100 Days of Growing Food: Day 9

The next two days are forecasted to be full of rain. A constant steady rain that soaks into your bones and makes it difficult to overcome the chill.

The chickens are tucked into the henhouse, too dignified to hop into the mud.

The goats and hogs are staying dry in their shelters, fully taking advantage of daytime naps.

The rabbits have been enjoying how quickly the grass (and weeds) are growing with the springtime rain.

And the ducks. The ducks are in their full glory. Rooting out bugs from the soppy ground, munching dandelion seed heads whole, and bathing in the murky puddles that are filly every low spot.

The boys have been fully enjoying the mud puddles as well. We have a mud kitchen out for them near the garden (Nothing fancy, just an old Fisher Price plastic kitchen that was neglected indoors but has found new purpose outside.)

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Both boys adore playing in the mud.

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It calls to them. And I’m 100% okay with it.

I love the idea of Wildschooling. Allowing the boys to explore the vast depths of wonder and knowledge nature has to teach them. If my boys grow up constantly covered in mud, but have grown a deep love for the beauty of creation and honor the stewardship of the earth we have been called to, I’m 110% okay with it.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and breath of all mankind.”

Job 12:7-10

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My main rules include:

• Don’t play near the electric fence.
• Don’t throw rocks or mud at each other.
• And don’t eat any plants before asking Momma or Dadda.

(Declan testing out some catnip in our old herb garden bed.)

Benefits of playing in the mud

Playing in the mud is a great way for children to engage all of their senses and develop gross and fine motor skills.

There have also been studies on a specific bacteria in mud that constant exposure to helps develop positive coping methods. Mycobacterium Vaccae is a bacteria found in soil that reacts with the body to increase serotonin levels, a lack of serotonin is believed to be linked to depression. Other studies have shown links with regular soil exposure reduces allergies and builds the immune system. Check out this article for more resources and information.

Mud play is also incredibly attractive to children and never seems to get old when the temptation strikes. It’s always accompanied with giggles, messes, and good naps after!

As an added bonus, not micromanaging the boys and giving them freedom to explore allows me some free time to get projects done outside that are difficult to do with little, albeit helpful, hands.

Dealing with the mud

Because of their relative freedom outside, we do have an absurd amount of laundry. So to attempt to combat the onslaught of mud brought into the house, I invested in some outdoor clothes for them.

Tools to combat the mud:

• Lone Cone Insulated All Weather Mudboots – The soft fabric around the calves is much more comfortable for the boys, and they can put them on independently with the handles!
• Muddy Buddy Mud Suit – There are some super expensive alternatives for mud suites, but these ones have worked really well for the boys. They can accommodate layers underneath for colder days, have been waterproof/mudproof, and rinse off easily with a hose! Extra bonus: They were significantly less expensive than many of the ‘name brands’.
• Wellies Rain Shoes – These are for momma. I’ve purchased several rain boots in the past, but as someone with tiny calves, they never fit well. I love the red, they have good traction, and they actually fit well! With all the garden and animal chores, and constantly being led into the muck with the boys, I needed to get a decent pair of boots for myself!

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Food

I have collected 6 eggs so far today, and have finished our new herb garden! I’ve gotten TriColored Sage, Golden Oregano, Variegated Oregano, Silveredge Thyme, and Barbecue Rosemary planted in the bed itself, with plans to add extra herbs nearby in pots. (Mainly things that spread via tubers like wildfire: apple mint and strawberry mint) I snuck in some Sweet Marjoram and a potted Borage after this photo was taken.