We’ve been having little slices of sunshine over the past few weeks. Just enough of those intoxicating rays to kick me into gear on seed starting and preparing for the growing season.
The boys have been enjoying as much time outside as they possibly can. We’re going to be experiencing some super warm temperatures (in comparison to the sub zeros we had a few weeks ago) this week and I know more time outside will be mandatory!
Mustering the self control to not jump into planting is hard during these sporadic days of warm sunshine. It’s quite common to experience snow and freezing temperatures into April despite having balmy days in March.
Despite the looming threat of frost and snow, life has begun returning to the homestead. Patches of herbs are poking bright green from the cover of mulch and leaves. The chickens egg production has skyrocketed – thanks to the longer days and bright sunshine. A few of the hens have gone broody and are fiercely protecting their nests.
The smell on the air and feel of it are different, now.
It’s time to get ready, come out of hibernation and slow living, and begin preparations for the growing season.
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Seedlings
I started several seeds back in February, utilizing a new set of grow lights for this season. I wanted to try out a different option, one that will be useful for our house plants next winter. These are a set of 4 LED strip lights on adjustable arms. There are different settings an timing options which comes in handy!
I’m using 72 cell seed trays and black labels with chalk pens this year. I’ve tried several different labels over the years but nothing seems to last in the sun and rain. I’ve read good results on these labels, so I have high hopes for them!
Several hardwood and soft wood cuttings of berries have been rooting for the past several months. I’ve had varying degrees of success, but I’m taking it as a learning experience. I’ve not had much luck with rooting cuttings in the past, so I was excited how quickly some sprouted roots.
This is my first year intentionally starting extra plants and varieties to sell at our plant stand this spring. I’m hoping to have two weekends in May dedicated to plant sales. So far I’ve got strawberries, catawba grapes, black currants, herbs and vegetable seedlings. I’m waiting for mulberry, aronia berry, roses, haskaps, Jupiter grapes, and raspberries to either sprout in the garden or put out roots from their cuttings.
Hatching Eggs
I have to say, we have a good variety of layers right now. Various shades of brown, pink, blue, green and olive eggs fill the cartons. We’re getting roughly 14-16 eggs everyday. I’ve never had such abundance this early in the year!
We currently have about 14 eggs of various colors in the incubator right now. (I’ve tried a few smaller versions, but always go back to the styrofoam incubator with an egg turner. I would just recommend using humidistats and thermometer to monitor things closely). They just got through their first week in, and I’m due to candle them to check for life inside!
Eggs take about 21 days to hatch give or take a day or so. We do have a few hens that have started to go broody, but I haven’t had much success allowing the hens to hatch their own eggs.
I do hope to add some white egg layers (Cornish game hens) and dark brown layers (French Copper Marans) that I will most likely pick up from a local farm store once some of the incubator eggs hatch. The reasoning for this is to keep them around the same age, so integrating them in with each other shouldn’t be difficult.
(The chickens learn quickly who usually brings them the scrap bucket…)
Activities
We are moving into the time of year when structured activities for the boys goes to the wayside and we simply let them be present as we go through daily chores and projects. They help, ask questions, or sometimes choose free play while we tackle some of the mandatory jobs we have to do to prepare for the growing season.
Mud play is hands down their favorite spring time (okay, all the time) activity. Last year we got them some mud suits and insulated rain boots. They’ve been a lifesaver when it comes to the amount of laundry we have to run!
One of our favorite games (and really the only board game we play right now) is set on herbal education! Wildcraft! pairs common ailments with their herbal treatments. It focuses on teamwork to reach a common goal instead of encouraging competition. Stirling (4) really enjoys the game and is engaged. Declan always plays with us and we can cater the game to his attention span.
Alder spends most of his days either in our Lillebaby carrier, joining me on animal chores and seed organization. On days when the sun is shining bright, the green house reaches about 74F, and he monitors the seed germination from his private tent. I’ve used this PeaPod tent with all three boys over the years and it has definitely impressed me. It has held up well to sun exposure, rough play, and keeping the bugs out for the babies! I even used it a few times last summer when Declan (who was almost 2 at the time) fell asleep while I was working in the garden!
I look forward to seeing your progress and planning for this growing season!