Seeds of Disappointment

I'm having mixed success with the fall garden. I'm living so far south at the moment that I've decided I need to think of the fall and winter as prime gardening season and not the summer because the harsh heat just seems to bake everything in its desert-like conditions.

To be frugal and to practice my gardening skills, I decided to focus my efforts this fall on sowing seeds instead of investing in more expensive transplant. (Plus the gardening centers in the area don't seem to share my enthusiasm for fall gardening, and the baby vegetable plants are in short supply.)

So here is the range of my results:

Yep, I'm not seeing much sprouting either. I can't seem to get the spinach to cooperate. I've sown two sets of seeds and still almost nothin'.

On the other hand, the green beans seem to be giving it a go:

I'm not sure if they will produce or not, but so far so good.

I have to say this makes me nervous. When I was young, I seemed to have no trouble getting a garden in our back yard to grow even if it were just from seed. I know my current garden plot is a little challenging. There is a large tree that shades the area somewhat. It needs to be removed, and I'm very good with the small electric chain saw, but it's location is so close to the power lines that it is beyond my expertise and comfort level. I'm trying to put sun loving plants in sunnier areas, and I'm trying shade tolerant leafy vegetables in others. We'll see.

A friend of mine said those who get their garden planted are so full of hope. The expectation of a fruitful harvest is all they can think about. But results are another matter. Well, my hope is still here. I'll keep sowing seeds trying to get my fruitful harvest. That's all we can do in life anyway. Keep hoping and working for the best.

First Dozen!

Here it is! Our first dozen eggs! The ladies started laying a week or two ago. With a total of five hens, the most I've found is three eggs in one day. This is so exciting to me. I've been telling everyone whom I think might at least feign interest or at least half-heartedly wish me congratulations. My brother says I may soon have more eggs than I know what to do with. I sure hope so!

With all of the egg-laying activity, it was time to get serious about the grit and oyster shell distribution. I found the idea online to use pvc caps screwed into the legs of the coop. After a quick trip to the hardware store and a few minutes with the power drill, the ladies were set. They quickly figured out the new addition was for them, and they seem to approve of the new set-up.

I can't believe it. Nothing is more peaceful for me than stepping outside after work. letting the chickens out of their fenced yard, and watching them scratch around the larger back yard looking for bugs and eating the grass. This heals my heart and soul. As cheesy as it sounds, I know this is what makes me feel complete, being "close to nature."