After some nasty weather that set me back last weekend, finally the garden is ready today! I worked very hard over the weekend; tilling the soil, adding Compost and Manure, layering and adding Gypsum. I also gave many worms a new home :)
I think this year will be a good one. I am much more aware of the pest problems, I feel on top of things and ready for the challenge.
My seed trays will soon be filled with the many herbs and veggies I chose to grow this season.
But before I transplant my seedlings I need to prune my grape vines. As I read and learn about it, it's not as complicated as I imagined, and no matter how much you hack it they are very tough to kill. Perfect! exactly what I need!
- Cecile's Country Garden
- I'm a Canadian now residing in Sunny Arizona since 2002. Although I've been a city girl all of my life, I've always loved the country and the laid back life it offers. My love of the Outdoors, Animals,and Gardening comes from my mom Cecile, who loved her home in the country, but sadly passed away in 2005. I promised her I would grow a garden in her name, And I finally did, five years later. One of my best memories of her is how much she loved her garden. The glow on her face when she would show me something new, always creating a life with things she loved. She loved all animals. She taught me simplicity, to enjoy the small things, and see beauty in everything. Today I find myself doing the same things she did in her garden and in life. This blog was created to keep track of my projects and adventures. They may not all be successes, but my goal is to remain unintimidated by whatever engages my curiosity. I want to share this adventure with those who can appreciate the small things, the trial and errors, the simplicity in it all, but mostly,what my mom knew how to do best,just have FUN! *This blog is dedicated to her*
Feb 28, 2011
Feb 22, 2011
Gloomy Long Weekend
A three day weekend is exactly what I needed to finally finish adding my soil and compost in my garden, remove the remaining lettuce and cauliflower to make room for my seedlings. BUT, the rains came in for two whole days. :( It was muddy, messy, and discouraging. So, I decided to catch up on indoor chores. Finally finished painting my hallway. A pretty sunset orange brightened up the place, like a sunset in the house :)
Feb 8, 2011
ONIONS!
I pulled out the remaining onions from my garden beds so I can make room for compost and prep the soil. There were so many of them, I chopped them up and I am drying them out until they become flakes. This way there is no waste and I can use it for future use in soups and stews :)
Feb 7, 2011
I Broke my Fear of the Pressure Canner!
Finally, I decided it was time I learn how to work the Pressure Canner without standing in a distance with a full face helmet on.
As with everything else, it's practice,practice,practice. And I will get better at it too. My first attempt was to make Spaghetti Sauce. This was time consuming since I was doing it from scratch, but well worth it :) The sauce is a little soupy, but It will be better next time. Luckily I only made 3 Jars. The house still smells like garlic and roasted tomatoes I love it.
I'm so proud of myself. Big step for me :)
As with everything else, it's practice,practice,practice. And I will get better at it too. My first attempt was to make Spaghetti Sauce. This was time consuming since I was doing it from scratch, but well worth it :) The sauce is a little soupy, but It will be better next time. Luckily I only made 3 Jars. The house still smells like garlic and roasted tomatoes I love it.
Feb 4, 2011
Broody Chicken
Well, since I am new at owning chickens I wasn't quite sure what it meant when a chicken goes Broody; that motherly desire to sit and incubate her eggs. Turns out my poor Leghorn is trying so hard at doing just that. I'm reading lots about this, and in my opinion, most of the suggestions I see don't seem to agree with me. Some sound a little cruel even. Not something I could do to mine, especially because they are my pets. But separating her to a cooler area seemed like my only option if it gets to a point where it will cause a disruption.
It's been nearly two weeks now and so far I've had no problems at all. She hasn't shown any signs of aggression like most chicken owners say. And I do remove any egg that's in there as soon as possible.
There is no bullying with the others, and I have no trouble taking her out of the nesting box with my bare hands. The only difference is that she will scream like a little dinosaur when I get near her :D
I take her out twice a day so she can drink and eat, and that she does for about 10-15 minutes, then heads back inside.
I don't see it as a nuisance like many do. Maybe because I got lucky :) But I like to think that maybe it's because she gets tons of love and attention and I pet and handle her every day.
This will pass in a few weeks. And unfortunately she will not lay during this time but that can be a good thing since the eggs accumulate fairly quickly. Poor thing is so dedicated...
It's been nearly two weeks now and so far I've had no problems at all. She hasn't shown any signs of aggression like most chicken owners say. And I do remove any egg that's in there as soon as possible.
There is no bullying with the others, and I have no trouble taking her out of the nesting box with my bare hands. The only difference is that she will scream like a little dinosaur when I get near her :D
I take her out twice a day so she can drink and eat, and that she does for about 10-15 minutes, then heads back inside.
I don't see it as a nuisance like many do. Maybe because I got lucky :) But I like to think that maybe it's because she gets tons of love and attention and I pet and handle her every day.
This will pass in a few weeks. And unfortunately she will not lay during this time but that can be a good thing since the eggs accumulate fairly quickly. Poor thing is so dedicated...
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