Our Little Coop

The Pocket Hose. Kevin's Review

2013-06-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

As the Pocket Hose promises:

"The Hose That Fits In A Pocket But Grows To A Full Size Hose".

Now let me start by saying this, "Time will tell". The reason Im going to start at this point is because I have been scouring the internet reading other peoples reviews and they are less than promising. I have only owned this hose for a couple of days, and have not had any of the problems listed but I do in fact have my doubts:

"Plastic end pieces crack or leak"

"Hose develops pin holes and drips"

"Hose, if left full of water under pressure, will burst"

The Pocket Hose expanding garden hose

What I do love about the Pocket Hose, and the reason for my write up , is the fact it is super light and very easy to manage around the yard. The Pocket Hose has yet to tangle or kink, and stores super easy in a flower pot sitting right by your hose bib. If this thing lasts, I plan on purchasing a couple more....

Cheers ~ Kevin

My Luck with Growing Green Arrow peas

2013-06-06T09:11:00.001-05:00

Green Arrow Peas garden bed, flower, pea pod.

The weather this Spring has been a little crazy. We just recently experienced some nasty winds that blew through our area and had lasted just long enough to do a little bit of damage to some of our gardens. Fortunately it didn't completely ruin everything but that is part of a gardeners life: Dealing with the unexpected.

Last year was so hot, so early, I had a terrible time trying to grow one of my favorite vegetables. Green arrow peas are "usually" one of the easiest to grow but for some reason I haven't had much luck. So you can understand the joy I had this morning when I went out and saw some pods hanging from the vines! I have another area in the yard which I plan on sowing a different variety of pea there and hope it goes well.

Cheers ~ Kevin

How to find wild asparagus...

2013-06-04T19:35:00.000-05:00

...is like googling how to locate the best fishing spot on a specific lake. Its a guarantee you will come up empty handed. So how does one find the "How-to" when it comes to foraging for the elusive spears? Take a hike!

The author carefully planning his next move.

No really, get your shoes on and start searching. However I warn you now, it is much easier to stop at the local grocery and buy a bundle of asparagus then spending hours coming back with only a few. So why do it? Why get out and do anything? Why do hunters hunt when our local deli's are stocked with fresh meat? Why do fisherman spend all day trying to catch a couple fish to make a meal when the market has pounds upon pounds of freshly caught or farm raised fish? I dunno, but what brought me on this adventure for the first time was the experience. Hell, we only live once and I want to say I have "hunted for asparagus" along with the other adventures I still wish to experience.

An asparagus shoot, past its prime.

*See that beauty right there is what I was looking for. I thought it screamed "Hey dummy. Right below me in this grass is a bounty of fresh spears". Boy was I wrong...

Some kind of skull. Possibly a T Rex?

Nothing. Nada. Zip. The search continued. I scoured the ditches along a looong gravel utility road and came across a very similar scenario every single time. I started to doubt my eye sight. I started to doubt my timing. I even started to doubt what I saw standing tall and proud was asparagus. Of course it was, but those long walks have you questioning a lot when you are empty handed. But I wasn't. I started noticing a pattern right about the same time I had to get back to my daily routine. So where were the asparagus? I was looking in the right spots: along the road in ditches, along old fence lines, and at the edges of farm fields. What I had found in almost every case was a few tall asparagus standing tall and proud not because they were marking the location of their fellow spears, but letting me know I missed the opportunity to a bunch of "asparagus hunters" whom had combed these grounds before me! I was late to the game but it all wasn't a waste. After heavy rains, asparagus roots will send up new shoots. In some cases these new shoots will grow 6" in a single day. If my research is correct, they stop sending up shoots around the second week of June in my area. I am not a veteran hunter, but I do plan on combing these few asparagus patches I came across again in a couple of days.

What do I have to lose?

Wild Columbine

Health benefits of Asparagus

Cheers ~ Kevin

Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers

2013-06-02T20:36:00.000-05:00

Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers

Ingredients:

Fresh Pesto:

1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
1/2 pecans
pinch of salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan
1 tablespoon orange juice

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 lb bag of mini sweet peppers
4 oz goat crumbled goat cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Leaving the stem, cut off the bottom of the pepper and scoop the seeds out with your finger (may take a little digging).
Stuff the peppers with goat cheese, place on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the peppers are soft.
Remove peppers from the oven, plate, and spoon fresh pesto over the top of each pepper.
Enjoy!

Whats "growing on" during the last week of May....

2013-06-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

We began this week remembering those who had lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. Emily and I both, come from families that have had many fighting men and women who have served in various branches of the armed forces and we are very grateful for them......

Author Kevin McGrath circa:1997

I myself "did a little time" as a Marine and can relate to how much sacrifice is necessary to keep our beloved country free. As a matter of fact, on this date (June 2nd) almost 20 years ago, I placed my feet on the ground where so many have before me and swore an oath and committed to those sacrifices.

Most of us know of, or have had someone close to them who have lost their life in battle.

As the saying goes about all service men and women:

"All gave some - but some gave all".

Some of the brave men I had the privilege of knowing.

Most families and friends spent this past week barbecuing, partying or just enjoying the time off of work. Memorial Day does "earmark" the beginning of summer. I can only hope you have, as my family has, taken the time to remember those who have been lost and reflected a little bit on your own life and the privileges you have.

Emily & Beckman

(left to right) Autumn, Devin & Me

One of the greatest privileges I have, is being with my family and having the time to garden. See for me being in the garden is more than just growing beautiful flowers or the biggest of vegetables. It is more like therapy and a place where I can escape to and leave all my worries behind.

Autumn Grace

There is nothing I enjoy more than to walk our very small piece of earth and witness the beauty of the plants we have growing. This is my time to reflect on life and the decisions I have made.

I hope you enjoy our walk...

Sage

Coreopsis

5 color swiss chard

"Autumn Joy" sedum

Burning bush

Celery

Raspberry bushes

Potted tea rose

Iris

Tomato plants

Raspberry blossoms

Pansies in window box

Pansy and coleus flowers in window box

Herb Sage flowers in bloom

Zebra ornamental grass

Our Front Porch

storm clouds

Beckman enjoying his bubbles.

Cheers ~ Kevin

A Morning On The "Farm"

2013-05-22T16:29:00.003-05:00

Our Little Coop Household Binder Free Printables {Monthly Bills}

2013-05-22T16:04:00.001-05:00

For those of you creating a Household Binder for your family, here are your free printables of the week!

This weeks printables include:

Monthly Bills

All printables this week belong under the Budget & Financial Divider.

Monthly Bill Pay - January-june Copy by Emily Maneck McGrath

Our Little Coop Monthly Bill Pay - July-Dec Copy by Emily Maneck McGrath

More Helpful Links & Free Printables:
Creating a Household Binder
Cover Sheet and Divider Sheets
Weekly Schedule
Monthly Calendars

Get 'em while the gettin' is good! Free seed flats and pots at a store near you!

2013-05-09T12:49:00.002-05:00

Alright as the saying goes, it isn't stealing if they are throwing it away and you ask permission to take. As so many people rush to their local garden centers and buy up all kinds of vegetables and flowers, they are leaving behind a very valuable resource. And your closest friends and family?!? They are even more guilty. But you need to take action. Now while you can! haha

Dear friends and family,
YOU ARE NOW PUT ON NOTICE! When you are finished planting all of your veggies and annuals, save me the trays and 4" pots. Please......

Grab what you can and keep for next year. If you can, save some for your fellow gardeners. Do not let these babies end up in some landfill. ugh...

Cucumber seedlings in some freebie 4" pots

Just this year, I nabbed some 4" inch pots from my brother before he threw them out and used them to start some cucumbers. After they are planted out in the garden, I'll use them probably 5 more times. Re-use, Reduce, Recycle.

Cheers ~ Kevin

Now is the Time to plant Thyme.

2013-05-09T12:03:00.002-05:00

Thyme seeds courtesy of Mike The Gardener

Over the years we have always had some type of thyme growing around our home. And for good reason! We use a lot of thyme for cooking. Im not sure it is true, but I consider thyme somewhat of an "evergreen" type plant. Well, at least for the most part. I can remember in years past, brushing snow from the area where our thyme plants were growing, to reveal its emerald beauty, and to snip some off for for something cooking on the stove.

Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in temples believing it was a source of courage. Romans used thyme to purify their rooms and to flavor cheese and liqueurs. At various point throughout time, thyme was used as an incense and placed on coffins during funeral, as it was supposed to insure passage into the next life. Source:Wikipedia

How one "should" plant thyme.

Back in February, I had received a packet of non GMO thyme seeds as a part of Seeds of the Month Club. Today Im finally planting them.

Thyme seeds are quite small and require a little concentration when handling.

Thyme seeds are pretty small. A little attention to detail is needed when sowing. As a side note, I have had much success starting thyme in seed flats or sprinkling the tiny seeds on top of potting soil in an old flower pot. Think "edible accent".

But as usual, I dare to be different... Since thyme seeds do not require much when sowing, sprinkling over an area you wish for it to grow can also be a lot of fun! Just remember to lightly tap or step them into the soil to prevent them either washing or blowing away.

I would love to hear how you have either used or grown thyme. Please leave a comment below! :)

Cheers! ~ Kevin

The Seeds of the Month club by Mike the Gardener is a fun and inexpensive way to to receive various seeds of your own in the mail. For more information, please check out my other article:

Seeds of The Month Club

Mexican Seitan Pizza

2013-04-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight was one of those "What do you want for dinner?" "I don't care" "We have nothing to eat" kind of nights. So I looked to see what we had and found a pizza crust, an almost empty jar of salsa, and some seitan that I keep forgetting to cook. So I threw this little number together. It was delicious.

Ingredients:

1 store bought pizza crust
1/4 cup of salsa
1/4 cup of ranch dressing
1/2 onion chopped
1 small tomato chopped
1/2 can of black beans
6 oz ground seitan
1/2 can of corn kernels
8oz shredded mexican cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Pour salsa and ranch dressing onto your pizza crust and smooth/mix with the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle onions, tomatoes, black beans, seitan and corn over the top of your sauce.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes.
Enjoy!

Composting With The Worm Factory 360 (overview and setup)

2013-04-26T08:02:00.002-05:00

When I hear the term "worm compost" it brings back memories of a friend who used to use the term "worm dirt" as a way to describe someone less than desirable. Whether you use the term worm compost, worm dirt, worm castings or worm poo, all are referring to the same thing : Vermicompost!

Worm Factory 360 Cover

The Worm Factory Composting Accessories (included)

"Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms to create a herterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. Vermicast, also called worm castings, worm humos or worm manure, is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by an earthworm. These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than do organic materials before vermicomposting. Containing water-soluble nutrients, vemicompost is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting."Wikipedia

Worm Factory 360 base and cover

Recently I was given the opportunity to take one of these vermicomposters for a test drive and it is living up to its promise and beginning to produce some yummy..er.. worm dirt!

Well my vegetable plants will sure think so!

The composter I am using in the illustrations below, is the Worm Factory 360 sold at Rainbow Worms. In a later post, I will do a more thorough review but for now I wanted to show you all just how easy this unit is to set up.

The first step in assembling the Worm Factory 360 is to drop in the "worm ladder". This piece is critical to ensure any worms that fall through the bottom tray of the composter can crawl back up to its food source.

Installing Worm Factory 360 "worm ladder"

(4) Trays come with the Worm Factory 360

The Worm Factory 360 comes with 4 trays which will be added as time goes by. In the beginning, you only need to put down one. The first tray fits perfectly into the Worm Factory base.

Placing first tray onto Worm Factory base

We now need to add a base layer, bedding, and food. (Think lasagna) First down is 2 layers of news paper. After neatly placing the layer of newspaper in the tray of the Worm Factory 360, you will need to add the bedding.

Adding (2) layers of newspaper in bottom of tray

A coir brick is included in the supplies and you will need one half to start with.

Break apart coir brick

To ready the coir brick for your Worm Factory, you will need to let it soak in approximately 3 cups of warm water and aid in breaking apart the fibrous material with your hands.

Soak and break up

Tightly squeeze out any excess water from the coir.

Wring out water

Evenly spread the moist coir on top of the newspaper base.

Spread a layer of wet coir to Worm Factory 360 tray

The next step is to add some pumice to the bedding. I sprinkled it evenly over the coir and lightly mixed it in.

Sprinkle pumice on top of coir

Adding a mix of your own semi-composted material is advised. Although you will be adding food scraps for the worms to feed on, this will be an alternative source they will appreciate. If you do not have any compost, go outside and look under some old bushes, in yours or a neighbors yard, and you will likely find some old leaves from the previous Fall.

Add organic material

A good source of organic material can be found in old leaves under your bushes.

Now is the time to add your first supply of kitchen food scraps. The manufacturer recommends initially putting it into 2 corners (as pictured).

Add kitchen scraps to the Worm Factory 360's corners

A mix of old greens, banana peel and finely chopped carrots

The next and final step in assembling your Worm Factory 360 is to add a layer of shredded paper. (Again this is provided)

Add a layer of shredded newspaper to your composter

Ready for the fun part!? We get to add the worms! There are a couple options for worms on the Rainbow Worms website, but from my research, the best are he Red Wigglers.

(purchased separately)

Red wigglers going in!

Slowly add the worms into the center of the tray.

Place worms in the center of the tray

After all of your worms have been added, gently cover them with some of the shredded paper.

Tuck your worms in and leave them be for 3 days.

Place the cover on your Worm Factory 360 and walk away. Let nature take it course. In 3 days, you can remove the cover and check on the progress of your worms. By this point, they should have all moved from the center and to either of the two corners with the food scraps.

Follow up with your worm compost in 3 days to make sure all worms have moved towards the kitchen scraps

As with gardening, composting with worms takes a little bit of time but the payoff is huge. The vermicompost I eventually harvest will be used in a compost tea brewer. Another great way to use it, is to lightly scratch into the dirt around your trees, ornamentals and any other plants and veggies you have growing. At a later date, I will follow up with my progress.

Cheers ~ Kevin

*Update June 15, 2013

Update on my Worm Factory 360 June 13, 2013

Since starting up this vermicomposter, I ended up with approximately 2100 red worms total! I have been adding kitchen scraps, maple tree seeds (helicopters) and peat. On some days I have had to add a little sprinkle of water because things were looking a little too dry. The bottom reservoir is full of compost tea which I will be sprinkling around my garden plants and trees. I have started working on a second tray which I have added on top of the first and the worms are slowly finding their way there. Now I am a little impatient, but by now I thought 2000 worms would have totally consumed everything in this box. Not exactly the case...

To purchase your own Worm Factory 360 contact:

RAINBOW WORMS

Toll Free 877-280-5665

Rainbow Worms

1119 Via Los Trancos

San Lorenzo, CA 94580

Le Bleu Peep's Breed of the Week : The Isbar

2013-04-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

Isbar

Around 1950 a Swedish Catholic monk named Martin Silverudd was toying around with Rhode Island chicken genetics and created a stunning silver feathered breed what is now called the "Isbar" (pronounced 'ice bar'). Silverudds goal was to create an auto-sexing breed that laid a high volume of unusually colored eggs.

Click HERE for more information!

Seed To Table: Bean Bush - Calypso

2013-04-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

"Whether you call them Calypso, the Yin Yang bean because of its unique design or the orca bean because it looks like a tiny killer whale, this unusual dry bean is pretty and delicious. Each bean has black and white markings with a contrasting dot. Cooked beans have a smooth texture and mild flavor that takes on the flavors in your favorite soup or stew. Each pod produces 4-5 seeds."

When to sow outside:

1 to 2 weeks after last frost when soil begins to warm

When to start inside:

Not recommended

Special Germination Instructions:

Seeds germinate best in warm soil

Planting Guidelines:

Days to emerge: 3-10 days

Seed depth: 1"

Seed Spacing: 2 seeds every 4"

Row Spacing: 18"-36"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 plant every 4"

Check back for updates on our Calypso Beans!

For more Seed to Table journeys, click HERE

Seed To Table: Swiss Chard - Five Color Silverbeet

2013-04-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

"Swiss Chard - Five Color Silverbeet is an improved color mix that provides beautiful shades of red, yellow, pink, orange and white stems topped with green or dark maroon leaves, often with contrasting deep red veins. Not only colorful, the stems and leaves provide delicious flavor packed with nutrition."

When to sow outside:

*1 to 2 weeks before the last frost.

*As late as 2 months before first fall frost.

*Sow in late summer for fall/winter crop

When to start inside:

Not recommended

Planting Guidelines:

Days to emerge: 5-10 days

Seed depth: 1/2"

Seed Spacing: a group of 2 to 3 seeds every 6" to 8"

Row Spacing: 18"

Thinning: When 1/2" tall, thin to 1 every 6" to 8"

Check back for updates on our Swiss Chard - Five Color Silverbeet!

For more Seed to Table journeys, click HERE

Seed To Table

2013-04-24T20:44:00.002-05:00

This is the story of a seed. It is the documentation of the life that takes place from the time this tiny seed is poured from it's beautifully illustrated packaging to the time that it is fully grown, ready for harvest and is prepared for a delicious homemade meal. Follow along as we document this life, from seed to table.

Bean Bush - Calypso

Swiss Chard - Five Color Silverbeet

Make a Life

2013-04-22T12:45:00.001-05:00

Le Bleu Peep's Breed of the Week : The Cherry Egger

2013-04-15T09:15:00.005-05:00

Cherry Egger

While on a walk yesterday in the Chicago Botanic Gardens I stopped at a little Sour Cherry Tree and you know what popped in my head? THE CHERRY EGGER!

Never heard of it? I bet your first thought was , "O a red egg!". Well, not exactly.

Click HERE for more information!

Le Bleu Peep's Breed of the Week : The Blue Andalusian

2013-04-08T19:10:00.002-05:00

Blue Andalusian

Once called the Blue Minorca the Andalusian is a striking medium ornamental bird thought to be one of the oldest of the Mediterreanean Breeds of Chickens.

Click HERE for more information!

The Chicken Fountain - Unboxing Pt.1

2013-04-02T15:18:00.002-05:00

THE CHICKEN FOUNTAIN (whats in the box)

Alright so I guess it wasn't fair. I show our Facebook fans this awesome chicken waterer I just got and tell how excited I am to not have to waste time every morning cleaning out and filling up the chickens water bowls then just leave on that note. haha. Boy, you people are rough!

As most every backyard chicken keeper can agree to, having to wash out and refill the water bowls every morning, and depending on the weather, again in the afternoon is just plain no fun. I mean come on. It has honestly become an "I did it yesterday so its your turn today" daily, dragggggggged out debate between Emily and myself. It ends right here with The Chicken Fountain.

Frank Cardaropoli is the owner of The Chicken Fountain LLC. He has a Facebook page
(The Chicken Fountain) which is how we first hear about his poultry watering products. He is a hardworking American and stands 100% behind his product. Frank is the kind of guy you would want for a neighbor! There are only a few things I don't like about Frank and his product:

Frank Cardaropoli came up with this better than I could have.
He came up with and patented The Chicken Fountain before me.
AND HE MADE IT SO AFFORDABLE IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE TO EVEN TRY AND DUPLICATE IT!

THE CHICKEN FOUNTAIN (whats in the box)

As I stated before, there is a very little bit of assembly required and in the next couple of days, I will walk you through that. It takes like minutes and NO TOOLS OR SUPPLIES REQUIRED. Frank even sends you the PVC glue. Frank also sends you the hangers, garden hose attachment, and a lid. So no running out to the hardware store because you need something. Its all in the box. Nice!

The Chicken Fountain Remote Additive System (RAS)

The (RAS) is a separate purchase and easily attaches to the top of The Chicken Fountain.

The Chicken Fountain Remote Additive System (RAS)

If you are going to purchase a Chicken Fountain, which everyone should, I highly advise you pick up the Remote Additive System (RAS). Its like $10 and fits right onto The Chicken Fountain system and easily allows you to provide your birds with Apple cider vinegar, probiotics, or electrolytes.

The Chicken Fountain Bottle Brooder Cap

Another awesome product from The Chicken Fountain is the new Bottle Brooder Caps. You screw it onto a clean plastic soda bottle filled with water and hang it in your brooder. Even though this is probably the best thing to give your chicks water with because there is no way for them to poop in it, Im using it in my quail cages. ;-) Quail are probably as bad as ducks when it comes to fouling up their water (pun intended).

The Chicken Fountain Bottle Brooder Cap

So now you guys/gals can see why I was so excited when I received this today in the mail. I haven't even used it yet and the future is already looking much brighter.

Cheers ~ Kevin

For More information and to order one of your own

The Chicken Fountains or Brooder Bottle Caps:

Vist their website http://www.chickenfountain.com and tell them I said hi.

Give them a call 704.997.9426 .
Email info@chickenfountain.com

Plowing WIth Pigs and Other Creative, Low Budget Homesteading Solutions- A Book Review

2013-04-01T17:47:00.003-05:00

When I first received the book, Plowing with Pigs and Other Creative, Low-Budget Homesteading Solutions, by, Hank and Karen Will ,I felt a bit silly, considering we do live on a quarter-acre lot, we don't have pigs, and we certainly don't plow with pigs. But truth-be-told, I was captivated by the beautiful cover and was eager to see what creative and low-budget homesteading solutions the book had to offer. I must say that I was PLEASANTLY surprised! So don't let the title fool you my friends, there is something in this book for everyone! The information that the authors provide in this book is intelligent, to the point, and covers every homesteading topic you can think of, ranging from how to have your animals work for you to setting up your very own food business.

Do you recall the time when you decided you were going to become more self-sufficient? That chilly spring day when you purchased your first chicks, built a raised garden bed, began introducing more natural and organic foods into your kitchen? For us, this decision started not too long ago with a trip to the library and a quick Google search for local farmers selling chickens. Looking back, I can remember the feelings that came to me when we began our trip down the rewarding road to self-sufficiency. Our journey has taken a lot of hard work, and looking around us, I have noticed that it is not something that everybody is doing. There have been many unanswered questions that have sometimes been a bit overwhelming. With so much information out there on the internet but very little hands-on learning, it is easy to get wrapped up in the details and confusion of the many contradicting opinions out that are out there.

Just eighteen pages into this book, however, the authors state, "We encourage you to try the methods that make sense in your particular setting rather than blindly following some lists of rules from some expert."

Of course because I am bit biased, I was most impressed by the amount of fantastic information that was presented regarding chicken and poultry keeping. Starting our backyard chicken adventure was by far the scariest thing we have done so far in terms of homesteading, and man...I wish I had this book when we were starting out because I probably would have been a lot calmer about things! Everything you REALLY need to know about keeping poultry in your backyard is in this book and I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting out.

Besides chicken-keeping, the book contains helpful information about keeping sheep, goats, and cattle -- which is unfortunately not something that applied to us, but was an interesting read nonetheless! Kevin loved the chapters that explored harvesting nearby trees and using them for woodworking and building, as well as the chapter explaining DIY projects constructing everything from rakes to fences!
The authors also discuss row crops that can be grown by hand, how to cook from scratch and keep a well-stocked pantry (love it!) and RECIPES!... an abundance of amazing recipes, using wholesome ingredients that I am dying to try: maple icing, homemade mozzarella, and brown bread ice cream just to name a few! Yum!

This really is a great book that covers all of the bases and did I mention that it doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed!? I think this is what homesteading is all about: It's about reconnecting with the earth, relaxing at the end of a hard day’s work and marveling at what amazing things you can accomplish with what is around you.

With spring lurking right around the corner, reading this book kicked up my motivation and drive reminding me why we are doing what we are doing and to keep doing what we are doing here at Our Little Coop.

Whether you are beginning or furthering your homesteading journey, I encourage you to grab your copy of Plowing with Pigs, and Other Creative, Low-Budget Homesteading Solutions and be inspired. "You can't buy this life. You can only live it!"

Pick up your copy HERE!

A little variety of Microgreens!

2013-03-30T23:27:00.000-05:00

I shared this first picture of our family's micro green garden on Facebook and some of our readers were wondering what micro greens were in the picture. So as promised, all the varieties we currently have growing are pictured. We find great fun in trying all of the types available and have learned some do grow and taste better than others. Microgreen or (micro green) gardening is very easy to do and in most cases, you will be harvesting your crops in as little as 10 days.

Microgreen Garden

Sunflower Microgreens

Tokyo Bekana Microgreens

Basic salad mix Microgreens

Chia Microgreens

Buckwheat Microgreens

Cilantro Microgreens

Celery Microgreens

Kale Microgreens

Kohlrabi Microgreens

Basil Microgreens

Rainbow beets Microgreens

Microgreens are great tasting when eaten alone or can also be used to add a little flavor to a snack!

If you'd like to learn more about this fun and exciting form of gardening, please feel free to comment below!

If you need seeds, the best place we have found to deal with is Growing Microgreens.com

Their seeds have the best germination rate we had tried.

Cheers ~ Kevin

Homemade Orange Cleaner

2013-03-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have come across the recipe for homemade orange cleaner over and over again and I have tried and tried to save the peels of the oranges that we eat but have NEVER been successful in saving enough. I end up tossing them. Defeat. I started juicing again a few weeks ago and while I was standing in the kitchen pealing dozens of oranges it dawned on me....this is my opportunity to finally make this amazing concoction!

DIRECTIONS:
So this is really easy. Put a ton of orange peels in a large mason jar, doing your best to fill it up to the top. Then, pour white vinegar over the top of the oranges, filling it to the brim. Seal it up, tuck it away and allow the orange peels to marinate in the vinegar for as long as you possibly can stand it. I have read that you should let it sit for at least a month but have also read that you're good to go in two weeks. I have three of these jars made and still have a week (three if I can make it to the one-month mark) left before I can try this orange gold out! When the time is up you pour the liquid into a spray bottle and clean away! I will update as soon as have tried this out on everything I own :)

NOTES:

You can reuse the original orange peels an addition two times by repeating the process!
When your vinegar seems to get a little low during the marinating process, you can top it off.
You can also use lemon or grapefruit peels (will have to try this!!

Coop Hop #5

2013-03-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

“Whatever we possess becomes of double value when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others.”

Join The Coop Hop!

Calling all bloggers, farmers, homesteaders, preppers, do-it-yourselfers and friends. We love sharing our journey with you and would love to invite you to share your journey with us. On Friday mornings we will be opening our blog for you to link your favorite blog post of the week to ours. All of the blog links will be posted below and will allow for easy hopping from one "coop" to another! Every week we will pick our favorite post and feature it on the following Coop Hop!

~~RULES~~: There aren't any!

The post you choose to share can be about anything your heart desires so long as it is respectful and helpful to your fellow readers.

How to Enter:

Below find "You are next…click here to enter." Click the link and fill out the form. You're done! Now tell your friends and grab a button here to add to your blog so everyone can share and join in!

There were so many awesome entries in last weeks Coop Hop it was so hard to pick just one, but since we are focusing on spring cleaning this week at Our Little Coop and making so many homemade cleaning supplies of our own, we couldn't turn this one down!

BLOG: Louise's Country Closet

ARTICLE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Cubes

YOUR TURN!!

Avocado Snack Bowl

2013-03-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a quick, filling and healthy snack look no further. This my friends, was INCREDIBLE.

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
1 TBS raspberry vinaigrette dressing
1 TBS feta cheese
handful of basic salad mix microgreens

Cut open your avocado and remove the pit. This makes a perfect bowl for all of your ingredients!

Pour your raspberry vinaigrette dressing in.

Sprinkle with some feta cheese.

Top with "basic salad mix" microgreens.

ENJOY!

2013-03-27T20:14:00.000-05:00