The biggest issue I’ve had with making tomato sauces is the time it takes to cook down to a useable mixture. We grow mainly San Marzano or Romas for canning and yet despite being paste tomatoes there is still what seems like gallons of excess water in each 7 quart batch. Few culinary mishaps areContinue reading “Canning Chaos”
Author Archives: Sourwood Hill
Never Underestimate A Bull
Obviously never turn your back to a mean one and watch even the sweethearts. We all know that. But what I mean is, never underestimate one that you don’t see actually doing his job and just assume he’s not covering your cows.
Growing a Grocery Store
Can it be done??? Time was, if you couldn’t grow it or it wasn’t shelf stable for 6 months when you went to town, it did not exist. By most modern quasi rural standards, we are fairly self sufficient people. Yes, that is a very specific subset, but I’ll cling to it for purposes ofContinue reading “Growing a Grocery Store”
We’re off to Camp!!
Freezer camp, but camp nonetheless. A busy seven weeks are drawing to a close. Over a week of the melodious chirping of Cornish cross chicks invading the den, convincing the toddler she shouldn’t pick them up on her own, and the daily fresh shavings. Followed by 6 weeks of multiple trips to the coop perContinue reading “We’re off to Camp!!”
Chick Chicks on the Mayberry
Or was that the Mayflower? I was done with chickens. Really I was. Then there was the cutest chicken coop on Marketplace and, well, here we are. Added to the long list of things I don’t get to be in charge of any more is picking out chicken coops and deciding to buy them inContinue reading “Chick Chicks on the Mayberry”
The Farmer’s Phonebook
Even though the “no farms, no food” adage is becoming truer by the growing season, it still seems that the game is rigged against producers who need to outsource supplies and labor.
The Gardeners Dilemma
Picking out seeds is the best way to pass dreary winter days. I can spend weeks pouring over seed catalogs, building carts, changing my mind, and starting all over again. It’s a grand time. Baker Creek, Sow True Seeds, Urban Farmer, all are worthy of a visit.
Race you to the Garden!
So I thought I had some REALLY dedicated honey bees this morning. Sun isn’t even over the horizon good, and they are already all over my squash plants.
Twist ‘N Shout
Fence mending, compared to fence building, is a piece of cake. Week old stale birthday cake, but cake nonetheless. Its time for summer storms to start up in earnest in our part of the world, and a week ago from yesterday did not disappoint. The National Weather Service may be in denial, but we areContinue reading “Twist ‘N Shout”
DR Power needs a Doctor
I’m not saying I married my husband because he’s a mechanic, I’m just saying it’s come in handy. A lot. The DR power mower that we bought used many years ago has lived a hard, rough-and-tumble life on the farm. Oil changes, sometimes, chain lubes, I’m better with. But the amount of things that simplyContinue reading “DR Power needs a Doctor”
Sourwood Hill 