Larsen Poultry Ranch - homesteading journey

[SageHill]

Looks like you'll have berries!!
I planted a couple thorn-less boysenberries when we moved in. I've got lots berries! But I'm now feeding them to the chickens - they are basically tasteless to bitter. Thorn-less = tasteless. . I've got a regular boysenberry and it's yummy - just one plant (se far but it's sending out colonies ) only a few berries this year - planted it last year.
I'll rip out the tasteless ones soon.

 

[Mini Horses]

I like boysenberry jam/jelly. It's hard to find. Elderberry, I'm lucky to have those "everywhere" . Couple sizeable patches on farm, lots more close buy I can harvest!! I have it canned, frozen, dehydrated....don't use enough.

 

[Larsen Poultry Ranch]

Hmm, I have a thornless boysenberry I think. I haven't gotten anything from it yet though, I think there's a critter taking them at just under ripe so I don't know what they taste like. I saw a few berries that were red, then next time I was there they were gone.

If the berries are tasteless but not bitter, could you still use them as bulk in a recipe but pair with something more flavorful?

I think I might also have some gooseberries fruiting too, I'm pretty excited for those. I think I got 3 berries last year lol. Maybe I'll get a whole handful this year! I have at least two types of gooseberries, one is more delicate and less thorny, the deer really liked that one.

 

[Ridgetop]

Maybe we should just build a big aviary around the house and garden to keep all these critters out?

LOL If you ever watch HGTV Househunters in Florida, the homes with pools have giant screening all over the patio and pool. Looks like an aviary! They need those screens because of the horrible bugs.

 

[SageHill]

LOL If you ever watch HGTV Househunters in Florida, the homes with pools have giant screening all over the patio and pool. Looks like an aviary! They need those screens because of the horrible bugs.

TRUE !!! We almost moved to FL 40+ years ago -- houses with pools - every single one - the pool area was totally screened in.

 

[Baymule]

Yes! You will have elderberries this year! Figs and everything else won’t be far behind.
My Dad had thornless boysenberries and they were delicious but not very productive.

 

[Bruce]

I have no idea how a rabbit would get through 2x4 no climb fence

Speed and fear near as I can tell. Hit that 2"x4" hole fast and kick hard to force themselves through. Could be our cottontails are smaller than rabbits you might have?

 

[Larsen Poultry Ranch]

I know a young rabbit would be able to get through a 2*4 fence, but not sure about an adult. The cages I keep the domestic rabbits have 1*2 sides and top; baby rabbits can get through that for about the first week of life or so, but not after that to my knowledge.

Hubby retilled the corn zone. He ordered more corn seeds and plans to replant. I'm wondering how we have time and effort to do that but not time to finish the damn garden enclosure because we are supposed to be focusing on getting the roof redone. I guess my plants are just SOL and I wasted a lot of time trying to sprout them from seed. Yet somehow hubby expects the garden to produce veggies when the deer can just wander through whenever they'd like. The gates are STILL not up. But clearly the deer are only getting into the zone because I haven't installed the no see panels on the fence.

 

[Baymule]

This is when you plant your feet like a balky mule and insist on finishing the garden fence. Go on strike, no cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, no nothing—why? BECAUSE YOU ARE FINISHING THE GATDEN FENCE WITH OR WITHOUT HIM. Play the guilt card, there you are, all by yourself, trying to save the garden, trying to feed the family, plus anything else you can think of.
Non-confrontational, not raising your voice, but with a sweet as honey voice and smile, determination, not quitting until it’s done, sure would appreciate his help, and THEN you’ll help him with the corn, but for you, the garden fence comes first and you are going to do it. Period.

 

[farmerjan]

I know a young rabbit would be able to get through a 2*4 fence, but not sure about an adult. The cages I keep the domestic rabbits have 1*2 sides and top; baby rabbits can get through that for about the first week of life or so, but not after that to my knowledge.

Hubby retilled the corn zone. He ordered more corn seeds and plans to replant. I'm wondering how we have time and effort to do that but not time to finish the damn garden enclosure because we are supposed to be focusing on getting the roof redone. I guess my plants are just SOL and I wasted a lot of time trying to sprout them from seed. Yet somehow hubby expects the garden to produce veggies when the deer can just wander through whenever they'd like. The gates are STILL not up. But clearly the deer are only getting into the zone because I haven't installed the no see panels on the fence.

Sometimes you wonder if they have a brain cell in their head... My DS is like that sometimes...There have been a few times that I finally blew my cork... seems like they can only see what THEY want to see and do...
Sorry... I can sympathize.

I would just quit taking care of the garden... say what is the point when the deer just waltz right in the open non-existent gates... and say that to him up front face to face... I had to "lose it" with my son one day when he expected me to just change my work schedule to suit him and I finally had enough... said it was pretty sad that his job was the only one that ever mattered and that I was supposed to just drop everything because my job was unimportant... well, news flash, my job pays my bills and he is not supporting me so sometimes my job is more important than the DA#@ed cows, and what he wants to do...