This week offered some challenges as we were a man down for a few days. The weather was relatively cooperative though and we accomplished much. Progress can be a bit slow at times, but we press on.
[singlepic id=91 w=320 h=240 float=left]We spent a lot of time with bed preparation for the lower sections of our remote garden. The tomato and pepper seedlings that Hunter planted are now poking their heads out of the ground. Friday we planted eggplant, chard, and perpetual spinach seeds. The greens at Lick Run also seem to be enjoying the bit of spring weather and the organic material that we used to mulch the beds.
[singlepic id=96 w=320 h=240 float=right]A Fedco Seeds order arrived this week. Fedco Seeds has many certified organic and other ecologically grown seeds available. They are a popular source to use in cold, Northeastern climates. Fedco does a wonderful job sourcing seeds from small producers. They refuse to carry Monsanto seeds and in general fight the good fight against genetically modified seeds. Their work is notable.
[singlepic id=99 w=320 h=240 float=left]Our ten baby chicks came in this week. Hunter and I are now proud parents. Hunter has more of the ‘Mother Hen’ in him than I do, but I help out as I can. Raising chickens is a current trend among backyard farmers in Roanoke and across the United States. An average Roanoke residential plot can have up to ten chickens. True free-range chickens produce organic eggs, which are far healthier than the eggs you buy at the local grocery store. The yolk should be orange not yellow. Raising your own chickens has the added benefits of increased soil fertility and improved insect control.
[singlepic id=95 w=320 h=240 float=right] Earlier this week Hunter visited his family home and received a warm greeting from his parents’ Great Dane, Bella the vampire dog. Hunter talks fondly of his family and their impact on his life outlook. They should be very proud of his commitment to grassroots growth and community development.
Overall this has been a productive week. I’ll be glad if the looming snowstorm gifts us with plenty of moisture for the soil, but hope that this is winter’s last hurrah.
All the best,
Rick
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