Planting for Autumn

Good morning to all gardeners, farmers, ranchers, Christians and others who believe God is love.

     We have been finally getting good amounts of rain here in Texas.  If you haven't planted your fall tomatoes and peppers yet, better get to it.  With a few sticks and/or PVC pipe and some plastic sheeting you can make a temporary greenhouse for your little plant babies.  Be sure to plant your winter tender plants on the south side of your house or garage.  Another helpful thing to do is to put in channels with fish in them inside your greenhouse.  This helps moderate the temperature even in pretty cool winters.  If it is cool enough where you are living, you could try putting rabbit cages in the greenhouse.  Make sure the rabbits have shade during the heat of the day.

     If you don't want to use a greenhouse, the little dome company in Italy, Texas has invented something they call a "grow hut".  Their website is getting pretty interesting.  Check it out.  Also, if you want to try to grow some heritage true-breeding seeds that you can save for next year, check out Willhite Seeds in Poolville near Dallas and Seed Savers Exchange in Iowa.

    Have a good growing season!  If you don't have some chickens and ducks yet for manure, eggs and meat, better get some this year.  Remember, if roosters are not allowed in your neighborhood, a hen will lay fertile eggs for six weeks if she only gets to be with a rooster for a few days.  Very efficient!  I had an elderly friend in Houston who kept chickens and hid them from her neighbors with this trick.  (Poultry of all kinds were illegal to keep in Houston at that time, even one pet duck or goose or chicken.) 

    Have a great autumn!