Homestead Happenings

Big changes are happening on our homestead,

as signs of spring emerge.

These sweet lil’ crocus blooms are a sure predictor

of the changes ahead.

The winter sowing continues to give us ample opportunity 

to celebrate the abundance in the garden.

These lettuce starts were ready for more space,

so they were transplanted into small (repurposed) pots.

The roots were fairly strong,

so they were planted in a light potting soil,

mixed with vermiculite and perlite.

As you can see, we have no shortage of transplants.

This batch includes chamomile, kale, 

leeks, and lettuces.

More starts will be transferred this weekend.

The sweet potato slips are starting

to take off.

A bit of light from this east facing window

and topping off the water in the can

is all that is required.

Several cans line the windowsill.

Two new Birdie beds are being added to the garden this season,

although their final placement is not yet secure.

They've been assembled, so they will soon be ready to grow.

These are the first tall beds I’m trying.

The bottom 2/3 will be filled with logs,

branches, twigs and leaves, before the soil is added.

The potatoes we planted in cages a few weeks ago

are finally sprouting.

We used some spuds from last fall's harvest.

We will be adding hardware cloth underneath the potato cages, 

as well as under beds and plantings, 

due to a recently discovered pesky problem.

I’m fairly certain these are vole holes.

They are covering most of the area around our drain field.

We’ve had a few holes from time to time,

but it looks like they are moving in!

Still researching organic ways to discourage them,

but we’re starting with garlic or coffee grounds in the holes.

The scent is supposed to repel them. 

We’ll see.

Last week, two elderberry trees got moved.

They had been on the northeast side of the property,

and were leaning to reach the sun.

Hopefully, they’ll enjoy their new spot.

We sowed alyssum seeds as a border

all along the front flower bed,

and I noticed yesterday that they are emerging.

Thank you rain!

Nasturtiums were also placed here.

The freshly harvested broccoli has been relished.

The side shoots are so tender and barely need steaming.

Daffodils are popping up all over the neighborhood,

including in our pollinator bed.

I also see tulips coming up,

and the candytuft just rocks on!

The other morning,

Big K noticed this squirrel on the back deck.

It is consuming a camellia flower.

Who knew?

A friend recently wanted to make room 

in her gorgeous garden for some new plants,

and asked me if I wanted her hydrangeas.

Uh...yeah!

They've been living in our landscape for

nearly a month now,

and the new growth has started!

I'm so excited, because when I lived in Florida,

I always envied folks who had these plants.

Further south, they don't grow well

because there is not enough cold through the winter.

What a blessing!

A batch of vanilla was put together.

It was overdo,

as I try to make it at the start of the new year.

It’s so simple,

and the bonus is that I was able to add the vanilla bean trimmings 

to the basket of my percolator.

It adds a mellow flavor to my morning Joe.

There are other new developments to report,

but I think those will have to wait for another post.

Wishing you peace and prosperity on your homestead.