Monthly Archives: March 2024

Tuna Lessons

Posted on March 24, 2024 by dep31

I’ll tell you what, if you’ve never had the opportunity to dismantle a large fish with a skeptical but interested audience, can you truly say that you’ve fully experienced the process? We started processing the second tuna this weekend. We … Continue reading →

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Eggshell recycling

Posted on March 22, 2024 by dep31

I occasionally get asked how I use eggshells here on the homestead, and what I do to prepare them for use. I realized years ago that while hens are perfectly happy to eat eggshells, if they’re fed them in large … Continue reading →

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Progress

Posted on March 21, 2024 by dep31

Things are growing like crazy, and I’m already looking at tomatoes that will have to go into gallon pots soon.

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Appropriate

Posted on March 20, 2024 by dep31

I feel that this impromptu still life, encompassing the pencils from homeschool, the fertilizer for the garden, the clock that I’m always running behind, the Kleenex for allergies, and the attempt to keep it all together, is a reasonably accurate … Continue reading →

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Tree Pruning Continues

Posted on March 19, 2024 by dep31

This year, I have helpers. Even the resident teenager is learning a bit. He now has a skosh more sympathy when I say my shoulders hurt after pruning awhile. Hooray for chainsaws! We had some big tree limbs that needed … Continue reading →

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Starting Cool Season Plants Outdoors

Posted on March 18, 2024 by dep31

I have lots of plant starts going in the house, but with the outdoor temps starting to climb into the 60’s and staying mostly above freezing at night (we’ve been seeing lows in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s)… it’s … Continue reading →

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Pruning Grapes

Posted on March 12, 2024 by dep31

It’s time – past time – to prune the grapes. We have two types: Concord grapes (great for juice, jam and fruit leather) and green seedless table grapes that are really sugar bombs masquerading as a healthy snack. This is … Continue reading →

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Nearly ready to plant

Posted on March 11, 2024 by dep31

Mr. Caffeinated brought home a skidsteer, and has spent the last few hours emptying our compost bin and spreading the contents on the garden. Our compost bin is 16’x8’x4′, and was about half full of composted manure, garden trimmings, etc. … Continue reading →

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Pruning the Ornamental Trees

Posted on March 10, 2024 by dep31

This tree tries to tie itself into knots every year. It’s old – I’m pretty sure it’s at least 40 – and some of the branches have major woodpecker and bug damage. There are lots of new sprouts that are … Continue reading →

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The Garden Awaits

Posted on March 9, 2024 by dep31

This weekend, we plan to get the compost bin opened up and spread, at least in piles, to await rototilling in a few weeks. Right now, it’s a blank slate. It always looks smaller to me when it’s empty!

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