Berk's Back Yard Garden

Winter

2012-01-09T11:36:00.004-05:00

This picture is what winter is all about time for change and the start of new beginnings. The plant is giving back to Mother Earth and the seeds are eager and ready to work for you this spring. You should always let a few of your plants go to seed each year so you can keep on growing.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T14:12:00.003-05:00

During the two weeks leading up to Christmas and new years i was getting no love from my chickens! Zero eggs a day! So i sat down with them and had a talk. I think we both understand where we both stand now. Ever since that talk i been getting 2-3 eggs a day. So very happy about this.

Also 2funguys had an amazing holiday season! I wanted to thank everyone for their support! I hope you all enjoyed your Shiitake Logs. Our new website www.2funguys.com will be updated in the next 5 weeks or so. We will have an online shopping cart so you can get your logs any time of day. We will also have 2funguys swag.

Keep on growing! Have a great New Year!

Atlanta Fall at Berk's Back Yard Garden

2011-12-09T13:50:00.003-05:00

It is getting a bit colder in Atlanta. The garden was planted with garlic (first time and so pumped!), Lettuce, Winter squash (but I just killed them with frost), parsnips, kale, and a bunch of other greens. As normal my garden is moving slowly. I have a plan to move three trees and use those for mushrooms before summer. I believe I need more sun. I have a master plan to work on the soil this fall / winter. I am adding a bunch of Azomite, humus and other back yard chicken pooo mixed with compost, plus my bear feet spreading my vibe. The garden is siting with a bunch of leafs in the inside rows helping out as well. Pictures will come this weekend.

The laying yard is growing and getting more organized. I have great ideas to maximize my mushroom output. I have a bunch of shiitakes fruiting right now and some oysters getting ready to pop. This is why it is nice to have a cold weather mushroom. Also the new heavy duty sprinkler system is working really well. I almost have it dialed in 100% a bit more tweaking.

And finally my babies are really slow this fall. Once we hit the DST the girls stop or should say really slow down laying. Yesterday I got a big ole ZERO EGGS! Ugh! The debate in my head is to get more next spring or to wait? My big girls are almost 2 years old. OBTW… my chicken friend Dr. E is hatching some Turkeys…. Should I get two for next Turkey day? Really, really thinking about it. Thougts…..

Keep on growing.

Come see me @ Brookhaven Farmer's Market on Dresden Drive

2011-10-14T07:36:00.004-04:00

We will be at Brookhaven Farmer's Market this Saturday! Swing over and say Hello and pick up your very own log! These are great for home Garden!~

I have been eating my Shiitakes in almost every meal, eggs, pizza, salads. You have to experience the fresh amazing meaty taste of your own home grown mushrooms

Have a great Weekend

Farmer D and 2FunGuys.com = Shiitake Love

2011-09-12T22:50:00.003-04:00

Great news! We are now selling our Shiitake logs at Farmer D's. This is so very exciting for us! We want everyone to enjoy the amazing fruits from their own logs at home! I will post amazing pictures tomorrow from my Shiitake madness. My 510's are all fruiting and some Oysters as well..

Thanks to Farmer D and crew for working with us to pass our Shiitake's around Atlanta!

Visit Farmer D and get some fall goodies!

http://www.farmerd.com/

Love

2011-09-02T11:23:00.001-04:00

I must say... you need to put your bare feet in the soil and love your soil for things to grow. The soil is the key once you find the answer.

Vital Awareness: The Epicurean and The Activist: Not leaving 'mushroom' for the competition: 2 fun ...

2011-08-11T06:07:00.000-04:00

Vital Awareness: The Epicurean and The Activist: Not leaving 'mushroom' for the competition: 2 fun ...: "There is nothing more that THE EPICUREAN loves then someone who is doing what they are passionate about, and passionate about what they d..."

Dead Chickens - sad - Birds Gone

2011-07-27T13:45:00.002-04:00

The last 2 days i have lost two birds. Riley and Twilight have gone. I first thought Riley got lost on Monday but the wen i went to check on my girls this am i see a bunch of Black feathers all over the ground. UGH@! I will be on the hunt tonight to see what has a taste for my girls! There were no signs of any big animals!

I am looking for folks to help with an order. If your looking to get babies let me know so i can have them shipped Aug 8th.

Come see me @ Brookhaven Farmer's Market premieres on Dresden Drive

2011-07-20T06:43:00.003-04:00

Check us out! Look at picture 3 and 4. These pictures are from the Brookhaven Farmers Market!

http://brookhaven.patch.com/articles/brookhaven-farmers-market-premieres-on-dresden-drive#photo-7030469

We had a great time! People love our Shiitake logs! If you missed us last week, come visit this Saturday at the Farmers Market off of Dresden.

www.2fun-guys.com

2FunGuys at the NEW!! Brookhaven Farmers Market Saturday

2011-07-14T13:19:00.002-04:00

Great news! Come see us at the new!! Brookhaven Farmers Market!

Join us in the parking lot of HAVEN and Valenza Saturday morning, July 16th at 9am for our very first Brookhaven Farmers Market.

We have brought together some of Atlanta's most sought after farmers for locally grown, natural and organic food products. HAVEN and Valenza have always supported and utilized local farming to create a healthy and sustainable dining experience, and now we hope you will come by and pick up some fresh local products for your own kitchen! Our new neighborhood farmers market will help encourage sustainability for the community, as well.

We will continue to provide the market experience every Saturday from now through October.

Pass the word! I heard 19 vendors will be there including the 2FunGuys! Come get your LOG!

Market is a success!

2011-07-06T11:39:00.005-04:00

2Fun-Guys.com visited the Chamblee Farmers Market the last two weeks and we were a BIG hit! We sold a bunch of logs even tho the turn out was not super high! Ever visitor to the market stopped to talk to us and see what we were selling! If you want your log without coming to market email me and i can send it out or you can swing over to pick one up! These are great gifts as well.

If you have any questions please hola!

Also you can follow us @2funguys on Twitter

~What's Growing on!

2FunGuys Shiitake Logs going are going to The Chamblee Farmers Market this Saturday!

2011-06-24T14:36:00.002-04:00

2FunGuys (that is part me) is going to be attending the Chamblee Farmers Market this Saturday. We will be selling Shiitake Logs! Come check Todd and I out! You will love these logs!

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Our Business, 2 Fun-guys, is an organic mushroom log supplier. We have been focusing on shiitake logs for the past year, and choosing varieties that will fruit in the south with proper care of the logs. We started this business because we love mushrooms. And there really isn't a better mushroom out there than one that has fruited in your own backyard!

We are planning on offering logs of a few different varieties, Miss Happiness, Chocolov, and Wide Range 46 and 44. These have shown great mycelium growth, and with proper care will fruit within 9 months to a year. Yes, a commitment of time, BUT ..... once the log fruits, it will fruit for YEARS With an initial investment from $30 to $80 (Depending on log diameter), you will be able to supply your family with the freshest possible shiitakes for years (about 5 years) to come. A bargain when you consider that shiitakes are selling for around $16/lb, and one could expect to get roughly 4 to 8lbs per log over the course of its life.

The logs will be offered

with instructions of care, and since we can't guarantee that nature will cooperate with everyone, we will have an exchange program to anyone that feels their logs are not going to work, as long as they have followed the simple instructions:

1. Place log in a shady, moist area of your yard. Out of direct sunlight.

2. Soak your log in water for 48 hours every nine weeks from spring to fall.

3. Pick and eat some delicious shiitakes!

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Exciting times!

2011-06-10T07:38:00.000-04:00

I’ve been so dang busy. Garden, Garden, Mushrooms, Mushrooms and more!!!! The garden looks great except the lack of rain in Atlanta. The high heat (12 days in a row of 90 or higher) has slowed the production of the tomatoes. You know tomatoes won’t set if the high heat sticks around for a long period of time. I am using the Florida weave to stake the tomatoes this year. Pictures will come soon.

The exciting news is it looks like we will be selling Shiitake Logs at a farmers market coming soon. We have applied to a few framer markets in Atlanta area and waiting to hear back if we get accepted. I hope our hard work is going to pay off. These Shiitake taste so dang good and I want others to have the same experience I have had. There is nothing like growing your own mushrooms at home! Know your farmer!

Keep your fingers crossed that we can share these with others J

Golden oyster flush

2011-04-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

My first Golden Oyster Flush... Large Daddy!!

Shiitake baby! 4 logs going crazy

2011-04-11T14:31:00.003-04:00

My 4 logs that i bought last year are going crazy after my force fruit! I cant wait for my batch to go. I am going to harvest a few tomorrow for dinner. I am so happy!

I will be doing a class for anyone interested and have logs for sale next week. email me if you want to come. berkfamilyfarm@gmail.com

oh these are wide Range Shiitake

seeds in garden

2011-04-10T19:30:00.002-04:00

last row working backwards --

Yellow Crookneck Summer squash

Zucchini Round

next row to the left

Green Mottled Grey Zucchini

Black Zucchini

first row --

over seeeded the Swiss chard and peas with

Silver Queen White Velvet Okra

Round LA Green Okra

Center back section --

Cherokee Yellow Bush Beans

Mushroom Straw Project Pictures

2011-03-25T11:09:00.001-04:00

Mushroom Project - check out the straw pictures... What do you think?

Have a great Friday

Last indoor seeds are started.

2011-03-24T21:27:00.003-04:00

Last indoor seeds are started.

Hillbilly Tomato

Azoychka Tomato

Red Cherry Tomato

Cannonball Tomato

Hungarian Wax Peppers HOT

Long Red Cayenne Peppers

Red Marconi Pepper

Purple Giant Sweet Bell Pepper

Als0 added a big mix of Tomato seeds in the last 30 cells. SO it will be a guessing game. I am really hoping for a great flush of heirloom goodies this year!

Mushroom Friday!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-14T21:08:00.006-04:00

I took Friday off to brew a new batch of Wheat Straw Mushrooms. I started the barrel about 7am and it took a few hours to get to the correct temp. Pictures to come once i figure out how to add a bunch to this blog (tips please). I made 8 big bags of mushrooms. King Oyster (Pluerotus erygii) and Golden Oyster (Pluerotus Cornucoipiodes). I had a lot of fun getting this batch in place. I am hoping for a fruit in about 10 weeks?

I have these hanging like a cocoon ...

*Field Forest

Seed Season! Part 3

2011-03-09T19:05:00.002-05:00

I am in the seed mood.

I am starting more tomato seeds and pepper seeds

i will have a bunch left over so let me know if you want some.

Black Brandywine

Red Zebra

Cherokee Green

Tiny Tim Miniature

Pepper seed types:

Santa Fe Grande

Sweet Banana

Sweet Hungarian

Jalapeno "Hot"

Time to add the second layer...

2011-03-04T16:29:00.002-05:00

I hope i am doing this correctly. I am adding the second layer to the worm composter. It fit snug. The first layer bumps right up to the second layer. I added some shredded paper and some scarps to attract the worms. I wont add anything more to the first layer and let them eat away for a few more months until tomato time!

Please follow me and leave a comment or two.

Tomato seeds and more seeds

2011-02-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

more seeds started...

Cherry Toma Tomato

Yellow Pear Tomato

Orange Roma Tomato

Black Russian Cherry Tomato

Beauty King Tomato

Old German Tomato

Purple Calabash Tomato

Negro Azteca Tomato

Cannonball Tomato

Mushroom weekend - Field Forest

2011-02-27T21:10:00.004-05:00

What a great mushroom weekend. I used my new angle grinder tool with the new angle grinder adapter with high speed drill bit. This made the drill process so amazingly fast. I mean really freaking fast! It was so much fun! The thimble were a bit different to work with at first but then it came very easy and fast. Sophia even did her very first log with wax! We used a friends sweetgum (thank you GIG) and did 44 logs!

Lot # Spawn origin Date type of wood Spawn Type Strain

11 Field forest 2.24.11 sweet gum Shiitake - Miss Happiness

12 Field forest 2.25.11 sweet gum Shiitake Night Velvet

Pictures coming!

oh i also set up the new mushroom sprinkler system!

Garden Time and first plantings :)

2011-02-27T21:05:00.006-05:00

What a wonderful weekend in Atlanta! Garden time! I started to make the seeding mounds today and i planted 3 new items. Rainbow Swiss chard, Oregon Sugar Pod Peas and Lincoln Bush peas. I am hoping for a ear;y crop and a full pea harvest unlike past years!!

I moved the tomato seeds to the grow room. they sprouted really fast. I am hoping once again for a great grow season.

* Next post about the mushroom weekend.

*notes... what i been doing... it is that time again

2011-02-21T21:18:00.003-05:00

*notes*8

hooked up new mushroom sprinkler * Works really good.

Tilled new outside beds (new FLOWER) beds to attract bees to the garden. Both new beds are on outside.

Started 8 different types of tomato

mexico midget

orange cherry

Kentucky Beefsteak

Beefsteak

Micro Tom

Cherry Rainbow

Stupice

Cherokee Purple

Seed Season!

2011-02-10T12:48:00.002-05:00

Real quick post. I started a few lettuce seeds and basil on Monday! I am way behind on getting my tomato seeds going... I hope i can make up my new starter mixture tonight!

*side note anyone know how i can add a bunch of pictures to this blog. I want to display my mushroom project.

Get ready for our E-Book coming soon

Worms - Eat My Garbage

2011-02-06T10:33:00.002-05:00

I finished Worms Eat My Garbage! Great information about Worm Composting. My worms are fast in action and eating my Garbage. I am adding waste slowly until the population grows. Did you know that a worm can eat half it's weight a day. YOu say no big deal but if you have a pound of worms that equals .5 pound of waste a day!

BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-31T21:46:00.004-05:00

Check out my Blues! They were so dang yummy, Blue Oyster Mushrooms in pasteurized Wheat Straw! I placed them back under neath the deack and they just took off! I think i will have more ready this coming weekend. You all want to taste them with some fresh eggs?

propagating mushroom spawn - Yellow Oyster

2011-01-25T21:26:00.002-05:00

Good Evening,

I had some left over saw dust with some spores in the bag (Yellow Oyster). I gathered all that up and placed it cardboard that was boiled in water and cooled. I put the spawn mixture in layers of cardboard. i had 3 layers and the spawn sprinkled with in. I am not sure i had enough spawn to make this work. Tomorrow i will be doing another batch but adding some left over wooden spawn dowels. I put the little container in the dark. I hope to see white spawn growing in a few weeks! Here is my first picture.

Worm Composter Project

2011-01-24T21:50:00.002-05:00

Howdy Friends and lurkers...

For my birthday i received a very nice worm composter. Can O Worms! I have the bedding that came with the Can O Worms and added a bit of food. I received one pound of worms and they are suppose to eat half their weight each day! This can go 3 more layers high! I am expecting Black Gold in a few months and the liquid that comes with it! I will post pictures as my journey happens.

Also these Red wigglers are suppose to have babies all the time.. making babies worm style!

another book down - omnivore's dilemma

2011-01-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

It took me forever to read this book tho it is a fast read. It was my kid waiting book. i only read this book when i had to wait on the kids at their activities. This is a truly amazing book about our food and how we look at it. Go get yourself a copy or come borrow mine.

On a side note - I am expecting my birthday present to show up today. Wonder what it is?? Can you guess.. feel free to comment

2011-01-05T18:56:00.001-05:00

Grey grey is back!!!!!! Candace saw her running around in the yard this morning! I have no idea where she went last few nights! I am so happy. Also 1 egg

GREY GREY is MISSING

2011-01-03T21:26:00.002-05:00

I let them out today , then i got paged... 4 hours later i went out ot put the girls up and she is missing... She usually does not go far. I looked everywhere... it was so dark... i will have to look when i get home tomorrow.. come back Grey Grey.. she also JUST started laying!

Magic number 6!

2010-12-27T09:39:00.003-05:00

As i walked out to the hen house on Christmas i noticed a Egg in a different spot in the roost house. I think Grey Grey laid her first egg! Yes that makes all 6 laying now! I am getting between 1 and 4 eggs a day... The only problem.. how to keep the water from freezing!

From bag to Pan Blue Oyster

2010-12-08T09:51:00.003-05:00

The mushrooms have been inside for a few days and look how much they are growing.

Blues - Yes that is a Blue Oyster

2010-12-05T21:25:00.003-05:00

So i learned from the master in Atlanta The mushroom master. We are growing Blue oyster in pasteurized wheat straw. So mine finally sprouted. I took them out of the special bags and out them in some water in a bucket (pictures coming soon) . I should have mushrooms this week if all goes right. It is an amazing sight!! Now - what should i cook?

Final Summer Crop

2010-11-05T14:17:00.004-04:00

Look at this nice grab we picked yesterday. There are still a bunch of Peppers on the vine and see what happens if they freeze. Did you see how long that beans is? almost a foot! The Egg Plant looks great as well... Eat up... did you notice the Shiitake ... my logs are fruiting! Fresh Yard eggs and mushroom with some bell peppers added for breakfast --- who can beat that... maybe CoCo Beware!

Things growing better

2010-10-21T07:54:00.005-04:00

I promise to try and post more. I post more mentally in my mind then on here.

We are getting about 3 eggs ever 18 hours. Old Yeller has gone broody big time. Do i get eggs for her to do work or just wait it out? Snookums (Flea - is that how she spells her name) still not laying... time is ticking young lady!

The eggs are so dang yummy.

But my biggest surprise is that my Fall crop has started to take off this week all of a sudden. Like a new energy has taken over. It is very weird but i love it. I am about to get my first salad this weekend. Wow how things change so fast in just a short time! Keep growing! Also this Friday we are doing a bunch of Mushroom Logs

Lion's Mane

Chicken of the Woods

Elm Oyster

Yellow Oyster

Still waiting on the blues!

EGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

2010-09-08T21:38:00.002-04:00

We Finally got our egg! I think Old Yeller did the deed! We all ate it this morning! SO yummy. But no additional eggs today. I can only hope she does it again tomorrow!

Pictures to come

Full Moon

2010-08-24T06:14:00.003-04:00

My cousin and I received some of the final fall seeds in the mail. We planted 5 more rows of yummy crops. As you recall last year fall crop got washed out with all the floods. I am really hoping i have a fall crop this year. If you look at my previous post you can see what was added to the Berk family Garden plot. The Tomatoes are still producing so incredible fruit!

Chickens-- Update - Still no eggs but Esther and Todd both had eggs last week and i think i am a week behind. I can hardly wait anymore! Maybe the full moon will help get this process going!

Fall planting notes

2010-08-13T08:16:00.006-04:00

Row 1- TC side - Spacemaster Cucumber, Vates Blue Curled Kale

Row 2- Salad Bowl Green Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Romaine Lettuce

Row 3 Purple Broccoli , Purple Vienna Kohlrabi

Row 4 Acorn Winter Squash, Bloomsdale Spinach

Row 5 Bloomsdale Spinach, Acorn Winter Squash

Row 6 Boston Pickling Cucumbers

Fourth to last Row - Grand Rapids Lettuce

Third to last Row Little Fingers Carrots

Second to last row - Spaghetti Winter Squash, Sweet Dumpling Winter Squash

Last Row Red Acre Cabbage, Cabbage Lovers Delight

Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms

2010-08-01T20:45:00.003-04:00

i found a very nice Black Oak that was cut up just a street over. man i was so excited. I picked up 15 logs. They were cut perfectly. I know i owe Esther some in exchange for the two chicks she gave me and Todd some for the Spawn he spotted me a month ago for my first inoculation of the Mushroom logs. So over the last 4 days i have been inoculating one log after another. I did Shiitake, Maitake, Lion's Mane and Reshi. I hope i get mushrooms around Turkey day! I had lots of fun making the logs (pictures to come). I also labeled the logs to know what i am growing!

peace to all!

2010-07-18T07:16:00.001-04:00

Man oh man home grown matters are so dang tasty. I am having a fight everyday with them stinking squirrels. Going to look now for some ripe ones

ALERT ALERT ALERT

2010-07-07T19:44:00.004-04:00

I just got home and the SQUIRRELS ARE INVADING MY TOMATOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some how while i was out on holiday the squirrels had a breaking and entering class while i was gone. They are finding a way to get in and eat all my *********************************ing matters. As i report this i am watching how they enter. No signs yet....... but wait! i hear something....... what is that noise.....there he is! Inside the cage! (i am running after the squirrel)... he is trapped. I just found his escape route... the dogs just thought him a lesson. but i have a feeling he and his GANG will be back... I need to see how they are getting in. I am not moving from this spot until i find out. All my big daddy;s are gone@!.. I am so stinking mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

any ideas? Please help me!

Happy First day of Summer

2010-06-21T21:58:00.002-04:00

Man things are going and going well. I have had 3 Mexico Midget tomatoes and they were so dang good! We also harvest 3 squash. I really need to remove 3 big trees soon. I need more direct sun.

I have about 40+ Tomato on the vine.

On a sad and frustrating note.... i have lost 5 or 6 bean plants... something ate all the beans and ate the root so they are so DONE!!!!!!!!!! I had to reseed the beans again,. I hope they take out in the wild wild west garden. More pictures to come.

Still waiting on my first eggs

Slacker......Gardner.

2010-06-09T21:31:00.006-04:00

I need to invent a new way to blog straight from my brain. Everything is going really well. The Tomato plants are as tall as me! I have picked the first two yellow squash (bumpy - is this normal) and a bunch of beans are growing very well. The Black Pencil beans are yellow and long, do they have to turn black? Still eating a home grown healing salad most every day. So dang yummy. The Cucs are about to go crazy and the zucchini are just plan ole getting big and doing nothing.

Chickens... getting bigger everyday. Still waiting for that magical egg..... July weekend...

Also looking for someone to come take care of the chickens during July 4th weekend? Any takers? You can come pick lettuce and ripe matters. Any takers?

Yep you guessed it!

2010-05-20T22:11:00.003-04:00

After i got home from work I did the LadyBug walk of Shame... i looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and looked and no LADYBUGS to be found.. Not a one.. Maybe they ate all the pest and left for the day and will be back tomorrow..

Lady Bigs

2010-05-19T21:56:00.002-04:00

I dropped of 1500 lady bugs off in the garden tonight. They are not suppose to fly at night....BUT i bet i have non in the morning. It is my 10$ donation to my neighbors.. In theory it should work, but they always fly away.... Earth , Love Peace!

First! and Mushrooms Logs

2010-05-17T12:45:00.005-04:00

First...... Tomato are showing, i think it is a Stupice. The FIRST yellow squash.... Yeah! SO happy! I still think i need more sun back there.

I also included my new Mushroom logs. ... I should have a crop for Turkey day!

I had a busy 8 hours in the garden Sunday. I implemented a few new non weed ideas. i.e newspaper down then straw on top. i also put some organic preen no weed deal. Hope it helps, i am over these weeds already. I think i need one more bale. The soaker hose is doing well in the tomato cage. In the link below you will see the new Poles for the beans to grow! I am using a metal wire instead of string. Grow baby grow!

Link for the other pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/howiespool/GardenMay17#

Basil and Matters

2010-05-12T21:23:00.004-04:00

All good on the Farm (back Yard) this week. I transplanted some different basil in to planters on the deck and 3 or 4 out in the matter cage. Hope no bugs eat them. As for the flea Beatle it seems to have slow down. I had read that they really like the saplings, seedlings. I gave them a bath of Neem (Organic of course) yesterday. My salads have been so tasty with 5 types of lettuce. I am in scramble mode trying to get up the trellis for matters and beans. I might need extra hands.. How about a Crop Mob here and i will cook some good healthy food for the helpers.

The new irrigation is in! I split the garden down the middle, The Tomato plants got a new dripper set up. The first run is tomorrow morning. The other side still has the misters, but a little worried about the squash and powdery mildew will happen with water on those leaves. I will keep a close eye on it. Have a nice night!

changes going on.. Kombucha in the works and Pictures, Pictures, {ictures

2010-05-06T07:04:00.006-04:00

Good Thursday Morning,

Happy Birthday Josh!
I finally took some pictures yesterday. I also started a new batch of Kombucha. 10 days from now i should be healing myself and family!

You can see the coop finished and updated pictures of the chickens. Also the two long black bed are the herb gardens and some seeds are finally coming up. The tomato plants are growing stronger and i did another test to prevent weeds by laying straw down on the rows.

I hope to make the sprinkler changes this week. Still need to get parts!

Check out my updated pictures!!!!! http://picasaweb.google.com/howiespool/May52010#

My First..........

2010-05-04T21:56:00.001-04:00

I saw our first flower in a Black Zebra! You see it! How beautiful! I promise to post pictures tomorrow. I feel sometimes i can't blog with out pictures. I will do better. I also planted more peppers , Kohlrabi, egg plant and more matters. Things are growing nicely.

OBTW - I just went to Lowes and spent another 30 bones on some sprinkler modification. Hope to implement this week

Bed time..

Bugs... are so so

2010-04-28T07:50:00.002-04:00

My bugs are so so, but still there. I am using Neem and a few other organic methods, Garlic spray... i still have a few matters in the grow room until the pest are all gone. Also chickens are keeping warm by sleeping on top of each other. Also why don't they go into the chicken box and not sleep on the floor when it is this cold???/ I have to stick them in there each night.,

more planting and bugs

2010-04-20T21:55:00.007-04:00

I planted the pepper seedlings, 4 types of beans, cucs, patty squash, yellow squash, zucchini and some more brussel sports with in the last week. The peppers we in yesterday. We had a nice rain here in Atlanta today.

I have something eating my tomato plants and i think it is a flea beetle ... so mad.. killed about 5 full plants and tons of leaves... errrr i can't sleep at night of thinking about it.

Seedlings... you need any?

2010-04-16T13:00:00.004-04:00

These are some Tomato heirloom all organic with special care and love that will grow you the most incredible fruit you had ever had! If you would like one or two please leave me a response and we can arrange to meet for a pick up. I over grew and i have 50 more in the starter room. You will be amazed how much better these will grown and taste then the ones you get a Lowes or HD.. Bring it

Picture time... and first Tomato in the beds!

2010-04-14T21:38:00.002-04:00

Pictures of seedlings,Chickens and my first tomato were put in the bed. I hope they have a good night sleep. Water for them in the morning.

First Basil - Home Grown

2010-04-13T21:37:00.004-04:00

I was able to pick a few leaves, Yummy yum

My friend Mike came pick up his tomato seedlings - 24 in all. 12 types... going to his house to have brunch!

to plant or not to plant?

2010-04-11T21:13:00.002-04:00

What a great busy weekend. The girls and i took the chicks out for a stroll. When they first hit the grass free from their cage they were like "what is this and i am free" after a few min they started to act like chickens and pecking the ground looking for bugs. We had a good time with them.

I spent all day Saturday finishing all the wire for the coupe (killed me), it was really hard work and took hours. I also put in all the doors, egg, clean out and main door. All i need to do is finish the roof and the egg house. I am having issues with the roof cost. I really don't want to spend a 100$ on the roof. So i am trying to figure out what to do...

As for the garden, i have taken out 3 trays of tomato to harden off. I choose not to plant until the soil get a bit warmer. I did however plant a row of Brussel Sports. I am going to plant squash , cucs and beans in two weeks. I will plant a few tomato plants this week for a test.

I promise i will take pictures tomorrow.

Week 2 , Garden Prep, sprinkles coming

2010-04-05T21:55:00.005-04:00

I finally got all the rows laid out. 8 rows for the tomato in the tomato cage. I think i should be able to get 15 tomato plants per row. Will see how it goes when i plant on April 10 and the 15th.

One of the chicks seems a little slow. I am hoping she (Thelma) is feeling better tomorrow. She is drinking and eating. Tomorrow is week 2.

I also started another 50 Tomato seeds. I also hooked up the sprinkler to the timer. Yea! Bed time.

Back Yard Fire

2010-04-05T07:37:00.003-04:00

More pictures to come this week. I had a very busy back yard weekend. Lots done in the garden. Almost all the rows are up and most of the weeds out. All the seedlings are coming up nice. The sprinkler just had it first run. It seems everything is on track. Chicks are growing.. pictures coming this week.

I am getting hungry..

Hip hip Hooray! - The Chickens are here today

2010-03-30T22:41:00.002-04:00

As the timed neared 3pm, i was getting antsy and i want to get the kids and run home to see if we had a package on the porch. But as i turned the corner no box.. I was bumming and the girls were too. They thought i was teasing them, but nope. We all were sad. I took Allie to soccer came home to get ready for my game and...................DOOR BELL!!!!!!!!!!!! it was our babies! Sophia went crazy and could not wait to tell Allie. Both girls rushed down stairs to see the new babies. They could not get enough!!!

Day 1.. they found food and water and in and out of the heat.

All good day 1!

Wood Chips DONE!!! Where my Peep's at?

2010-03-29T21:10:00.003-04:00

I got on my horse and cleaned up the final wood chips! 4 days.. too many hours.. but guess what! I did it.. Bring it.. part of my P90X workout!... All this work until the leaves fall again.. very happy one project down and another about to start. No chicks today.. Maybe tomorrow. The girls and i set up the temp house if they show.. But now as i am typing this i forgot to get the temp gauge to make sure we are at 95 degrees. I can run at lunch tomorrow.

2010-03-28T06:53:00.001-04:00

It just hit me while I am laying here in my bed this Sunday morning that we will have chickens baby chickens next week. Wild!

seed pictures...

2010-03-26T22:41:00.002-04:00

Quick check in.. Pictures of my seedlings.

lettuce and Chicken wire

2010-03-26T12:06:00.004-04:00

I am off today and i got another row of mix lettuce in. I also put up the top layer of chicken wire. I will hit Lowes (again) tonight and see if i can get the roof supplies. last night i bought all the door supplies but i left the instructions in my wifes car... what a slacker i am. onto other things today.

Today is watering day. I feed the seedling and they are really starting to grow. Finally more leaves! I am getting pumped for the first tomato.. but when will it come.

Wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow the wood chips are being set out in back.. wow this is lots of work.

Have a great day.. Hope the weather heats up a bit. Still no sign of my direct sowed herbs.

wood chips

2010-03-24T22:08:00.002-04:00

I went to pick up my kids down the street yesterday and i see a tree cutting truck filled with wood chips. I asked the guy to drop them off at my house and he did. WOW more than i thought. I spent 4 hours today putting it on the back 40.. Many many many more hours of this long hauling wheelbarrow work.. good workout tho!!

Check out Sophia...

Dunwoody Chickens and Seeds

2010-03-23T06:33:00.003-04:00

I think my dear friend Mr pray fixed my Purple stem problems. I think it was a lack of food and too much light. I added food tot he bottom of the seed trays and low and behold i see new small leaves. Yea Yea! I hope this means they will start to grow. This is the worst part for me. Just not knowing if my crop will grow.. I need food!

I went to the Dunwoody City Counsel meeting last night for the final vote about chicken laws. A great turn out and the speakers really did a great job of presenting. BUT the city shot the bill down. It is Illegal to own chickens in Dunwoody. I feel for chicken lovers. They are going to keep fighting. Also 3 news stations were out there! Love the coverage.

My guys should be here next week!

Seeds, Coop and a great day in Atlanta

2010-03-19T22:17:00.004-04:00

I had the day off today. I worked outside all day. I painted most of the coop. Pictures tomorrow. I am 80% completed with the frame. I should have the rest of the frame completed except for the door. Then the next step will be to put up hardware fabric. I got a text last night that there was a coyote in my front yard last night... a bit scary. i am going to have to lock down the coop really good.

I did some direct cabbage and peas direct sowing today. We had 70 degree weather. I create a few more rows. I hope to work on the irrigation some this weekend.

I planted a bunch of herbs in the new herb bed. I am getting so excited!

** One problem my Tomato stems are purple .... what does that mean????????HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Chickens

2010-03-17T13:17:00.002-04:00

I received word that the chickens will arrive the week of March 29th! need to start thinking of name. Any ideas?

Grow Room setup

2010-03-15T20:31:00.003-04:00

Everything is moving along. all seedlings still have the first two fake leaves. Still waiting on the real leaves to show up. This is my grow room. I have the lights via a pulley system for different plant heights. Any thoughts?

Day off but working the land!

2010-03-12T14:01:00.005-05:00

I had a day off today. My seedlings are sprouting everywhere. The grow room is in full action. This is the scariest part for me. Will they grow and will they be to leggy. Sometimes being to leggy is not good. I think i have to start 2 more trays. I also need to direct seed more lettuce and other goodies. My transplants don't look to hot.

I went to lowes yesterday and it made me feel so far behind. The had full size tomato plants and lettuce and this and that... all non organic , but still they have some sneaky way of growing these. It just made me feel like i was behind.

I moved the two raised beds like the wife wanted , but i then created a row in front of the main garden for herbs. I think i can pull this off. I also think i can plant some herbs this weekend.

GNC - Certified Naturally Grown

2010-03-09T22:22:00.002-05:00

Wish me luck! i just submitted for my Certified Naturally Grown certificate. Since i don't sell more than 5K (made 5 bucks last year) i don't need a USDA organic certification. I will know in 4 weeks if i passed the test.

Also Chamblee Farmers market foundation meeting is tomorrow night at the library. This is the kick off meeting for people who want to help get the farmers market going. If your down with this show up at 7 tomorrow.

Night night

My Babies are on the way!

2010-03-08T20:44:00.002-05:00

Where my Peeps at?

This is what i ordered
Buff Orpington (2)
Australorp
Easter Egger

I think i got a very good mix based on the Chicken Boss recommendation.. FYI Need to come support her cause March 22nd @Dunwoody (more details to come)

Where my Peeps at

www.mypetchicken.com

work work work.. come on seeds!

2010-03-07T20:29:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! I tilled the entire plot. I transplanted all the lettuce and peas. Things do not look the best. I hope it was not too cold for the transfer. I will monitor during the week. Also the direct seeds are still not showing up yet. I have a bunch of seeds sitting in the dark room. I did see a few pepper seeds , the will make it to the grow room this week. I am a bit nervous ( think i get this way this time each year) as not all the seeds are starting to pop. Come on seeds sprout baby sprout

Tomato and Basil Seeds started

2010-03-01T21:21:00.003-05:00

Good Evening,
My girls and i did a bit of work today. We started about 200 total seeds. Basil and many different Tomato seeds. I am using this peat moss / starter dirt to get the seeds going. I am not for sure how moist the soil is staying. it is making a bit nervous.
We are suppose to get bad weather again tomorrow /tonight . Once this passes i will transplant more lettuce to the main garden.

BTW - the heat mats are really kicking. Still no peak a boo Pepper seeds. Maybe this week

Trasplant / Peepers in the hooper.

2010-02-27T22:11:00.006-05:00

I transplanted a few lettuce, Brussel Sprouts and beans to the main garden Friday. it is still getting below freezing here in Atlanta. I am not for sure if i need to cover the seedlings or if they will be fine. When i was at Lowes this weekend i noticed they had their lettuce out. I will take pictures tomorrow. Today they looked pretty good. I have another handful in the grow room if these fail.

I also started the pepper seeds Tuesday. My good buddy Mike is loaning me two heat mats to get the soil up to temp. I planted 121 pepper seeds. One of my goals is to get pepper this year. i think i had 2 last. I forgot to mention that i only have 4 types of peppers. I am so behind on getting my tomato seeds going! I need extra hands. The kids have are really busy helping. this for sure will make the food taste better. *per Anastasia your suppose to put on seeds per type under your tongue for 20 sec so the seeds feels your sole and grows to heal you and your family. The power of seeds!

Chicken Coupe - Step 2

2010-02-27T22:08:00.003-05:00

I took Friday to do lots of backyard work. I have the 4 walls up for the coupe. I need to level it out so it stops leaning forward. Looks good so far. I need to get pet friendly stain. Once the stain is on i will put two stabilizers on top and then build out the hen house. I might get time tomorrow.

First official planting.. lettuce and friends

2010-02-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

We finally had a nice day. I went out and did a early planting all types lettuce (4 types) , Brussel Sprouts and some early beans.. I only did one row. Not for sure what to do when the cold comes. Do i need to cover or will it be all good. I have two nice rows showing but the far right one will be for squash. Getting nervous...

Chicken Coupe - baby steps

2010-02-15T19:16:00.003-05:00

I started the adventure on the first steps of building the chicken coupe. This is the back wall. I was going to do more but it is way to cold in Atlanta today.

BTW - seeds are doing good in the basement

BAD BAD BAD... Snow

2010-02-13T19:55:00.002-05:00

Well we had a bunch of snow here in Atlanta yesterday. The weight of the snow killed my tomato net BIG TIME!... Back to the drawing board!~~~~

BEFORE AND AFTER>>>>

I hope tomorrow i can fix the net.

Seeds are looking good - i think and first Tiler

2010-02-08T20:42:00.003-05:00

Finally i am feeling a tad better and we had okay weather today in Atlanta. The seeds are looking okay. I am working on the light adjustment... just not for sure how this all works. They grow so fast to the light and then they get leggier each time... when do they start to get wider? Comments please.

As for the tilling i did a few rows in anticipation of planting a few rows of early lettuce and Brussel Sprouts. I plan to amend the soil with a good organic compost instead of buying farmer D or Other soil. I had real good success last year so this should step it up a level.
The next free day i will plant seeds..... Any ideas will help out big time.. You can come visit if your in Chamblee / Brookhaven area.

Go Seeds Grow!

2010-02-01T21:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday to my Garden Buddies. I put 20 or so plants that sprouted over the weekend in the new grow room. I see little seeds and i lowered the lights alomst to the top of the green seedlings. They are still in peat moss. I am hoping these will get a bit more bulky before i need to move them to another pot. This is all new so i am very nervous. I keep asking myself is this right, does this look right. I am keeping the lights on for about 14hr a day right now.

As for the dirt. I think i will call farmer D tomorrow. It just to much for me right now to pay that high price. I will take about 6 yards if i could get a really good deal. Will update you on that. I need to till the garden so i can get some lettuce and peas sowed directly.

Have a great Night.

Game on!

2010-01-28T12:05:00.005-05:00

Well i started to plant some seeds for a early test run and maybe a bit of fresh herbs the wife is looking for. I planted 3 types of lettuce, basil, parsley, Brussels sprouts and Alaskan peas. The seeds are sitting in a dark semi warm spot. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Dirt drama - I just found out the dirt i wanted to buy is sludge waste.. Why would i want to put this in my garden and then in my mouth. not me ! Now what. Spend money on Farmer D.. to high for my blood. I might do a mix of mushroom compost and dirt and sand. Make my own. Still working on this part. I would like to have it ordered by this weekend. Once it is down, i am going to start lettuce, peas, Brussels sprouts outside. it is time to get the early planting in.

Confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Ideas on dirt please

Seeds are here! Seeds are here!

2010-01-24T20:49:00.002-05:00

Yeah! My seeds are here. In this package i have 45 different kinds. Another 10 are on their way from a different supplier ... i am so ready to get going!

Happy New Year and Birthday to me!

2010-01-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

Happy New Years!

Hope everyone is doing wonderful this year so far. a quick note. I ordered my seeds yesterday! Man on man. I chose 45 different seeds. Where am i going to put all of this?

Any ideas?? This is what i will attempt to grow this year..

Green Zebra Tomato seeds 30 per package. heirloom
SWEET Hungarian pepper 30 seeds. ORGANIC HEIRLOOM
Mexico Midget Heirloom tomato 30 seeds. EXCELLENT TASTE
30 ORGANIC Red Giant Sweet Bell peppers seeds HEIRLOOM
Red Acre Cabbage 1,000 seeds JUMBO PACK. ORGANIC
Black Brandywine Tomato seeds. 30 seeds.ORGANIC
30 Mortgage Lifter ORGANIC tomato seeds
Mr. Stripey tomato seeds. HEIRLOOM 30 seeds. ORGANIC
Spacemaster Cucumber seeds. RARE HEIRLOOM. ORGANIC
Prize Head lettuce 3,000 seeds ORGANIC
Pencil Pod Black Seed Bush Beans STRINGLESS ORGANIC
Borage herb seeds. ON SALE. ORGANIC
Triple Curled Parsley 1,500 seeds Heirloom. NOW ON SALE
Lincoln Bush Peas. 100 seeds. ORGANIC
30 Hillbilly Tomato seeds. ORGANIC HEIRLOOM
Stupice Tomato seeds. HEIRLOOM 30 seeds EARLY variety
Mini Yellow cherry tomato from Russia. RARE HEIRLOOM
Red Sald Bowl Lettuce. 3,000 seeds. ORGANIC
Anna Russian Tomato seeds. HEIRLOOM 30 seeds ORGANIC
Green Giant Sweet Bell pepper seeds.
Bibb lettuce 3,000 seeds. ORGANIC. ON SALE SAVE
red romaine lettuce 3,000 seeds ORGANIC
Cherokee Purple Tomato seeds. HEIRLOOM 30 seeds

BROCCOLI Green sprouting 1,000. ON SALE NOW

Green half runner bush beans 50 seeds ORGANIC
ICEBERG LETTUCE 3,000 seeds ORGANIC
Beef Steak Tomato seeds 30 seeds HEIRLOOM ORGANIC
11 varieties of ORGANIC lettuce. 3,000 seeds.
Black Zucchini summer squash 30 seeds. ORGANIC
purple kohlrabi 1,000 vegetable seeds
Yellow Pear Tomato 30 seeds HEIRLOOM ORGANIC
30 Matina Tomato seeds ORGANIC HEIRLOOM
Alaska peas 100 seeds. Earliest of the peas. ORGANIC
Orange Roma tomato seeds EXTREMELY RARE 30 seeds
Black Zebra Heirloom Tomato Seeds RARE.

Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans Heirloom 50 seeds. ORGANIC
30 White Bush Scallop Patty Pan squash seeds ORGANIC
30 Yellow Crookneck summer Squash seeds ORGANIC
Orange Giant Sweet Bell peppers seeds HEIRLOOM ORGANIC
Spring seed starting schedule guide for the entire USA
Sweet Italian Basil seeds over 1,000 seeds ORGANIC
BRUSSEL SPROUTS SEEDS 1,000 SEEDS LONG ISLAND IMPROVED

Orange Mexico Midget Tomato 30 seeds RARE heirloom

In Ohio

2009-12-29T10:12:00.002-05:00

Been traveling to Ohio for the Holidays. I forgot to mention that we visited our friends backyard chicken coupe. They had 4 chickens all female. Very cool, they are having a great egg output. The wife liked it a bit, or should i say maybe it won her over a bit more. We have a few books and i hope to acquire coupe plans soon.

As we drove in from Atlanta we saw many snow covered corn fields.. so many fields so much corn.

Back to atlanta in a few days to check on my last of the winter crop.

Kinsey Family Farm

2009-12-09T14:20:00.006-05:00

This is a family farm about 45min north of Atlanta. We were in search for a tree and we stumbled upon the fantastic farm. I think they have about 50 archers and it use to be a bunch of chicken houses. Then the family started to plant trees and started a landscape business. The folks there are so friendly and nice. They are adding 30 more types of trees before 2011.

http://www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com/Welcome.html

Great stuff here...

BTW - lots of rain here in Atlanta, headed to the garden today

Carrots and irrigation

2009-12-03T20:56:00.003-05:00

Good day everyone. I had the day off work and i spent most of the time in the garden doing house keeping. I took out all the irrigation from the tomato side (fenced in) and took out all tomato support. The net is sagging from all the wonder leaves that have fallen and started to stress the nets. I am going to leave in the open side irrigation just in case i need to water this winter. Do you water in winter? need to read about that. I picked up a tiller from a friend, will test it out tomorrow. I am thinking to till now and when i get my new ERTH soil. I need to save up for a truck load. Have a good night.. Oh the picture.. I pull this out of another garden bed that might be going away in exchange for my chickens. I planted these carrots last spring. Can carrots be in the ground to long? It was taste any how!

Broccoli Heads

2009-12-02T13:35:00.003-05:00

I planted broccoli this summer but it did not take. I left it thinking it might grow better in the cold weather. Looks like i have some little heads growing. I am so excited. I do have some smaller Broccoli that , i hope to grow this big.

I have lots of leaves in the garden and i need to clean up the tomatoes from last summer. I have a bunch of work to do this week..

We have a bunch of rain today in Atlanta

First Post

2009-12-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Hello,

My family and i tilled up a 40x40 plot in the back yard after a tree fell an opened up a good space to try and start a garden. I found an ad on craiglist for someone to come till up my back yard (woods for 40$). so what the heck, lets give this a try. 8 months later i started this blog. never blogged before so just hang in.

I am headed into my second full on back yard garden. I had a pretty good first year on the new plot in my back yard here in Atlanta Georgia. I had major squirrel problem but fixed it with a big ole bird net. Once that was in place i had buckets full of organic heirloom tomatoes.