Colonial farmers had to wake up early each day to grind corn into flour using mortars and pestles before breakfast. Planting crops was essential for survival, as colonists saved seeds from previous harvests to plant again. Food preservation methods included soaking foods in brine or salting and drying meats. Windmills were important for grinding grains and encouraged commerce. Farming tools included scythes for cutting crops and heavy spiked rollers. Cows needed to be milked twice daily.