The Homestead: 2.10.17
While the calendar states that we are approaching mid-February, the weather feels a great deal like spring. This reminds me very much of the first winter we had here, which was not much of a winter at all. A persistently hot summer followed in 2012 so we will see what the rest of the year brings.
With the warmer weather, and the break in garden vegetables, we are beginning to plant. It is certainly possible – maybe even likely – that we will still see below-freezing temperatures, so we are planting small areas in cold-hardy varieties that we can then cover as the need arises.
But oh, is it exciting to see peas and radishes and beets and greens going in! We are particularly fond of this wando pea variety which seemed to tolerate both heat and cold when we tried it. Pak choi is something new that we are trying to get a jump on the growing season as well.
Stewart also picked up some potting soil to start seedlings of these cold weather crops as well as those tomatoes and tomatillos we will put in, Lord willing, once all chance of frost have passed. And Abram is lobbying hard for a big plot of melons this year – and who could say no to that – so Desert King Watermelon and a drought-tolerant cantaloupe variety are taking up space in our seed stash.
The chickens too seem to be appreciating the green showing up on our little acreage. We collected 18 eggs the other day – an all time high for us by my calculations. The goat milk supply continues to decrease as we expect a freshening, Lord willing, late this spring. The small buck that is staying with us has become a bit of an escape artist and so we get the pleasure of watching little Annie play goat herder in the manner in which she does just about everything – with humor and zeal.
After naps my little companion and I take a break from school books and dishes to stroll out and watch Stewart do most of the work while I snap pictures. I pitched some hay and took a sledge hammer to stumps but mostly I just appreciate all of the effort the boys, girls, and their Daddy put into this little homestead.
And so I thank them the only way I know how: with sourdough bread, rooster soup, and kombucha.
We are trying Wando peas this year as I usually kill them with early heat…. excited to hear they work well for you!
usually kill peas, that is. First year for Wando peas…
Caitlin – Yes, we usually lose a lot of things to early heat as well! Spring is a very short (and sometimes non-existent) season here so we are trying every year to be more diligent in starting things early. Let us know how the wandos work for you!
So many new and exciting things growing on you homestead. Including your children! Keep up the good work; I love coming to your blog and seeing a new post.
Blessings!
Lisa – Thank you for your comment! Yes, the children seem to be the one thing I’d prefer to keep from growing but am so thankful for being able to be at home with them, watching it all unfold.
I am a new follower of your blog. I love reading about your family’s life on your homestead. Living out in the crowded northeast, I think I will live vicariously through you!
I really enjoy you articles. They teach, amuse and refresh memories from another time many years ago when farming was a way of life for most folks my age (80). You are down to earth in all you do and I appreciate that. Most of the sites I have subscribed to have become more about products they push and less about how to actually live off the land or acquire skills for survival. Thank you for keeping it true to life.
Your garden plans sound exciting, so much goodness to be homegrown and healthy.
Here in Queensland we are still suffering a heatwave that saw most of January in the mid to high 30’s and it is continuing this month as well. The gardens are not doing well.
If this weeks and weeks of intense heat is coming your way for Summer it may be good to start planning now, some fast growing shade trees for the house and garden and maybe some shadecloth structures for any plants that need protection and stockpile lots of mulch and store Spring rain water. You may even find some cheap hay bales that can be used as shade walls in the garden and also placed against the house and on the, roof if it is flat as insulation.
The children will have constant entertainment when the baby goats arrive, they are so playful.
It’s such a joy to see and hear of your adventures with your acreage and family.
Yes, your children are growing! I enjoy seeing the pictures and how you are growing your family and your homestead. But I do not envy where you live as it is way too hot for me and I could never handle the heat.
Thanks for the great pictures.
Your gratitude and appreciation for God’s love in all that you do nourishes me. May His grace and mercy continue to deepen your love for Him. Your sweet ever so sweet children give witness of His love, unending love. As I see the beautiful depth of your earthiness there is constant testimony to your purity in thought and action. My prayers are with you all.
Stacy – “His love, unending love.” Amen! His mercies endure forever. Thank you for your prayers and for your comment.
Shannon