Fugly Farm

[cavemanrich]

IM,, I may have answer to why my corn failed last year.
Suspect 2 things.
Planted too early,
Planted too deep.

So here in my area, It is suggest about May 1st, after danger of frost passes.
I mainly grow for decorative purpose, since most of the corn will be stolen by Rocky, Raccoon.

Will be planting Sunflower for same purpose. Most of that gets stolen by my pet squirrels.

 

[igorsMistress]

Powder is in the shade garden today, currently losing her mind because she’s hormonal. I feel bad, but she can’t be broody in this heat. I hadn’t even seen her eat for over 24 hours and don’t know if she had any water. She’s ok, but pretty mad. Everyone else is bent out of shape because they can’t go in there. We covered the picnic table with some old shade cloth for them, I know the ducks go under there quite a bit. I already have ice blocks made in the freezer for when we need them, but I think I’ll give them all some wet mash with electrolytes this evening. Maybe add some peas to it.

I used the canner as a steam canner, super cool! Instead of covering jars with water I used only three quarts. That is a huge difference. You can do this in any stock pot as long as you have a way to keep the jars above the water. I put three little jars under the steaming rack and that was perfect. Now I want to make some jelly

 

[igorsMistress]

IM,, I may have answer to why my corn failed last year.
Suspect 2 things.
Planted too early,
Planted too deep.

So here in my area, It is suggest about May 1st, after danger of frost passes.
I mainly grow for decorative purpose, since most of the corn will be stolen by Rocky, Raccoon.

Will be planting Sunflower for same purpose. Most of that gets stolen by my pet squirrels.

There have been reports of raccoons in surrounding areas but we haven’t seen any here. We do have roof rats though. Not nearly as bad since a bunch of fruit trees were cut down and a house built on that lot. They steal stuff though

I know you love the squirrels And the wild birds too I’ve heard coons taste good, but I don’t know that I’d eat one.

 

[cavemanrich]

Well,,,I don't eat coon or possum ether,,,
But do have to live with them. I have to secure my coop at night.

 

[igorsMistress]

Well,,,I don't eat coon or possum ether,,,
But do have to live with them. I have to secure my coop at night.

I’ve heard that folks have had their flock stolen so I’m going to start locking my coop too. I don’t usually, but desperate times…

 

[N F C]

I’ve heard that folks have had their flock stolen so I’m going to start locking my coop too. I don’t usually, but desperate times…

In the past I've read of eggs being stolen from unlocked coops but the way things are getting (and chickens being more difficult to find), it's a good idea to look up your birds.

 

[igorsMistress]

We got a watermelon but when I cut it up it was mealy and not great. I ran all the pulp through my blender and then through a sieve to get the juice. The ducks got some of the pulp with peas in it, the chickens got the ends of the melon and I have more pulp to add to whatever over the summer. I ended up with 3 quarts of juice that I’m using for jelly. First batch is done, I’m looking forward to trying it

If it sets well and tastes good I’m going to give some to the neighbors during the holidays along with whatever else I do over the summer. Apple and fruit punch are on our list, black cherry too.

 

[cavemanrich]

I ended up with 3 quarts of juice that I’m using for jelly. First batch is done, I’m looking forward to trying it

Just curious,, what will you use to create jelly? Unflavored gelatin, or starch??
Let us know how watermelon jelly turns out in flavor. And if you needed to sweeten it any additionally?

 

[igorsMistress]

Just curious,, what will you use to create jelly? Unflavored gelatin, or starch??
Let us know how watermelon jelly turns out in flavor. And if you needed to sweeten it any additionally?

I have learned that probably watermelon jelly isn’t safe. The recipe was not an approved recipe so I don’t recommend making it. You do you.

Here is a recipe for jelly made from juice you buy at the grocery store. You can use pretty much any 100% juice with no additives or added sugar; we got Juicy Juice to try next.

https://www.kraftheinz.com/sure-jell/recipes/501658-sure-jell-grape-jelly

 

[igorsMistress]

Watermelon juice concentrate. A quart of juice plus the sugar gave me three pints, I’ll do the rest tomorrow morning.