Search results

No tilling. I have a beautiful little TroyBilt Pony tiller, that does a great job, is just the right size for me. The only time I use it is if I'm breaking up new ground. Our native soil is rock hard, heavy clay with LOTS of huge rocks interspersed with smaller rocks. So, I'll use it if I'm...

Like many things, there are plusses and minuses. Permanent mulch Positives : Keeps a steady moisture content in the soil. When there is a lot of rain, the mulch holds the excess moisture like a sponge. Then, it releases it during dry times. Keeps the frost from penetrating as deep. (I can...

If you don't mind "orcharding" around it, you could leave it. I'm hard pressed for space, so that would not be an option for me. An other consideration: If you are going to be mechanically tending that orchard, it will be a total pain to work around that pile. So, you could burn it off, and...

So, tell me what you started with, and how your selection process went.

We're getting ready for family day here at noon: BBQ here to celebrate G.S. 20th BD, and he's headed off to Air Force boot camp within the next couple weeks. Please pray for him. Also, DD is getting married at end of the month. So, a lot to celebrate.

I also sprout in the winter. For the birds, and for myself.

Lovely writing, descriptions, Daisy!

Pine straw is a winner. I absolutely love it! I've never had issues with it being "pokey". But, it's hard for me to source. When we collect bagged leaves in the fall, I cherish those bags of pine needles, and look for neighborhoods with big ol' pine trees!

I hate to use shavings for bedding b/c they take so long to break down. And, they are pricey. So... I'll try shavings in the nest, and continue with leaves and grass clippings on the floor.

I only source hay from one farmer who states that his fields are never treated with herbicide. But, the shavings in the nest box is a good idea. I use leaves that I collect in the fall, and grass clippings from my own yard as coop bedding.

Here's a good warning. Fear of soil contamination by sourcing compost/mulch/hay materials from other properties is the PRIMARY reason why I got chickens. Some of my tomatoes have funky leaves this year. But, they are growing thick and lush, and setting blossoms like crazy. So... I'm left...

If you did that with a pocket knife, I'm guessing you keep your knives real sharp. Good job. I'd be worried about doing the deed with a li'l ol' knife. I'd want something with a 4' handle!

Could be a spiritual analogy in that!

Lovely. Had some rain last night, will get a bit more today. It's a bit cooler, not even up to 60*! I don't do heat well. But, weather changes give me massive head aches. So... I'm laying low for now, gonna take a few Ibuprophen, then go out in the rain for some fresh air. God's blessings...

Lovely bed.

Thanks.

Drake gave me some sass tonight when I went to put them to bed. He's never done that before. There have only been 3 eggs in their duck house the last 2 days. So... I wonder if one of the ladies is putting her eggs somewhere else???

Have you given them Poultry Nutri-Drench? IMO, that is an absolute MUST have when starting chicks.

All I can say is this: Until your husband shares the dream, It will be a huge struggle. If God is in it, and your husband is not, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Pray that God will EITHER bring your husband to share your dream, OR give you contentment in your current circumstances. When you are both on...

We came back from a trip to town. (had a great visit with Dad) As usual, I went looking for the ducks to see if trouble had found them. They were lounging on top of a blue tarp. Apparently, they were "pretending" they were floating on a nice blue lake! They've gorged on bugs so much that...