They will be here soon.
Six Frizzles, and four Silkies.
We can not wait.
It looks like Maine is getting an early spring this year, and I am thankful.
This morning we went out to check on our girls. It is so nice that they can walk around the yard now.
Stepping outside in the sunshine, grabbing a few fresh eggs and going right back inside to cook them is such a luxury. So darn good.
I have been growing herbs on the window sill for over a month now. They are doing so well, I think I will continue to do so all year long.
I have been thinking, our chickens are older now, sure to wander into the vegetable and flower gardens this year. It is more important us to let them free range whenever we can, rather than have a show garden. I have read a lot on line, and the consensus seems to be that you can not do both.
Any thoughts? I would love to still be able to do both. I am thinking that we will grow herbs on our deck in big urns, instead of flowers. Maybe different varieties of lettuce too. Won't that look pretty in a big white urn? I think some of those upside down tomato things too. We have a few spots where the chickens can not get to them.
If you own, or have owned chickens and have a garden, I would love some tips, ideas, thoughts...anything.
18 comments:
I am putting in new raised beds for the garden this year, and my intention is to run chicken wire about 2 foot high around them, which should hopefully keep the chickens out of the garden beds. I need to get more chickens - i think mine are striking right now on egg laying...
Kris
Your Aracauna eggs are pretty big. Ours are dinky.
We have an enclosed chicken run because we have aggressive neighbor dogs. We also have a garden, but that is enclosed to keep out aggressive groundhogs and rabbits. I don't know how you can do both and be successful, but I hope you can find a solution.
I am so ready for spring as well! My husband has agreed to let me get chickens this spring. I can't wait!!!
Once your chickens discover your garden it's all over! They LOVE garden goodies! You could raise your beds and/or put a little fence around your garden... I'm sure you will find the perfect solution.
Check out burpee's website. They have a whole section on veggies you can grow in pots. Even cucumbers have certain "potted" varieties.
i LOVE seeing this picture of your herbs! makes me excited for spring- just seeing that bit of green!
I was thinking a lot of Maine today. Missing Portland. Missing being near the ocean more than anything else. I am glad to know that Spring is coming soon. Can't wait to see the chickens. Yay!
I unfortunately have no tips on chickens or gardens, but I can't wait to see what you end up doing. It's a dream of mine to have both some day!
I am jealous of this early Spring Maine gets...it's still so cold here in NY. Soon, soon. I've always done container gardening though I don't have chicks.
I know nothing about chickens. I'd love to have them someday.
I am loving your potted herbs and I agree that lettuce would look lovely in a urn on your deck. I may have to plant some indoor herbs soon. They are delightful!
Just a thought,
I've been reading this blog for a long time:
http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/
I know that she gardens year round in Australia and has chickens. You may want to email her for some advice. I swear that she recently did a post about it. Some how the chickens prep the garden or something. I'll try to find the post.
I grew up with chickens; they left our garden plants alone except for the tomatoes. We put 2 ft high chicken wire around those and the chickens respected that.
Your excitement for spring is contagious.
I also bought herbs seeds! It will be so much fun to see and smell them grow! We had a few chickens at home when I was a kid! It was fun!
I am happy for you that an early spring seems to be on the way! There is nothing so marvelous as sunny early spring days after a long, dark, and cold winter! We are overjoyed here to be getting a taste of spring too. I adore your pretty eggs.
I don't know how you can do both and be successful, but I hope you can find a solution.
work at home in india
I wish we could have chickens here -- love the idea of gathering and eating all in the same day.
I grow lettuces & herbs in big whiskey barrels and pots on our back porch too, as it seems to keep the cats out (who tend to think freshly dug plots are their personal outhouses -- eeuuuww ;-). I've gotten so spoiled by being able to walk out the back door, pick a few leaves and have instant salads, and seasonings -- also love knowing they're free of pesticides, etc.
Blessings,
G
I love reading your blog - you are an inspiration! I read something in another blog you need to know. Someone was posting about including edibles in yard landscaping and someone commented that it works fine unless you put something in that will leave an unattractive gap when harvested. Your lettuce will probably grow well in the urn, but if how things look matter in that particular spot you may want to consider something else. I just didn't want you to have an unpleasant surprise later on!
Connie
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