Author Archives: jkmcintyre

Sifting Soil for Sprouts

Posted on June 27, 2011 by jkmcintyre

Two years ago we turned out back yardlet into gardens.  With a lot of sweat and back spasms, we transformed broken concrete, weeds, and rusty nails into a little haven for plants and people. For the garden beds, it was … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, soil test, vegetable garden | Leave a comment

Insisting on Tomatoes

Posted on June 24, 2011 by jkmcintyre

My own tomatoes, that is. Not only do I like to grow my own tomatoes for their fresh deliciousness, I like to start heirloom varieties of my choosing from seed to increase the tastiness. I am very fond of Stupice, for its early production and fantastic flavor, Brandywine for its beauty and reliability, and Orange Queen for its impressive colour and large fruits. I also grow a red cherry and yellow teardrop tomato that are reliable producers.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="461" caption="Orange Queen"][/caption]

Last year was a terrible summer for tomatoes in Seattle…. Continue reading →

Posted in Heirloom, olla, olla irrigation, rain, spring, tomatoes, vegetable starts | Leave a comment

The Big-Little Chicken Wars (or Introducing New Chickens to the Flock)

Posted on May 20, 2011 by jkmcintyre

First our wee chickens were in the fireplace. Then we took them out to the shed. On warmish, sunny days, we started placing them in a pen so they could learn of Sun and Wind and Grass.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2RrggIpvz0] Continue reading →

Posted in baby chickens, chicken coop / run, chickens, nest boxes | 2 Comments

My Chicken Tractor Train

Posted on May 7, 2011 by jkmcintyre

If you don’t care about your yard, chickens are no problem – you let the chickens do their thing, your yard becomes one giant scratch zone (OK, I’m exaggerating, but only a little), and the chickens are happy. Let’s say, … Continue reading →

Posted in chicken coop / run, chickens, composting fence, DIY | 2 Comments