Everything is Growing Around Here..

Well, all is good on the homestead this week. Everything is growing!! I meant to get this post done earlier in the week but life stepped in. J

Chicks, well they aren’t little chicks anymore, are growing so fast! They have doubled in size again this week. They are about to out grow their brooder and soon to be ready to move to their permanent home, the coop. We are still brainstorming ideas about the coop; whether to buy one already made or to build one ourselves. We are going to need something rather large since we have 25 hens. There are so many different types of coops out there to choose from. I guess we just have to narrow the selection down to what will fit our needs the best. We are want them have a place to get out of the elements but also have access to the ground and grass (to be somewhat free-range). Any ideas or good resources?

 Barred Rocks at 34 days old.

 Buffs at 34 days old.

 The herbs are doing very well. I am proud of myself that I have kept them alive. I can actually tell that they are growing!!!! Yesterday, I pruned the basil to allow the plant to get bushier and now have some of the leaves drying. I think the next herb that needs to be pruned a little is sage. All the herbs are so fragrant and I have really enjoyed having them.

 The herbs a week and a half after planting in pots with Bronco sharping his claws on the post.

 Basil drying.

Basil aftering prunning.

Oregano

 Parsley

 Rosemary

Sage

Thyme

We have the worm composter going. It seems to be doing well too. However, yesterday while mixing in some new kitchen scraps, I noticed that I couldn't find any of the worms. I’m guessing they died. I’m not sure what went wrong again this time. I tried to keep the compose moist, well mixed, and have the ratio of organic materials. I guess we will have to get some more worms and try again. So, for now I’m making sure I keep the compost mixed by hand everyday.

Today, I made another batch of crabapple jelly. We sold some more jars on eBay this week and I haven’t replenished the stock since Christmas. If any of you are interested in getting some of our homemade crabapple jelly, here is the link to our eBay posting. {Tasty Homemade Crabapple Jelly} We have two kinds of crabapple jelly; regular and cinnamon. Both of these flavors taste wonderful, sweet and not too tart as crabapples are known to be.

Last week, as some of you may know we had tornados sweep across North and Central Georgia. We had one come across the corner of our property that we recently purchased. We lost a lot of our big beech trees and few of the oak trees that were close to the creek. The area in which the trees fell were very close to the site were we plan to build our dream home. I guess God knew they needed to go. J So, this Fall we will have to spend some time cleaning up the mess. Daniel says it’s too hot to do it now and plus the snake and other critters are out and about now.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!