Yellow leaves on our garden plants seems to be a problem this year, not just mine but a couple more of you have also noticed this.
If your tomatoes are yellowing, it is a good time to start fertilizing. Your soil needs a bit more nitrogen. Another problem is the rain, all the rain that we in the Heartland have been getting is not a good thing. Tomato plants are not swamp plants and it is never a good idea to water the leaves. All I can tell you is to clip off the yellow, fertilize and hope for the best.
With your pumpkins doing the same thing, it is the start of a disease known as Pseudoperonospora cubensis. It thrives in damp, cool weather. This is not something we are use to here {Heartland} You need to spray your vines with a compost tea, now, while conditions are right for the fungus to thrive. If you don't your quality and quantity of your gourds will be reduced.
Yellow leaves in pepper plants are also a nitrogen deficiency.
Your potatoes plants are suppose to turn yellow and die, that's when you know they are done.
If you are concerned about your plants and have a question, ask. I will do my best to answer.
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Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
My Bully Breed
I had a wonderful phone conversation with someone last night. I can not say who at this time, but soon, soon all will be revealed. What I can say is, that homesteaders will know this person, and hopefully you will be just as thrilled as I was to learn a few new thing about said person. Yes, this is about an article, so I can not tell you more right now. But as soon as it comes out, I will be linking out to it.
I have several dogs, 2 happen to be part of the Bully breeds.
Ya-ya is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
She was found in the woods behind my mother's house. She called use saying that she had a bird dog that she adored, but couldn't keep. We told her we would take the dog. When they arrived, I looked at my mother and informed her, that this pup was a pit bull, not a bird dog. She didn't believe me. But over time, as she changed, she looked more like a bully dog, and I don't think my mother was very happy about this. at the time she was found the city had passed a law about keeping bully breeds in the city limits. We believe that she was dumped. We have had little problems with her. She does like to ignore us at times, but that is typical of the breed. We did have a problem with her playing with hens to death, but was able to break her of that habit. She is now the children's protector, even from the puppy. Her maternal instincts are strong. She is now also a pillow and puts up with more 3-year-old abuse then anyone I have ever seen. No, I have no fear that she will turn on us, that is something that had been bred out of the breed long ago. The bully breeds rarely turn on owners, unless they suffer from rage syndrome. We do have a problem with dog conflict, but that is something you watch for and stop before a fight breaks out.
Buttercup, is a husky/American pit bull terrier mix.
She does have a slight attitude, but most of it is puppytude. She is showing signs of being absolutely loyal to my boys. But she will only put up with so much from the 3-year-old before warning him off. We are working with both of them to limit any possible problems. She is still learning her place in the family, and ya-ya is quick to rectify any problems with Buttercup. Ya-ya has a stern hand. When the 3-year-old was running down the driveway, Buttercup assumed it was time to play, and set chase nipping at his hand, before I was able to tell her no, ya-ya had grabbed her and stopped the game, with a small growl and tumble.
We are unable to take them into the city for vet care or training. We have found a vet in a small town that is more than happy to care for these two wonderful dogs. I know several vets that will not, or will take extra precautions when caring for Chows, but not take the same care with Bully Breeds. It's that rare jerk or complete novice that creates that Bully dog attacks you hear about. Bully breeds were not breed to attack humans, their breeding is all about fighting other dogs. Something that over the years has stayed with them even though breeders have tried to breed that out of them.
They work hard and play harder. Bully Breeds are great for homesteads. They love pulling things. A harness and a wagon loaded up with gardening supplies is a wonderful way for them to play and you to work, plus they keep stray dogs off your land. Ya-ya's breed tends to pin rather than bite, and only in danger. Because of this, she makes a great dog for children.
What kind of dogs do you keep?
I have several dogs, 2 happen to be part of the Bully breeds.
Ya-ya is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
She was found in the woods behind my mother's house. She called use saying that she had a bird dog that she adored, but couldn't keep. We told her we would take the dog. When they arrived, I looked at my mother and informed her, that this pup was a pit bull, not a bird dog. She didn't believe me. But over time, as she changed, she looked more like a bully dog, and I don't think my mother was very happy about this. at the time she was found the city had passed a law about keeping bully breeds in the city limits. We believe that she was dumped. We have had little problems with her. She does like to ignore us at times, but that is typical of the breed. We did have a problem with her playing with hens to death, but was able to break her of that habit. She is now the children's protector, even from the puppy. Her maternal instincts are strong. She is now also a pillow and puts up with more 3-year-old abuse then anyone I have ever seen. No, I have no fear that she will turn on us, that is something that had been bred out of the breed long ago. The bully breeds rarely turn on owners, unless they suffer from rage syndrome. We do have a problem with dog conflict, but that is something you watch for and stop before a fight breaks out.Buttercup, is a husky/American pit bull terrier mix.
She does have a slight attitude, but most of it is puppytude. She is showing signs of being absolutely loyal to my boys. But she will only put up with so much from the 3-year-old before warning him off. We are working with both of them to limit any possible problems. She is still learning her place in the family, and ya-ya is quick to rectify any problems with Buttercup. Ya-ya has a stern hand. When the 3-year-old was running down the driveway, Buttercup assumed it was time to play, and set chase nipping at his hand, before I was able to tell her no, ya-ya had grabbed her and stopped the game, with a small growl and tumble.We are unable to take them into the city for vet care or training. We have found a vet in a small town that is more than happy to care for these two wonderful dogs. I know several vets that will not, or will take extra precautions when caring for Chows, but not take the same care with Bully Breeds. It's that rare jerk or complete novice that creates that Bully dog attacks you hear about. Bully breeds were not breed to attack humans, their breeding is all about fighting other dogs. Something that over the years has stayed with them even though breeders have tried to breed that out of them.
They work hard and play harder. Bully Breeds are great for homesteads. They love pulling things. A harness and a wagon loaded up with gardening supplies is a wonderful way for them to play and you to work, plus they keep stray dogs off your land. Ya-ya's breed tends to pin rather than bite, and only in danger. Because of this, she makes a great dog for children.
What kind of dogs do you keep?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
USDA and organics
If you missed the 7 day period that they {USDA} allowed to voice your opinion on allowing 38 inorganic ingredients to organic food, you now have a chance to be heard. Thanks to The Back Forty: Over the hill homesteading, who linked out to this article, you now have a little less then 60 days to tell them what you think about this.
Read the article then you can make a statemenat at the USDA website.
Read the article then you can make a statemenat at the USDA website.
How does your garden grow?
With all this rain, one would think that things would be growing out of control, besides weeds. Are planting was a little late this year, and it is noticeable in the corn. Yet I think this might be a good thing, as I won't have so much to harvest at one time.
6 rows of corn are barley a foot tall, but all seem to be growing. Out of 2 1/2 rows of popcorn, 2 rows are doing well, while that half row seems to be struggling, along with the sunflowers in said row. Onions sees to be good. 3 Brussel sprout plants are thriving, already little balls of green are forming on the stalks. The cabbage is tiny. 3 rows of different herbs emerging and flourishing at different rates, my edible flower collection seems to be doing the best. 1 eggplant that I stuck in as seed just to finish a row is actually coming in, though might be to late in season to actually get anything from it. lettuce is delicious, while a volunteer dill is loving life. 5 rows of potatoes seem to be a little small in the greenery, while the 1 row is huge. I can't find the carrots.
Pepper plants are tiny, but producing. Tomato plants are in high gear, just taking there time ripening. All my watermelon plants {2 species} are coming in. All the grey zucchini and every single on of the winter squash are up. My butternut squash is struggling. I have a row of I don't know what these seeds are, let's plant them, that are producing various plant life. And all of my pole beans are beginning to flower.
This picture is my first official harvest photo, taken last week. No peas.
How does your garden grow?
6 rows of corn are barley a foot tall, but all seem to be growing. Out of 2 1/2 rows of popcorn, 2 rows are doing well, while that half row seems to be struggling, along with the sunflowers in said row. Onions sees to be good. 3 Brussel sprout plants are thriving, already little balls of green are forming on the stalks. The cabbage is tiny. 3 rows of different herbs emerging and flourishing at different rates, my edible flower collection seems to be doing the best. 1 eggplant that I stuck in as seed just to finish a row is actually coming in, though might be to late in season to actually get anything from it. lettuce is delicious, while a volunteer dill is loving life. 5 rows of potatoes seem to be a little small in the greenery, while the 1 row is huge. I can't find the carrots.
Pepper plants are tiny, but producing. Tomato plants are in high gear, just taking there time ripening. All my watermelon plants {2 species} are coming in. All the grey zucchini and every single on of the winter squash are up. My butternut squash is struggling. I have a row of I don't know what these seeds are, let's plant them, that are producing various plant life. And all of my pole beans are beginning to flower.
This picture is my first official harvest photo, taken last week. No peas.
How does your garden grow?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Don't feel like moving.
I am burnt. I didn't mean to crispy fry myself, I just got wrapped up in what I was doing this weekend, and apparently sunscreen is useless to me. Same thing happened the weekend we went to Sparks, my face got a little red. I never use to be a burner, as a youth I would tan instantly. Now, I must suffer at the hands of the sun.
To be honest, I was hoping for a little color to be rid of this oh so sexy farmers tan. But I had to wear gloves, now my arms are a pretty lobster red while my hands are a pearl white. So much more attractive.
I spent most of my Sunday trimming and sorting tree limbs.
My goal is a wattle fence, and so far I have been only able to accomplish this burn and several stacks of wood. My mother has more tree limbs waiting for me. I wanted to do this why again? oh right, I thought it would be an interesting project, that might just look good as well as be functional. This will teach me to think that way. Actually, sarcasm aside, I have a strong belief that once it is said and done, it will be one of my better projects, only because I am determined not to allow it to conquer me.
I grabbed a pennypower while I was in town last night. The pennypower rocks. I remember getting it as a child, looking through the free pets pages. oh I wanted this and that. And even now I still have the habit of looking through the free pets section, first. Not because I need a new pet, but because when we first moved out here, I had a very male oriented goat that was going through our hot fence to meet the ladies. We placed him in the pennypower free pet column, so you never know what you will find. Last night in said section, I found a woman looking to be rid of her horse tank. The largest they make, for only $100. I jumped right on it. We will be picking it up tonight. We have been thinking on picking one up, to be used as a swimming pool for now, and put to other uses later on.
There will be little work done on the homestead today. This morning I have to go into town and finalize my father's future cremation. Last night I had to look for his Naval discharge papers. I actually enjoyed the search. I discovered things about my father I didn't know, and found things that brought up some wonderful memories. This afternoon I have to go to a dentist, and later tonight have an interview, I hope the dentist doesn't decide to yank a wisdom tooth, I need to be able to talk without sounding drunk.
Since no progress will happen today, tomorrow I will have a garden update. Unless there is something else you want to talk about.
Editing to add; Looky looky. I have a chick named after me!
To be honest, I was hoping for a little color to be rid of this oh so sexy farmers tan. But I had to wear gloves, now my arms are a pretty lobster red while my hands are a pearl white. So much more attractive.
I spent most of my Sunday trimming and sorting tree limbs.
My goal is a wattle fence, and so far I have been only able to accomplish this burn and several stacks of wood. My mother has more tree limbs waiting for me. I wanted to do this why again? oh right, I thought it would be an interesting project, that might just look good as well as be functional. This will teach me to think that way. Actually, sarcasm aside, I have a strong belief that once it is said and done, it will be one of my better projects, only because I am determined not to allow it to conquer me.I grabbed a pennypower while I was in town last night. The pennypower rocks. I remember getting it as a child, looking through the free pets pages. oh I wanted this and that. And even now I still have the habit of looking through the free pets section, first. Not because I need a new pet, but because when we first moved out here, I had a very male oriented goat that was going through our hot fence to meet the ladies. We placed him in the pennypower free pet column, so you never know what you will find. Last night in said section, I found a woman looking to be rid of her horse tank. The largest they make, for only $100. I jumped right on it. We will be picking it up tonight. We have been thinking on picking one up, to be used as a swimming pool for now, and put to other uses later on.
There will be little work done on the homestead today. This morning I have to go into town and finalize my father's future cremation. Last night I had to look for his Naval discharge papers. I actually enjoyed the search. I discovered things about my father I didn't know, and found things that brought up some wonderful memories. This afternoon I have to go to a dentist, and later tonight have an interview, I hope the dentist doesn't decide to yank a wisdom tooth, I need to be able to talk without sounding drunk.
Since no progress will happen today, tomorrow I will have a garden update. Unless there is something else you want to talk about.
Editing to add; Looky looky. I have a chick named after me!
Monday, June 25, 2007
One Local Summer
Yesterday was the first day of One Local Summer hosted by Liz over at the Pocket Farm. This challenge will last 10 weeks. The point of this challenge is to understand where you food is coming from, and to support your local farmers. If you are unsure about where a product is from, ask, chances are most the things you eat are not local. This is also an opportunity to eat fresher and experiment with in season produce. I missed the sign-up last year, I am glad to be sharing this year.
Last night we ate our first completely local dinner of the challenge. We had KC Strip Steaks, medium rare, cooked over apple wood fire, small baking potatoes from our garden, topped with local butter and salt. We had a fresh salad of Simpson lettuce and cherry tomatoes from our garden, and homemade biscuits made with local wheat.
I do have a picture for you. But I must warn you that it is a horrible picture. Why? you ask, because my 3-year-old peed on my camera. Yes, you heard me correctly, peed on the camera. I was working outside, and when I walked onto the deck, I saw my camera sitting in front of the door, wet. I asked what happened, he looked at me and said, I peed on it, then he walked into the house. WHAT!?! ugh. . .
I tried to edit the picture, but it didn't help too much. Looks like I need to buy a new one. ~sigh~
Last night we ate our first completely local dinner of the challenge. We had KC Strip Steaks, medium rare, cooked over apple wood fire, small baking potatoes from our garden, topped with local butter and salt. We had a fresh salad of Simpson lettuce and cherry tomatoes from our garden, and homemade biscuits made with local wheat.
I do have a picture for you. But I must warn you that it is a horrible picture. Why? you ask, because my 3-year-old peed on my camera. Yes, you heard me correctly, peed on the camera. I was working outside, and when I walked onto the deck, I saw my camera sitting in front of the door, wet. I asked what happened, he looked at me and said, I peed on it, then he walked into the house. WHAT!?! ugh. . .
I tried to edit the picture, but it didn't help too much. Looks like I need to buy a new one. ~sigh~
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Kitchen Confidential
A few weeks back, I was asked to review a DVD set call Kitchen Confidential. It is a situation comedy based on the memoirs of Chef Anthony Bourdain. It only ran 4 episodes before being pulled from the air.
The DVD set I was sent had a total of 12 episodes.
Jack Bourdain enjoys a celebrity lifestyle before hitting bottom. He eventually gets a job running an upscale restaurant in New York City, and is determined to prove he is no longer wild.
This series comes from the same people that did Sex in the City. I am not a big fan of that program, never really watched. But Kitchen Confidential is actually pretty good. It had me giggling through most of it. The actors are engaging in their roles, all except the female love interest that was thrown in.
I agreed to watch and review this DVD because it sounded like something my father would enjoy. Unfortunately he his now in Hospice, sharing a room and TV with another man. Hopefully I can bring it up to him soon to watch, this is the kind of dry witty humor he enjoys. And I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did.
I am also surprised that it was only aired for 4 episodes, and I would personally enjoy it as a more long run program. As a comedy it is both witty and crude, a wonderful mixture.
The DVD set I was sent had a total of 12 episodes.
Jack Bourdain enjoys a celebrity lifestyle before hitting bottom. He eventually gets a job running an upscale restaurant in New York City, and is determined to prove he is no longer wild.
This series comes from the same people that did Sex in the City. I am not a big fan of that program, never really watched. But Kitchen Confidential is actually pretty good. It had me giggling through most of it. The actors are engaging in their roles, all except the female love interest that was thrown in.
I agreed to watch and review this DVD because it sounded like something my father would enjoy. Unfortunately he his now in Hospice, sharing a room and TV with another man. Hopefully I can bring it up to him soon to watch, this is the kind of dry witty humor he enjoys. And I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did.
I am also surprised that it was only aired for 4 episodes, and I would personally enjoy it as a more long run program. As a comedy it is both witty and crude, a wonderful mixture.
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