I went out to find these lovely flowers and no radishes. All I've wanted since last year is a fresh radish and butter sandwich but alas...no hap-snappy radishes. Luckily I started another patch so hopefully they will be ready soon.
A few other things blooming in the garden.....
Peas are poppin'
Catmint is blooming.
And this is one of my favorite roses - Graham Thomas (a David Austin rose).
In other farm news, we are tackling the project of busting thru The Impenetrable Forest to make the new pig yard. Their current, small, holding yard has been picked clear so they need to move on to a newer space.
My trusty brushhog/mower/weed whacker.
Most of our property is treed - and not just treed, but lots of scrub brush, poison ivy, and the ugliest pine trees you could ever imagine. Its not a good use of the space. And since the forest comes right up to our existing goat, chicken, and turkey yards - it allows any and all predators to have a great seat next to the action (and an easy get away). I'm on a mission to get those son's-o'-golly-whats to leave my poultry alone - so the pigs are gonna help us do some clearing.
Pigs usually like rooting around and its a great way to do double duty. We use the pig's natural rototilling and brush "hogging" abilities to clear out areas that we can later plant. And with them out there free ranging we save on feed. I'm always amazed at what they will eat - branches, those wild roses, blackberries, small trees - you name it.
We can have them a bit further away from the house now that they are big enough not to be easily carried off by predators. And having them in the trees is also a great way to keep them cool. So its a great solution all around.
Unfortunately we have to mow and weed whack down all long the fenceline so we can run the electric. I've been bushwhacking with the mower. Today I had to use a hammer to fix the blade. It worked. Hopefully we can get the field fence up in the next couple of days. We are headed for some hot hot weather and having the pigs in the shade will be good for everyone.
Stay cool, everyone! And have a great Tuesday!
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13 comments:
I really enjoyed reading your about post yesterday.
I think the radishes bolted from this stupid weather we have had. It has not been good for some of the veggies.
Good luck with the new pig yard! Just remember, you can fix just about anything with a hammer and some duct tape :)
My radishes bolted without "fruiting" as well. I blame it on the weather. Here in SW Missouri, we went from rainy and 60s to hot/sun and 90s with no in between.
Hey, we both have the same type of brush mower...I think we both need one of those fancy dr brush mowers they talk about on TV.:) Good luck with the new pig digs.
:) I was expecting to see something larger for that bushwacker so that was funny! Hey, if it works, use it!
I didn't even bother planting radishes this year, but my guess is the weather also. I am hoping to slide that one past my mom who loves radish and butter sandwiches too.
My radishes are beautiful. Pffft!
Really though, thos arte pretty flowers, since the root and leave are edible I'd give the flowers and stalks a go, perhaps chopped and sauteed with garlic and evoo or in a salad?
Ohiofarmgirl, Sounds like you could use a goat or two to help mow down that tree and weed space..and get more milk too :o) think about it..and more cheese :o)
Don't fret about the bolting! Seems everyone is having that problem..I get blooms and no products :o(
I think you have a wonderful plan. I've seen what pigs can do, they'll get the job done for sure. Love your peas, ours are just like that.
Thanks Robin! yep I bet its the weather. But for heavens sakes, it was cool when I planted them! And hee hee, I don't even need duct tape - just some baling twine. Ha!
Hi Anna - its so frustrating. And next week is going to be 70's and rain rain rain.
Mr. H - I dont need no stinkin' brush hog! I was sure I was going to get in trouble for using the mower "inappropriately" - but it works! Ha!
TAPGal - I have plenty of foolishness to make up for my lack of tools. I love those sandwiches...
Easy, David. Don't make me drive my big farm truck up to Chi-town to get some of your radishes! But hey, maybe I could fry some up in a pan.. hum...
Ginny, you'd think a goat or two would work! Actually we have so much poison ivy that I'd hate for my Debbie to drag her beautiful udder thru it all - and then get it all over me! I'll try radishes early in the fall.
Jody - I can't wait to get them moved. All I can think about is how much I can get planted in their current section. And its already fenced to keep the chickens out.
Pigz? Pigzzz? That there looks like a job for goats! My girls (and Chip) would love to go to town on that greenery.
Our earlier planted radishes did that too--combination of too much rain and then HELLO! all of the sudden scorching temperatures. Confusing for plants and people alike.
I roasted a bunch of the later radishes (which did form actual radishes) with their greens still attached last night and they were yum. So yeah, just cook up the greens like you would turnip greens. The scratchiness goes away when they're cooked.
Hey CC! If only I had some goats I wasn't milking... we let Debbie "free range" one day and she came back with a huge scratch on her udder. Them pigz are tough tho - so they are on the job!
Thanks Kristin! Hot 'nuf fer ya? I can't help but feel betrayed by those stupid radishes....
How in tarnation were you able to grow lettuce in this heat?! I'm in central NC where it's hot and humid and all cool weather veggies are struuugling, so I gave up on them and planning to sow them in late summer for a fall harvest. Radishes? Had a few french radishes that grew successfully earlier in the season, but it's too hot now.
Hi Anon - feel free to come by anytime! I have no idea how its working - but apparently I'm growing lettuce for the geese who keep eating it!
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