Author Archives: Amy
Time to plant
Dare I speak it – the weather has finally turned the corner and we’re enjoying glorious, warm sunny days (without 40 mph winds). A friend and I were kvetching this week about the dreary conditions, particularly when compared to the more temperate climates of California or Italy, and how we can stay … Continue reading the story “Time to plant”
C’mere chickens
Both boys love the chickens. Sam runs around their cage causing them to scurry underneath their house, while John prefers to talk to them from the fence. The speckled one (Lilith) is the boldest of the bunch. She was the first one out the other day and is the smart one who … Continue reading the story “C’mere chickens”
Wall-O-Waters versus the spring storm(s)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_VBjWOS79M[/youtube]I’m a little late on this post, but last week’s blizzard knocked me off my schedule on many fronts. But, I wanted to show everyone how well the ‘Stupice’ tomatoes did in the Wall-O-Waters during the storm. It was howling outside, but they stayed snug in the water teepees. The tomatoes in the Wall-O-Waters are doing as well as the ones still in the flats in … Continue reading the story “Wall-O-Waters versus the spring … Continue reading the story “Wall-O-Waters versus the spring storm(s)“
The hens are home.
Last Monday (pre-blizzard) we finally picked up our four mature hens from our neighbor, Randy. Randy has hundreds of birds, and would like to thin the flock a bit, so he offered the hens to us when we mentioned we wanted to raise a few chickens for eggs. Of course, this isn’t a half-hearted effort. … Continue reading the story “The hens are home.”
After the storm
The snow stopped, but the wind continues. There’s a drift alongside the fence taller than anything we had all winter. The greenhouse is still in one piece although I brought in everything last night. (I don’t know what is more of a danger to my tender seedlings: cold or children.) … Continue reading the story “After the storm”
Winter storm makes things interesting
I’m pretty sure it was April 29 last year when we were hit with a blizzard that dumped a couple of feet of snow on us ruining a lot of budded trees and breaking limbs from those that were already leafed out. We’ll see what damage this one brings. The apple trees looked great and the golden currants are in full, glorious bloom so … Continue reading the story “Winter storm makes things interesting”
Planting tomatoes in the Wall-O-Waters
Who can resist this absolutely gorgeous weather? Not me. It’s been in the 70′s and sunny all week, and I’m itching to plant more in the garden. But, after three decades of doing this, I know I need to be somewhat cautious… or at least protect what I plant. Sam, John and … Continue reading the story “Planting tomatoes in the Wall-O-Waters”
Perfect day to work outside
It was nearly a perfect day outside. (Grant said almost too warm, but I beg to differ.) He seeded grass and worked on the chicken house when I ran out to a friends’ place to trim up their big apple tree. I couldn’t reach very high (even with a ladder), but it should help. Next year, we can cut off a big section of … Continue reading the story “Perfect day to work outside”
Adding fruiting trees and shrubs to the garden plan
After years of focusing on perennials and shrubs primarily for visual appeal there’s been a change on what people want in their landscape. Trees and shrubs that produce edible fruit is more popular with nany homeowners since their a multipurpose plant; they look great, are hardy and add something to the table in … Continue reading the story “Adding fruiting trees and shrubs to the garden plan”
Spring planting schedule
Timing is everything when it comes to planting the garden. Plant too early – especially when you’re starting seeds inside – and you might have scraggly plants stretching for any bit of light available. Plant too late and you’re betting against an early frost. It can be tricky. One way to know … Continue reading the story “Spring planting schedule”