May... in like a lion, out like a lamb.
Everything is growing- despite the cold rain and snow we got a few days ago. The brassicas (kale, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, vitamin greens and mustard greens), romaine, beets, carrots, onions and peas continue to grow and thrive.
We had our first taste of the garden with dinner the other night- fresh and delicious vitamin greens added to a tempeh stir-fry. Yummy!
Many sprouts are beginning to show themselves. A few of the many flower seeds that Shanna started are coming up. The blackberry bushes and elderberry tree we planted in February are just starting to get new growth. And we anxiously await the warmer days so that we can plant our warm season plants. On a sad note, the beautiful tomato starts that we started from seed are not doing so well. Last week, on a beautiful 70 degree day we put them outside- only to find that their fragile indoor leaves got sunburnt beyond repair. It was a sad discovery. Luckily... the Great Basin Food Co-Op is having it's annual start sale this weekend- so we can purchase some more heirloom tomato starts.
Tony has been busy with building the chicken coop. It will have a 5' x 13' run and a 5' x 4' hen house. It will keep them safe from the neighborhood cats and raccoons. And keep our garden safe from their scratching and pecking. We're looking forward to getting them out of the garage and into their home- hopefully by the end of the month.
We have discovered that one of our eight chicks is not like the others. The beautiful (and noisy) Buff Oppington is a bonified rooster. He will either 1) be eaten or 2) be adopted out. Most likely he'll be given to a good home that can house a rooster. Thank goodness we don't need a rooster to get those eggs- they won't be fertile, but they'll still be delicious.
The other girls are all growing steadily. It is amazing how fast they become chickens. And they are just starting to let out strange chicken noises that are between a cheep-cheep and a bag-gak when they are frightened or riled up. So fun to watch.
This is a beautiful time of year. The hills are green and covered with wildflowers here in Reno. The air is fresh and delicious. And we are so thankful to have this great home to be able to grow our own food to feed to our family and friends and pets. Much love.
May... in like a lion, out like a lamb.
Everything is growing- despite the cold rain and snow we got a few days ago. The brassicas (kale, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, vitamin greens and mustard greens), romaine, beets, carrots, onions and peas continue to grow and thrive. 
We had our first taste of the garden with dinner the other night- fresh and delicious vitamin greens added to a tempeh stir-fry. Yummy! 
Many sprouts are beginning to show themselves. A few of the many flower seeds that Shanna started are coming up. The blackberry bushes and elderberry tree we planted in February are just starting to get new growth. And we anxiously await the warmer days so that we can plant our warm season plants. On a sad note, the beautiful tomato starts that we started from seed are not doing so well. Last week, on a beautiful 70 degree day we put them outside- only to find that their fragile indoor leaves got sunburnt beyond repair. It was a sad discovery. Luckily... the Great Basin Food Co-Op is having it's annual start sale this weekend- so we can purchase some more heirloom tomato starts.
Tony has been busy with building the chicken coop. It will have a 5' x 13' run and a 5' x 4' hen house. It will keep them safe from the neighborhood cats and raccoons. And keep our garden safe from their scratching and pecking. We're looking forward to getting them out of the garage and into their home- hopefully by the end of the month.
We have discovered that one of our eight chicks is not like the others. The beautiful (and noisy) Buff Oppington is a bonified rooster. He will either 1) be eaten or 2) be adopted out. Most likely he'll be given to a good home that can house a rooster. Thank goodness we don't need a rooster to get those eggs- they won't be fertile, but they'll still be delicious.
The other girls are all growing steadily. It is amazing how fast they become chickens. And they are just starting to let out strange chicken noises that are between a cheep-cheep and a bag-gak when they are frightened or riled up. So fun to watch.
This is a beautiful time of year. The hills are green and covered with wildflowers here in Reno. The air is fresh and delicious. And we are so thankful to have this great home to be able to grow our own food to feed to our family and friends and pets. Much love.
