As is fitting for an exciting week at the farm, I came down with a cold. It’s just mild enough to impact my stamina, but not bad enough to keep me inside. This is why it is important for me to work as hard as I can when I am able, so that I can slow down when necessary.
Food Production
After some confusing schedule changes, the fence installer was able to come out this week and install all of the posts. After starting, he informed me that the welded wire he had originally quoted for was out of stock, so he was going to use glorified chicken wire instead. I said no – I had a specific vision in mind, as discussed, and that was not it (nor would it keep rabbits and moles out). He was able to find a different supplier, but since it’s being shipped, the wire will be installed next week.
Having the posts in place has made the preparation of the beds a bit easier. The plan is to have eight in-ground beds of approximately 4 by 18 feet, leaving four foot paths between and an eight foot center aisle through which to drive the Gator. Lining the interior will be raised beds for perennials (asparagus, strawberries), garlic, and herbs.
My original goal was to prepare two more beds this weekend, but it was all I could do to complete one. I did, however, haul in extra compost to clean up the first bed, top-dress the potatoes, and plant three more 20 gallon grow bags of sweet potatoes.
Aesthetic Utility
I’ve seen pictures of the original builder-grade kitchen, with white appliances and honey-oak cabinets. The previous owners updated everything (DIY style) a few years ago with stainless appliances, barn-wood-red paint on the cabinets, and hickory butcher block for the countertops. I’m grateful for their updates, but they were double-basin sink people… which I find asinine, if we’re being honest. If you want two basins, you can always put a bucket in the sink… but you cannot take a permanent divider out!
With the plumber coming to eventually do the garden water line, I decided this was a good time to replace the sink with a single basin. I ordered the sink myself, and the plumber came to install it after work this week. Unfortunately for me, the installation of the previous sink was described as “creative”. Essentially, the butcher block is so thick that the previous owner had to construct his own clips to secure the sink. This and other aspects of the installation doubled the time investment from the plumber and, as such, doubled the bill. I’m glad I didn’t try to do it myself, but am annoyed that it cost more than originally expected. I can’t be too mad about it though – being able to use this gigantic, gorgeous sink for years to come will be well worth it.
I’ve saved the best for last. Our 16 baby chicks were delivered from Murray McMurray on June 10th, having been born on June 9th. They are adorable and settling in nicely. Eight will stay here, and the other eight will go to my adopted mom’s house. There are four each of four breeds: Speckled Sussex, Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, and Blue Laced Red Wyandotte.
Moving Forward
I have made the executive decision to set the chicken run project aside and go all-in on garden preparations with the goal of getting the garden planted by July 1st. Since it will be six weeks before the chicks can utilize their run anyway, I will have plenty of time to tackle that project after the garden is in the ground. With two of my ten beds ready to go, it will take approximately 16 full Gator loads of compost to prepare the rest. Each trip takes about 45 minutes to load, dump, and spread – but as I tackle subsequent loads, my stamina decreases and the time increases. So far, I’ve only been able to handle three loads in one day.
I also need to dig the 6 inch trench from the house to the garden (approximately 125 feet) for the water line by Saturday, come hell or high water.
If I’m not insanely fit by the end of this summer…
KC