Friday Favorite: Experiments
I’m always experimenting to find better/faster/more efficient ways to do things. It’s nice when that natural drive coincides with a job. I mentioned previously that I’m writing an article for Grit magazine about small scale fodder systems. I’ve been trying different types of grain, oats, barley, wheat, rye, as well and hulled an unhealed grain to see which is best.
It’s a lot of work, but fun work and needless to say the chickens have been loving every single option!
Any fun experiments going on in you garden/farm?
Filed under Friday Favorites | Comments (6)
I also grow fodder but usually only at the tail end of winter when I run out of natural fresh growing things to pick for our rabbits. One thing I grow that I don’t find many others growing are field peas. I bought a big bag from our organic co-op source. I had planned on making my own chicken feed and field peas are often a major part of organic feed. But I would have to throw them in my blender to break them up and quickly found that was not going to happen regularly or in large enough amounts to be worth the time.
But I decided to give sprouting them a go first and then let them grow out even further. A little slower process than grains but the rabbits and very likely the chickens also.
They also love corn sprouts but it is nearly impossible to find organic corn meant to be sprouted than one can afford to buy
to ann roberts's comment
Susy, I think it’s great you are working on an article for GRIT. GRIT is where I first connected with you and your blog. I’ve not really gotten into the green manure aspect of gardening. Since I don’t have chickens or animals, the fodder aspect is not on the table. I know you do both. My Dad would grow clover to turn under in the spring for fertilizer before planting corn. He was pretty much an organic farmer when that was just the way farming was done. Chemical fertilizer came into fashion many years later but he kept to the old ways with less harvest but way cheaper cost.
The basement growing system is waiting for the initial trial which probably won’t happen for another month or two. I’m kind of anxious to see how or if it will actually work. The onions are growing strong at about four inches now and the cabbages are just starting to peek through the soil. All are in the basement growing room next to the food storage room.
Have a great article research day.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
I love this photo of your chickens feasting on their winter greens! Regarding your previous post on the hard boiled eggs…did you mix the avocado with the yolk or was that straight up mashed avocado?
They looked so yummy!
to Chris's comment
I mixed the avocado with the yolk. I think I used one whole avocado for the six eggs. I also added some lime juice to keep it from browning, probably about a half a lime. Cilantro is great on top as well, I didn’t have any this week.
to Susy's comment
It is my dream to retire and spend my time running a small farm…Your suggestions, tips, and even information on your failures is all greatly appreciated.
to Charlie@Seattle Trekker's comment
We’ve been researching into this for a while. Hubs has been drawing up plans for a rotating system of growth. Can’t wait to get started.
to judym's comment