This week’s share includes a dozen eggs because the layer chickens are happy in their cozy coop- protected from all the rain. We’ve installed a “happy light” to remind them it’s a good idea to keep laying even when it’s cold & rainy. Soon we’ll be getting new layer chicks to help with the egg production. We’re looking at Rhode Island red and Aracauna varieties.
Ground pork, side pork, pork leg roast, pork chops, & pork loin were also included in the share. Check out our latest pork recipe- you don’t want to miss it! We should be getting piglets this spring, and we’re almost done with the new pasture fence so Mocha the Jersey cow can meet back with Toro the Dexter bull- Can we finish it by Valentine’s day? Stay tuned…….
Kale, pac choi, and brassicas are slowly growing in the cold frame. They will be ready for a “baby greens” harvest by the end of February- definitely worth the wait. The warmer weather we’ve been having is really helping them grow quickly, and salad mix varieties like arugula and mizuna will grow like weeds as soon as we get a few sunny days.
Winter herbs are such a treat at this time of year. The floral rosemary handled the winter freezing very well and it makes a great addition to eggs, or pork dishes. The thyme is just as fragrant and is great for making any type of marinade. Spring is just around the corner which means spearmint will be ready in no time.
The bees are flying today! Once we get a few days where they’re out and about we’ll take a look at the hive and see how they managed with the cold. They’ll be hungry too, so we’ll feed them extra honey from last season. The extra honey feeding should keep them happy until spring. This is also the best time of year to establish a plan for yellow jacket wasp removal. They’ll rob the bee hives all summer if we don’t develop a “no tolerance” policy early in the season.
Scallions and baby leeks are growing well in the greenhouse, and they should be ready by March. Other spring favorites like early cabbage and green garlic are on our minds as well. It’s amazing how well the sunroots did, even with some mole damage. More recipes are on the way! Peas will be planted soon, and as long as we get plenty of bird protection up we should have a great harvest in May. We’ve started our seed ordering list and should be placing it in a few days. Also, we’re looking forward to trying out some new hot pepper varieties this summer- sure to please!
You must log in to post a comment.