I sure didn't want to be writing this post... But part of being a blogger is allowing you, my wonderful readers, a glimpse into my life-- and that includes both the good and the bad. I've alluded several times in my newsletter, and here on the blog, that I've had a rather bizarre, and quite unproductive gardening year. At first I just thought it was coincidence and that I simply lost the gamble this year... (Because we ...Continue Reading
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Simple Mint Syrup Recipe
My mint is trying to take over my life right now. Now I'm not exactly complaining, because with the gardening year I've had thus far, I'm just happy to see something, anything, growing out there... It hasn't been a good growing season for my poor little garden. I suspect I have an issue with contaminated compost, and while I can't say for absolute certain yet, it ain't pretty... As I wrote in my newsletter last week, my carefully ...Continue Reading
How to Build a Chicken Run
After all these years I still have a hard time passing up those feed store chick sales, I can't seem to resist the urge to bring home a few new additions. If this is your first year buying those feed store chicks or chickens in general then there are a few you basic things you will need to know. (For a little extra help have a listen to the Podcast episode Getting Chickens for the First Time?) Basics you need to learn about ...Continue Reading
7 Simple Ways to Improve Garden Soil
Barren... That was the first word that crossed my mind when I set out to work on my new kitchen garden this year. It's right under my laundry room window, and is the perfect spot, considering it gets plenty of southern sunlight and is right next to our new porch. However, the soil leaves a little lot to be desired. In fact, I think it probably deserves to just be called 'dirt', not soil. Most of the topsoil there was ...Continue Reading
Natural Strategies for Farm Fly Control
It has begun. I went out to check Oakley and her new calf a couple of days ago and noticed a smattering of small flies already sticking to her back and flanks. (By the way, WE HAVE A NEW CALF!) But back to my story... Animals make manure, and manure attracts flies. LOTS of flies. Our city friends are always a bit shocked to see the sticky fly strips hanging from the ceiling in my kitchen when they visit (oh-so-classy, but ...Continue Reading