Today was great...the first Spring Break day that actually felt like spring. We spent the entire day outside working and playing in the yard. I worked in the greenhouse for about six hours today. It was 85 degrees in there all day with the door left open. Kate was my helper. She filled 80 pots with soil for me while I transplanted all of the tomato seedlings into the larger pots she filled. We also transplanted tons of flowers and started all of our cucumbers, broccoli and cauliflower for the garden. I also did tomato hair cuts and trimmed all of my flower pots (some of the plants have grown too big!). My hands are brown and ugly after spending that much time in the greenhouse, but it was good for my soul...
Grace even made lunch today...PB&J on homemade bread. She even served me in the greenhouse so I didn't have to stop working...
There was hustle and bustle around the farm yard today...it's amazing how quickly things start moving on a warm day. The cellars have all been emptied, and all of our potatoes have been sold. The cellar floors have been cleared, and all of that spud dirt is waiting to get tilled into my garden plot (spud dirt from the cellars happens to be some of the best and most fertile dirt around...it comes off the pototoes during storage). Trucks have been making deliveries to the cellar all day long. They are bringing in our seed potatoes to plant for this years potato crop. David has been busy unloading the trucks all day...moving equipment etc.
Grace and Russ rode around the shop yard. I can't believe the dust already. Two days ago it was a muddy mess. It's crazy how fast it can change...
Lily and Kate helped grandma Elaine sweep her driveway...
and no day outside would be complete unless my kids got completely filthy. They spent a couple of hours playing on the spud dirt pile...
There is something about getting dirty that makes a person feel so good. At least for me...when I get purple tomato stains all over my hands, and dirt under my fingernails, I feel renewed. The kids obviously share the same sentiment...because they love to play in the dirt. Glad we soaked it in today because the forcast is calling for rain/snow tomorrow :)
Wow, the kids are so active in garden work. In the future, they might become the next great botanists or agriculturists. Just like the kids in "Little Men", hehe. They have some green blood running through their veins.
Posted by: Jeleryl Comisky | December 07, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Love the rollin' in the dirt photos! Almost makes me want to join them!
Posted by: Ellen @ Real CA Dairy | April 09, 2011 at 01:22 AM
Great minds must think alike Misty! Ive already asked David about an outdoor shower several times...but he hasnt been too excited about it yet ;) He is worried about it freezing up etc., but I think it would be awesome! Right now, I strip my kids down and spray them with hose, but Grace is getting a little too big for that...so maybe its time to press David more...LOL!
Sherelle Christensen
www.sherellechristensen.typepad.com
To: sherellech@msn.com
Posted by: SherelleChristensen | April 08, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Love the greenhouse...Someday I want to have one. I will have to come to your house for lessons though.
Here is a new project for you (after seeing all of that dirt). You should have your hubby build an outdoor shower with warm water. Then you can have the kids remove most of the dirt before they enter house and head for the "real" shower. Wouldn't that be awesome! Probably some days it would be easiest to stick them in that clothes, shoes, and all! ;0)
Posted by: Misty | April 07, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Thanks Sherelle, I knew about Diatomaceous earth but had not thought to use it this way. Great idea. I will check out the link and proceed. Thanks for the help and I feel so much better. G
Posted by: GinnaG | April 07, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Your photos are beautiful! Enjoy!
Posted by: Year Old Birthday Party Ideas | April 06, 2011 at 06:20 AM
Hi Ginna :) First off, I havent really dealt with this exact case, but this is what I would do if it were me: If the dog has continued to use the garden area recently, I would probably get some food grade Diatomaceous Earth (you can read about it here http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html) andapply as directed to your garden plot.I think it would help kill any organisms/parasites growing in the soil without any harsh chemicals. If you live in an area with very cold winters, and the dog hasnt been using the area in the winter, I would simply give the soil a good tilling and start fresh...keeping the dog away from the area. I would just be very careful for the first year to wash all of your produce very well before eating. Most any contamination could be avoided by simply washing the produce carefully, so you shouldnt worry too much. I hope this helps :)
Sherelle Christensen
www.sherellechristensen.typepad.com
To: sherellech@msn.com
Posted by: SherelleChristensen | April 04, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I have been trying to figure out a worry that I am having about our garden. It's a rather icky situation.
We put in a garden a few years ago and planted it for a year or two. But things were really busy and I didn't make the garden a priority the last 2 years. In the mean time.... our dog decided to "use" the garden for his choice poop area. So I know I should have FENCED in the garden.
But my question is what do I do now? How contaminated is the soil. I know that dogs/cats carry roundworm and I am concerned about that and putting in a garden.
Can't imagine that dog poop is okay in the garden since you can't compost it.
Help... what are your suggestions(besides the fence)for the poop that is in there now. I really don't know of another "true farmer" that I could ask or may know where to send me to look for an answer.
Thanks, any info would be appreciated.
Posted by: GinnaG | April 02, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Jeanne...I hope you enjoy your spring break...and find some WARMTH :)
Sherelle Christensen
www.sherellechristensen.typepad.com
To: sherellech@msn.com
Posted by: SherelleChristensen | April 01, 2011 at 10:56 PM
What a beautiful bunch of pics! I still can't believe how big the kids are grtting! Sure looks like alot got accomplished today! We are traveling in the RV and tonight it is FREEZING! I have a space heater set up here to warm up a little. It just doesn't feel like spring yet...hopefully as we head another day's drive south...it will warm up a little!
Posted by: JeanneP | April 01, 2011 at 10:54 PM