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| Chicks at 6 days old |
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| Chicks at 6 hours old |
Of course we're all happy here with the 8 new chicks hatched on the first of May in the poultry maternity ward. They and Miss Wohlters are all doing fine. The remaining 20 hens in the chicken house have been steadily increasing their egg production this spring, so that we're now at a little over a dozen a day. Yesterday was a banner day with 17 eggs.
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| Dining room plants almost 2 weeks along |
Planting
2 weeks ago, from the 23rd thru the 26th of April on the cusp of the moon's first quarter, I started some greens, cukes, cabbage, broccoli, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers and watermelons under grow lights in the dining room. Some of the lettuces and greens are destined to be part of my hydroponics experiment, but more on that later when they're transferred to their watery home. The greens, broccoli, cabbage and some of the tomatoes are doing well, while the rest is questionable at this time. On the 30th of April I planted peas in the East Garden, and on the 4th thru the 6th of May I put in more potatoes, carrots and onions in the Central Garden. Today, Thursday, is a rain day, but in the next few days I plan to put in beets and turnips and transplant some of the hardier herbs into the garden. |
| Arugula, lettuce and Spinach planted 2 1/2 weeks ago |
The arugula, lettuce and spinach I planted under the cold frame are doing well, and the red potatoes that were under the low tunnel are just now starting to pop through. Lord willing, we'll be eating salads in a few weeks and new red potatoes by the fourth of July.
Recap of this Year's Early Spring
Like Puxatoni Phil, the renowned groundhog from Pennsylvania, I step out of my lair every February 2 to get my outlook for the coming spring. Unlike Phil, I rejoice whether I see my shadow or not, because the sun is staying up a little longer each day, the days are getting warmer, and I can wake up and start planning my activities for this year's cycle.10 February, Tuesday. Attended an informational session on Hydroponics. I do plan to try a few experiments this year.
11-14 March, Wednesday-Saturday. Built new nest boxes for the henhouse, and planted some onion seed under grow lights in the dining room. Repair roosts in henhouse. (see Wake up, it's spring)
17 March, Tuesday. Radishes and onions in boxes in the greenhouse. (see Creation in the Spring)
10, 19 April, Friday & Sunday. Miss Wohlters started to set on 10 eggs. Planted red potatoes, radishes, carrots and onions in Low Tunnel. Lettuce, spinach and arugula in cold frame outside. Llama poop for new West Garden. (see Dirt, Llama Poop et al)
28 April, Tuesday. Upright piano work table completed. (see Upright Piano Morphs)
Coming Events
When the time is right, there's a lot more spring planting to do. A few building repairs, updates, chicken fencing, and preparations for the hydroponic experiment are also on the agenda. Small steps each day will yield great rewards.
