by Texas Homesteader ~
Well, well, well – here we are in May. Now here in NE Texas we’re in planting zone 8A so typically this time of year my garden is really starting to fire up, but this year’s garden has stumbled along due to both circumstances beyond my control as well as a comedy of errors. Come along and see my successes and my… well my not-quite-so successes.
by Texas Homesteader ~
Are you concerned about keeping mint plants contained in landscaping? Come see how we’re enjoying fresh mint without worrying about it going wild in the landscaped area.
by Texas Homesteader ~
Now that we have free-range hens again I’m using up those fresh eggs in many various ways. RancherMan loves for me to boil them up & have them for him in the fridge ready for a quick high-protein snack. And I’ve been making Egg Salad Sandwich Spread to replace his traditional purchased peanut butter sandwich preference for lunch.
Since I’ve found out how much healthier free-range eggs are compared to their commercial counterparts I find I’m always boiling eggs, (thankfully I found an easier way to peel those very-fresh eggs.)
But egg salad isn’t the only benefit of boiling up fresh eggs, I’m also killing weeds in the bricks of my sidewalk. How you say?
Y’all know my battle cry: “Use Whatcha Got!” This isn’t a new idea, but it’s a great one to keep in mind.
by Texas Homesteader ~
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There are a few sensitive areas on our Homestead where I refuse to spray toxic chemicals. Such places as the fence line around our vegetable garden, the chicken yard fence and around our beehives in the apiary.
But I still need a grass killer spray for those areas. Will I buckle and use grass killer spray?
Well, maybe I’ll just spray grass killer around the perimeter of the garden when needed. Whaaaa….???!!! Grass killer sprayed around our food??!! Are you CRAZY?? Read on, dear friends…
by Texas Homesteader ~
Mulch is a valuable asset in your garden. It preserves moisture, moderates soil temperatures and helps keep your plants healthy too.
But don’t assume your only option is to buy mulch! Check with your city, utility company or local extension agent & you could get it FREE!
by Texas Homesteader ~
Well spring is coming y’all. But just because it’s still cold outside doesn’t mean there’s not lots to be done to prepare for a successful garden. Gardeners know that gardening starts way before planting time.
And during the cold months of winter is when I’m able to start making plans and taking steps to assure a bountiful harvest this year. Come on, let’s see what we’re up to…
by Texas Homesteader ~
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Even though it’s now winter RancherMan & I are taking steps now to assure a productive garden next spring. It’s now time to put the garden to bed for the winter.
One of the many blessings of living in NE Texas is that we’re often able to enjoy lovely temperate weather well into December. Even mid December we’re still enjoying cool days with highs in the mid to upper 60’s, even the mid to upper 70’s some days. Gotta love it!
So now that the garden is officially done for the season RancherMan & I are taking advantage of this warm weather streak to prepare the garden for war next year.
by Texas Homesteader
A sweet friend recently shared with me a pot of chocolate mint. Oh how I love mint and although most people say it can be an invasive plant I’ve planted various kinds & have never had it survive over a year. It’s not really a brown-thumb issue, it’s a “planted the house in the hole of plant-life death” issue. LOL I have trouble getting any plants, trees or shrubs to survive in our front or back yards. Must be something in the soil…
So I may plant this mint in a decorative pot on my porch instead, but the blasted heat of summer is here and RancherMan & I are about to leave town for a few days so I dare not plant it outside now. I can keep it in the house short term, but how will I keep it watered while we’re away? Check out this Homestead Hack for keeping plants watered.
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