It’s June and that means pumpkin planting time is here again. Last year we harvested approximately 600 pumpkins sold them at our pumpkin ‘yard-sale’ at our house in Vestavia Hills. We’re calling it a yard-sale in case the police are reading this blog. We don’t want them to show up…
When it looks like a squirrel’s ear
It doesn’t take long for a ‘farmer in training’ to learn that your ‘how-to guide’ is as close as a fellow farmer. THE riddle I am trying to solve for our chestnut orchard is this: -which type(s) of chestnut trees will: 1. Grow best in our Alabama climate 2. Produce…
You’re Gonna Grow What??? how chestnuts chose us
I wasn’t expecting to join an American agricultural renaissance. But in looking back, this tree seemed to choose me. crazy talk, I know, let me explain.. As a new “learning-as-I go” farmer, I wanted to find a high-value crop that didn’t require specialized implements or a tremendous amount of acreage to be…
You Talk Too fast
As I was researching options of things to grow and understanding what exactly the USDA does and can do for me (subsidies anyone?), I reached out to my County Director, Bill Browning. When I sat down with the Bill, I had two pages of handwritten questions. Finally taking a pause in…
I’ve always wanted to be a farmer
Ever since I planted my first radish seeds when I was 6, I was hooked. When the clover-like leaves poked out of the soil, I tore into the house yelling for mama to come see! It seemed like magic. So, yes, I’ve always wanted to be a farmer, ever since my…