#planningforabundance

[akwardkisses]

After all the pumpkins were slaughtered I picked out all the seeds and cleaned them up. These will be dried and saved for planting, do you think I saved enough? I might have to plant pumpkins in my neighbors yard. Do you think they'll notice? When I finished cleaning I took the pumpkin guts out to Charlie and Gladys. Anytime I have treats they go to Charlie and Gladys first. I know I didn't get every last seed so I'm sure I'll have pumpkins popping up in interesting places next year. Happy Sunday my friends. Stay safe, stay well. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #gardening #seeds #seedsaving #nextyearsgarden #planningforabundance #plantsomething #growwhatyoueat #eatwhatyougrow #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGyecYTgYEX/?igshid=tl7nlzhl0pu0

[akwardkisses]

The gardens are green and thriving and the doodles are getting bigger by the minute. Look at them, you can see them growling. Today the weather was idyllic. My plants could use some rain but I'm counting my blessings. The garlic, rhubarb, lettuce and potatoes are doing really well and I think I'll have some peas before long. They're my favorite. Every year my gardens teach me something. This year they taught me that I might have gotten carried away with the lettuce. Just a touch. I'm still a newbie in this zone, I've never had it do so well before. It's a lovely problem to have. I wish I could share more of it. Happy Thursday my friends. I hope this evening finds you all happy, healthy and safe. #poverty_hill #homestead #gardening #gardendreams #playwithyourfood #planningforabundance #duckydoodles #ducklings #ducksofinstagram #stayathomeduckmom #crazyducklady #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBmUIZEggNQ/?igshid=qulxw3ubvcsj

[akwardkisses]

Here for your enjoyment is the latest rendition of why women live longer than men. Now I have a pretty good idea that all the women reading this just collectively rolled their eyes far enough back in the heads so as to be rendered temporarily blind, because you've all seen something similar in person. Meanwhile most of the men are still trying to figure out what is wrong with the picture. I'm not going to tell them either. Now in his defense he did hang my drying rack where it is easily accessible and yet out of the way. I also didn't know anything about this until much later when I got the picture sent to me. I can't fault the results and I am not ungreatful. Now he's pointed out several times that he used 2x10 boards, and I just nodded my head as if that would have made any difference to the heart attack of him falling down those stairs whilst on the ladder. I'm going to do my best to focus on the drying rack and not how badly he could have hurt himself. That drying rack has a 3-ft diameter, it is huge. Hopefully this year I won't have to dry onions and herbs on a board balanced on top of feed cans. That's the plan anyway. Although with any luck I will have more than I can fit on the drying rack. Wouldn't that be lovely? Have a wonderful Tuesday my friends, stay safe. #poverty_hill #homestead #whywomenlivelongerthanmen #gardening #planningforabundance #foodsecurity #foodpreservation #insuranceagainsthardtimes #thankyoujohn #yourestillcrazy #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGDkHAg1q8/?igshid=1pg288qgb5zwy

[akwardkisses]

So it begins... I only planted two zucchini plants that I had to pick up at the store because something killed the first ones. I planted them late thinking that if I got anything from them it would be well worth it. I wasn't expecting much so when I saw those first blossoms I celebrated just a little bit. Then the plants got bigger, there were more blossoms, and the zucchini started coming. Zucchinis that were four inches long one day were twice that by the next day and I had to pick them quickly. I've given zucchini to the neighbors and to my parents and I'm still left with this growing pile of goodness that I can't keep up with. This is just the beginning of the tomatoes as well, there are many more on the vines waiting to ripen. Just so we are clear, I am not complaining, I am humbled by my good fortune. I'm going to spend the day looking for ways to preserve zucchini and maybe I'll think of a few more people to give some to. It's always enjoyable to spread the wealth. I am always happy to share, but I don't deliver. Happy Sunday my friends, may your days be blessed with abundance just as mine are. Stay safe, stay well. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #garden #gardening #pottager #pottagergarden #kitchengarden #growingallthethings #absolutelyorganic #frugalliving #planningforabundance #wastenothing #wastenotwantnot #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #simplepleasures #realfood #slowfood #slowliving #trulyblessed #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg9xsr8u4dd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[akwardkisses]

Just like that we got a hard freeze and tomato season was over. Now I have to find something to do with all of these. Maybe relish. Yes I've already given some away, and more are going to the neighbors tomorrow. The rest are for my pantry. I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did, it's been a strange year. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #tomatoes #greentomatoes #gardening #slowfood #realfood #frugalliving #wastenotwantnot #gardenersofinstagram #planningforabundance #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #puttinguptheharvest #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGjJdcLglqP/?igshid=bwlfz5vfajru

[akwardkisses]

My first three seed orders have come in and I'm waiting for a few more. We decided to go ahead and order our spring seeds now to avoid a potential shortage later like we saw this past spring. It would be a terrible thing to have all these gardens and nothing to plant in them. The goal is to keep expanding. Not that that would happen, I like to hoard seeds so I can pile them up and sleep on them like a dysfunctional dragon. Well not literally, actually they're in a drawer but you get what I'm saying. Every year we till up a bit more, and since we use a modified till once/ back to eden system that is the absolute hardest work in the garden. We also top dress with well composted chicken manure and I absolutely stand by it. Nothing I've ever used has worked better than what we get from our birds naturally tempered by time Then we much heavily, and I mean heavily, with either straw or well composted wood chips. I'm really excited about a few of these seeds, but none more so than the tumbling tom tomatoes that I ordered from Valley View Ranch on Etsy. These will be in hanging baskets on my front porch and I got both the yellow and red varieties. The pictures I've seen are gorgeous and make these seem like prolific producers. Pair that with the magical golden light of my front porch and I am expecting miracles next year. So yes I'm already planning next year's spring garden, truth be told I'm already thinking about next year's fall garden. I really enjoy extending my season. Have I mentioned that I love my gardens? I'm pretty sure you didn't know right? Because I never talk about gardening 😉. Wait till I get bees, then you'll never shut me up. It will happen. What do you mean you can't shut me up now? Have an absolutely delightful fall day my friends. Stay safe, stay well. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #garden #gardening #gardenersofinstagram #seeds #seedorders #migardener #valleyviewranch #tumblingtomtomatoes #planningahead #seedhoarding #planningforabundance #plantsomething #playwithyourfood #slowfood #realfood #growwhatyoueat #eatwhatyougrow #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAyV6gAHOM/?igshid=9qu1xad1z0vw

[akwardkisses]

Today's excitement was jelly. I made four batches. Two of apple and two of orange. Both are delicious and so pretty. Mom has already decided she wants one of each. I'm going to start calling her the IRS, for obvious reasons. 😉 John harvested the carrots, potatoes and a few green beans. The carrots did fine and there will be many more beans but the potatoes are pretty much a failure this year. We got just under 15 lbs. I'll clean them up and can them so it won't be a total loss but we should have had a lot more. They'll have to wait though because my dough board is full of jelly, my sink is full of muddy carrots and I have to do another bushel of tomatoes tomorrow. I don't know when I'll get to the potatoes, carrots and dilly beans. If it weren't for the pandemic I'd be roping my daughter into helping. Oh and I still need to dehydrate kale and tomato skins. I hope you all had a beautiful Monday, stay safe, stay well. I need a nap. #poverty_hill #homestead #jelly #canning #canningjars #carrots #potatoes #greenbeans #homemade #homegrown #stockingtheshelves #stockingupforwinter #stockingup #stockingthepantry #projectpantry2020 #puttinguptheharvest #planningforabundance #plantsomething #playwithyourfood #slowfood #realfood #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #keepingtheoldwaysalive #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuv0LTgL-l/?igshid=1qtbhba3di71g

[akwardkisses]

Obviously today was a canning day. There will be many more in the days to come. I made homemade chicken stock and canned it, garlic dill refrigerator pickles, and orange jelly. The pickles are made with my homegrown cucumbers and garlic. The orange jelly was an experiment. I've never done this kind before, but it's really good and I'm definitely going to make more. Tomorrow I might make apple jelly or maybe syrup. Homemade apple syrup over hot buttery sourdough pancakes is something special and not to be missed. Maybe I'll make some this weekend. I think it might be bedtime soon, it's been a long day. #poverty_hill #homestead #canning #canningseason #canningday #projectpantry #stockingtheshelves #stockingupforwinter #stockingthepantry #busydaysarethebestdays #refridgeratorpickles #garlicdill #harvestseason #planningforabundance #ruralpa #keeperoftheoldways #simplelife #countryliving #slowliving #stayinghome #stayinghealthy #makingmyownfun #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkb0vogoUH/?igshid=122a67j8iuf33

[akwardkisses]

After years of wishing and planning we are finally getting milk from right here on the homestead. This is such a big deal for me, I've wanted milk goats for over a decade. Ever since I first found out that I only have problems with cow's milk. For some reason I have no problems with goat's milk and that is a real blessing. Lucy gives me a little more than half a pint every morning. That will increase when the babies are fully weaned and I begin milking in the evening. I know it's not much but it's enough for now and next year when the doelings are in milk too I'll get far more. Now is the time to establish routines, gather tools and learn new skills because there's cheese making in my future. Oh and I am finally getting cucamelons! This is my first year growing these adorable little things and I honestly thought I had failed because it's taken forever to get even the hint of fruit. They are adorable, look like little tiny watermelons, and I have no idea what they taste like because I haven't had one yet. Soon though. John finally got the chance to harvest the onions and the shallots and now they are with the garlic drying on the back porch. It smells amazing out there although it is a little overwhelming on a warm day. The last picture is of a plant that is growing all over my garden. It's called ground ivy and is an edible member of the mint family. I did not plant this stuff, it's growing wild. I'm not mad about it though. The garden just keeps on giving. In fact I have to keep a close eye on it because it's been raining and things could get out of hand quickly. #poverty_hill #homestead #garden #gardening #gardenersofinstagram #kitchengarden #potager #potagergarden #plantsomething #planningforabundance #harvesting #growwhatyouneed #playwithyourfood #ruralpa #countryliving #slowliving #simplelife #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZJn9LA6py/?igshid=1e9p43a97db5g

[akwardkisses]

We continue to be surprised at the bounty coming out of the gardens. As you can see I have summer squash and cucumbers for days and this picture was taken after I had already given some away. I might have to make some fridge pickles. The garlic has been harvested and is drying on the back porch. I think I should put some of it in my pickles. When John hung that drying rack for me this past spring I admit I never thought we'd fill it because it just looks huge. I am happily wrong though. We haven't even harvested the onions or shallots yet and there's only one tray available. We have purple bell peppers, poblano's, and cayenne doing well in the greenhouse. Tomatoes too, including my favourite Cherokee purples. Oh, and the corn is tasseling. I really hope it does well because I want to grow a lot more of it next year. I kind of want to try growing my own popcorn. Doesn't that sound fun? Of course there are flowers blooming all over the place and that makes me very happy. I think they'll do better next year too. I'm still on the hunt for peonies though. This gardening stuff might be a little bit addictive y'all. It's fine though. I can quit anytime I want. Why are you laughing? Have a beautiful Tuesday my friends. Stay well, stay safe. #poverty_hill #homestead #gardening #gardenharvest #planningforabundance #stayathomeplantmom #gardenersofinstagram #monstercucumbers #growyourownfood #playwithyourfood #plantsomething #ruralpa #countryliving #slowliving #simplelife #stayinghome #fridgepickles #homegrowngarlic #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMof_hgQA5/?igshid=5mz1t601ed2g

[akwardkisses]

Yesterday was a garden day. We harvested kale, green onions, cucumbers, summer squash and of course the ever present eggs. John attempted to tame our rogue cucumber plants, they're trying to sprawl all over the northwest corner of the kitchen garden. It's better but it's still not really civilized. When I say plants I mean three, this is only three plants. I think next year the cucumbers might need to go on the cattle panel trellis because the little one they're on this year is clearly struggling to hold up that monster. I'm getting so much kale now that I'm both freezing and dehydrating just to keep pace. It's going to be so good in soups this winter. The pok choy and radish seedpods have been pulled and are in the back porch dryer that John risked life and limb to hang for me this past spring. I should have plenty of seed from that. I didn't plan it that way but since it bolted anyway I took the opportunity to harvest my own seed that has been acclimated to my particular area. The cleared beds have been replanted with mustard greens, lettuce, bok choy, snow peas, fennel, broccoli, and beets for the greens. We're just waiting for some decently dry weather to harvest the garlic and shallots. Lots of plants have not only blossoms but quite a few little green veggie babies. Including the pumpkins. Y'all I've got adorable little pumpkin babies. I'm stupid happy about that. Every year I see all the beautiful pictures and videos of other people's gardens and I forget that they are in much warmer areas. I start thinking that my poor little garden isn't doing well but the reality is that I'm just a month behind them and I've over planted and mine is about to explode. I'm trying to keep that in mind this year but I may have still over planted. I'm not bothered too much though because I tend to favor intensive organic planting and good soil health over conventional methods anyway. Happy Thursday my friends, I hope you're all safe and well and happy. #poverty_hill #homestead #garden #gardening #gardenupdate #gardenharvest #planningforabundance #playwithyourfood #plantbabies #explotionoflife #countryliving #ruralpa #slowliving #myhappylife #myhappyplace (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_ZSpYAWOW/?igshid=19fu7gu7nyla9

[akwardkisses]

It was another scorcher in Pennsylvania today but a garden waits for no one so out I went. °94 and 45% humidity doesn't make me particularly energetic or happy. I'm pretty sure by the time I made it back in I could have offended a goat if I'd had one. You don't have to always be happy about it though, you just have to get it done. I may not appreciate this heat but my gardens sure do. I thought I was done with the scapes this year but I got even more from the shallots and the garlic today. They just keep giving. I made it down to the hoop house today and we've got little baby tomatoes starting and blossoms on the peppers. I am so excite! I know the carrots are small but they needed thinned and I hate to waste them. Small veggies are still delicious and aren't those colors gorgeous? I even got a handful of beet greens, I thougt I'd lost them all to the great chicken incident of 2020 but apparently they're making a comeback. Brave little beets. I did bring in a nice little selection of veggies to be added to dinner tonight. I'll be grilling them with a Palumbo's steak after it cools off a bit outside, we may even eat out there if the bugs leave us alone. I've already got the wine chilling so that'll help considerably. #poverty_hill #homestead #garden #gardening #gardenharvest #gardenlife #beetgreens #scapes #onions #carrots #greenoniond #tomatobabies #soexcite #greatchickenincidentof2020 #summer2020 #planningforabundance #playwithyourfood #growyourownfood #growsomething #grilling #stayinghome #howwedoit #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCZZajGgnC6/?igshid=m866691sdip4

[akwardkisses]

Whilst picking up materials for the next project John stopped by the plant hospice section of Lowe's for me. He is very much my enabler. He found me roses, in red, yellow and pink. Two lilac bushes, and a nectarine tree. My cup overfloweth. To thank him I made a half gallon of cold brew coffee, if you love coffee and haven't tried this yet why the heck not? It's so easy and so good. Get in the kitchen and make some, consider this peer pressure. You'll thank me. As you may know I've had to keep the birds fenced in lately because there's been a fox hanging around. He'd already taken many of my birds before I had the electric fencing and today we discovered that he's been trying to dig his way into the coop since he couldn't get past the fence. We were forced to move the fence so it protected the coop at night, that entails moving it at dusk which isn't nearly as much fun as you'd think. I understand he's just trying to survive and I don't want to hurt him, I just wish he'd move on and stop killing my birds. I don't want to keep them fenced in anymore. The ticks are coming back. At least the gardens are doing well, and Sammy is still my little shadow. All in all it was a pretty good day. Take care my friends. #poverty_hill #homestead #plantbabies #plantsmakemehappy #planthospice #planthoarder #crazyplantlady #stayathomeplantmom #gardening #plantsomething #planningforabundance #coffee #coldbrew #simplepleasures #slowliving #simplelife #stayathomedogmom #keeperoftheoldways #ruralpa #sammy #pommeranian #pomsofinstagram #lovemypom #hesmybestboy #myhappyplace #myhappylife #countryliving (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCH0FKRgpVb/?igshid=117y3zx8k3tsa

[akwardkisses]

Don't you just love these warm summer days? I'm still getting bunches of baby romaine, and lots of eggs. My beans are looking great and I'm just waiting for the peas to fill out a bit more before I start picking them. I even have garlic scapes, I use the small tender ones cut up in salads but I think I'm going to dehydrate the larger ones this year for garlic powder. The radishes and pok choy that bolted are starting to form seed heads. Soon I'll be able to collect the seed from those then I can pull them out to make way for the carrots, parsnips and kale. I'm going to try a fall planting of pok choy in the hoop house and see how that goes. Every garden is an adventure,and it's different every single year. I love waking through seeing the changes from day to day. Between the house, the gardens, and the livestock there's plenty to do but when I get the chance I like to sit on my porch and watch my little solar fountain. Yes I know it's not fancy, but I like it and that's good enough. Everything is just so full of life right now and it makes me so happy. I hope something is making you happy my friends, stay safe. #poverty_hill #homestead #gardenharvest #gardening #gardenlife #gardensofinstagram #planningforabundance #harvesting #beautyiswhereyoufindit #thisisthegoodlife #ruralpa #slowliving #countryliving #stayinghome #homebody #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBylEkkAFmn/?igshid=1m6qx0z7a34et

[akwardkisses]

I've got peas! They're still pretty small but they're so sweet and delicious. I can't wait till I can start harvesting. #poverty_hill #homestead #gardening #playwithyourfood #planningforabundance #slowliving #stayinghome #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBo3PupgfxT/?igshid=sf5poe1ehuc2

[akwardkisses]

Today's harvest from the garden is lettuce and onion scapes. Onion scapes can be used just like green onions in all kinds of things. It feels a bit early to be harvesting anything but I've got more lettuce than I could possibly use. Plenty to share, which is what I'll be doing. My poor neighbors thought I sent a lot of eggs their way, wait till they see all the lettuce. Once they beg for mercy I'll probably dehydrate what I can't use and add it into my green powder. It's a rare dish that can't be improved with a few dehydrated greens. They're best fresh of course. Store bought simply cannot compete. Am I turning into a veggie snob? Maybe... If I am in not sorry. Happy Thursday my friends. I hope this beautiful day finds you all safe, well and happy. #poverty_hill #homestead #gardening #freshveggies #onionscapes #lettuce #playwithyourfood #planningforabundance #sharingiscaring #howwedoit #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife #simplefood #realfood #simplelife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBTsdQRAP2b/?igshid=1sp3wuk0z9ett