From the Northeast to the Southwest, Vermont always works...

From the Northeast to the Southwest, Vermont always works...

Friday, February 24, 2012

Hydroponic Herbs in Winter

In the winter months when the sun is low, this little hydroponic planter works well for herbs. I tried lettuce, spinach, etc with larger leaves, but it did not produce well. The light was not strong enough, so this year we have a light suspended over the tower. At night we place a reflective box around the whole thing to intensify the light. Even though fresh herbs are available locally, this is something to do and fun to watch the growth. It's called a   Vertigro planter . I have chives, rosemary, basil, cilantro and thyme. I am so pleased with this setup now that it is really producing just enough for our meals.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Winter's Workshop


I don't know what we would do without winter to work on new and old projects in the workshop. First we started working on the porch railings for the house, four to do there. Then, new bluebird houses were in order, eight there. And among other things like auto maintenance, my Aunt Helena's ancient garden pixie needed repair, head on with new epoxy there. With bluebirds reported north of us already, we have to move on finishing them soon. When the sugaring starts weeks ahead of time ( such is the case this year), we lose time on the winter projects. I live for the day when we don't have  projects and we can just go off and do whatever for a few weeks. Maybe next year.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Taking Trees Down for More Solar Power

With the open winter so far, John is taking down some tall white (cat) spruce in the swale that cast a shadow (note shadow) on the solar panels when the sun is low. Our neighbor can use the wood with his portable saw mill. The brush will get piled and burned later on. The ashes will go into the compost and onto the plants. That's the plan....

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Ready for winter....

The root cellar is cooling down ever so slowly as the weather has not turned particularly cold. Only two frosts so far. This year's cellar has more experimental products than ever! Canning is a challenge, no wonder I prefer dehydrating things or pickling. The tubs contain locally grown organic beets and carrots, and my two celeriacs. My new's years resolution for 2012 is to eat everything in here by June first when the temperature goes back to 50. We shall see.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Grand Kids

grampy john and the girls
liddy and grampa
ellie and liddy
ceb and the girls