Notes from the Garden

Notes from the Garden

A periodic installment on the blog.  Some pictures and notes on what is going on in the garden Summer Squash – I’m so excited that we’ll be eating fresh squash. It truly is one of my favorite things.  Sunflowers – They’re blooming like crazy and I love it.  Who wouldn’t? Cucumber plants … Read more

Problems in the Hen House

Problems in the Hen House

It seems that we are experiencing our first chicken conundrum here on our little homestead.  As the girls keep saying, “Quack Quack is sick.”  Quack Quack being one of our two year old Rhode Island Reds.     It all started when the chickens stopped laying, which was about a week ago.  … Read more

Book Review: The Urban Chicken

Book Review: The Urban Chicken

I dreamed about raising chickens in our backyard for a long time.  However, I was intimidated.  And though it is definitely gaining popularity, raising farm animals in an urban setting really isn’t a very common practice.  Our first two chickens were gifted to us.  They were already a year old, came with … Read more

Garden Amendments

Garden Amendments

In a perfect world, amending your soil wouldn’t be necessary.  However, most gardeners find that amending their soil with something is necessary, especially after several growing seasons.  Ideally, you will amend your soil every season.  If the soil is really poor, it may take some time and love but it will be worth it.  … Read more

Growing with A Cold Frame

Growing with A Cold Frame

A cold frame is a great tool for any climate.  A gardener can use it to get a jump start on the growing season or to extend the growing season as winter approaches.  I was lucky enough to be gifted one this past Christmas. What I have is actually called an  “elevated … Read more

Starting Seeds: Part Two

Starting Seeds Part Two

(To view my first post on starting seeds, click here.) I’ve mentioned it before and I’m going to mention it again – It’s seed starting time in my area!  I have seeds and seedlings on the mind these days.     This past weekend I planted a ton of seeds for the spring/summer. … Read more

Starting Seeds

Starting Seeds

To begin, I know that for a HUGE part of the country it is nowhere near seed starting time (though with a cold frame, that might not be entirely true… but wait, I’m getting ahead of myself).  For those of you covered in snow, I apologize for this post.  But rest assured … Read more