I'm going to use the Hugelkultur idea and put fallen branches, twigs and logs in the bottom of the planter boxes. This is a before photo to spur me into gardening action when it ever stops raining.
The plan is to put a layer of wood at the bottom of the boxes, then a layer of chicken pen stuff, then a layer of twigs, then a layer of leaves and then dirt. The wood is supposed to act as a sponge and hold water in the soil through the dry California months.
I'm good for everything but the dirt. Well, maybe I do have some good dirt? I have been raking and piling up leaves for ten years. I'll go check those piles of old leaves. It would be so great if there was beautiful composted dirt at the bottom.
While searching for info on hugelkulture I found info on permaculture, where I found info about building ponds, building sheds out of rocks, dirt and trees, etc., and then info on iron skillets.
I'm interested in all that stuff, but especially in iron skillets. This fellow wrote a big article about using iron skillets and then he made a video. He explained that in the '30's and before skillets used to be machined smooth. Not anymore. That's why grandma's skillet was so good.
Here is the video he made of his old skillets. More "how to cook an egg stuff," but I think he overcooks his eggs. Neat skillets.
Here is the page that got me sidetracked when I started clicking on all the links.
Here is the page that got me sidetracked when I started clicking on all the links.
(March 2, 2009)
I love my little chicken pot lid holders.
Last night the rains started up again,
so the chickens and Morgan won't be able to go outside this week.
Maybe there will be a break on Thursday?
I love my little chicken pot lid holders.
Last night the rains started up again,
so the chickens and Morgan won't be able to go outside this week.
Maybe there will be a break on Thursday?
[3 eggs today in the wood shavings)
I put some fake eggs in the nest boxes until we can get some straw. I took the eggs out of the nest boxes because some of the hens were going broody sitting on the fake eggs. I finally got the brilliant idea to take the fake eggs out of the nests when I collect eggs to keep the hens from going broody and then put the fake eggs back in the nest boxes when I lock up the coop at night. We'll try that and see what happens.
~:>
Smiles
11 comments:
Sounds like a good idea for the plant boxes. Hope you can garden soon. We are having rain, rain, rain too.
i am behind with my work on the allotment due to the weather.....got too much to do!!
I love cast iron! I have enough to sink a ship!I have several old pieces that I use all the time, they work wonderfully!
That is a good idea, would of never thought of it that way.
Interesting idea for the hens. I would've never thought of that. All my black stars are laying and 1 or two of my buffs are. I don't think any of the white cornish rocks are, but I'm not sure how old they are. They were grown when I got them last Feb, and were my first chickens. They may get the axe this spring or summer.
~Randy
Thanks for that demo... I am just starting to cook with cast iron and having a difficult time of it.
I have used that method for years. Really does work.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
That is a great idea for a planter.. Dad didn't put the logs in the bottom. He put in peat moss, leaves, sheep poop and cow poop. He got some top soil from Home Depot..
Cast Iron skillets are the best.. Mom loves hers... I use my iron griddle for making flour tortilla's..
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Those planter boxes are calling you. Love the video. Good information.
Hi Callie ~ You have some great raised beds for planting. The hugelkuhur technique sounds interesting , looking forward to seeing how it works for you. I may try planting a bed like that too.
I read the article about using cast iron , great info. I love my cast iron pans too.
~ Blessings ~
Great idea about the planter boxes! I hope the fake eggs work out!
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