The dirt will go back on top when I get the other layers done.I dug out the far end of the bed first and put down some old logs. Then I took a break. This is hard work!
The Wyandotte looks like she is asking me if I'm coming back to finish the job. Bossy hen!
I finally (after a few more breaks) got the rest of the bed dug out. Screamer is going to walk around on the logs while Morgan is doing her chicken watching routine.I didn't have enough old wood at hand so I spent a lot of time walking the property picking up down wood and hauling it back to the bed.
The first layer is done!
Tomorrow I'm going to clean out the chicken coop and put layers of chicken stuff, leaves, and sticks. I'll sprinkle a bit of dirt in there too. I'll top the bed off with dirt and some of the leaf compost that has been cooking for many years.
The chickens are so funny. They wouldn't come in the garden area when I was working, but when I left to take a break or take photos some of them would zip in there and check the place out.
Sprout update: Argh! Nothing is happening. Tom got these lentils at the local market and they are a store brand. Maybe these are old, old sad lentils and are not going to sprout. I'll wait a bit longer.
(March 18, 2009)
Jean's ankle is healed and she is home!
[5 eggs today]
~:>
Smiles
12 comments:
busy lady, did you have a good St Patricks day? hope so. those chickens with the footsies are the cutest, but i cant help but wonder how they keep clean, i know my duck is constantly preening but she doesnt have feathers that are on the ground. ttyl
dirty duck and michelle
I'm getting caught up on blogging after taking a few days off after the loss of "Cowboy." THANK YOU for your kind words Callie!
Life does somehow go on, and I can see that you have been really busy!! I don't know how you find enough hours in the day to fit everything in--I think I just goof off too much! :-)
I really love your pictures--Especially of the chickens sunbathing!! Enjoy your weekend!!
Is this like lasagna gardening where you use all sort of layers each providing an essential part to the bed. like warmth, nutrients, or soil composition?
I know beans will sprout, but I don't know about lentils (never tried them). This person started sprouting for her chickens using wheat berries. Start at http://whatdidshedotoday.typepad.com/what_did_she_do_today/2009/10/she-processed-her-own-chickens-october-30-2009.html and follow the posts forward about a week or so to read what she did.
Another post on sprouting, from just this morning! At this rate I may have to try it... I love sprouts in salad.
http://antiquityoaks.blogspot.com/2010/03/growing-bean-sprouts.html
I really like the beds you are building,I am seriously thinking of doing them this fall to help straighten out my garden area some.The soil is too compact and it slopes...I think this would work great!
I need to clean my coop out too... shoooweeee
Hope you have a nice day =)
Don't work too hard, and you will defiantly have to let me know how the boxes work when all is done. You have a good weekend, Callie!
Hi Callie ~ The beds look great , maybe I should reconsider the trench , wonder if it makes a differece. The bed I'm working is huge , guess I could do a little each day. I got very overwhelmed yesterday and gave up. Think I'll regroup and work in small sections.
You're so blessed to have Morgan to take care of the chickens , such a good dog. Hope you have a great day.
~ Be Blessed ~
Planter boxes looking good. Sorry about lentils hopefully the will sprout soon.
Very happy to hear Jean's ankle is okay now. Always very worrying so this is good news. I loved this post and I envy you having those chickens. I would like to keep some myself but I don't think we could get it past the HOA ;) They're sticklers for that kind of thing. Well, one day maybe, when we move and don't have our neighbors living as close as they are now. In the meantime I am going to enjoy coming here. That chicken coop is pretty impressive.
You are doing such and awesome job.. Those chickens just think you are making them a new playground.. he he
Poor old lentils...
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
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