatness in herding was to ensure the breed was reliable enough to be recognized by the Kennel Clubs of Australia as a new pure breed of herding dog.   

So, keep in mind if you are interested in the Blue Heeler breed as a pet or for work. The Amish might have a pup for sale, or you might find a Blue Heeler elsewhere. But, remember, many times, the Blue Heeler will be called by different names depending on what area of the world you are in and due to the breed's many types of breeding compared to who is doing the talking about the breed. Below is a list of names to show some of the different names people in different parts of the world use to describe the Blue Heeler dog. 

Different Names For The Blue Heeler

• Australian Heeler
• Red Heeler (A Blue Heeler With a Different Coat Color - Redder)
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Queensland Heeler Dog
  
• Amish Heeler Dog
• Amish Blue Heeler Dog
• Amish Cattle Dog

Why Would The Amish Farmer Want To Promote The Blue Heeler Breed?

As you see from the background of the Blue Heeler, it is a great working dog. The Amish are known as hard-working people with excellent skills and knowledge regarding livestock and herd animals. It is not uncommon to see Blue Heeler dogs working in pairs around the Amish community and moving cattle, sheep, and goats from pasture to pasture, or separating the livestock herd to single out a particular animal for the farmer. The Amish are always up to something around their farms and businesses. This makes the Blue Heeler the dog of choice for the Amish due to its high energy level and desire to accomplish a task. With the Amish mindset and everyday problems you find around a working farm, the Amish can find many tasks besides herding for the Blue Heeler to help the Heeler use its energy for a greater purpose. Most Blue Heelers have many jobs around the farms. When asked if they train their dogs to work, one Amish man said.

"Amos is a good dog; we use him to help with the livestock, and he is the mouser on the farm. He is smart and understands what we say for him to do. He does a better job than the cats of getting the mice and rats out of the barn, and he lets us know every time someone comes up the driveway." (*edited for clarity and conciseness)

He further explained that his Blue Heeler was relatively easy to train. It was almost as if "Amos" knew what to do without teaching him anything!!! His love for helping with the livestock was evident; it could go weeks without moving the livestock or needing to separate the herd. Then when the time came around, the Blue Heeler picked right back up as if he herded each day. It is common to see  Amish children petting and playing with Blue Heeler puppies and giving commands to the puppies in Pennsylvania Dutch, and it is obvious the puppies understand. When the puppies are spoken to in English, they also respond. I have to say I was very impressed when I learned the Blue Heeler is so clever in intelligence that it can be bilingual.     

If you travel to Amish country many times, you will see the signs that explain what each Amish farm has to offer, and on those signs, you might see puppies for sale or free. So if you have decided that the Blue Heeler might be an excellent dog for you and your family, keep a few points in mind before getting a Blue Heeler as a pet or for a working dog. 

Points To Remember About The Blue Heeler Before You Buy

1. The Blue Heeler would most likely not be happy in an apartment due to its need to physically run out its large amounts of energy. A home with a large yard or farm would be the ideal setting. (Big open spaces)
2. The Blue Heeler is brilliant and will not do well in a setting left alone all day while the family is at work or school. (Keep in Mind: The Amish are farmers and are around their farm all day interacting with their dogs.)
3. If you have small children, Blue Heelers might NOT be the best breed for your family. (Keep in Mind: The Blue Heeler is a herding dog who will nip at your heels while playing, much like it herds livestock!) 
4. The Blue Heeler is a herding dog; if you have decided to purchase a Heeler for herding, find out the lineage. (Make sure to check with the Amish person you are purchasing from if the puppy's parents had good herding skills.) 
5. If you purchase a Blue Heeler puppy from the Amish, always ask if the puppy comes with registration papers. (The Amish MAY or MAY NOT have registered dogs.)
6. If you purchase a Blue Heeler from the Amish, ask about the puppy's vaccinations. (Many times, the Amish farmers will take care of all or some of the shots a young puppy requires.)
7. Blue Heelers generally have a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. (One of the oldest dogs ever reported to live was a Blue Heeler.)

Hopefully, the points above will help you if you decide to buy a Blue Heeler from the Amish as your next family friend. If you travel to Amish country to find an Amish Blue Heeler puppy make sure to NEVER go on Sunday. The Amish never work on Sundays; this includes selling a puppy. 

So What Could An Amish Bred Blue Heeler Be Trained To Do For You

Amish-bred Blue Heelers can also be used in sporting K9 events if you want fun and training for your new Amish-bred Blue Heeler puppy. K9 events such as agility, obedience, tracking, and rally are where the Blue Heeler excels. Another great K9 event would be water events for the Blue Heeler. This is due in part to the Blue Heelers double coat. The Blue Heeler was bred to have a coat that can repel rain and wetness from stormy weather conditions. Therefore, the first layer of hair found on the Blue Heeler is for repelling rain, and the second more dense layer of hair is to keep the Blue Heeler warm if they get wet in outside conditions. 

Also, another great thing to remember is if you have decided to find an Amish Blue Heeler puppy. When Blue Heeler puppies are born, whether their parents are the standard blue or red, all Blue Heeler puppies are born with a white coat, and their adult colors will not show up until they reach an older age in life. So taking a good look at the mother and father of your Amish Blue Heeler might indicate how your puppy will look when grown, especially if you have decided to enter your new Blue Heeler in any dog shows. But, viewing the parent animals should be fine on an Amish farm, and most Amish farmers are happy to show you any of their animals. 

If You Decide To Get An Amish Blue Heeler To Herd For You Or For Stock Dog Trials

The Amish usually use their Blue Heelers as herding and livestock working stock dogs, just what the Blue Heeler was bred for. So if you have decided to get an Amish-bred Blue Heeler to herd around your farm or are interested in stock herding events, the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) is a great place to start. This is one of the biggest names in stock herding events. Many Amish breeders use it as a register, like American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Professional Kennel Club (PKC). When you visit the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR), you can find all kinds of information about the requirements on what your new Amish Bred Blue Heelers would need to have to compete in stock herding events and where different events will be held. If you decide to start a new line of Blue Heeler dogs, ASDR can show the different kennel club registries it accepts and get you into the correct performance programs for your pup.  

If you're not really into paperwork, don't care about any type of herding events, and need a good dog around to help out on your farm, the Amish can usually help on this too. If you are not concerned about paperwork with your new Blue Heeler, the Amish can offer a much better price or give you a free Heeler puppy.  Suppose you decide to go and find a Blue Heeler puppy for just herding around your farm plan to go and spend some time with the Amish breeder and ask if they could show you the parent dogs working and moving livestock at the Amish farm. Keep in mind that when buying a puppy, especially a Blue Heeler, for herding, it's not always a guarantee that your puppy will be a great herder. Still, the chances are more likely if the parent dogs can herd well. Your puppy will usually have those abilities when it's grown. 

Hopefully, this information has helped you understand why the Amish love the Blue Heeler dog breed and might influence you to love Blue Heeler dogs. If you found this post insightful, please sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on everything going on at Amish of Ethridge to get our most up-to-date blog posts. Look for Amish of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thank you for reading this post, have a great day and an even better tomorrow. 

Do The Amish Object To Drinking Alcohol?

The Amish have stringent rules, be it the New Order Amish, the Old Order Amish, or any other plain people. However, all Amish orders are straightforward in their rules and principles regarding their interpretations of the Bible and how to conduct oneself from those principles!!! So you might think the Amish would be against alcohol and winemaking. But on the other hand, the Amish have a genealogical background that comes from areas of the world where winemaking is an art form and way of life and has been done for centuries. It's easy to see that the Amish might be steeped in old-world traditions on a subject such as winemaking.

Yes, some Amish sects make wine and drink some alcohol, usually for religious reasons such as for use during communion.  However, the New Order Amish church looks down on this practice of making wine and drinking. In turn, the ideas of drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco are less looked down on by the Old Order Amish. The separation of the different Amish orders with different belief systems has various ideas. But, one significant difference is their beliefs on how they use their products, such as grapes, peaches, beats, and other fruits grown from the land, and in the case of the Old Order Amish, many times, it is to produce wine.  

Points To Remember On The Amish And Homemade Wine 

• Never do you find an Amish community with a liquor store that is Amish owned.
• Never do you see the Amish sell any homemade wine or alcohol that is homemade at their small roadside stands, where Amish jams, jellies, and other products are found.
• Will the Amish communities that make homemade wine sell homemade wine to the general public or individuals? NO.
• In some areas of the United States with specific Amish orders, will you occasionally see an Amish person in a bar or having a drink of Alcohol?  YES, but not in All  Amish communities.

Laws, Rules, And Regulations That Amish And English Have To Follow

When it comes to the Amish and English communities, there are laws that everyone has to follow when it comes to the sales of alcohol. The Amish have a strict moral mindset when it comes to religion and also when it comes to following the laws. The only law the Amish have objections to are being in military service and voting most of the time, but, as we see, some Amish people are found doing both. The primary reason that you do NOT see any Amish bars or the Amish selling homemade alcohol at any roadside stand is the laws governing the sales.

What are the rules on producing spirits at home? Here are a few links showing what must be done to produce and sell alcohol legally. Home distilling and The Laws And Regulations On Making Alcohol For Home Or Starting A Business. The money that has to be paid to the government to produce alcohol can, many times, be costly. The Amish culture is very resourceful, and starting a business that can be costly but have a tentative return is not the Amish way of life.   

Amish Gatherings And Celebrations With Homemade Wine

Amish history does come from a part of the world where winemaking is a tradition. With many of the large Amish farms, you will see some great fruits grown from Amish-owned orchards and vineyards. They usually produce great jams and jellies, but that fruit, in some cases, is used to make homemade wine. When would the Amish have a drink, are they daily drinkers, and do they drink in public? Much like the English, you will see Amish orders that don't frown upon alcohol as much and allow having a drink at special occasions such as weddings and some family gatherings. In some larger Amish communities, you will sometimes see Amish people having a drink with a meal in a restaurant or at a bar. Usually, the Amish communities that make homemade wine mostly keep it to themselves and are private people who keep it for personal use. But, much like everyone else, the Amish are no different. With any community Amish or English, alcoholism is no joking matter and is prevalent in some Amish people. Often there is a little out back of the barn, a sip of the homebrew when it comes to the Amish culture, and keeping with a robust Old-World tradition, this is often daily!!! 

What Variety Of Fruit Do The Amish Use to Make Wine?

The pictures in this post were taken at an English-owned professional winery close to the Swartzentruber Amish community in Middle Tennessee. The owner of M&M Vineyards has excellent information on Amish winemaking. He learned about the Amish way of winemaking from a few Amish workers he had hired to pick his grapes.  The owner of M&M was asked what flavor of wine the Amish make. Here is what they told him and has told others when asked.

"The Amish ladies that picked grapes were some of the best workers I ever had. I asked them if they had drunk wine, and they said yes, but only sometimes. So I ask them what type of wine the Amish people mostly make. The Amish ladies explained that they use all kinds of Grapes, Muskaan, and Apples, but mostly Beets." (*edited for clarity and conciseness)

The owner explained that he had sampled some of the Amish homemade wine from beets, and it was good, but had a rounded natural flavor. 

If You Want Too Try Amish Homemade Wine

If you are a wine lover and would just love to sample some of the wine the Amish make, it can be a difficult task. As mentioned before the Amish are a very religious group of people and are not always forthcoming with all of their products, practices, and way of life. But, if you are just in the hunt for a sample of Amish wine, keep in mind that wine is a product that only SOME Amish people make, but NEVER SALE or can NOT LEAGLLY SALE TO THE PUBLIC. If you have decided to go in search of a bottle of Amish made wine, here are a few rules that might help you in your task. First when you plan your trip to an Amish community, do your research and find an Old Order Amish community. The Old Order Amish community would be your best bet of finding an Amish farmer that makes wine. Next when you arrive at the Old Order Amish community take note of your surroundings, look for Amish farms that have visible fruit orchards/trees with fruits that could be used to produce wine. Also keep an eye out for the really obvious vineyard type of plants. This could be a wide range of plants such as grapes, blueberries, muscadine, raspberries, and blackberry plants that are usually grown with trellis supports in rows. Also, keep a look out for signs that mention the sales of fruits that could be used to produce wine. The typical Amish farm is usually very large, and certain plants for wine making may not be visible from the road. Lastly, word of mouth might be our best friend, supposing you have followed the instructions listed above. Find an Amish person that has fresh fruits for sale, and just  ASK directly if that Amish person might have or know any Amish people that make BEET wine. I'm only speculating here but, if you find an Amish person that makes Beet wine, possibly they might have other flavors of wine!!!

I hope my information here might be beneficial to all of the wine lovers that have now decided to try and find a sample of Amish homemade wine. I can't stress enough that your journey to locate an Amish farmer that makes homemade wine will be difficult enough, not to mention an Amish farmer that will let you sample their homemade wine!!!  Below is a quick reference to also remember when deciding to start your trail for Amish homemade wine.

Four Other Things To Remember When Seeking Amish Homemade Wine

1. Season, Growing, Time Of Year/A great point to remember is time of season when certain fruits are ready to be harvested. The harvest would bring about the chances that the Amish  farmer might be making wine.
2. Day Of Week To Visit Amish/ I would suggest a Friday or Saturday morning would be the best day to find an Amish farm that is not so busy with customers, that you might luck out and find a sample of Amish wine. (Remember: The Amish Don't Work On Sunday)  
3. Spend Some Time/ I suggest spend time with the Amish person that makes homemade wine and ask questions on the Amish process of making wine. Befriend this Amish person and who knows what you will learn!
4. Don't Ask To Buy/ The Amish DON'T sale homemade wine (It's Against The Law To Sale Homemade Wine), so just asking for a glass of wine is quiet a bit different than buying a bottle of wine.

 The Amish History About Being In Photographs

So why would some Amish people not want their photos taken? This topic of Amish people that Don't like to be in pictures came about with a separation in the Amish faith years ago. The idea that a photo would steal one's soul or "graven image" can be traced back to the Amish beliefs on vanity taken from Exodus 20:4. But, if you know your Amish history, the Amish faith was started with the Anabaptist movement that originated in Switzerland in the late 1700s. The Amish people faced religious persecution against the Anabaptist movement at that time. The separation from Switzerland also formed a difference in the interpretation of holy scripture within the Amish belief system. This change in residence of Amish Anabaptist people, escaping religious persecution to other parts of the world, started the beginning of the different Amish groups as we know them today. Now the different groups of Amish people diversified in their religious viewpoints, culture, languages, and outward appearances. We have different groups or Orders of Amish people that put more or less importance on different parts of religious beliefs in scripture.

This history of the Amish religion is okay. There were no cameras or video equipment in the late 1700s!!! Correct, and in the Amish religion, this idea of the Amish being in pictures was fine in Amish culture at its start unless it was in pieces of artwork. But, much like other religions, the Amish religion has adapted over time to fit some of its religious viewpoints into today's modern culture. Now that we know more about the history of separation in the Amish faith and how that separation started different Amish Orders as we know them, all having different but similar beliefs. Let's look at Amish viewpoints and beliefs within different Amish Orders.  

Not All Amish Orders Believe Quiet The Same 

The Swartzentruber Amish are considered part of the Old Order Amish faith and have the least modern ways of doing things. In the Swartzentruber Amish beliefs, you will find that they don't believe in using or owning cars, tractors, or any modern conveniences such as electricity or phones, like landlines or cell phones. They also do NOT like being in pictures or videos of any kind. Also, the entire way the Swartzentruber Amish groups conduct their daily walk of life is very plain. For example, they only wear dark blue and black clothing and try to only speak to their younger children in the Amish Pennsylvania Dutch language. Also, the Swartzentruber Amish don't have pictures or mirrors in their homes or much of anything that is "flashy" to speak of in their lifestyle.

Although the Swartzentruber Amish community is considered old-school in its ideas of the Amish lifestyle, the New Order Amish communities found scattered throughout the United States are also very simple in their beliefs but, compared to the Swartzentruber believe in doing things a little more modern and have different viewpoints on scriptures in the Amish religion. For the New Order Amish, the view of pictures is more relaxed than in the Old Order Amish communities. Still, the New Order Amish do not allow pictures because of their beliefs. Most Amish people, New or Old Orders, don't want to be in any pictures. But, when it comes to differences in interpretation of Bible verses within the Amish faith, there is quite a difference. A good comparison for English people on the different Amish Orders and Amish beliefs could be the difference between the Baptist Faith, Church of Christ, or Methodist denominations. The beliefs and interpretation of scripture in these English denominations are similar but different, just like in the Amish Orders.

Points To Remember About Different Amish Orders In Pictures

• In Different Amish Orders, Religious Beliefs Are Close To The Same, But Not Exactly The Same
• Different Amish Orders, Due To Size, Location, And Interpretation Of Religious  Scripture, Put Different Levels Of Importance On Things Such As Photographs and Videos
• Amish People Are No Different Than Anyone In The English Community, and Have Personal Opinions On What They Feel Is Correct In Their Beliefs On Being In Photos Or Videos

Do The Amish Pose For Pictures

So now we know the general beliefs of the Amish people and how some feel about being in photos and videos. Most people think that Amish people are totally against being captured on film, this is a true statement, but that statement is NOT correct. A great way to sum up the ideas of Amish people comes from their faith system; they believe that a camera captures their graven image and goes against their beliefs on vanity. However, the Amish people also understand that English people will photograph them sometimes, especially tourists to the Amish communities. They would prefer you not take their picture, but the Amish people understand that everyone has a cell phone with a camera these days. 

The main problem that the Amish people have with pictures or videos is someone old enough to be baptized in the Amish faith posing for a picture!!! A great example can be found in the images used by the Amish Of Ethridge website. If you look closely at the photos used of Amish People in the blog posts or webpages, they are done, so the faces of the Amish are not shown. Instead, action is what is being photographed and ensures no Amish person can be considered as posing for us!!! A very religious prominent Amish fellow in the local Amish community was asked his opinion on photography and how the Amish feel about being in pictures. His answer was surprising. Here is what he said.

"We understand that everyone has a camera on their phones now a day. We wish no pictures would be taken, but we understand it can't be avoided. Please try not to take pictures of our children; we try to keep them from that type of technology or any Amish person that turns their head quickly away because they are really against the idea. But!!! If you're going to take our pictures, please try to get us with our backs turned or working." (*edited for clarity and conciseness)

So on your next trip to an Amish community, remember these points highlighted below, especially when taking pictures.

Rules To Remember On Taking Pictures In The Amish Community

1. Remember, the Amish people do NOT like to be in pictures, but asking first if you can take pictures of Amish homes, horses, and buggies might be okay. So, ASK Permission first.
2. Be respectful. Don't run up to an Amish person and take a picture of them with your cell phone.
3. Suppose you notice an Amish person turning away from your camera because you are taking a picture. Remember, the Amish do not like being in your picture and would instead have you stop with the camera work.  
4. The best action if you want a picture of an Amish person is to capture all images of Amish people from behind or while working so as not to show any posing for the camera or possibly not to take a picture at all. 

Amish People In Videos And Movies

Are the Amish okay with all the Amish TV shows and movies that fill our screens? The Amish community does not support the idea of video because it goes against their 2nd commandment ideas on vanity. So what is the deal with the Amish people we have seen on film!!! One fantastic point is the subject matter concerning the particular video in question. It goes without saying that if the topic of the show is about someone "leaving" the Amish community for an English lifestyle, that person most likely has no objections to being in any film.

But what about people who live and hold the Amish way of life? Just like in photos, always try to capture video clips of Amish people from behind. In the case of video, this is only sometimes possible. Another option may be to edit the video, so it does not infringe on any Amish person's religious beliefs. Let's step back for a second and look at different ways a person practicing the Amish faith might be able to be in a video.

Silhouette Effect

Think about watching a news channel or clip showing a person being interviewed sitting in the dark or shadows while talking. In that case, their face might be blurred, and their voice distorted. Often this type of filming is an option to interview an Amish person on any subject. Click on this link to learn more about Silhouettes.

Ground Level Shot In Filming

Then a final way to capture an Amish person on film is to aim the camera or microphone at the ground close to the Amish person speaking, but leave that person out of the frame except for their feet!! This angle style is often seen in significant movies to show the character without revealing that character's identity. 

Now that you have more information on Amish people being in photos and videos. Please make sure to leave us a comment below; we love to hear from our readers. If you like this blog post, feel free to look around at all the different pages at the Amish Of Ethridge. Also, sign up for our newsletter if you want to stay up to speed on the new blog posts. Also, look for The Amish Of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thank you all again for reading, have a great day and an even better tomorrow.

What Really Is Rumspringa, Where Did The Saying Come From And Why

Some Amish communities are no different than "English" folks when it comes to letting your hair down and having a little fun. So first, what is Rumspringa really, and why do many sectors of the Amish faith believe in it or not? Rumspringa can be found in Pennsylvania Dutch, German, or the Swiss language, meaning to jump, run, and hop about or around, depending on what translation and spelling of the word and in what text it is used. For a better look into the history of the translation of Rumspringa or the different spellings of the word, here is a quick link that describes in depth the differences, Rumspringa. 

The term Rumspringa is used and practiced by some Amish communities because the Amish use the Pennsylvania Dutch language and because of their history. The Amish have many different sectors, such as Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Beachy Amish Mennonite, Swartzentruber Amish, and Amish Mennonites. Not to mention many sub-Amish groups that have been formed that are still active today and many sub-Amish groups that have dissolved over time, like the Believers in Christ, The "Plain Communities" as they are known, and found in many different locations in the United States, The Christian Communities of Elmo Stoll, Vernon Community, and the Caneyville Christian Community to name a few. (A quick side note: many of the sub-Amish groups were formed by people that were initially Amish New or Old Orders, Old German Baptist, or Mennonites.) Suppose we trace the original Amish faith back to its beginnings. In that case, we see that the North American Amish started here in America due to a fellow named Jakob Ammann, who formed the original group in the late 1700s in Switzerland. So to clear up the term Rumspringa in this post, we need to look at what language Jakob Ammann spoke and what part of the world he comes from.

One Of The Guys That Started The Amish Faith Found In North America Today

Jakob Ammann was one of the first to lead the Anabaptist movement, which later came to North America. Originally Jakob Ammann was from Erlenbach im Simmental Canton of Bern found in Switzerland, where the main languages are German, French, Romansh, and Italian. Starting in Switzerland, the first documentation of Jakob being noted in the Anabaptist movement was around 1680. Before Jakob's movement to the Amish faith, it was noted that he was baptized into the Old German Baptist type of faith before joining the Amish church, which has Anabaptist beliefs.  Jakob Ammann can also be considered one of the founding people responsible for defining a difference in the Swiss Amish religion compared to the Amish religion found elsewhere in the world due to his interpretation of certain scriptures from the Bible. 

Things To Remember About Jakob Ammann That Helps Explain The Amish Religion Today 

1. Jakob moved from Switzerland to a place referred to as Heidelsheim in the north of France and then to a community named Alsace. This move by Jakob started a separation between the Swiss Brethren, known as the Swiss Mennonites, and the Swiss Amish. 
2. Jakob Ammann showed a difference between the Amish and the Swiss Brethren religion by his questions about shunning members, ex-communication of liars, and concerns for people that don't follow God's word (Amish Anabaptist beliefs) if they could still be saved.
3. Jakob Ammann was also responsible after helping start the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites, for beginning the difference in dress and beard growing of married men between the two faith systems.  

Since we have a little history behind one of the founders of the Amish faith and have seen that the original Amish faith started in Switzerland, why do the Old Order Amish and Mennonites of the United States speak Old World German (Deutsch)? Why not French or one of the other languages found in Switzerland? During the time of Jakob Ammann and other followers of the Anabaptist movement in Switzerland, many had to flee from religious persecution to Germany. This move to Germany is where the Pennsylvania Dutch we hear today comes from. But, understand in this escape from persecution, the Amish followers picked up many different dialects of Pennsylvania Dutch, such as Swiss German or Amish Alsatian German, which we can hear today all spoken in the United States along with English and Pennsylvania Dutch mixed. (Quick Note: Keep in mind that these dialects are similar but different.) 

Not All Amish Communities Are Created Equal That's How Rumspringa Began

Much like the two Amish homes shown above, Amish communities look the same but can be very different. It takes a well-trained eye to notice precisely what those differences are but for people interested in the Amish culture and have been exposed to the Amish people, at first glance, you will see a huge difference!!! Much like the diverse beginnings of the Amish culture, the Amish of today not only dress differently to show what order or group of the Amish faith they belong to but also construct homes differently and have different beliefs in many areas of life and religion. This difference in religious beliefs on the subject of what is correct and incorrect is one reason Rumspringa as we know it began for the Amish families that are part of larger Amish communities, such as in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. The Amish community there believes in hard work, family values, and keeping with the word of God.

Now it is generally expected in the larger Amish communities that, when reaching an age to get ready to find a spouse and settle down,  the younger Amish youth are encouraged to marry within the Amish that are actively practicing within the Amish faith. Rumspringa is considered a time for those Amish youth to do just that; it's a time for the younger youths of the Amish communities in larger Amish settlements to go out and experience the outside world.  Not only to meet other teens within the Amish community around where they live that they would have never met before due to their daily work and chores they are responsible for on the farms. But, to some, what changes in their lifestyle usually could include but do not include everyday items such as the internet, TV, cell phones, and larger social groups. This exploring of the modern world is to put at rest ideas younger Amish people have on these modern foreign subjects. Rumspringa overall is a time to find a spouse and make social connections with other Amish members of the community for their adult life and to decide if, when reaching adulthood, the Amish teens want to keep with an Amish lifestyle or live in a more modern English fashion.    

Points To Remember About Rumspringa

• Rumspringa is a time for the Amish Teens to "Sow Their Wild Oats."
• Amish teens are encouraged to meet and make friends with other Amish teens during Rumspringa.
• During Rumspringa, teens are encouraged to look for a spouse.
• Rumspringa fulfills modern experiences for Amish youth who have never done so due to their religious beliefs and lifestyle.
• Rumspringa is a time for the Amish teen to decide if they want to keep living an Amish type lifestyle.

Why Smaller Amish Communities Practice Rumspringa Differently Or Not At All

In an Amish community such as Lancaster, Pennsylvania, there are around 30,000 Amish people. If you were a younger Amish teen living in the Pennsylvania Amish community, finding a boyfriend or girlfriend might be easier than in smaller Amish communities. After all, one of the primary purposes of Rumspringa is to prepare the Amish youth for later Adult life.  But what about the smaller Amish communities in places such as Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and Kansas? What do their Amish teens do for Rumspringa? In smaller communities of the Amish faith, Rumspringa is often not practiced. If the smaller Amish communities do partake in Rumspringa many times, it will be by giving the Amish youth in those communities more time together after events such as church. What if the younger Amish teens in a small Amish community can't find a member of the opposite sex they like? When he was asked do they all practice Rumspringa, a member of the local Amish community answered by saying.

"Why would I want to go run about!!! I'm not exactly sure what you're asking me?" (*edited for clarity and conciseness)

This Amish friend's response on Rumspringa is fascinating. After the question was further explained, he detailed how the Old Order Amish communities of Pennsylvania practice Rumspringa for the youth there. He then explained that many times because smaller Amish communities, for instance, in Tennessee, may have fewer young teen members of marrying age. So, the teens often move from one Amish community to another, from Tennessee to Pennsylvania looking for a future spouse, places to start a new business, or farms!! 

We have all seen internet clips and documentaries about Rumspringa that show all of the Amish teens involved in abusing drugs and alcohol, but is this ALWAYS the case? Much like anyone else that experienced a wild youth full of exploring new things, peer pressure, and all the fruits of youth, the Amish teens are no different. Remember that the Amish communities started in Switzerland and Germany and spoke a Pennsylvania Dutch dialect. The "Spirits" or alcohol consumption, if we look into a study, show higher percentages of Alcohol consumed in these countries compared to other countries; here is a quick link, Alcohol Consumed By Country. It's a horrible fact, but unfortunately, in many studies, alcoholism is much higher in people with family members that had a problem with alcohol. It is also believed that alcoholism can be genetic!!!

Lastly, let's also remember that tobacco is still grown by many different Amish communities.  Be that air-cure tobacco like the type found in middle Tennessee or the flue-cured tobacco found in different parts of the world. If a person grew and sold tobacco, such as the Amish farmers, their mindset might be, why not consume the tobacco you grew?

Luckily, many Amish people are avid readers and study many different subjects, such as health. So the picture painted about Rumspringa always being nothing more than an all-out drug-fueled party is only sometimes the case. Although, of course, there are plenty of celebrations during Rumspringa. Still, many Amish teens find a spouse, meet new friends, learn to have a more technology-driven lifestyle, and return to a simple religious Amish lifestyle. 

We hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about Rumspringa, where it started, and why the Amish people do or do NOT celebrate it in their youth. If you enjoyed this blog post, please feel free to comment. We love to hear the ideas and views of our readers. Make sure to look around our website and check out our pages. If you like the blog and want to stay on top of everything at The Amish Of Ethridge, sign up for the newsletter. Finally, look for the Amish of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thank you all again for reading, and have a great day and an even better tomorrow. 

Where are all these large Amish communities located and why did they settle there? Most Amish families are farm families, but why did they pick the farming lands of the United States that they did? In the future, will we see more Amish communities spring up? Why have the Amish people chosen the locations they have to set up their homesteads? Here's some information to get your buggy wheels turning.

 The Amish Buying Farm Land Based On New Communities 

As most people know, many different Amish communities are based around farming and the land that makes up those farms. In the United States, there are many Amish communities; most are small, but some are huge. A few major Amish settlements are located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee but not all of them. The Amish are found in many different states. For a quick look at some numbers about populations of Amish communities, here is a link to the different Amish settlements by population, Amish By Population. Unfortunately, in the United States, remote areas for future farming are becoming more populated with people instead of farms and transformed into urban areas. So the amount of suitable farmland used for crops is getting hard to find and even harder to purchase.

But how do the Amish find new lands to establish new communities, and why do they choose the lands they do? Of course, the Amish choose the areas they often do because of the size of farmland available. But, there is a list of other factors that come into play when purchasing a large farm for the Amish; some of these issues are. 

Points The Amish Look For When Buying New Farm Land

• The ability of one Amish family to expand its land by buying other tracts close to the initially purchased farm. 
• The availability for additional Amish settlers to move and buy in close near Amish farms to ensure the growth of the new Amish settlements.
• The makeup of the soil to ensure good crop growth.
• The natural resources found on future farms, such as wood, an open range for pasture, and water for livestock and personal use.
• The regulations and laws on homeschooling for children in the particular state.

The factors mentioned above are essential for a group of  Amish families seeking relocation in a new area that intends to set up a new Amish settlement. In many established large Amish communities such as in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, farms stay in Amish families for generations, passed down from father to son, or are sold to other family members or just members of the Amish communities to ensure the Amish way of life is maintained. After all, the Amish community in Pennsylvania was established in the 1720s and is still thriving today.

Types Of Soil Amish Farmers Might Look For And Why When Establishing A New Community

Now keep in mind that most, but not all, Amish communities do their fair amount of Subsistence farming, cooperative farming, and some Commercial farming. But don't be fooled. Just because some Amish communities don't have major commercial farms does not mean that the Amish farms can not also support many of us "English" in different ways, such as through sales of vegetables and wooden products. In addition, when the Amish decide to expand their community and need to buy a new farm in a new area, soil type will play a significant factor. About 6 different types of soil are found in the United States Amish farmers have to choose from to farm. Those soil types are Clay, Sandy, Silty, Peaty, Chalky, and Loam but all of these soils have pros and cons when it comes to farming, and many soil types are mixed and require an Amish farmer that knows their way around soil amendments. 

Clay

Clay has downfalls, such as it can be hard to till, especially for many groups of Amish that use horse-drawn equipment!!! Clay is also horrible at draining water but works exceptionally well at retaining water. Now depending on the type of crops the particular new Amish settlement is intent on producing. Soils such as clay will be conducive if the new Amish community wants to start a greenhouse business growing, using, and selling things like Broccoli, Beans,  Potatoes, Cabbage, and Blueberries if enough compost and organic material can be amended to the soil. Another significant factor about clay is it will hold nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium once it is added to the soil because of Clay's binding abilities. Red Clay soil is found mainly in the Southern United States. Now Amish communities that are relatively new such as the ones found in North Carolina and Mississippi, plan on growing field crops and vegetables for personal use and sale. Adding things such as lime to increase the pH and ensure large yields is now a problem for the new Amish community to tackle. Keep in mind that the Amish usually use all natural fertilizers produced from their livestock to enhance their soils.

Sandy  

When it comes to Sandy soil, there are many benefits new Amish communities might look for. With Sandy soils unlike clay, the Sandy soil will not pack together once it dries from rainfall and dries much quicker than clay. The Sandy soil, or a mix of soils with large amounts of Sand in the soil, works much better for Amish communities that use horse-drawn equipment because of its easy cultivating abilities. Also, when adding amendments like fertilizers and compost to the soil.  Sandy soil is much more willing to accept these add-ins because of its granular properties and ease of cultivation.  Finally, the Sandy soils would benefit flowering plants, but this might rule out many Amish communities due to their religious beliefs on vanity.

Silty

When it comes to Silty soil, this is where many Amish communities will indeed hit "pay dirt" in their abilities to grow crops such as Wheat, Soybean, Corn, Pecans, Watermelons, and Rye. Silty soil can be challenging for Amish communities that use horse-drawn equipment to farm because of the properties that make up the content of the ground. Silty soil can remarkably retain water but also give air to the roots of any crop grown in silt. Silty soil is usually found in states such as Oklahoma; Port Silt Loam is the official soil of Oklahoma.  That, in turn, explains the first Old Order Amish settlements that were located in Oklahoma. The Old Order Amish community was founded close to Thomas in Custer County, Oklahoma, around the late 1800s  to the early 1900s. Sadly to say the first Old Order Amish community in Thomas dissolved. However, many of its members relocated elsewhere in different areas of Oklahoma and still live there and formed different sectors of the Amish faith in Oklahoma.  The Beachy Amish is an excellent example of an Amish community in Oklahoma that split from the Old Order Amish community and can still be found in Oklahoma. But, the Beachy Amish have decided to use more modern equipment to farm Silty soil like in Oklahoma.   

Peaty

Peaty soil is another soil mainly used when growing certain crops like celery, lettuce, and peas.  Peaty soil is usually found in low-lying areas that retain lots of rainfall and do not drain well, which you might think would be bad for crops.  Examples of Peaty soil found worldwide are in the plains of Canada, Asia's tropical climates, and India. Often because of Peaty rainfall retention. Peaty soil is usually found in marshlands and not used for farming, but rather soil additions that can be purchased for potting plants at home and flower gardening. Because Peaty soil is found in marshlands, most would think that marshlands are a total loss when farmed. However, this is incorrect if proper drainage is given to the land and cover crops are planted to keep the peaty soil from suffering erosion. Land with Peaty soil can be used for farming, but the pH will always be a significant concern. Peaty soil will often be considered very Acidic with low natural fertility levels. Usually, correcting this pH difference would be a must for any Amish farmer. But, due to Peaty soils scarcity and high compressibility vs. low sustainability, few Amish communities, new or old in the United States, are located around this type of soil.

Chalky  

In Chalky soil, the "chalk" is formed from many deposits of tiny shells. A great place to look for this type of soil would be in California, around the part of the state that produces wine. Usually, when it comes to Chalky soil, the pH of the soil is very alkaline because the soil was formed by matter or shells that were initially in the ocean and waterways. When the water recedes from those areas, the tiny shells left are compressed over time. Then after the compression has occurred and erosion has taken place, the Chalky soil is formed and exposed. This type of soil would be great for a new Amish community that wanted to grow such things as grape vines, vining plants such as Virginia creeper, or trees such as certain pines. Overall, plants and trees enjoy soil that drains quickly. Unfortunately, only a few Amish communities in the United States are found on the west coast, especially around wine country, because Chalky soil will not support vegetables that the Amish communities grow for personal use and sale to the public. 

Loam  

We've saved the best for last, Loam soil. Many new and old Amish communities are found around areas with Loam in the soil. Loam is found in Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio, down into Kentucky and North West Tennessee. Loam soil would be the best for a new Amish settlement that wants to establish a community that is outgoing in planting gardens and crops. Loam is ideal for plants as it will hold plenty of water and drain plants' roots to get air for growth. However, Loam can have the ability to be compacted during heavy rainfall, and an Amish community that uses horse-drawn equipment to till compacting soil can make it difficult. But, overall, loam is the best for farming and is found in many areas where older Amish settlements have been established for years due to its ability to sustain the farming needs of the Amish community. 

Natural Resources Found On Land For New Amish And Old Amish Settlements 

The Amish have many side businesses besides farming that require lumber, like sawmills, construction/contracting, buggy builders, and wood shops that produce wood crafts, such as in the sign above. So it comes as no surprise for a new Amish community to spring up natural resources are a must on the land they purchase for a farm. Good forests with hardwoods are essential for Amish communities to build homes, barns, fencing, and schools. When building most Amish buildings are constructed with hardwoods like Red Oak and Poplar. The average Red Oak tree will grow about 2 feet each year for the first 18 to 20 years. Depending on many factors, such as soil type, rainfall, sunlight, the genes of the tree, and climate, some Red Oaks will develop faster than that. An interesting side point many English people need to learn is that the Amish communities are into conservation, especially regarding the regrowth of hardwood trees to ensure the Amish way of life in wooden products!!!  

Regarding livestock, one point a new Amish community or established Amish community must have is open pasture land for livestock such as horses, pigs, and cattle. When looking for new farmland, open tracks of land with natural grasses such as Fescue, Orchard Grass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Ryegrass would be a must. Now, many factors can be discussed about grasses and their effects on different types of livestock with weight control and health, but I'll leave that for another blog post dedicated to just that topic. Primarily a good balance of natural grasses without such plants as Wild Onions, Nightshades, Lupine, and Water Hemlock would be what a new settlement of Amish settlers would want to consider when setting up homesteads.   

Laws Governing School And How Those Laws Effects New Amish Settlements

Children are a significant concern for the Amish way of life, especially when starting a new community. It is effortless to find an Amish family with up to 13 or more children!!! So, just like with the public school system and the English, the Amish children also need an education. Most Old Order Amish communities depending on their location in the United States, will have their own schools, but state laws govern the Amish schools. However, many times the New Order Amish or Old Order Amish will attend public schools. But, for the Old Order Amish, the state laws that govern school attendance for children are significant in new Amish settlement locations because of the Amish religious beliefs. A great example of education laws concerning the Amish is found in Tennessee. The Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3001. All children ages 6-17 are required to attend school. In the case of the Amish Schools, unlike public schools, the Amish school system here in Tennessee is considered parochial school, non-public school, or private school, whatever you want to call it, but governed by the state's laws on attendance. Under state laws in Tennessee, Non-Public schools must adhere to attendance policies like the public school system. But, many times, the grade levels, curriculum, school calendar, and educational requirements are achieved differently for these schools compared to the public school system. Here is a link with the option to download for Non-Public Schools in Tennessee for a quick, more in-depth look Non-Public Schools in Tennessee.

Here Is A List Of Things To Ask The Next Time You Travel Through The Amish Community And Strike Up A Conversation With An Amish Farmer.

1. Ask how long has this Amish community been around.
2. Did your relatives ever tell you what problems they faced when establishing or moving to this Amish community?
3. A critical point to ask is, which Amish faith do you follow?
4. If you speak with Old Order Amish Farmer, how do you power things such as the well pump?
5. Finally, a fascinating question to ask if you are in a large established Amish community, Are there members of this Amish community leaving to form new communities elsewise in the United States? 

These few questions might help you learn a little more about the Amish way of life and the problems they face many times in society. 

Hopefully, this post has helped you learn about the Amish and how they look at different factors to establish new Amish settlements. Remember to make sure to sign up for our newsletter. It's free and will keep you informed about what's happening at the Amish Of Ethridge. Also, please leave us a review. We love to hear from our readers and gain your opinions. Check out the entire Amish of Ethridge site. Finally, look for the Amish of Ethridge on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Thanks again for reading this blog; I hope you have a great day and an even better tomorrow.  

Simple Planting Ideas From The Amish Farmers

If you are new to growing a garden or have minimal experience with growing your own garden the Amish have many different pointers to help you out. One thing that is always a big problem for most gardeners, old and new alike is the problem of weeds and grass control in the garden. Now I've mentioned in many of my post before that the Amish use a planters plastic sheeting to control problem grass and weeds around their vegetables. This is a really great idea in my opinion when it comes to planting a garden especially a garden that is located in a suburban back yard that was previously sowed in grass. No matter how hard you try remove grass and grass seed from a new designated garden spot it is very difficult to remove it all. The usual polyethylene plastic is what most Amish farmers chose to cover their rows in the garden with to control grass. Polyethylene plastic can be found at a verity of box stores and usually comes in different lengths, widths, and thicknesses. Normal prices on polyethylene roll plastic depends on the quantity and store you purchase your plastic from. The prices range from around $9.00 to the $100.00 mark depending on the pricing factors I've already mentioned. The great thing about using polyethylene plastic is that under normal conditions of exposure to elements, polyethylene plastic can last and retain its durability for 3 to 5 years. Depending on your growing zone and the amount of rain fall and sun you have each year basically, temperatures play a huge role in polyethylene plastic. The use of plastic can also help with water issues that many gardeners now face due to changing rainfall levels. Most people know that plants especially most vegetable love water. But!!! it is possible to over water many vegetable gardens, and with the use of plastic the amount of water sent to the plants can be controlled. 

This water control is where I disagree with a practice the Amish farmers use in their gardening practices. I know your are all now thinking, disagree with watering your garden? No, let me explain a little bit more on where I differ personally on my planting operations as compared to the Amish farmers. Now I plant a small garden in size compared to the larger gardens most Amish families plant.  When tilling my soil each year I use a small garden tiller and prepare my soil before covering it with plastic, but I leave my soil flat without raised rows. The normal Amish farmers have much larger families than I do and generally sale much of their produce to make a profit.  The practice the Amish farmers use to cultivate their gardens is usually done with a horse drown plow or disk due to the Amish religious beliefs and size of their gardens. Now I mentioned "horse drown" ground preparation. The Amish also have a horse drawn attachment that tucks their plastic around the raised rows of the garden. The general idea of putting a garden in raised rows is to help with the water shedding , meaning to shed off the water from the plants base or stalks.  I personally do NOT raise the rows in my garden for a few reasons.  One such reason is I don't have a horse drown attachment to tuck my plastic in the ground while building raised rows. Another reason is I personally believe that with raised rows in the garden are a bad idea is, the plants can suffer from disease because of the valley created between the different rows holding water. If the garden holds to much water in the valley the plants  can become over hydrated and suffer more at the root from root rot and pest problems. 

Other Points To Remember About Planting With Plastics And Planting Techniques

• You have to stretch the plastic by hand if you don't have a attachment or implement to help you cover your garden. (Polyethylene Plastic In Large rolls Can Be Very Heavy)
• The use of plastic in a garden can have negative effects on plants. (Heat In Hot Summer Conditions Can Be Reflected From Plastic, It Can Burn Plants)
• In dry drought conditions ( You Might Have To Water Your Garden By Hand, Plastic Around Plants Can Make Watering More Difficult) 
• In wet windy stormy conditions (Plastic On A Garden With Young Small Sized Plants Can Rise Up Due To Wind And Damage Plants/ Especially Young Seedlings)
• Another name for raised rows in a garden is Furrow or Furrow Planting. (Some People See Benefits For Planting In This Method, Depending On Their Yearly Rain Fall Amounts And On Their Location In Planting Zones)

 The Amish On Gardening And Greenhouses

Now the Amish have great greenhouses if you notice as in the picture above the Amish greenhouse is heated with a woodstove. This is not only to keep young seedlings warm, but also to enable the grower to start their growing season earlier, or continue the garden into later parts of Fall and Early Winter. This method of heating a greenhouse is a really a great gardening practice especially when it comes to amending soil. Now for the die hard gardener we have all heard the idea of using wood ash as a soil amendment. The Amish are no different, they use the wood ash for its ability to supply the soil with more calcium and potassium, basically fertilizer. The levels of the pH in most soil range from acidic at 7.0 and above to alkalinity which should be no lower than 6.5 level, but can be possibly be lower. Now the Amish use a soil tester that you can buy at any of your local farming stores to determine what the soil needs. Here is a quick link to a soil tester from Burpee I have seen some Amish farmers use before to test their soil, soil tester. 

"A tip from the Cooner here, I myself purchased the soil tester from Burpee that I saw a Amish farmer using. After I ask the Amish fellow about what he was doing, he quickly explained how the tester worked and where to get one. I have to say that after I got my soil tester and had a reading of 6.0 level pH. I adjusted my soil with some fertilizer I got at a local store and the outcome was outstanding, my rose bushes have been beautiful ever since."                                                                                                                            Crockett Cooner 

But, when I think of Amish greenhouses or any greenhouse for that matter, the first thing I think of is watering plants. Most of the time you will see some of the Amish children caring for the new plants watering them when needed, its usually on their list of daily chores. But, after a few trips to my local Amish community I've seen quiet a few different ways to water your plants in a greenhouse. One great way was a system of pipes and barrels that were used to collect water from rain fall. Let me explain! if you notice the greenhouse above the roof is pitched to shed water from rainfall. One Amish greenhouse I saw with its own watering system used guttering  like a normal home, that was on the edge of a barn roof beside the greenhouse. The guttering channeled the water from the barn roof into a large barrel. Then from the barrel there was piping overhead in the greenhouse that ran the entire length of the green house on both sides. Along the overhead pipes there was small holes drilled that allowed the water to dip onto the plants below.   

Another idea I saw the Amish farmers use in my community was limestone crushed rock or gravel on the floor of their greenhouses. Much like larger industrial greenhouses we all see in pictures the purpose of the limestone rock was also for heating and weed control. When the rocks on the floor became heated by the sunlight or the woodstove found inside the greenhouse the temperatures would stay warmer in the cool early spring nights. Now you maybe thinking to yourself what if the temperatures in the greenhouse gets to HOT!!! The Amish farmers simply installed hinges on the side panels and constructed the frame of the greenhouse where it will open to allow airflow, much like opening a window in your home. 

Other Neat Gardening Ideas From The Amish Farmers

When it comes to Amish ingenuity there really is no bounds. Now the cold frame seed starter in the above pic happens to be the ol' Cooner's, but I have to say I borrowed the ideas  from an Amish fellow and made my own cold frame. I noticed over my many trips to the Amish community here locally, that some of the Amish homes had no greenhouses. I was curious why I always saw these small structures made from wood, plastic, and straw around the Amish gardens. I found that the cold frame be it made from glass and wood such as mine or clear plastic sheeting covering a wooden frame is a unique way to start seedlings and cool weather plants. The cold frame uses the heat from the earth to keep the new plants warm while getting the benefits of the sunlight and prolonged growing season for the young plants.  Much like the much larger greenhouse with their limestone floors its no problem to keep the cold frame warm. I simply used old bricks inside of mine to raise the temperatures just enough to keep the new seedling warm in the cold  snaps in weather we have here in my growing zone.   

Another great way the Amish save a little money is by seed collection in their gardening practices. Now many people choose to buy new seeds or established plants each spring to start new plants for their garden. But, the Amish many times will remove the seeds from the vegetables they have grown in years before, and reuse the seeds to continue their plant production. Its a very simple process and will greatly reduce the prices you spend each year on starting a garden.  Also, if there is a particular vegetable or fruit you enjoy, why not keep that strain of plant going to ensure you get the flavors and size vegetables you want year after year.  

The Order To Follow This Gardening Season To Get Your Vegetable Plants From Amish Greenhouse

1. Locate an Amish community that specializes in vegetables sales to the public. Usually word of mouth from other gardeners can help you with this.
2. Next plan your trip for a Saturday to the Amish Greenhouse. A good rule of thumb is to go around lunch.
3. Get gas and use the restroom before you go to Amish country. Many times if one Amish greenhouse does not have the variety of vegetable you want, you might need to drive a distance to the next Amish farm, and usually the Amish do NOT have public bathrooms,
4. Take cash money the Amish do not except debit or credit cards, and ATM's are hard to locate in rural areas.
5. Also be prepared if you purchase vegetable plants for your garden. Many times the Amish sale plants in bulk. So a good plan to give some to a neighbor or friend is useful for plants you don not need. 

I hope that these gardening practices learned from the Amish farmers, will help you in your own gardening needs and help you find a Amish greenhouse in your area. If you enjoyed this post please feel free to look around our entire website and check out our other blogs. Also, when you have a second check out our other websites.  Please feel free to leave us a review, we always love to hear from our readers on their own ideas. Make sure if your looking around the inner webs to look for The Amish Of Ethridge at Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. If you would like more information on up and coming blogs and what's going on here at The Amish of Ethridge, sign up for our newsletter. Thank you all again for reading our blog, we hope you have a wonderful today and an even better tomorrow.