tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88428525629449624352024-02-19T19:34:38.517-05:00Roberts RoostThe story of one family trying to make a life and a living on a small scale eco-farm.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-25453310887957928892018-05-16T20:05:00.000-04:002018-05-16T20:05:59.538-04:00Catching up in the gardenThe weather finally gave me a break and things have started progressing in the garden again. The succession planting of carrots, and spinach got started last week. Later than I wanted but that's what the weather and life dictated. They are in the two boxes with the floating row cover. I made a mistake last fall and planted garlic in some of my prime planting space in the kitchen garden. I had a lot to plant, it was time, and the space was ready. Now I'm having to rearrange things so that I can fit the rest of the kitchen garden crops in. The first job was getting a space ready for the tomatoes. To do that I had to relocate 4 big clumps of horseradish. It needed to be moved anyway, so that was a good thing. Once the horseradish was moved I scraped the deep mulch off the area so I could make beds for the tomatoes. The deep mulch is doing wonders for the soil. Every scoop I moved was filled with tons of earthworms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEplNQvO_RUC2z_H2E4zZsXMksQgQ7V5lEo1PxejECvNXpTuHY6a8Nww-19iRtJFNQa99syE3PilDgEoW3mCDsiY3FUkNUUYQ3e0zfibQJJ4dj1OZEaNJq_98fY8yp3lTWJXAXB-cTAVU/s1600/20180516_100007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEplNQvO_RUC2z_H2E4zZsXMksQgQ7V5lEo1PxejECvNXpTuHY6a8Nww-19iRtJFNQa99syE3PilDgEoW3mCDsiY3FUkNUUYQ3e0zfibQJJ4dj1OZEaNJq_98fY8yp3lTWJXAXB-cTAVU/s640/20180516_100007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the mulch was off I formed up two beds and returned the mulch to the path areas between the beds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE4ejHiQA5CVDQqkSdJi8nAfYj0TxPGzdnmlf5p853VTJJN0ajPzaZLtJ7REXB_gUbwfPo2w1SCKksPnyvF1Im0w0f69fQ_gkz3JpLXpCCha8jEoB1nKEWYWScd9dbjRiLoOPXmsIFc8/s1600/20180516_122938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE4ejHiQA5CVDQqkSdJi8nAfYj0TxPGzdnmlf5p853VTJJN0ajPzaZLtJ7REXB_gUbwfPo2w1SCKksPnyvF1Im0w0f69fQ_gkz3JpLXpCCha8jEoB1nKEWYWScd9dbjRiLoOPXmsIFc8/s400/20180516_122938.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Then it was time to get the trellising in place. I use 3 trimmed down 2x4s as the vertical supports and one long 2x4 along the top to hold the twine. I run a heave wire between the vertical supports about 6 inches above the ground to provide a lower anchor point for the twine. When the tomatoes start growing I prune them and train them up the twine. Since I grow indeterminate varieties they usually grow over the top to the trellis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8rZQuwY-s3uUryrl0XQx7VscCBIfdxwKIzYZ1zf3F6NeRzn9cq9q-wgI-_N1dVdxryEgDLehlLd40HEJOhALwb-o6h0_5izTs22RxYuBq4goLdpN9Rs3OwPg91mUZ8tkgxLCvmD12to/s1600/20180516_131542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8rZQuwY-s3uUryrl0XQx7VscCBIfdxwKIzYZ1zf3F6NeRzn9cq9q-wgI-_N1dVdxryEgDLehlLd40HEJOhALwb-o6h0_5izTs22RxYuBq4goLdpN9Rs3OwPg91mUZ8tkgxLCvmD12to/s400/20180516_131542.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, I didn't get the trellising all installed this morning before I had to go to work. I'll finish in the next day or so and post pictures of the result.<br />
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-18020383328344031902018-03-21T10:36:00.001-04:002018-03-21T10:36:42.648-04:00Springtime in the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Springtime in Ohio. Gardening is on hold for the day. Stay warm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mjeg6hNV1FocCvRjJqoKlstzBqaY94bvBmJ0Wchwf4G4zBaeOBONdDjTCGMOW55JdG087chwutf4xBBWfB7fzejnyHGOR1xhgh3IHrJJ8kz9GFijmEoKaiodv_G6fAPs8Qugd5SNzMc/s1600/20180321_082045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mjeg6hNV1FocCvRjJqoKlstzBqaY94bvBmJ0Wchwf4G4zBaeOBONdDjTCGMOW55JdG087chwutf4xBBWfB7fzejnyHGOR1xhgh3IHrJJ8kz9GFijmEoKaiodv_G6fAPs8Qugd5SNzMc/s400/20180321_082045.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiSWcuXc_TMf-x-aqLDKvlkUnerbKlKt4axwoZiibLVHR1DXqitEhbIAhwk5dwl1D6vJadRPKKwTMtTXJ1i_RGmGCeW1uh3RE8vWengLRs0p1ysk60tqSzlgPbzLD1pO2Q00fdyaZg3U/s1600/20180321_081623.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiSWcuXc_TMf-x-aqLDKvlkUnerbKlKt4axwoZiibLVHR1DXqitEhbIAhwk5dwl1D6vJadRPKKwTMtTXJ1i_RGmGCeW1uh3RE8vWengLRs0p1ysk60tqSzlgPbzLD1pO2Q00fdyaZg3U/s640/20180321_081623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-57206435496082940762018-03-19T13:40:00.000-04:002018-03-19T13:40:40.635-04:00In defense of weeds....So, after taking a bit of a break because of weather and family/scout stuff, I'm back. And I'm going to jump off the edge and say nice things about my second most hated thing. I've sworn off politics so my MOST hated thing won't enter the conversation, but I will be singing the praises of Crabgrass, <i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Digitaria</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> Haller. Yep, that thing we hate almost as much as we hate the Donald. (Ooops, sorry.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">Here's what happened. A few years ago we built a bank along the driveway and planted some fur and blue spruce trees to provide a barrier from the road. We also planted a row of our favorite rosa rugosa. Everything settled in and started to grow. The next step was to control the grass and weeds on the downhill side. This is where my favorite thing (mulch) comes into play. We mulched with old carpet, grass clippings, and wood chips. That seemed to control everything except the crabgrass. Last year I worked on pulling out crabgrass on a good portion of the hill, but I didn't get it all. This year, late winter rain flooded the whole site, and I saw some interesting results. Take a look.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkuP2ZDZDCXa3-7EA-MfScILB4fOAL8DiinlYmtXx_MRwlGCY-z1iYtTMumdD2_n55-wisZG9oA6Mdb_s-BXtVidWyM2fdqCHdxOq3br3B4jXmIVF8LHfwMbeF-hwwknoP-HnEXUIpQY/s1600/20180319_125815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkuP2ZDZDCXa3-7EA-MfScILB4fOAL8DiinlYmtXx_MRwlGCY-z1iYtTMumdD2_n55-wisZG9oA6Mdb_s-BXtVidWyM2fdqCHdxOq3br3B4jXmIVF8LHfwMbeF-hwwknoP-HnEXUIpQY/s640/20180319_125815.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mulch washed away from the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3dWjE7Rwfl103hHJp6W8WZimpd8I0diV4WPK1CL9Tmu2-V3WzR7DgzBvHGfucOzduOZIO7GqHaMrylhkawBF5B8VawPycQwTWK4PtaYA9eEwaN74fo_bFj1tsXT5nJKq8pdP7EfHifA/s1600/20180319_125832.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3dWjE7Rwfl103hHJp6W8WZimpd8I0diV4WPK1CL9Tmu2-V3WzR7DgzBvHGfucOzduOZIO7GqHaMrylhkawBF5B8VawPycQwTWK4PtaYA9eEwaN74fo_bFj1tsXT5nJKq8pdP7EfHifA/s640/20180319_125832.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mulch and soil held in place by the extensive mat of crabgrass roots<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">I still hate crabgrass (almost as much as he who will not be named...) but it seems that it evolved to do a job, and it does it well. When we rip it out we need to fill the void with something that does the same job, or it will just come back. (There may be a political lesson here...)</span></span>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-6066881569795050872018-03-06T12:53:00.000-05:002018-03-06T12:57:04.563-05:00Learning New Stuff - Soil texture test results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I did the test per the directions, proper measurements, the proper amount of salt, shake twice daily for three days. Here's the results. It's very hard to see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNRHVnpAIyfeDNFeCce7b8Of8vm4thh1yBmZfgQDvSxtgo-wVgw8_-ZUYDvVpKNAQNoE3FKCb_RmOqmwLRVaQqtwJ7B-0ClPidUtHkxwjs7lftBl1CoBQ6QrNHjvWsxXf2itv0P10IG8/s1600/20180306_000019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNRHVnpAIyfeDNFeCce7b8Of8vm4thh1yBmZfgQDvSxtgo-wVgw8_-ZUYDvVpKNAQNoE3FKCb_RmOqmwLRVaQqtwJ7B-0ClPidUtHkxwjs7lftBl1CoBQ6QrNHjvWsxXf2itv0P10IG8/s400/20180306_000019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY5EiwhyphenhyphenSfzfawH6ky76NGMMLN0nB6mxk1ftJCMQy6a-Z5kCLA5A9wbTtsX0itwsF9vOU1yBXHbUAbaquIhh6sozGFXpAE57JWDIEx-6RUq3MyA4iZM49S93knIiq97yYMpUQB_qfMgw/s1600/20180306_114407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY5EiwhyphenhyphenSfzfawH6ky76NGMMLN0nB6mxk1ftJCMQy6a-Z5kCLA5A9wbTtsX0itwsF9vOU1yBXHbUAbaquIhh6sozGFXpAE57JWDIEx-6RUq3MyA4iZM49S93knIiq97yYMpUQB_qfMgw/s640/20180306_114407.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the bottom of the jar there is a 1 cm layer of very fine sand. You cant really see it in the picture but there is a more grainy texture to that part. Above that there is about 2 cm of silt. Very fine. No pore space. On top there is about a 1 ml layer of clay. I guess I have loam, but the sand component is very fine, and the clay is almost non-existant. There was a small amount of small stone that was screened out before it was added to the jar, but it wouldn't have changed the measurement much.</div>
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-84493194824350300142018-03-01T11:44:00.001-05:002018-03-01T11:44:38.820-05:00SuddenlyI heard the frogs singing last night. Weird for the end of February. This warm weather makes me want to get out and plant, but I know winter isn't done with us yet. Still, I did see some signs of hope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4YiRP_8gnaSafMt9Xw_QjgSD6fjrUvCS2085-QqUEMmTaJ_iAKcckKNzsSc398c6EvtPYsQTCq_O26c33QxWC8AbttoJ6rOtq-XskYuvMbiDKXagi5m_x_8APxWzxTMnX4eQz6ewoAs/s1600/20180301_105736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4YiRP_8gnaSafMt9Xw_QjgSD6fjrUvCS2085-QqUEMmTaJ_iAKcckKNzsSc398c6EvtPYsQTCq_O26c33QxWC8AbttoJ6rOtq-XskYuvMbiDKXagi5m_x_8APxWzxTMnX4eQz6ewoAs/s400/20180301_105736.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CxFM7bC4jdhMv0PHUzDcVO5D78tL7K99S_ChnYYhlFvEFKKSwHgQNG7RnzeKmywGBoiQ6ZF4Ur5Af27UG8Y2ENZITf8YCq6k3vapbAPaeWybRSI5hmvpfflOZR18RygIWLQ_wDYCqo4/s1600/20180301_105817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CxFM7bC4jdhMv0PHUzDcVO5D78tL7K99S_ChnYYhlFvEFKKSwHgQNG7RnzeKmywGBoiQ6ZF4Ur5Af27UG8Y2ENZITf8YCq6k3vapbAPaeWybRSI5hmvpfflOZR18RygIWLQ_wDYCqo4/s400/20180301_105817.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJrydOE9SegE5CfUt0PHLzhEdMEum1piQx9G_nmuP3Fs_pfvFkSu-BdWJD-TxTqa2pYJlEhpFuvssTz-NFLUyHcAvveyAMV5cZg74p23YGJh3ibVn6am0pbNGuN-TUIYOSx7xZsz1a64/s1600/20180301_105943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJrydOE9SegE5CfUt0PHLzhEdMEum1piQx9G_nmuP3Fs_pfvFkSu-BdWJD-TxTqa2pYJlEhpFuvssTz-NFLUyHcAvveyAMV5cZg74p23YGJh3ibVn6am0pbNGuN-TUIYOSx7xZsz1a64/s400/20180301_105943.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll keep waiting for now, but I'm getting impatient.</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-37302255398619034972018-02-27T10:37:00.000-05:002018-02-27T10:37:08.171-05:00Learning New Stuff - Soil Texture and Stone ContentThe next step in understanding my soil is to determine soil texture and stone content. This involves taking a sample, picking out the visible stones and estimating the percentage of stone in the sample. For my garden site there were no visible stones in the sample and very few in the hole I dug (see yesterdays pictures.) <br />
<br />
I estimated the percentage to be between 1% and 5% because I know that there are a few small stones in this soil they just didn't show in my sample.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcRsipR1YsavNP8m9Rg6ohrQimG1sJTMpQVdu3hWV9eQcFwIQBin20KiTmN8RdvttTkHJOcf7BkRUs9O9Dkz6CFvHjvWN8nLlmHlAKgFJ6NaYKP9dG3AbYeInZmN0VnKEtaf86LOBZTg/s1600/20180227_102409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcRsipR1YsavNP8m9Rg6ohrQimG1sJTMpQVdu3hWV9eQcFwIQBin20KiTmN8RdvttTkHJOcf7BkRUs9O9Dkz6CFvHjvWN8nLlmHlAKgFJ6NaYKP9dG3AbYeInZmN0VnKEtaf86LOBZTg/s320/20180227_102409.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial soil sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next step involved drying the soil which I did in a low temp oven.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR5Isjyfg0AopmhlFtMtnhi5GQA_8sp8vLuJMMeWKuI40xIRpTkQx0myO3b3y2OuXrhUiG9vhlCvKsZG8t88Ec7Kxnnw1lrIxJSXg3oxCV-sUkH2M5b0s4eNsznjFNCaFB5BsW7g-ers/s1600/20180227_095502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR5Isjyfg0AopmhlFtMtnhi5GQA_8sp8vLuJMMeWKuI40xIRpTkQx0myO3b3y2OuXrhUiG9vhlCvKsZG8t88Ec7Kxnnw1lrIxJSXg3oxCV-sUkH2M5b0s4eNsznjFNCaFB5BsW7g-ers/s320/20180227_095502.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oven dried soil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then spread the sample on parchment paper and finger crushed it, checking for stones as I went.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaB9wtuQhm2dYSRHEAVtMtAskOZemLRZlGeVh5KQSS1MlmbQqUTK6aBZr0pBTO7YPTuURsCdUS5pdCKJthc50abcDohT_bhOJJdGqSi4naVDiN3yVkD1tLzrBJThuWI_h0zjUkUuPLPc/s1600/20180227_095825.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaB9wtuQhm2dYSRHEAVtMtAskOZemLRZlGeVh5KQSS1MlmbQqUTK6aBZr0pBTO7YPTuURsCdUS5pdCKJthc50abcDohT_bhOJJdGqSi4naVDiN3yVkD1tLzrBJThuWI_h0zjUkUuPLPc/s320/20180227_095825.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finger crushed sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next, I covered the sample with another piece of parchment paper and used a rolling pin to crush it finely.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YwET07_y-1-LwH6m9-11s_xMb1RaeSohL5DMDh-0k_gX1-H7CftSWimlzvtDWLusczP2sv7fuZL6PKAYmnFAdOTiksL8LNX9-j-GTLUetTmB8A0sRUn1A1fo0oi3Q3OQaAtyT4f07Nw/s1600/20180227_095723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YwET07_y-1-LwH6m9-11s_xMb1RaeSohL5DMDh-0k_gX1-H7CftSWimlzvtDWLusczP2sv7fuZL6PKAYmnFAdOTiksL8LNX9-j-GTLUetTmB8A0sRUn1A1fo0oi3Q3OQaAtyT4f07Nw/s320/20180227_095723.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rolled sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I poured this through the sieve and recrushed the remnant that wouldn't pass. That was also poured through the sieve until no more would crush.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fm6oOkpKA75OlJ1qLv4_7MUSv42C7Vp_nLyWjR5QUYtSBxpnVctvFGUHZcYP4vMonc6p1MBgThVsCqI0DiWqxS_cUx7xfBGPL2fJSyzFBrCLVbTdmZnW8GGH23g6F03PPfDu1H9_xBk/s1600/20180227_100041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fm6oOkpKA75OlJ1qLv4_7MUSv42C7Vp_nLyWjR5QUYtSBxpnVctvFGUHZcYP4vMonc6p1MBgThVsCqI0DiWqxS_cUx7xfBGPL2fJSyzFBrCLVbTdmZnW8GGH23g6F03PPfDu1H9_xBk/s320/20180227_100041.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remaining stones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sample that passed through the sieve was placed in my prepared bottle filling to the 3 cm mark. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3G-tDrA8W1DTJacjGnqAtqLVbVMDcU90WY8YMGmCp_MiA5h9vreUKoyAhEPGQ5QbB2swKdpyFcdT_uqBXUfrLn2dZtBvV2fmqrmb2nzHq6Ahf21M2gyW1aij6IYQnvklNTyyZYNdBMc/s1600/20180227_100303.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3G-tDrA8W1DTJacjGnqAtqLVbVMDcU90WY8YMGmCp_MiA5h9vreUKoyAhEPGQ5QbB2swKdpyFcdT_uqBXUfrLn2dZtBvV2fmqrmb2nzHq6Ahf21M2gyW1aij6IYQnvklNTyyZYNdBMc/s320/20180227_100303.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 cm crushed soil sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Water was added to the 13 cm mark and 1 teaspoon of salt. Everything was shaken to mix.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GgHeD14ZuSF2kHJTCdBcsIz1-BMdH5Pwrt7mR-HlxPRwyehhaY1MHotN8glqaFgkEyvPxe1uhQ9_Un2XjiJIr1NRS906PlL2_ANCgFIIXCaaHz2ibF4NGCJPLKWYDA0JyOkz_Jnc_y0/s1600/20180227_100522.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GgHeD14ZuSF2kHJTCdBcsIz1-BMdH5Pwrt7mR-HlxPRwyehhaY1MHotN8glqaFgkEyvPxe1uhQ9_Un2XjiJIr1NRS906PlL2_ANCgFIIXCaaHz2ibF4NGCJPLKWYDA0JyOkz_Jnc_y0/s320/20180227_100522.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water and salt added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd1OLrGtBV-lg0wZ3fDxR5VjQidD-2aJ9ksgcnn5JX_bkL5uG49TT0fN0nQC5oHpn0y32am8bmzoEvzmCD1B93o1XSZ-mglOVGi9UUH1m_2pqYcMLL5yxNbOW-OByZCBDpZSAMQB2FNA/s1600/20180227_101318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd1OLrGtBV-lg0wZ3fDxR5VjQidD-2aJ9ksgcnn5JX_bkL5uG49TT0fN0nQC5oHpn0y32am8bmzoEvzmCD1B93o1XSZ-mglOVGi9UUH1m_2pqYcMLL5yxNbOW-OByZCBDpZSAMQB2FNA/s320/20180227_101318.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shaken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now we wait. Shaking twice a day for the next three day.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-70614178369289220062018-02-26T13:01:00.000-05:002018-02-27T10:38:10.489-05:00Learning new stuff - Soil HorizonsI'm taking a class on soil on FutureLearn. Here's the link https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/grow-from-soil-to-sky<br />
<br />
Its a really cool, citizen science course gathering soil data from around the world. As part of the course, we have started looking at the soil profiles where we live. I will be making a new garden in my side yard this spring and was planning on doing some soil testing there anyway, so I started there with this project. Here are some pictures of the soil profile I found. I will follow up with test results when they arrive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPTbqOVQRUIxygkpkCRFl6Us2-oRUTzdSlTs9YFZz7EDrO66vHW5U161w46baNPxF1Ndh4f502z8hNejfYlu1pYwWqaQDE6QloIYDct-04gTqLXhrwJQdSGYfI087COn9hkAyjLZczZI/s1600/20180226_122821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPTbqOVQRUIxygkpkCRFl6Us2-oRUTzdSlTs9YFZz7EDrO66vHW5U161w46baNPxF1Ndh4f502z8hNejfYlu1pYwWqaQDE6QloIYDct-04gTqLXhrwJQdSGYfI087COn9hkAyjLZczZI/s320/20180226_122821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The top before I dug.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBZtt4BDB8kcTISPby7mlcGxy_dKEDu4-AnzfcKrKeYWVgwN2VqiVFNhohQ08HuGcxD8y51pP9tfLK0Ra9TjYwGfNdBIsg9OS4gWYZLqrRyMz0pJRfzgJ7WarQraUKET3hiwQHSux2Z0/s1600/20180226_122819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBZtt4BDB8kcTISPby7mlcGxy_dKEDu4-AnzfcKrKeYWVgwN2VqiVFNhohQ08HuGcxD8y51pP9tfLK0Ra9TjYwGfNdBIsg9OS4gWYZLqrRyMz0pJRfzgJ7WarQraUKET3hiwQHSux2Z0/s320/20180226_122819.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
24-inch deep hole. you can see the organic matter at the top and the divide between the A horizon and the B horizon (about 25 cm down)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-EUEjFR9Xm1LlAnPlaUtipJJ2zxtcEMO8D1hrmKi5ODsVJ2TD93UbrIDTU22Ab082oxVzavAQm5N9Ed7Ufc59qdLCuwtB9kfT4w5i9XcNpwEMI-NKE3UOphqMVsoNkpLPacSLmPDjlM/s1600/20180226_123220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-EUEjFR9Xm1LlAnPlaUtipJJ2zxtcEMO8D1hrmKi5ODsVJ2TD93UbrIDTU22Ab082oxVzavAQm5N9Ed7Ufc59qdLCuwtB9kfT4w5i9XcNpwEMI-NKE3UOphqMVsoNkpLPacSLmPDjlM/s320/20180226_123220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a difference in color and texture between A horizon and B horizon. In this photo the A horizon soil is the darker part on the right.</div>
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-71515711179363706182018-02-19T10:17:00.000-05:002018-02-19T10:17:44.922-05:00Nature's surprisesMost of the rose hedge is trimmed. Only one more 100 ft section to go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFlSP0IYOtA3HJjt9gBpDBje6iSDeyWBW8Ki2YHfJ2W4RVfN-Jod_7cZsPRbdEhbKLUsAp5sFf26SRtTDN2hyphenhyphenpC4pp73-WsPDFOGh-LVQcxwaVbwqN_jFcwTIZ88SnplGIDvjNzvF7SU/s1600/20180217_145548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFlSP0IYOtA3HJjt9gBpDBje6iSDeyWBW8Ki2YHfJ2W4RVfN-Jod_7cZsPRbdEhbKLUsAp5sFf26SRtTDN2hyphenhyphenpC4pp73-WsPDFOGh-LVQcxwaVbwqN_jFcwTIZ88SnplGIDvjNzvF7SU/s320/20180217_145548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We use rosa rugosa "sandhill" in our hedge. They grow well without a lot of effort, spread a bit, but not as aggressively as the multiflora rose that got planted in Ohio earlier. They bloom from late spring well into the fall, and the bees love them. They also produce giant rose hips which we use for jelly, syrup, and other fun things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUj3lteoQMV_t1Po_WCQZeuQMyx07TKlSWgelDvZVwWPmhO9mqDNrjR3FpZVYKnT6oM85E7e7p2tTU2WhdYdndYzodHrhiOAjjFISkKsH2WUBTEwlhVT10CgYgZtOVGmUVOSLllmSjk/s1600/20180217_112254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUj3lteoQMV_t1Po_WCQZeuQMyx07TKlSWgelDvZVwWPmhO9mqDNrjR3FpZVYKnT6oM85E7e7p2tTU2WhdYdndYzodHrhiOAjjFISkKsH2WUBTEwlhVT10CgYgZtOVGmUVOSLllmSjk/s320/20180217_112254.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVBSuzeYUq3fL_64HumM88e1Ht15jSix9YHthrPPua_9zGmxAUdpuVAAyCyiFPvYi2GAEiODcUxeuJzX9ML-DaUjXRtMR6i3cGfKr48cFrWeSICfKAezIsvScE2IkOlU8KyzPmIiMcb0/s1600/20180217_150224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVBSuzeYUq3fL_64HumM88e1Ht15jSix9YHthrPPua_9zGmxAUdpuVAAyCyiFPvYi2GAEiODcUxeuJzX9ML-DaUjXRtMR6i3cGfKr48cFrWeSICfKAezIsvScE2IkOlU8KyzPmIiMcb0/s320/20180217_150224.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Part of the rose hedge runs past the two Heartnut trees we planted 7 years ago. When we bought this property there were no trees. So we have been planting some, and allowing areas to revert to native forest (not mowing, and letting what ever happens, happen.) The catalogue said we should see nuts in about 5 years. 9 years in I decided that they were just going to be nice ornamental but not much more. While cleaning up the roses and the ground under the heartnuts, I found a handful of nuts. Guess I wasn't paying attention. Not a grand harvest, but a start. Smiles all around.<br />
<br />
Another smile moment happened while hauling rose trimmings to the goats. The path runs along a perennial bed where we had added a couple of rhubarb plants last year. The first of the plants promptly died, and the second struggled the whole summer. I'd written both of them off, but as I walked past I noticed this where we had planted the first rhubarb.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYJJZMu0O6P5tAmXemI9WZ0imPZe4neVFV39uJIl7jWi6u5L_svwzJKkD3OQ53EUecCTP8U7nflNAV3Z25mz2qZ7nZAMNmxhQXWWHRxQrjg4XIoQ81NkjariPbQoNpGU9QwLcS_tYaUc/s1600/20180217_112206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYJJZMu0O6P5tAmXemI9WZ0imPZe4neVFV39uJIl7jWi6u5L_svwzJKkD3OQ53EUecCTP8U7nflNAV3Z25mz2qZ7nZAMNmxhQXWWHRxQrjg4XIoQ81NkjariPbQoNpGU9QwLcS_tYaUc/s320/20180217_112206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Yep, that's the dead rhubarb sending up a new sprout. Nature is quite amazing.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-70874119555261635192018-02-12T13:00:00.001-05:002018-02-12T13:00:07.529-05:00Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The gardens are still solid ice. Hoping for a bit of melting this week so I can finish my clean-up and start building some new garden boxes. Inside things are progressing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLwxaGQVk4khx_PODh0a520L78wep9tih31MjEFXsfNpVFxrxPReE8Wcn8CEtCYM-qcRxCphl8PHCGnLPwWe_CVEa7WiTVOsQ6y01k7ElU1RlOVaqYPDJtP47COo_-oo6BWRNyTil1yc/s1600/20180212_074956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLwxaGQVk4khx_PODh0a520L78wep9tih31MjEFXsfNpVFxrxPReE8Wcn8CEtCYM-qcRxCphl8PHCGnLPwWe_CVEa7WiTVOsQ6y01k7ElU1RlOVaqYPDJtP47COo_-oo6BWRNyTil1yc/s320/20180212_074956.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Salad Bowl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFc3sqLvdFQ2iRiclhcdI8ckJwUnK0udXOE7xeY8xiNSoz3xA73mr23P2Baf4KEJJT-VwOW_wyG7LcpkFCk6TC1ungeSwPJBG1rU18lGSPFzXKOVoi91ii1YyhND9jO1yO1Wv0pBIbwI/s1600/20180212_075212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFc3sqLvdFQ2iRiclhcdI8ckJwUnK0udXOE7xeY8xiNSoz3xA73mr23P2Baf4KEJJT-VwOW_wyG7LcpkFCk6TC1ungeSwPJBG1rU18lGSPFzXKOVoi91ii1YyhND9jO1yO1Wv0pBIbwI/s320/20180212_075212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby Onions </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today I also started pruning. Made some progress on the rose hedge. Still have 12 apple trees and the cane fruit to do. When I get through all that I'll think about how we are going to tame the willow hedge. The fun never ends.</div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-39103133765498247852018-02-03T14:19:00.002-05:002018-05-14T16:44:51.956-04:00sustainability - what does it mean - part 1So sustainability has been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember. I've always felt that the way we live in the world was flawed, and that there was a better way. Bias exists. You have been warned.<br />
<br />
I'm taking a course to expand my understanding of sustainability-the concept. I have my answer (flawed I'm sure, and sometimes open to discussion, but not much...) but I'm trying to learn to look from a different, more global and more scientific perspective. The course I'm taking is free, it's on the futurelearn.com site, and it has made me think.<br />
<br />
Here's the link https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/sustainability<br />
<br />
I'm going to, from time to time, post thoughts, ideas, and questions about sustainability. Hope we can generate a conversation. The course I'm taking has people from all over the world, but I have real problems with their assumptions (not the participants, the course providers... the participants seem to be drinking the cool-aid just fine.)<br />
<br />
So, question one - What is sustainability?<br />
<br />
Hoping you will post an answer so we can have a conversation.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-7662129619017899912018-01-29T12:57:00.000-05:002018-01-29T12:58:45.833-05:00Ready or not... Snow is back on the forecast for today and again for later in the week. The sky gave warning this morning. Now the radar shows it about 45 min away. So I spent the morning stacking the last of<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-6mlRIl8LfT0w0N3w4F8uDwqc0uM4DPkIQxsFRxHtk9AGabOLxuUUwaxRli5tcv2eHSCjtK34LPUJnrZ3J0rGJKsv-EX8RgNhnFGer5Ez2QD6TkMhS_dNAbUUpygGQcQv3q_r5yScPU/s1600/20180129_074014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-6mlRIl8LfT0w0N3w4F8uDwqc0uM4DPkIQxsFRxHtk9AGabOLxuUUwaxRli5tcv2eHSCjtK34LPUJnrZ3J0rGJKsv-EX8RgNhnFGer5Ez2QD6TkMhS_dNAbUUpygGQcQv3q_r5yScPU/s400/20180129_074014.jpg" width="300" /></a>the firewood on the porch so we would be ready. Preparedness is a constant theme in our life here at the Roost. We work on it all the time, and I still feel like we fall short in many areas.<br />
<br />
We have a good friend who lives in Cape Town SA. Recently she has been exploring relocating back to the States to escape the building crisis there. It has made me think a lot about the critical systems we depend on and how many of them we never give thought to. Most of them are operated outside our control, and can fail suddenly and catastrophically. If we wait until these systems fail to start building our own resilience it will be too late. For our friend relocating is difficult, but it is an option. When the SHTF relocating will probably not work for most people. For my prepper friends obsessing over their bug-out bags, where are you going to go? If things are so bad you need to leave, they probably aren't any better anywhere you can get on foot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, we plan to stay. But preparation is a long road and we are just starting. Food, Water, Energy, Shelter, are key. We have a start on some of these things here, but a long way to go. How about you? Its something to think about. For now, I'm watching the storm roll in and feeling pretty good</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzBjKzf-yYd33YZDChCiAhr3phkndos0iLlEbFg4tvBZ5kpe_SpOUZyoj9NaRcudoCnHbFimrbD4_zopMA-AvVTHffkdTGwV4WNbaOk0VUwp43EmOBWgw2PcQIjh1QZMmwcsMeaodelY/s1600/20180129_121945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzBjKzf-yYd33YZDChCiAhr3phkndos0iLlEbFg4tvBZ5kpe_SpOUZyoj9NaRcudoCnHbFimrbD4_zopMA-AvVTHffkdTGwV4WNbaOk0VUwp43EmOBWgw2PcQIjh1QZMmwcsMeaodelY/s400/20180129_121945.jpg" width="300" /></a> knowing the firewood is all stacked under cover, the pantry is full of food, and there is some water in the cistern. Not perfect, but it will get me through the day.</div>
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-87869627478761610542018-01-27T09:15:00.002-05:002018-01-27T09:15:41.609-05:00Baby onionsOn January 23 I planted several hundred onion seeds to start as sets to use this spring. Today the first of them has sprouted. I guess we are in full on garden mode already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VM1ddJbwy6yUJp2zd59eis6p2FLv8rqD2NPbdp73iKjo7aWV6Grqz5y7yzSc0j1CPUL5iIW4ZwTmZeSTTL4NPIfnuvJNxg36lyOhyphenhyphenHKYcfxnQasEotP75HmTrGxepewZ6b2kNSGaI9s/s1600/20180123_105502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VM1ddJbwy6yUJp2zd59eis6p2FLv8rqD2NPbdp73iKjo7aWV6Grqz5y7yzSc0j1CPUL5iIW4ZwTmZeSTTL4NPIfnuvJNxg36lyOhyphenhyphenHKYcfxnQasEotP75HmTrGxepewZ6b2kNSGaI9s/s320/20180123_105502.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Planted Jan 23rd</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ77syJYyclKmqIsI3xB8ygP-ajU3Z8-Ns-NskAdEZmAj2u1eCR8wie1al976tubE1w5mrTfP81BUswcDM8pt1LcIw3g-H7yaR0opqtKBVrF0vJBw71mGS-5e0Z9AiFGAldFL7zYPlCiY/s1600/20180127_080534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ77syJYyclKmqIsI3xB8ygP-ajU3Z8-Ns-NskAdEZmAj2u1eCR8wie1al976tubE1w5mrTfP81BUswcDM8pt1LcIw3g-H7yaR0opqtKBVrF0vJBw71mGS-5e0Z9AiFGAldFL7zYPlCiY/s320/20180127_080534.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First sprouts Jan 27th</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-64303228291206366372018-01-25T10:42:00.000-05:002018-01-25T10:42:52.693-05:00Gardening on paperToday the garden looks like this ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMqa7sF6Hk8jIDXEvJJ4RQ6j3rthPZni3V3Yxfok6LFhrenUh1Q_4E8D8RaQB7PBB_kjsSpB94n6LRolPtnlbdnKx_yUNUNWypEuI0tn4o73SLvWrZ9pDHUg2aBkgYy4KPvy1CMhxUv8/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMqa7sF6Hk8jIDXEvJJ4RQ6j3rthPZni3V3Yxfok6LFhrenUh1Q_4E8D8RaQB7PBB_kjsSpB94n6LRolPtnlbdnKx_yUNUNWypEuI0tn4o73SLvWrZ9pDHUg2aBkgYy4KPvy1CMhxUv8/s400/IMG_1761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
......so I'm not going to be getting a lot of outside work done. Instead I'm at the table with a calendar, my garden notebook, and my seed catalogs planning out planting dates, successions, and quantities. Tedious, but necessary for the success of our main project this year.<br />
<br />
Our big project in the garden this year is to produce the fresh stuff we use every day in a way that we have it fresh from our garden in the right quantity every day. Its different from planting a row of something and using it all when its ready. We want stuff every day, week after week, for the whole year.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the things we use every day.<br />
<br />
Salad - lettuce, arugula, spinach, scallions, radishes, etc.<br />
Cooking greens - spinach, swiss chard, kale, etc.<br />
Carrots<br />
Cooked root vegetables - turnips, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, potatoes, etc.<br />
Garlic<br />
Onions<br />
Tomatoes<br />
Peppers<br />
<br />
These all present different challenges. For us, garlic and onions are the start of almost every meal. We use a lot. But, garlic isn't a succession crop. What we have now was determined by what we planted in November of 2016. Knowing how much we eat, how well things store, and factoring in crop variability we seem to have hit the mark pretty well. Our next garlic crop is already in the ground, and we are hopeful it will also be a success. Onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes should work the same way (in theory). Some things don't store as well for us, so we are going to try a different approach. <br />
<br />
Carrots. We use about a dozen carrots a week. So my plan for carrot production looks like this...<br />
<br />
I'm using a variety of carrots that takes 56 days to maturity.<br />
<br />
8 24" rows planted one week apart.<br />
<br />
Harvest one row per week and replant the row immediately after harvest.<br />
<br />
I'm planting in a raised bed with irrigation and cover so I can plant intensively. I should be able to get the first seeds in around April 1st and first harvest around May 28th. This succession will continue with the final harvest around November 5th. I'm planning some winter production in my hoop house (once I get it moved), but that is another planning process.<br />
<br />
I'll use the same process with salad crops and cooking greens. (Good thing we are still in snow season.) Tomatoes and Peppers are a different challenge that I'm not sure how I'll solve. Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-40684543792514255912018-01-23T09:02:00.003-05:002018-01-23T09:02:51.440-05:00REBOOT ... againJanuary 23, 2018<br />
<br />
I've let my blogging go for quite a while. Time was in short supply and this is one of the things that became less critical. Fortunately things have changed for me and I have a bit more time to devote to the farm, sustainable living, and writing. I've missed the conversations and community that I had here in blogger world and am trying to get back. I wont be posting every day, but will be sharing what we are doing on a more regular basis.<br />
<br />
So, it is January. Seed order has arrived and we are trying to plan out where we will put everything. Our big focus this year is more production of daily use things. Succession things like carrots, onions, salad greens, etc. takes a lot of planning and daily attention. Developing the plan right now. Will post it soon and then update what actually happens. Wish us luck.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-61959536983021083842015-07-09T10:53:00.000-04:002015-07-09T10:53:18.955-04:00A gentle reminder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmCwHtAa1SqaFaAn6tpt4cc2G8gceBQ_coQKq_cHcIsp9Ji-m-TrIvy1TzC1kkTDCNfFvRjk5iiWLkOUtUBmq42J6FWrnv9qFyOwQlr4vIa6udAPc-4Xzkixnlf-fRxB_HAdXv8NZMuw/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmCwHtAa1SqaFaAn6tpt4cc2G8gceBQ_coQKq_cHcIsp9Ji-m-TrIvy1TzC1kkTDCNfFvRjk5iiWLkOUtUBmq42J6FWrnv9qFyOwQlr4vIa6udAPc-4Xzkixnlf-fRxB_HAdXv8NZMuw/s640/water.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The water was off this morning. Not a pleasant way to start the day. The town is fixing the fire hydrants along our road and had to turn off the water. I'm sure people were notified, but we are the last house on the system and not really in the town, so we missed the notification. <br />
<br />
Fortunately we had some water stored (a couple of gallons per person) so we could drink, brush teeth, and take care of some basic needs. We also have a 50 gallon rain barrel that is full from the recient storms so we can get by for a few days. <br />
<br />
For me it was a reminder of just how dependent we are on systems we have no control over, and how suddenly those systems can fail. I'm not a big believer in massive amounts of storage for preparedness. Except for short, sudden emergency you can store enough of anything to survive for long. Adopting a way of living that is locally sustainable is more important. That said, it is also VERY important to have some essentials stored to get you through emergency situations. Water is one of those essentials, and you should have a few days worth for each person. <br />
<br />
How are you set for water in the short term, and in the long term?Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-37793166709511198152015-07-08T11:07:00.001-04:002015-07-08T11:07:20.576-04:00Wordless Wednesday (mostly...)Random shots from around the Roost this gray morning. What do you recognize?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVjs1W0cjJEWbmu8F7Rk1KeIWrfj3d8OYTNNz_N1qIMDqM-5TXOtVZTwxTJpa6XApqHfPMokSoG93EFj40Itw_PqkREHdS9t_wrPxKe55kbdBqX9oAZXx5WKat1ifrmFdJgEMW8SR9KM/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVjs1W0cjJEWbmu8F7Rk1KeIWrfj3d8OYTNNz_N1qIMDqM-5TXOtVZTwxTJpa6XApqHfPMokSoG93EFj40Itw_PqkREHdS9t_wrPxKe55kbdBqX9oAZXx5WKat1ifrmFdJgEMW8SR9KM/s320/200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>1.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b> </b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWoXwgoSBinLWNB-GF74oD3QZAGX9WLZH_J1hn_vVfsJdVW3NdSd8zRJPxf3RGN_sObjKeKm4dN0ryzN_nAdigCGUaeCexMIUcembcqhsj9m7UeSQ6bz0CS7A9OFnrvgbfoxUsqZt8-I/s1600/201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWoXwgoSBinLWNB-GF74oD3QZAGX9WLZH_J1hn_vVfsJdVW3NdSd8zRJPxf3RGN_sObjKeKm4dN0ryzN_nAdigCGUaeCexMIUcembcqhsj9m7UeSQ6bz0CS7A9OFnrvgbfoxUsqZt8-I/s320/201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>2.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> </b> <b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXdn1j1a6spofk0EgFFV_V20OvIplTNrQQCG70V8VW7dwNjUzVmirHq6waJn3AKJ7cT-iImgEGs1GZJqIxU_ui_BTSXrtByEvHMr6g6qG88tmwQOmIcrQsFqT7RVpEknuUz7pYMscR5s/s320/202.JPG" width="320" /></b></div>
<b> 3.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNinty0YNqx0YMtruHch52197gBImA93_DbGVtZpbhKpgSbkeShAl_Cv5AA1Ubrr2R03S_Z_E7f8lJtZ-yHcwelO0zbOw6LXB-BaIKP30kBMVOIpDvpS5-3xtfJ_lTnbX-CMDazJRHIwU/s1600/203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNinty0YNqx0YMtruHch52197gBImA93_DbGVtZpbhKpgSbkeShAl_Cv5AA1Ubrr2R03S_Z_E7f8lJtZ-yHcwelO0zbOw6LXB-BaIKP30kBMVOIpDvpS5-3xtfJ_lTnbX-CMDazJRHIwU/s320/203.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></div>
<b> 4.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQGAeftrDWGQQY-GKg7i3X0VbS2GspqGT-pvaZwcPYIVo-0xAXiw34AOqO5h7wDXUmI8e8QBcfuXne7i2jK4-Ht2yC7fMA1ll1nFC2-0rRN26DcTYMX3xnKAkTHJb5RjYxgfuCZMyWkY/s1600/204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQGAeftrDWGQQY-GKg7i3X0VbS2GspqGT-pvaZwcPYIVo-0xAXiw34AOqO5h7wDXUmI8e8QBcfuXne7i2jK4-Ht2yC7fMA1ll1nFC2-0rRN26DcTYMX3xnKAkTHJb5RjYxgfuCZMyWkY/s320/204.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b> 5.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgNbCTnpH7NeZAdawk7HJBXZ5XV1q7DP414AkXjaJ_RdEfdmcEifITj75s1LFp6o8OpR1LFOVqQtqS75x3gEA5CbgqcMpNPrMyqjq451Kto4W_VDmuXrzRoqr5RfhGFJYdHh-uiLg3JI/s1600/205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgNbCTnpH7NeZAdawk7HJBXZ5XV1q7DP414AkXjaJ_RdEfdmcEifITj75s1LFp6o8OpR1LFOVqQtqS75x3gEA5CbgqcMpNPrMyqjq451Kto4W_VDmuXrzRoqr5RfhGFJYdHh-uiLg3JI/s320/205.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b> 6.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNZv3HXb9wAN4rz5YpK4bCQEoDSNpLYwXmMLcHla6bHYrz_WMIfxjp1ByMA7AGPkImufcrvo3KFvOH8IBEG2D37LMIIFP8JOV79f2X2_ry_YVUmmWm_YFyo2R5qJugw7tukiEO8ltqIM/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNZv3HXb9wAN4rz5YpK4bCQEoDSNpLYwXmMLcHla6bHYrz_WMIfxjp1ByMA7AGPkImufcrvo3KFvOH8IBEG2D37LMIIFP8JOV79f2X2_ry_YVUmmWm_YFyo2R5qJugw7tukiEO8ltqIM/s320/206.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b>7.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLVdn-lfXUf-fZ0FZgmnVUzRGhgIXq0LKcdE_87ZQLs6wPDFa0OM7gFmoPyvJoIGgWEWc5oNuKdarWuW9ezC25Ak-1iu24KV5J4mzyXq3d6_Tlzds1fWY4xRADdp6pnzJh_iuuQtxOwQ/s1600/207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLVdn-lfXUf-fZ0FZgmnVUzRGhgIXq0LKcdE_87ZQLs6wPDFa0OM7gFmoPyvJoIGgWEWc5oNuKdarWuW9ezC25Ak-1iu24KV5J4mzyXq3d6_Tlzds1fWY4xRADdp6pnzJh_iuuQtxOwQ/s320/207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>8.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCxhZOObnK24TNxbJ1yudhnwOjmuvmE0djSwQpwlr-fVGV6yscVjD8p56ieCKfvGIamyhRfxrFeji5hoEytBqtTVXW0iK-IaeNB7xXIFRQ7X3uva04-aoA7-6D7UySU-4YnG3jwrKDOc/s1600/209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCxhZOObnK24TNxbJ1yudhnwOjmuvmE0djSwQpwlr-fVGV6yscVjD8p56ieCKfvGIamyhRfxrFeji5hoEytBqtTVXW0iK-IaeNB7xXIFRQ7X3uva04-aoA7-6D7UySU-4YnG3jwrKDOc/s320/209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>9.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8GmsPLKtouIwKf4gzm2dMCLT6bgVPJmA71blcfXGtdHboshQjT1d2YXVKw5OELKaKSwuQdyGsxMzXxv3zIeGNFWI4PGO5Nt6i9JJS4YDxVbNtc1QpaqzSs0Lb7eyz7Beptc-fLMO3uY/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8GmsPLKtouIwKf4gzm2dMCLT6bgVPJmA71blcfXGtdHboshQjT1d2YXVKw5OELKaKSwuQdyGsxMzXxv3zIeGNFWI4PGO5Nt6i9JJS4YDxVbNtc1QpaqzSs0Lb7eyz7Beptc-fLMO3uY/s320/210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>10.</b>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-7380647231069537392015-07-03T11:41:00.000-04:002015-07-03T11:41:27.090-04:00Lots of Tomatoes in a Small Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qsrwBxJsVn-qPZbCSDcsIOEzS3KehXcOnESVal4OYaUu3G3emtFm8eHQX-Wg-9wRpawbOgC9XCR-Sk_r0UOzy_TzOHlHPJWAI6CYxZn4obEXNkPwaG9j8XA-3cHwXZhdngzBkLXnv8E/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qsrwBxJsVn-qPZbCSDcsIOEzS3KehXcOnESVal4OYaUu3G3emtFm8eHQX-Wg-9wRpawbOgC9XCR-Sk_r0UOzy_TzOHlHPJWAI6CYxZn4obEXNkPwaG9j8XA-3cHwXZhdngzBkLXnv8E/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Our tomatoes are doing really well this year. Thanks to the warm weather, the plentiful rain, and the great plants we got from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Garden-Patch-Greenhouse/183718755003333" target="_blank">Garden Patch Nursery</a> in Coshocton. The trouble is, we want lots of tomatoes, but we don't have much space to devote to them. So, our tomatoes are planted too close together, and starting to sprawl on each other. They look good but soon they will develop problems because they are too close. Solution? Trellising. Give the tomatoes the space they need by growing them vertically. Here's what we are doingl<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LuPpXlVF034cATxePZ4dTPpKoy5HeZP1ufCVfIc36ifQiWbHLwy3uvMTownQwfegZs4mriIZIHZPZDtuZvzAitzN4PFqZwqrLVgaVWUrVY41tpmHOFJrlGEHHaJAOOAXdBWfNUFFktM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LuPpXlVF034cATxePZ4dTPpKoy5HeZP1ufCVfIc36ifQiWbHLwy3uvMTownQwfegZs4mriIZIHZPZDtuZvzAitzN4PFqZwqrLVgaVWUrVY41tpmHOFJrlGEHHaJAOOAXdBWfNUFFktM/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We built a trellis based on an Eliot Colman design (I think it is in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=the%20new%20organic%20grower&linkCode=ur2&tag=roberoos-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=R5342ET7AUIHGAQX%22%3EName%20Your%20Link%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=roberoos-20&l=ur2&o=1%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">The New Organic Grower</a>). The key to this is a strong board at the top to support the weight of the plants, and a tight wire at the bottom to tie the strings to. Some people recommend that you tie to the plant at the base, but I find the weight of the plant tends to put a lot of stress on the roots and the stem. I tie to a wire, and things don't get pulled out when the wind blows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Ft-u23-QzERes8YV_fjKOrpCQJQjN0eKeNW5jFhsSD-BsH9mPWG-r6kIWCsfcdstV4iih1Ik-nJauwPEE2PLD1Kgk8ULOdGTN1uwHRDqN9_3U6Ot-vxUzZPZqluhAUHX5nFrVrxOyc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Ft-u23-QzERes8YV_fjKOrpCQJQjN0eKeNW5jFhsSD-BsH9mPWG-r6kIWCsfcdstV4iih1Ik-nJauwPEE2PLD1Kgk8ULOdGTN1uwHRDqN9_3U6Ot-vxUzZPZqluhAUHX5nFrVrxOyc/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The next step is to prune off the sucker growth. These are the growth points that come out at a leaf juncture. If you have enough space you could leave one and treat it as a seperate plant on a new line. I prune them all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobWrCCEx2IlRaD2e7v9QTCivhIZ0-vcmpKsm9fVtKmJJ-2XM7zLZ9aBCIwrt1MK02bN0KuCRLdNNRpoLWj2hK1l9xfBRbdcycw-641M8Fk-FX3RkQg1sjt3a-XD5_YPZHFw3MxkUOfZU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobWrCCEx2IlRaD2e7v9QTCivhIZ0-vcmpKsm9fVtKmJJ-2XM7zLZ9aBCIwrt1MK02bN0KuCRLdNNRpoLWj2hK1l9xfBRbdcycw-641M8Fk-FX3RkQg1sjt3a-XD5_YPZHFw3MxkUOfZU/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've found that the early blossoms form on the main lead, and the suckers bloom later. I'd rather put more energy into those early blooms, so the suckers have to go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_Y0QQXZXOfQLeTmhkifHithJHzas-MTQ-_CEg1Wojqq5_R9QoaIjoUObuWOBLnd_etoAmodT-h5YF1JY1_0Vpml45mpyGs1tHFDSRZh0C7LTOrcioGsBOuuuQ383V4VqXadyMDSWxw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_Y0QQXZXOfQLeTmhkifHithJHzas-MTQ-_CEg1Wojqq5_R9QoaIjoUObuWOBLnd_etoAmodT-h5YF1JY1_0Vpml45mpyGs1tHFDSRZh0C7LTOrcioGsBOuuuQ383V4VqXadyMDSWxw/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When the plant is pruned we tie it to the vertical line. Once a week they need to be pruned and tied. With an indeterminate plant we can have them grow over the top of the trellis and start down the other side. Using this method for adding more space and combining it with good fertility, mulch, and consistent watering, I can space my tomatoes about 1 foot apart. Lets me pack a lot of plants in a small area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5K-LA_VNeja-iitzYvrCSQ_Li3lTG6o5JCUDz8qbwGck0TC66qibQKpyeSauW8RRslyg8QYZdwbflRWn8zsXLpqpOINaS72f1X7Zn8tl1RMhAquwjnI-ORIXxEttY8syHagU1hydRGU/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5K-LA_VNeja-iitzYvrCSQ_Li3lTG6o5JCUDz8qbwGck0TC66qibQKpyeSauW8RRslyg8QYZdwbflRWn8zsXLpqpOINaS72f1X7Zn8tl1RMhAquwjnI-ORIXxEttY8syHagU1hydRGU/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is what the first row looks like now. Only two more to go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other tips on trellising. I like baler twine. It ties well, and it lasts all summer but isn't a problem in the compost of burn pile (depending on your clean-up method and disease pressure). Jute will not make it through the summer. Another thing. Only work tomatoes when they are warm and dry. Early in the morning they are very brittle and will break where you needed them to bend. When the plants are wet from rain or dew it is easy to pass disease from plant to plant. Work when they are dry, and use clean shears (DON"T stick them in the dirt!!!) </div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-45541077873652842252015-06-27T11:31:00.001-04:002015-06-27T11:36:12.965-04:00Life gets in the way...So, I posted a grand plan to write everyday, and failed in short order.<br />
<br />
OOPS, forgot that I had a JOB and KIDS with needs, and a farm to run and a marriage to maintain, and friends, and... oh, and that we are at that 7.5 year point in our home when everything we fixed when we moved in BREAKS! <br />
<br />
That said, things have moved...slowly...forward. So, here is an update.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVSiHTD2ziYoaEzhQJxHSsZbIbLVHBUbC1iiNG1eDQMR_lu0E8XcB-DBobdZLx5zZjp8v8JWlBbjQCpGZhrlmSdhEQAPXevVi8-k2ZbibQmSpvsbSZh8Jdc-Q8t4-7femPdgcFbvmzgA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVSiHTD2ziYoaEzhQJxHSsZbIbLVHBUbC1iiNG1eDQMR_lu0E8XcB-DBobdZLx5zZjp8v8JWlBbjQCpGZhrlmSdhEQAPXevVi8-k2ZbibQmSpvsbSZh8Jdc-Q8t4-7femPdgcFbvmzgA/s640/001.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pottager is filled and doing well. (Thanks Mark for help weeding!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R5kzyLoG9H8UfR3gT2sdkWd_Wphv43zVilft5X3XQ5PoUiZZI4BK7NCHW6q5tTeAXo9ZnkoxLPUW6Px-PdRmK8FqnWcmks9v9QtpKDSkp6DcnR0pqhqrGJnLwGBySR17-kcJ2zFr_UI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R5kzyLoG9H8UfR3gT2sdkWd_Wphv43zVilft5X3XQ5PoUiZZI4BK7NCHW6q5tTeAXo9ZnkoxLPUW6Px-PdRmK8FqnWcmks9v9QtpKDSkp6DcnR0pqhqrGJnLwGBySR17-kcJ2zFr_UI/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other side of the pottager (which was supposed to be trees and perennial food plants has been reworked into an annual food garden because the trees failed to thrive in this spot. Maybe later when we have built better soil.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiJ-Mt3BYrKuq4L7Sl523tPT7t650D6jVUeorDDylKI7X4pcfiyDTTGDWj5PUFb-npaC437_kKmbRtNvdEvoR-RFh4w46V-bH5MhorIju-8Gsfi-VYnmGFs3fMGQ4gojVzbN-aOUEdXA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiJ-Mt3BYrKuq4L7Sl523tPT7t650D6jVUeorDDylKI7X4pcfiyDTTGDWj5PUFb-npaC437_kKmbRtNvdEvoR-RFh4w46V-bH5MhorIju-8Gsfi-VYnmGFs3fMGQ4gojVzbN-aOUEdXA/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The herb garden is rocking. have basil, rosemary, several different thymes, sage, stevia, chives, dill, oregano, lemon balm, cilantro,lavender, and lemon balm. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKYLrAUtrqu6myd4FmziK5WqDtm1-vtg8_sYZ1iS_NutEwDFwp3cfvpmP_3kQPHaXq2DxTffUFHSDpWi0KLIT7eLSZKLpP1MfsrV_ZUpE_SvcXZwSHBZgJnTVYZC5rJ2iVInx64C-Xg8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKYLrAUtrqu6myd4FmziK5WqDtm1-vtg8_sYZ1iS_NutEwDFwp3cfvpmP_3kQPHaXq2DxTffUFHSDpWi0KLIT7eLSZKLpP1MfsrV_ZUpE_SvcXZwSHBZgJnTVYZC5rJ2iVInx64C-Xg8/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunflower wall, pumpkins, and a border of marigolds are jumping up with all the warm rain. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga72fZQIITBlMtbJq1Yxk0P5574pAXL5mBvI4r01l8lKHjFU0noA-6OZmuRVHrzhhMOD9Fv2-2YIfl4Ew4RIcrCWkvRXUCMSx6toV4Q-2qktn9FUKu_fFX78k4EfVvuji7tuhr4plCNJA/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga72fZQIITBlMtbJq1Yxk0P5574pAXL5mBvI4r01l8lKHjFU0noA-6OZmuRVHrzhhMOD9Fv2-2YIfl4Ew4RIcrCWkvRXUCMSx6toV4Q-2qktn9FUKu_fFX78k4EfVvuji7tuhr4plCNJA/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We expanded the garden below the sunflowers. It now has lots of trees, and perennial food plants like strawberries. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyHunDdYpLJjnf6BxHrMXpyftt8QeoiVww0SQJ-dNo15maUCW1mYws1earCF1WquOxH7vFhE0Hf_1D8CUoO0MSBoS2YfQ7MWW3mRimaaigvxPp3gROchLE-bOT6wdH2cP-7hmK1d1spk/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyHunDdYpLJjnf6BxHrMXpyftt8QeoiVww0SQJ-dNo15maUCW1mYws1earCF1WquOxH7vFhE0Hf_1D8CUoO0MSBoS2YfQ7MWW3mRimaaigvxPp3gROchLE-bOT6wdH2cP-7hmK1d1spk/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The animal barn has been converted into a picnic area. Still working on tables, benches, lighting. and drainage....(this month of rain has taught us a lot about our land.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgnCoXMg9FDmXET6EfPhMK1hAw_jvGH-3k3A-mwT4KyXZUTMimSONpDIC2mPESJS-qxOilmFMB0hiVLXpQbmyzBgYVfzF_csR7HWbQxWPOZXT4n1Jss7X887a5_Zu200cmlvyHcwpsiw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgnCoXMg9FDmXET6EfPhMK1hAw_jvGH-3k3A-mwT4KyXZUTMimSONpDIC2mPESJS-qxOilmFMB0hiVLXpQbmyzBgYVfzF_csR7HWbQxWPOZXT4n1Jss7X887a5_Zu200cmlvyHcwpsiw/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Hopkin Boys helped me move a few stones to finish the edge of the driveway. Gravel is next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2sf_Wo9chcN9xso2uyD2Xo9SzzFkeWp4KuOy340ghl5IwmomRE-aDYuFCLj51BtjDLE1t9Ud1mBr2qRwpyGKZSdxF8TCsf9WMWR0LIFdryIjt15WDyz52qXwaHtZSxkxZ6Ng_hoYadc/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2sf_Wo9chcN9xso2uyD2Xo9SzzFkeWp4KuOy340ghl5IwmomRE-aDYuFCLj51BtjDLE1t9Ud1mBr2qRwpyGKZSdxF8TCsf9WMWR0LIFdryIjt15WDyz52qXwaHtZSxkxZ6Ng_hoYadc/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The barn is still there, standing like the large pink elephant in the middle of the room. At this point the planning of "Save the barn" part 2 is underway. (if you are interested, follow our progress on this site, or if you want to help, send me a message ... roberts.ecofarm at gmail dot com.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More to come soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoyed having the Hopkin clan use us as a base. We got a lot out of it, hope you did too. </div>
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-80191255945273092042015-02-01T23:04:00.000-05:002015-02-01T23:04:22.469-05:00Kitchen garden part too.Scanner is down so my maps of gardens will have to wait till tomorrow. in the works are the herb garden, a cucumber tunnel, and all the other kitchen stuff that didnt make it into the salad garden.<br />
<br />
Writing every day is HARD.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-61644243710295706152015-01-31T22:52:00.001-05:002015-01-31T22:52:55.734-05:00Garden Planning - pottager - salad gardenI'm late in my garden planning, but I'm at least doing it this year. In years past, the only planned thing has been either long term crops (garlic) or big projects (popcorn and pumpkins in a three sisters garden). This year is different. We are trying to feed ourselves. So, planning is key. First garden plan. The kitchen garden in the pottager. We built a pottager garden about 5 years ago and have used it extensively for our food since then. This year we are expanding into a failed perennial space and really focusing the pottager on immediate use. The garden will have three parts, the herb garden, the salad garden and the kitchen garden. The salad garden this year will be an intensive project, aimed at providing salad and cooking greens year round. I have a 10 by 10 space that I will divide into 20 spaces with compost mulch paths between. I'll grow spinach, kale, chard, various lettuces, mustard, peas, radishes, beets, carrots, scallions, and a cherry tomato. Everything will be instant use, rapid rotation. Tomorrow I will post the map of the pottager salad garden and explore the pottager kitchen garden. <br />
<br />
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-21351960642038769052015-01-30T08:30:00.000-05:002015-01-30T08:30:02.846-05:00Charcuterie - A new skill to learn for 2015Feeding ourselves from the farm is one of our main goals for 2015. We have many of the pieces in place to do this, but there are some things we need to add and some new skills to learn to make this really work. Charcuterie (the craft of salting, smoking, and curing) is one of those skills. <br />
<br />
Last year we raised 2 pigs on pasture. First time for us here at The Roost. We learned a lot, and the whole process went better than expected. Now we are enjoying having a freezer full of pork. BUT... we still find ourselves going to the store to buy pepperoni, salami, and other cured meats. There are many types we cant get easily here in our part of the world. We have been pleased with our meat processors smoked bacon and ham, but we want more types and more control that they can give us.<br />
<br />
This year we are planning on 4 pigs. Two for family, and two for us. To make the most of our two pigs, and of other meat we will be producing we will be adding some additional infrastructure (a smoker, and a drying room) and a new set of skills to the mix. First in our resource list for this project is this book<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393240053/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0393240053&linkCode=as2&tag=roberoos-20&linkId=SUC3XVQAUAGWNM7A"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0393240053&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=roberoos-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=roberoos-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0393240053" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are some blogs, podcasts, and other sources that I also like and will feature later. More on this as we get further into the adventure. </div>
Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-28621279132748587532015-01-29T12:25:00.000-05:002015-01-29T12:25:45.810-05:00Why write every day?If you have looked at this blog at all, you will see that writing consistently has been a challenge lately. There are many reasons that happened, and most of them are still factor in my life. So, today when I sat down to write I decided I needed to clarify for my self WHY I am taking on this challenge. Why add in another activity I don't have time for? We have big plans for the Roost this year. We expect to feed ourselves to a great extent from what we produce, we plan to create a viable farm-stay business, and finally move the farm to a level of production that it is financially self sustaining. We have new skills we want/need to learn, teenage kids to keep up with, projects at school, church, and in the community, scouts, and a host of other things already on the calendar. So again I ask my self "WHY?" and I find that the answer is simple. Change happens when you have a vision of where/how you want to be and when you pay attention to the thousands of little choices made every day and choose those things that consistently move you in the desired direction. Writing every day gives me a way to stay focused on the little things that will add up to the big things we are trying to accomplish. It is a way to live deliberately, to be conscious of the little choices and use them to move toward our goal.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-66586839376551273222015-01-28T15:35:00.001-05:002015-01-29T16:12:29.347-05:00Beginning again<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhr0cqTIq0r7aDVGakJYCzSNOEUS9-V_aE4GFcsl3rs5H4Aiu2ll4ct2U8qCLAdZige7v8L8ddTG4T8z5vC2HYz_Tf132nv7FT7UWtplI9a5jbJeVZvdCu3FOIwCODcyUxngk0_YvuVY/s1600/connie's+camera+355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhr0cqTIq0r7aDVGakJYCzSNOEUS9-V_aE4GFcsl3rs5H4Aiu2ll4ct2U8qCLAdZige7v8L8ddTG4T8z5vC2HYz_Tf132nv7FT7UWtplI9a5jbJeVZvdCu3FOIwCODcyUxngk0_YvuVY/s1600/connie's%2Bcamera%2B355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
4 weeks ago (January 1st) I had a plan for this blog. Write every day. My plan was closely followed by a serious bout of the flu and a long recovery, as well as pressures to get caught up at work, school, and home. so, here I am, January 28th, 2015, starting my "WRITE EVERY DAY" goal. I'll not recap January. Don't want to relive it, and you don't want to share the experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqv_PXb4h60m-FfUEdv10PFR-RV-CzPNoa6ejH-fcky26LqxzyFCjdra_vIoShi9SgI97V3S44chmDFgEYv6f6qdlYowe60UtY3YcXgr7HjVDJIFxUOKhal6thF3PHN4Y9ad6P3cwxbo/s1600/connie's+camera+350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqv_PXb4h60m-FfUEdv10PFR-RV-CzPNoa6ejH-fcky26LqxzyFCjdra_vIoShi9SgI97V3S44chmDFgEYv6f6qdlYowe60UtY3YcXgr7HjVDJIFxUOKhal6thF3PHN4Y9ad6P3cwxbo/s1600/connie's%2Bcamera%2B350.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Right now spring is still 6 weeks away. We thought we would ease into it, but ... snow happened.<br />
<br />
Plans for the year are under way and will be posted here. They will include focusing on feeding our selves, fermenting things, and creating farm-stay options here at the Roost. <br />
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-79759465359870259202014-12-04T15:26:00.000-05:002014-12-04T15:26:20.016-05:00Settling into the Long Dark SeasonFire crackles in the stove.<br />
Gray cold light filters through the window. <br />
Wool sweater chafes a bit around the neck.<br />
A few green sprigs of cold hardy weeds push past the dead bits of the summer garden missed in the fall clean-up.<br />
The Long Dark is coming. <br />
<br />
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842852562944962435.post-14830202075519780972014-12-03T23:00:00.002-05:002014-12-03T23:28:52.012-05:00I've become irrelevant...Recently I was told that blogs are dead. May be true in my case. I have things to say, but cant seem to find the time to post. Tried Facebook. Cant seem to format what I want to say into a catchy "happening". And Twitter??? no way. I need to be able to give the truth SCOPE... words... meanings that even I am unaware of. I need space and time. So (my few remaining friends say) write a book. But I cant. Too much box in a book. Look what it did to Buddha (you can still buy Buddha in a box at lots of used bookstores...) How can I compete with that???<br />
<br />
So, here I am, on the edge of 50. Wondering what life is about. Not the grand meanings... there are plenty of "answers" for that. All you have to do is choose your story. No, I'm struggling at an individual level. (Ok, now I hear you saying this has turned into a therapy blog... I'm out. But that's not what I mean.) I see the world differently. For me the base story has changed, and that effects my story, and how I connect with everything, and everybody around me. but just telling my story wont get you there. So, how do I develop/find community<br />
<br />
FYI... I haven't gone all woo-woo on you. The pigs in the last post are now in the freezer (except for the pork chop on my plate interrupting my writing. We are planning to raise another 100 chickens and 4 more pigs. I haven't got all (or any) answers. But I know that tweeking the system will not work. Neither will buying into big brothers mind-speak.<br />
<br />
<br />Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08442419546836689939noreply@blogger.com0