Wind and rain, with a chance of more wind and rain
We've had an interesting, if not challenging, start to the gardening season this year. At first, we thought that it would be a very dry growing season, as there was very little snow on the ground when the melting began and March really wasn't brining much moisture with it. However, as the first week of summer approached, things changed.
One of the changes we noticed was in the winds. It's been pretty much blowing for the past three months, with maybe a day or two each week having either a very light breeze or being relatively still. Aside from those odd days, here and there, we've had wind and wind gusts. Many days are in the 20km/hr range, with a few in the 30 to 40 range, and then at least a day or two each week with 30 and above with strong gusts of 50 and above. Let's just say, it's been windy.
Also, the rain did show up, but it hasn't really left. We put straw down, between our potato plants, because we thought we'd have to find ways to conserve moisture for the tubers. Well, moisture (at least up until this point) hasn't been a problem. In fact, I'm contemplating whether or not I should remove the straw to let the ground dry up a bit for the potatoes. But, I'm told that as long as they're not sitting in standing water, they should be fine. I'll be keeping my eye on them.
All of this moisture is actually doing the garden well, but what is coming up is getting hammered by the wind on a regular basis. I'm surprised the tomato plants have made it this far. As they get bigger, we may have to put out some trellis work for them, but we'll monitor that, too.
And as for the chickens, well all of the new chicks are growing big and strong. Our first batch of three have now integrated into their new flock and are doing very well. The second batch (of five) have now just started to integrate into their new flock. It's a larger flock and there's been some jockeying around to re-establish the pecking order. But, they're coming along.
Our third back (of five) are still in their brooder, but will be ready for the coop soon. We suspect that a good portion of this bunch are hens. We'll see how well we're getting at identifying hens from roosters, soon.
Hope you're all having a wonderful summer so far and that the weather is cooperating with you in all that you're doing.
Blessings!
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Alan on :
Sounds like the weather has been quite harsh for you. Like you I was expecting a dry summer after what was a mild winter, but we've had heavy rainfall at times too, although not as bad as you. Keep an eye out for any sign of mould or mildew on the straw, as that might affect the potatoes too, and blight too of course.
Glad to see the new members of your hen flock are settling in too.
Take care.
David on :
Yes, good idea; we will keep an eye out for any mould on the straw. I noticed this morning, in a few spots in the grass, mushrooms were sprouting up. Never saw mushrooms out here, in the lawn, before.
Although I've been complaining about the rainy weather, we have been spared major flooding as some parts of the province. So, I should count our blessings, as well. It certainly could be worse.
Thank you for visiting and for taking time to comment. Always nice to hear from you and Ann.
Blessings,
David and Janice.