tag:homesteadian.com,2005:/feed/blogs/DebbiePribeleDebbie Pribele2024-03-19T18:55:45Ztag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1952024-03-19T18:55:45Z2024-03-19T18:55:45ZHomesteading: Reflections #31: Evolution Empowerment !<div class="trix-content">
<h1><strong>Evolution - embrace it</strong></h1><div><br></div><div>Evolution is constantly happening. </div><div><br></div><div>Over the past 100 years, we have morphed through an era of abundance and consumerism. We explored the lifestyle of having lots, disposing of lots, seeking any and all ways to make life easier, faster, and, in theory, simpler. </div><div><br></div><div>
<em>Today’s</em> era, as I see it, is being forced into a time of finding a balance between living like our ancestors and having modern perks to assist us with this lifestyle. </div><div><br></div><div>The cost of travelling has encouraged us to create “staycations” and to put more time and money into our homes rather than holidays. It has led us to online shopping and home deliveries, where a single trip by one delivery vehicle takes the place of many families heading to the store.</div><div><br></div><div>The cost of food has nudged us to cook from scratch, preserve food, build a garden, and raise chickens in the backyard. </div><div><br></div><div>The cost of heating homes has switched us from glorifying mansions to applauding the tiny homes, bunkies, and living in an RV.</div><div><br></div><div>As we move through this evolution, I have to say that it is scary. It is scary because we really don’t know what the future holds or how we will financially cope with the massive increase in expenses such as food and heating fuel. </div><div><br></div><div>We, also, have to shift our thinking, our priorities, our lifestyle, to let go of a lot of things that we have become accustomed to and to replace them with .. well, we have to figure that out. The unknown always has little bit of fear attached - for most of us, anyway. </div><div><br></div><h1>So, let’s shift our thinking. </h1><div><br></div><div>Let’s move into a place of empowerment, not only owning our choices of before but making conscious choice for our future and how we want to live. </div><div><br></div><blockquote>“I tried the processed foods life and I’d rather know what I’m eating and, now, I’m going to do more cooking from scratch, using whole foods.” </blockquote><div><br></div><blockquote>“I have relied solely on the grocery store to provide food for my table and, while that was convenient, now, I am going to grow more of my own food and buy from local farmers and gardeners. I am going to make THAT more convenient.” </blockquote><div><br></div><div>My life.</div><div>My evolution.</div><div>My lifestyle. </div><div>My choices. </div><div><br></div><div>
<strong>I am going to rock this evolution</strong> phase and I’m going to get ahead of the changes.. as best as I can, one step at a time. </div><div><br></div><div>Today, lunch was a mixture of sautéed vegetables, trying to sneak in some sweet potatoes. Rick didn’t fall for it. He didn’t like it. He didn’t eat it. </div><div>No need to grow sweet potatoes. </div><div>Next! </div><div><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDMyP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--bf4a06e2c9ad1affa88aa9447181bf52fd4db455" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBckFCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a6fb8552d9bf44782c28ad5d2f609e34ade313c4/IMG_6349.jpeg" filename="IMG_6349.jpeg" filesize="4099496" width="3024" height="4032" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="853" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBckFCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a6fb8552d9bf44782c28ad5d2f609e34ade313c4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/IMG_6349.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment></div><div>
<br>And so the journey evolves. </div><div>-<em>Debbie</em>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1942024-03-11T23:37:19Z2024-03-11T23:38:47Z30-Day Challenge #1: Ditching Pre-made Foods<div class="trix-content">
<div>
<action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDI5P2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--02a5f38b85268d90f9d942123b8c88415e85df8d" content-type="image/png" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTBCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--7569f5681876007e0be65ae55893112f5a78e0df/IMG_6283.png" filename="IMG_6283.png" filesize="75184" width="1200" height="630" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--png">
<img width="640" height="336" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTBCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--7569f5681876007e0be65ae55893112f5a78e0df/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJY0c1bkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFLQUFqQT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--a6ab768844a29d8b9131c279b70df1755dce6f3f/IMG_6283.png"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>I have a lot of <strong>convenience</strong> foods in my house. I admit it. <br><br>Do I like it? Part of me says “yes” and part of me says “no”. <br><br>Some items really are a convenience for me.<br>Some items are because Rick likes his “tried and true” faves. <br>Some items are, well, just because … <br><br>Now, knowing me, I am not strong in the will-power realm so ditching all of the convenience items and going “cold turkey”, as they say, is just disappointment in the making. So, I am going to start with one thing. <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDMwP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--7f1298a68be10f5b9d32de1434e086508ec97288" content-type="image/png" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcTRCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--563d1a1f7095abbc948d4ca731c2dc831f68d80c/IMG_6285.png" filename="IMG_6285.png" filesize="82245" width="1200" height="630" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--png">
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</div><h1>Choosing where to start</h1><div>I’d like to say that I’m going to ditch store-bought bread as I love, love, love baking my own bread … but Rick likes his traditional white bread and, for me, if I make it I will eat it, even if I’m not even hungry for it. Bread, then, remains on the occasional list. <br><br>Salad dressings are my next thought and it ticks a lot of boxes for me: <br>✅ the cost<br>✅ the ingredients <br>✅ the ease of making it myself <br><br>Now, Rick has his favourite dressings and I’ll never be able to replace them (as the name itself is part of the allure for him) but I know that if I make a basic vinaigrette dressing that he will love it and maybe just maybe I’ll be able to adapt the recipe to mimic some of his favourites. We will start with the basic and move on from there. <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDMxP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--065a4e2cf7ce0af3d185eeac67621b1748f47002" content-type="image/png" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcThCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--9f92004572e82751875146f93c021773e53babfe/IMG_6286.png" filename="IMG_6286.png" filesize="45589" width="1200" height="630" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--png">
<img width="640" height="336" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcThCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--9f92004572e82751875146f93c021773e53babfe/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJY0c1bkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFLQUFqQT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--a6ab768844a29d8b9131c279b70df1755dce6f3f/IMG_6286.png"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>
</div><h1>Where I’m starting</h1><div>For this week’s garbage day, I am going to clean out my fridge door, tossing all the half-empty salad dressings and I’m going to whip up a batch of home-made. <br><br>From there, I will start experimenting. I might find a “Thousand Island” recipe that Rick will like. I might be surprised! <br><br>
</div><h1>Want to join me?</h1><ul>
<li>One month</li>
<li>One ditched convenience food</li>
<li>One home-made replacement</li>
<li>One 30-day commitment </li>
</ul><div><br></div>
</div>
Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1932024-03-03T19:49:47Z2024-03-03T19:49:47Z2024 Garden Season #1: Spring Patience<div class="trix-content">
<div>It has been a long time since I have posted anything about my gardens. <br><br>It has been a long time since I have been excited about my gardens. <br><br>This past year has been an interesting one, to say the least, as I’ve been focusing on my 96-year-old mom’s health and helping her live her best life. She is doing well now and I can put some focus back on growing foods and tending to my little piece of land. <br><br>But it is just the first week of March and, even though it is around 20c outside (<em>as</em> in “warm-ish”), I know that Mother Nature is not done with winter for us and so … I wait. <br><br>
</div><h1>Patience. </h1><div>
<br>It is hard to be patient when the weather has gone from below freezing to sweater-comfortable weather. <br><br>It is hard not to pull out the packets of seeds and get some baby plants started. <br><br>But wait I must. … and shall. <br><br>
</div><h1>The weather</h1><div>I read that with “el Nino” wrapping up that the weather is going to get “moody” (that made me chuckle) and we shall have late frosts and, possibly, a drought-ish spring (that did not make me chuckle). <br><br>So, my plan for 2024 and starting seeds later is a good one! But, still, I get the itch. <br><br>
</div><h1>Seeds</h1><div>With my focus having been on my mom for the past few years, now that she is settled I have found that I have lost “me” and have struggled to find anything that gets me excited …. <br><br>.. and then one day, after watching a video about the cost of groceries and the benefits of growing your own food, my heart lit up and I went to my local seed source and placed an order. <br><br>Now, let’s be honest: I really don’t need any more seeds. I still have lots of seeds from last year - except carrot seeds. <br><br>Last year, I planted carrot seeds 5 times and none of them turned into carrots. I grew zero carrots. <br><br>This year, not only was I out of carrot seeds but I also wanted fresh ones to give me the best chance to have success. That means: placing a seed order. <br><br>While I was shopping for carrot seeds, as you might guess, lots of other seeds went into the cart. $100 worth of seeds … again. 🤷🏻♀️ <br><br>
</div><h1>Garden Goals</h1><div>This year I will be focusing on the following: </div><ul>
<li>Tomatoes</li>
<li>Onions</li>
<li>Peppers</li>
<li>Peas</li>
<li>Beans</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Beets</li>
<li>Cucumbers</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
</ul><div>
<br>I want to keep it basic, grow what we eat a lot of, and grow food to preserve for winter soups (<em>we eat a lot of soup - it’s nutritious, it’s easy, and it’s cost-efficient.</em>)<br><br>With some things (like sweet corn) it is better for me to buy it from a local farm , and use my garden space for the above produce. <br><br>So … here we are in March, with almost three months of waiting for that last frost to pass. Patience. I can do it. <br>📆 </div>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1922023-05-03T18:34:34Z2023-05-03T18:34:34Z2023 Garden #5: What I learned this week<div class="trix-content">
<h1>Plantain</h1><div>
<strong>Plantain</strong><br><em>Plantain</em><br><br>As soon as our weather shifts (<em>I think we’ve had rain for 3 weeks straight</em>… and it is <strong>cold</strong> out) I will be searching my yard for plantain!! <br><br>I know that it is out there and that I have lots of it. <br>I have never pulled it it, knowing that it is a <strong>mashkiki-wan </strong>(Ojibwe for “medicinal plant”). <br><br>Until now, however, I have never really looked into it and, wow, it is one of the super-plants that are good for almost everything. <br><a href="https://youtu.be/lkRXeQwbrLU"><br></a><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSJCZ2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL1RyaXhFbWJlZHM6OllvdXR1YmUvbGtSWGVRd2JyTFU_ZXhwaXJlc19pbgY7AFRJIgxwdXJwb3NlBjsAVEkiD2F0dGFjaGFibGUGOwBUSSIPZXhwaXJlc19hdAY7AFQw--26cbf2ab7bd889f4d0fae670ae7e9c4583187d1a" content-type="application/octet-stream"><div class="relative !aspect-w-16 !aspect-h-9 bg-white">
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</div><h1>The Seeds</h1><div>I will be gathering the seeds to use in my sourdough bread, adding a beautiful fibre to the loaves. <br><br>
</div><h1>The Leaves</h1><div>The leaves can be used like spinach in cooking and, of course, for herbal remedies. <br><br>Unlike comfrey, which heals wounds so quickly, trapping in anything that can cause inflammation, etc, the plantain leaves draw out debris, toxins, etc (as in insect bites) while it stops bleeding and heals the wounded area. <br><br>Breathing, digestion, eyes, ears, mouth… I don’t have the full list but it sounds like it can be used for pretty much everything. <br><br>
</div><h1>Do your research</h1><div>Do some research and find all the reasons for you wanting this in your pantry. (And of course, consult your medical practitioner for any health issues.) <br><br>🌱 <br><br>
</div><h1>GARDENING</h1><div>Check the soil temperature - I have planted a lot of things this spring, based on my “number of weeks before the last frost date” calendar but we have had such low temperatures that the soil really hasn’t had time to warm up and some seeds haven’t sprouted and some plants seem to be really stunted. <br><br>I think it would have been wiser if I had gone by the soil temperature instead of the calendar. <br><br>Yesterday, I was going to take some of my seedlings out into the greenhouse when the temperature reached 70F in there, but it never did. Usually, it gets well over 80F inside the protected space. My seedlings are still inside. Waiting.<br><br>🌱 <br><br>
</div><h1>DWARF TOMATOES</h1><div>Although it is wonderful to harvest fresh tomatoes from the dwarf tomato plants, neither vsriety that I have are scrumpdilicious. .. but they are fun and are definitely a conversation piece. <br><br>Perhaps there are better varieties out there?? <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDI4P2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--3aba1ea4ee3802894e6794e63c66494ddff223c9" content-type="image/png" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcXdCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a17b816cee5ad15ec251678a9ea9d811e6add8d7/IMG_3126.png" filename="IMG_3126.png" filesize="4347759" width="2048" height="2048" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--png">
<img width="640" height="640" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcXdCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a17b816cee5ad15ec251678a9ea9d811e6add8d7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJY0c1bkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFLQUFqQT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--a6ab768844a29d8b9131c279b70df1755dce6f3f/IMG_3126.png"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>
</div><blockquote>Gardening: the ongoing learning curve </blockquote><div>
<br>What did YOU learn this week? <br>- Debbie</div>
</div>
Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1912023-05-02T10:51:46Z2023-05-02T13:16:52ZGardening #16: When to HARDEN OFF seedlings?<div class="trix-content">
<div><strong><em>From comfy cozy to the realities of life...</em></strong></div><div>
<br>I start a lot of plants indoors in the spring and, as we enter the month of May, they are ready to get their roots planted into the earth and flourish under the rays of the sun. </div><div><br></div><div>My seedlings’ home has been a consistent and comfortable 21c (70F) for their entire lives. Being tossed into the real world, with the fluctuating temperatures of the outdoors, intense rays of the sun, and, perhaps, the force of high winds, well, it will come as quite the shock and that shock could not only stunt their growth but, potentially, even kill them. <br><br>
</div><h1>Hardening Off</h1><div>
<em>Hardening off </em>is the process of slowly introducing them to the outdoors, letting them get used to Mother Nature and the reality of the outside world. <br><br><em>Hardening off</em> can be a slow process, potentially taking a couple of weeks, taking them outdoors for only a couple hours at first and slowly extending their visitation times. <br><br>Personally, I’m not that gentle. Once they go outside, they are outside BUT I do cover them if they are getting too much sun, if it is really windy, or the nights are chilly. I also bring them inside if we are going to get frost. I’m not that cruel! <br><br>Keeping an eye on the 10-day forecast, weather permitting, they will be going into the ground after a week of this transitioning. <br><br>This week, we are getting another week of rain and that means <strong>cloudy days</strong> - the perfect time for the transition to happen. They, at least, won’t have to deal with the intense heat of sun rays.<br><br>And, as of Friday, the forecast is that the nightine lows are starting to get above 4c - finally. That’s another important element of the hardening off process.<br><br>
</div><h1>Nighttime Temperatures & Hardening Off</h1><div>For me, <em>nighttime lows</em> is the key component to deciding when to take my seedlings outdoors <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDI3P2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--01fa749e0749b18743b9cde9fcd2273094ebb7d5" content-type="image/png" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcXNCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--41ae8b9e3b93115037b908ea54bfd250ca345a9b/IMG_3232.png" filename="IMG_3232.png" filesize="146359" width="1200" height="630" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--png">
<img width="640" height="336" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcXNCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--41ae8b9e3b93115037b908ea54bfd250ca345a9b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJY0c1bkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFLQUFqQT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--a6ab768844a29d8b9131c279b70df1755dce6f3f/IMG_3232.png"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>When the <strong>nighttime lows are 8C or higher,</strong> it is time to move the plants outdoors..<br><br>.. except for tomatoes, peppers, and watermelon. </div><ul>
<li>Tomatoes want the lows to be higher than 10C </li>
<li>peppers like it even warmer, so I will be waiting for 12C for them. </li>
<li>Watermelons also like warm temperatures, so they, too, will be waiting for 12C</li>
</ul><div>
<br>Now, my temperatures aren’t quite reaching that 8C yet - but - I am taking my plants into the protection of my unheated greenhouse and this, hopefully, will make up for the difference. <br><br>
</div><blockquote>Predicted lows: 6C for the next 4 days and then it warms up <br>I could just wait … but … I’ve got the gardening itch.</blockquote><div><br></div><h1>Today is the day</h1><div>I have a digital thermometer in my greenhouse and I have it set to inform me when the temperature inside it reaches 70F - the temperature that the plants have been used to. <br>This is when I will be moving my plants outside. <br>And the journey begins! <br><br>
</div><blockquote>Currently (at 9 AM): <br>6C outside<br>9C in the Hoophouse<br>🤞🏼 for warmer temperatures this afternoon</blockquote><div>
<br>~~~</div><div>This is my first spring with my greenhouses/hoophouses so, again, this is an experiment. Crossing my fingers that my plan is a good one! <br><br>I’ll keep you posted.<br>- Debbie, the impatient optimist <br><br>
</div><blockquote><em>My Weather: Zone 5b- 6<br><br>Predicted last frost date: May 24th (although, with climate change, they are now saying May 4th)<br><br>May’s full moon: May 5 (the “old timer’s” sign for spring planting)</em></blockquote>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1902023-05-01T14:16:13Z2023-05-01T14:21:34ZMashkiki-wan: medicinal plants #1: COMFREY: as an herbal?<div class="trix-content">
<div>
<strong>Mashkiki-wan </strong>is the Ojibwe word for medicinal plant. </div><div><br></div><blockquote><em>Ntam mashkiki: nbiish. <br>Eko-niizhing: mashkiki-wan. </em></blockquote><div><br></div><div>First medicine: water. Second: medicinal plants </div><div><br></div><div>This week, I harvested some <strong>comfrey</strong> plants, just as they were starting their spring growth, full of nutrients and growth power. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>
<strong>Why comfrey?<br></strong><br>
</div><div>The comfrey that I have in my yard is supposedly the clumping variety but it still spreads like crazy and Rick hates it. </div><div><br></div><div>I think he hates it because he doesn’t know whether he should run it over with the lawnmower or if it is one of my precious plants. </div><div><br></div><div>I have told him to just cut it down because the leaves will nourish the soil and nearby trees and it will grow back, but .. he still doesn’t like it. <br><br>
</div><blockquote>Comfrey has deep tap roots that reach down deep into the soil and bring the nutrients to the surface. <br>The leaves, then, become wonderful compost for surrounding plants, when the plant dies off for the year. </blockquote><div><br></div><div>When I first <strong>heard an herbalist </strong>talk about the benefits of the comfort plant - from roots, to leaves, to flowers, I knew that I had to try drying it this year to use as a poultice. </div><div><br></div><div>The main thing that was mentioned was the effect on <strong>cell rejuvenation</strong>, as in <em>fast</em> <em>healing</em>. Interesting - especially as, with an aging body that isn’t in great health, sores/wounds seem to take forever to heal! </div><div><br></div><div>From that video, I went to <strong>PUBMED</strong>, my #1 source of medical information m, and I found that medical researchers are studying the use of comfrey for pain and skin issues, such as severely dry skin. <br><br>
</div><blockquote><strong>Note: comfrey - not for internal use</strong></blockquote><div><br></div><div>I’ll let you do your own research.</div><div><br></div><h1><strong>My story</strong></h1><div>Working on my greenhouse last week, I really messed up my hip and it hurt!! <br>I used oils … I used pain creams …I used an “icy hot” pad, glued to my hack … my hip still hurt. It was hard to sleep. <br><br>And then I remembered that I had harvested some comfrey to dry (and they were in the freeze-dryer) and I had some leftover leaves in the kitchen. <br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDI1P2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--d0d57aece0565ae5fe7c7bee3f3da64df7ed7ec2" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcWtCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--26654e89066c398230b3e96cac1fa88e0e5e0388/IMG_3085.jpeg" filename="IMG_3085.jpeg" filesize="2538223" width="3024" height="4032" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="853" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcWtCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--26654e89066c398230b3e96cac1fa88e0e5e0388/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/IMG_3085.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment><br>I took some of the leftover fresh leaves, crumbled them in my hand and put them on my hip, secured by the “icy hot” pad. <br><br>It wasn’t long and I was asleep and my hip was so much better in the morning. <br><br>
</div><blockquote>Was it coincidence?</blockquote><div><br></div><div>I don’t know if it was timing or if it really was the comfrey that helped. <br><br>What I do know is that I am going to be harvesting more, to make tinctures and compresses!<br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDI2P2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--793e2900dd1b67bc3636d70acd4cc792d0a0588a" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcW9CIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--b0b13f6a120bcb71275e5426840015fb27a6f1ee/IMG_3174.jpeg" filename="IMG_3174.jpeg" filesize="2213260" width="3024" height="4032" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
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<strong>Infused Oil</strong><br>Dried comfrey leaves<br>Covered with olive oil<br>Sit it in a dark space for two weeks<br>Drain and preserve the oil.<br>Apply to skin as needed.</blockquote><div>
<br>Now .. what else is growing in my yard??<br>- Debbie</div>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1892023-04-24T16:52:36Z2023-04-24T17:09:33Z2023 Garden #4: What I’ve learned this week<div class="trix-content">
<div>Yesterday, the temperature outside was a high of 6C and a low of 3c. That’s chilly.<br><br>
</div><blockquote>Cold weather is a great time for researching!</blockquote><div><br></div><h1>Sourdough</h1><div>This winter, with my very cold kitchen and my new stoneground (and organic) flour, I have struggled to make a good loaf of sourdough bread. <br><br>I recently watched a video about making a good whole wheat loaf and my life has changed! Well, my bread has changed - I am now baking a beautiful loaf that has a good rise!<br><br>Unfortunately, even though I saved it, I can’t find that video again. But, from memory, this is what I’m doing - and it works! <br><br><strong>The Recipe<br></strong>50 grams active, happy starter<br>450 grams water <br>550 grams flour <br>1 tsp salt <br><br><em>For the flour, I’m using 100 grams of buckwheat and 450 grams of my stoneground “all purpose” flour plus a scoop of “super greens”, a scoop of super fibre, and a handful of crumbled, freeze-dried spinach (or kale). </em><br><br>I mix it together in the stand mixer just until it pulls away from the sides. <br>I form it into a ball and place it in my bowl for rising. <br>I, then, do three “stretch and folds”, about 15 minutes apart, and then just let it sit in the bowl til doubled. This has been taking about 15 hours for me.<br><em>Note: the stretch and folds were not included in the video but I choose to do them. </em><br><br>Next, on a lightly floured surface, I very gently shape it and place it directly into a lined bread pan. I cover it and place it in the fridge until morning.<br><br>In the morning, I score it and bake it. For my oven, I have been placing it into a cold oven (which I love, love, love) and then baking it at 440F for 70 minutes. <br><br>This recipe is working for me and is a very simple process.<br><br>There are so many options to sourdough making - the key is to find the one that works best for you and that you enjoy doing. <br><br>
</div><h1>Gardening </h1><div>Another memorable video that I watched this week was by a couple who had burned out as they tried to do it all for their family and their homestead. At the point of giving up their ranch, they stepped back and took a good luck at goals, dreams, resources, and options. <br><a href="https://youtu.be/_hRcaeChdK4"><br></a><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSJCZ2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL1RyaXhFbWJlZHM6OllvdXR1YmUvX2hSY2FlQ2hkSzQ_ZXhwaXJlc19pbgY7AFRJIgxwdXJwb3NlBjsAVEkiD2F0dGFjaGFibGUGOwBUSSIPZXhwaXJlc19hdAY7AFQw--34b4d204073215d11db16718f9125d637973b4a1" content-type="application/octet-stream"><div class="relative !aspect-w-16 !aspect-h-9 bg-white">
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</div></action-text-attachment><br>It was fascinating to see them light up with excitement as they found their path again! <br><br>Sometimes, we get stuck in ruts, in habits, routines, shoulds and have-to’s, and lose our sense of empowerment and the freedom of choice. <br><br>I took that message and looked at my gardens - what do I really want to do and how can I make that happen? <br><br>I was going to type “what do I want to achieve” but that really isn’t the best question for me. Rather, it is “<strong><em>how do I want to live my life”</em></strong>? That feels so much better and I can feel the freedom and the empowerment rather than the pressure of having to achieve something. <br><br>Finding your question, one that will empower you, is the first step to making the best garden - for you and your family! <br><br><strong>Hummingbird Moth<br></strong>I also discovered that the tomato hornworm is NOT the beautiful hummingbird moth!<br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDIzP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--b661747da7ac2be84acbf5bf26753b053a68530c" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcWNCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--05b15e50ceae73c53deb9707cca8af119adc9137/48FDF236-B206-4460-8761-ACE40181087B.jpeg" filename="48FDF236-B206-4460-8761-ACE40181087B.jpeg" filesize="418085" width="1383" height="1353" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="626" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcWNCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--05b15e50ceae73c53deb9707cca8af119adc9137/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/48FDF236-B206-4460-8761-ACE40181087B.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment><br>The spotted caterpillar version is beneficial .. the one with the V is not!! <br><br>I can, now, enjoy my hummingbird moths without the conflicting emotions about its caterpillar stage! <br><br>And, now, it’s time to plant those spinach seeds that I just purchased at our local nursery… <br>- Debbie<br><br>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1882023-04-24T10:47:32Z2023-04-24T10:47:32Z2023 Garden #3: April 23 - where’s spring?<div class="trix-content">
<div>I know that I’m in a Zone 5/6 area and my estimated last frost date is May 24 …. But ..</div><blockquote><strong>WHERE IS SPRING?</strong></blockquote><div>
<br>In recently years, spring has been showing up in late March, early April, and then we’ve just had some winter days tossed in for good measure. <br><br>This year, we are continually having cold weather, with some spring days tossed in here and there. I guess it is a reminder to:<br><br>
</div><blockquote><strong><em>Don’t get cocky</em></strong></blockquote><div>
<br>2023, so far, is a reminder that Mother Nature is in charge! <br><br>
</div><h1>Walkabout </h1><div>Yesterday, I checked out my gardens and took assessment of what I have so far. <br><a href="https://youtu.be/keIDh-5i-lQ"><br></a><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSJCZ2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL1RyaXhFbWJlZHM6OllvdXR1YmUva2VJRGgtNWktbFE_ZXhwaXJlc19pbgY7AFRJIgxwdXJwb3NlBjsAVEkiD2F0dGFjaGFibGUGOwBUSSIPZXhwaXJlc19hdAY7AFQw--b107d1a58829f9a374839212c42cfb08af7281e5" content-type="application/octet-stream"><div class="relative !aspect-w-16 !aspect-h-9 bg-white">
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</div></action-text-attachment><br><br>First of all, I find it interesting that up until last year my focus has always been on the front yard and I never took the time to do much of anything to my backyard. <br><br>This year, after having become a gardener with my successful 2022 season, I have yet to set foot in my front yard. <br><br>But, I digress. Let’s check out my gardens. <br><br><strong>1. GREENHOUSE 2</strong><br>This is the greenhouse/ Hoophouse that collapsed under the weight of that one bad snow storm. <br>We are slowly building the new one and, because of that, I can’t plant anything in it because we would be stepping all over the beds. <br>All I have are the <strong>garlic</strong> plants that I started last fall. <br><br><strong>2. Greenhouse 1</strong><br>This is the first year of having the Hoophouse in early spring. <br>I had planted <strong>peas and cabbage</strong> starts when the soil first moved above 45F.<br>Because of the repeated cold weather, they never did much of anything and I’m afraid that the cabbages are to be forever 2” high. <br>The peas, which I think are actually my seeds planted this past week, are looking fantastic. <br>I did try planting some <strong>onions</strong>, the other day, that had severely spouted in my pantry. I didn’t know if they’d survive but they look good. <br>All I did was take off the outside layers of onion and, then, stuck the centres into the ground. <br>I also have a “sacrificial <strong>tomato</strong>”, an experiment. Last week, I took one of my started tomato plants and put it (in the pot) slightly in the ground in the greenhouse (north side). So far, it seems to be doing just fine!<br><br><strong>3. GreenStalks</strong><br>I have two GreenStalk towers planted and have been keeping them inside the cabin during this cold spell. Once the low temperatures get above 5C again, I will put them back out on the deck. <br><br><strong>4. Garden-Garden</strong><br>The plan was to move the little greenhouse into this area but, because the current location is so protected, I’m leaving it where it is. <br>So, in the open garden I have a cattle panel trellis (not arched) and I will use it for tomatoes and peas. <br>Because I had it set up on an angle for the new greenhouse location, I have two triangle spaces for gardening. <br>I planted <strong>cabbage</strong> starts which have loved it outside, little <strong>onion</strong> sets from last year’s harvest, <strong>garlic</strong>, from the pantry, that were starting to go bad, fingerling <strong>potatoes</strong>, <strong>carrots</strong> (started under a board), and <strong>peas</strong> along the far side of the trellis fence. <br>All was well until the neighbours chickens came to do some manual labour and they scratched up pretty much everything except the carrots. <br>So.. yesterday, Rick and I set up a quick fence to keep the chickens out and let them do their garden work in other spaces around the yard. All is well and I am grateful for their hard work.<br><br>However - because of the garden layout, I have no idea how I’m going to tend to my garden areas, now, as the border (planned working space) is now fence. <br><br>I will figure it out. That’s what gardeners do! <br><br>Waiting for spring weather, <br>- Debbie</div>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1872023-04-17T18:59:28Z2023-04-17T18:59:28Z2023 Garden #2: GreenStalks for the win!<div class="trix-content">
<div>
<strong>GreenStalks</strong>: <em>vertical gardening for ascetics, and for best use of space </em><br><br>.. and for <strong>movability</strong>. <br><br>This past week, I set up my GreenStalks on the “deck” of my backyard cabin. <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDIxP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--d9856067295ea99d2beba7b6b6bbc62f63270a1a" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVVCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1263995215d62097ca347d862e4f2bcc80eede24/FF2A58E8-E306-4172-9B13-1A9572B640F3.jpeg" filename="FF2A58E8-E306-4172-9B13-1A9572B640F3.jpeg" filesize="642518" width="1239" height="1341" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="693" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVVCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1263995215d62097ca347d862e4f2bcc80eede24/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/FF2A58E8-E306-4172-9B13-1A9572B640F3.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment><br>We have had beautiful weather and I used that gift to plant some herbs and perennial plants, such as sage and yarrow, as well as taking a risk with some less cold-tolerant plants such as basil. <br><br>This week, the weather is dropping to freezing temperatures and this is why I chose the cabin location for my GreenStalks.<br><br>With the wheel base, I was able to easily <strong>move the towers </strong>into the cabin where they are protected from the wind and, hopefully, where they will tolerate the low temperatures better. <br><br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDIyP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--f9eb3f39a7c6a480fd1a56ded83886d08f2ba16d" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVlCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--29824cc05d89cbc3d760068280eba6aa031730aa/AC69BCA8-DDE5-4222-BD77-ED5FDF92C89F.jpeg" filename="AC69BCA8-DDE5-4222-BD77-ED5FDF92C89F.jpeg" filesize="526465" width="1305" height="1306" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="640" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVlCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--29824cc05d89cbc3d760068280eba6aa031730aa/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/AC69BCA8-DDE5-4222-BD77-ED5FDF92C89F.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>One day this week, when the temperature hits its lowest, I will probably add a frost cover, just to be on the safe side. <br><br>… and I will continue to cross my fingers!! 🤞🏼<br><br>
</div><blockquote><strong>Gardening is ALWAYS a learning curve! </strong></blockquote><div>
<br>I am going to learn lots about gardening in a GreenStalk tower this week!<br>- Debbie <br><br>
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Debbie Pribeletag:homesteadian.com,2005:Entry/1862023-04-03T15:36:41Z2023-04-03T15:36:42ZOur Hoophouses #14: You served me well ..<div class="trix-content">
<div>My <strong>Hoophouse</strong> stood strong through high winds, winter snowstorms and hot sunny days … <br><br>But that one winter storm, that had the wettest and heaviest snow that I’ve ever seen, took its toll and collapsed the Hoophouse frame. <br><br>The snow was so heavy that I just couldn’t lift it off the plastic after the storm had passed. <br><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI6Z2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL0FjdGl2ZVN0b3JhZ2U6OkJsb2IvNDIwP2V4cGlyZXNfaW4GOwBUSSIMcHVycG9zZQY7AFRJIg9hdHRhY2hhYmxlBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--32f1be1d0b170c60b5349c836ee20a30900b7785" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVFCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--11564514b15ee1dfe299b659bc9bbd0a3119c1a4/75449901-9B0E-442A-8152-86AEC284B94C.jpeg" filename="75449901-9B0E-442A-8152-86AEC284B94C.jpeg" filesize="407228" width="837" height="767" previewable="true" presentation="gallery"><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpeg">
<img width="640" height="586" src="https://homesteadian.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcVFCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--11564514b15ee1dfe299b659bc9bbd0a3119c1a4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lKYW5CbFp3WTZCa1ZVT2hSeVpYTnBlbVZmZEc5ZmJHbHRhWFJiQjJrQ2dBSXciLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d46df3c55322e867c1e813ef028d9e6d90c0e75/75449901-9B0E-442A-8152-86AEC284B94C.jpeg"></figure></action-text-attachment><br><br>And, so we will be <strong>building another </strong>Hoophouse this spring.<br><br>In the meantime, I keep moving my pile of <strong>woodchips</strong>. Today, I covered the e area behind my little Hoophouse, between it and the pear tree, making it easier for the lawnmower. <br><br><strong>Inside my Hoophouse</strong>, my little cabbage are doing well but the turnips didn’t fare well. <br><br>I had hoped that the severe winter temperatures had moved on and, with the addition of a row cover inside the Hoophouse that the little plants would be ok. I was wrong - we have had several days of -10C nights and the turnips didn’t like it. <a href="https://youtu.be/zvb4ECDlvn8"><br></a><action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSJCZ2lkOi8vaG9tZXN0ZWFkaWFuL1RyaXhFbWJlZHM6OllvdXR1YmUvenZiNEVDRGx2bjg_ZXhwaXJlc19pbgY7AFRJIgxwdXJwb3NlBjsAVEkiD2F0dGFjaGFibGUGOwBUSSIPZXhwaXJlc19hdAY7AFQw--59704a01c7634b9ea08cc0367762a71f1e8d5eed" content-type="application/octet-stream"><div class="relative !aspect-w-16 !aspect-h-9 bg-white">
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</div></action-text-attachment><br><br>Be patient. I know.<br>Work WITH nature. I know. <br><br>Spring will come .. it always does. <br>- Debbie<br><br>
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Debbie Pribele