whoa! what a weekend

This fencing project has been on the list for quite some time. Eric was able to get it started Friday after work. Phase 1 was this wooden segment placed about half way down the drive from the mailbox. Mimicking the lay of the land, the tops of each board will be cut later.

From there five-strands barb wire run up the hill behind the garden (phase 2) marking the north property line of MHf. This line joins the pasture where the hen house is located. Future plans are to permanently fence the entire 80 acres breaking it into daily paddocks using temporary electrical fencing (the white lines in the photo above).

Phase 3 was to run electric wire and turn the cows lose in the over-grown area. Eventually this area will be planted with fruit trees and the cows are a wonderful start to amending the soil. In this photo Abiageal and one of the calves joyously munch fresh grass which is about three feet high.

All this in one weekend! Phase 4 was to kick our shoes off and then collapse with a cool glass of water!!

(click on any photo to enlarge)

new uses for radishes

Radishes come and go so quickly, most-commonly used for salads and finger snacks. But did you know the entire plant, from root to green, is edible? Short, round red radishes are quite versatile: add to soup like carrots, roast with meat like onions, or saute with other veggies. Below are a few recipes you may wish to try before the spring radish has expired.

Radish Greens
Internet recipe

radish greens
olive oil
garlic
sea salt *

Clean the greens thoroughly, and then saute in the oil and garlic. Once plated, sprinkle a bit of sea salt over all.

* French Celtic Hand Harvested Sea Salt comes highly recommended by MHf customer Steve J (available at Prairie Harvest in Newton KS).


Rosy Radish Relish
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, Carla Emery

3 c stemmed radishes
2 large ribs celery
1 large mild red onion
2 t salt
1 c sugar
1 T mustard seed
2 T dill seed
1/2 t celery salt
1 c cider vinegar

Put radishes, celery, and onion through the coarse blade of a grinder, or chop them finely. Mix with the remaining ingredients and allow to stand for 3 hours. Bring to a boil in a large pan and cook 5 minutes. Pour hot mixture into half-pint or pint jars, leaving 1/2" headspace. Process in boiling-water bath for 30 minutes. Adjust times for altitudes greater than 1000' above sea level.


Braised Radishes
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, Carla Emery

2 T butter
2 c sliced radishes
1 bouillon cube
1/4 c hot water or beef broth
1/8 t ground marjoram
salt

Melt butter is saucepan, add radishes, and cook 5 minutes. Stir frequently. Dissolve bouillon in hot water or broth, add to radishes, and simmer 3-4 minutes. Add marjoram and serve as a hot vegetable.


If you decide to try any of these recipes, please let us know how you liked it. Just leave a comment on this post. Enjoy!

garden progress

Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, melons, cucumbers, and beans made their way to the garden last week. Countless hours were spent weeding. As the weather allows, radishes and peas will be harvested this week.

This week's rainy forecast is a much-appreciated break from outdoor activities.

This photo was taken a month ago, but chosen to keep us mindful of warmer days!

(click on photo to enlarge)

traveling chickens

We like to think of this as a fine example of concurrent planning.

Chicks slated for the butcher block travel about the yard via portable forage pens (MHf's version of Amtrak). Each day, the group is moved to fresh ground giving them access to new grass, unsuspecting bugs, and wiley weeds. Getting up and actually having to walk somewhere is not their idea of a good time; however, they thoroughly enjoy their new surroundings. While feed is provided 24/7, in no way does it diminish the effect foraging has on the taste of the meat. Fantastic!

The hidden plan is that this slope will one day be home to brambles and/or vines. Leaving the waste from these critters adds vital nutrients to the soil. Allowing the older birds to scratch the previous grazing patch just speeds the process. If you look closely at the ground in the forefront, you'll notice a definite line where the pen sat several weeks ago.

Healthy soil = healthy plants. It's a win-win situation!

(click on the photo to enlarge)