Homestead Happenings

 

black-eyed Susan vine

Welcome to Homestead Happenings!

Autumn is here to stay for a while,

as we are enjoying cooler mornings and

mild afternoon temperatures.

Subtle signs of change are being noticed,

like more shades of orange, yellow and umber.

We harvested our first Seminole pumpkin this week!

There are a handful of others still attached to the vine,

so it looks like soup will be on the menu this winter.

It looks like some naughty chook was trying to sample this one.

A bed of Yukon Gold potatoes is coming along

underneath the row cover.

The insect netting was swapped out for the 

winter covers, although we haven't yet had a frost.

I'd rather be ahead of the game.

We still have a few cowpeas hanging on,

and they will be picked and added to our modest harvest.

I think I'd like to sprout some of these,

as I've never tried sprouting this particular bean before.

It was so exciting to see the first chickpeas forming!

This is a fun plant to grow and I plan

to seed a lot more of it next spring.

These are a staple in my diet.

The lettuce continues to fill my salad bowl

as well as feed the chooks.

They love greens and would eat it all if not

for the row covers preventing their foraging in the bed.

The garlic was planted yesterday in a new spot,

although it took a bit longer than usual.

I reinjured my back last week,

so I am having to move very slowly at certain tasks.

The hardware cloth placed on top

prevents our scratching chooks from digging up my hard work.

Once it germinates, a small fence will be placed instead.

The flock is a joy to watch.

Each morning and evening allows them time to

forage, scratch, dustbathe and strut their stuff.

They truly bring my heart peace.

The salad bars for the girls were reseeded as well.

This white wire basket (turned upside-down),

allows them to snack on lettuce or kale

without digging up the plants.

These were repurposed from a rack someone was 

throwing out.

We still have enough blooms to be able to

create small bouquets for inside.

These dahlias are so delicate,

and they make a nice addition to our indoor space.

zinnias and tithonia

The wooded area behind our house is beginning

 to change.  Most of the trees are deciduous,

so our privacy diminishes in the winter.

The bare trees act as lovely sculptures.

Hopefully, next time I post,

there will be an abundance of color to show you.

May you enjoy this gift of a day!