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Farm & Garden

Halloween Pumpkins: 9 Uses After the Holiday

birds eating at halloween pumpkins made as a bird feeder
Adobe Stock/KP Images

Halloween pumpkins can have lots of uses after the holiday is over. Instead of throwing away a porch-worth of jack-o’-lanterns, here are nine uses for them beyond Halloween.

Halloween Pumpkins 101

First, let’s discuss the pumpkin. Chances are that you bought or grew a large pumpkin to carve and decorate as a jack-o’-lantern. These pumpkins are a different variety than the type we normally use for pie. Pie pumpkins, sometimes called sugar pumpkins, are generally a smaller variety with dense and sweet flesh. They have fewer seeds and tend to be less stringy. Pumpkins made for jack-o’-lanterns, on the other hand, are larger pumpkins that have a thinner wall of flesh under the skin. They tend to be more stringy, have more seeds and contain more water than pie pumpkins. That said, you can still eat jack-o’-lantern pumpkins, though.

Here’s a list of uses for your jack-o’-lantern pumpkin after Halloween.

1. Save the Seeds for Eating

jack-o-lantern pumpkin seeds
Melissa Griffiths

Once you have a hole cut in the top of your pumpkin, scoop the seeds into a bowl. There’s no need to put them right in the trash. When you have scooped out all the seeds, fill the bowl with water and use your hands to separate the seeds from the stringy flesh. Place the seeds in a colander and spray or rinse them in water, using your hands as needed to remove any additional stringy flesh, until they are cleaned. Set them aside to dry. You can roast them in all sorts of way. My very favorite way to eat saved pumpkin seeds is to make honey roasted pumpkin seeds. They’re easy, healthy, full of fiber and excellent on salads!

2. Save the Seeds for Planting

jack-o-lantern pumpkin seeds
Joanne/Flickr

Treat the seeds the same way you did to prepare them for eating except don’t cook them. Once the seeds have been washed, lay them on a towel to dry. Pick out a nice selection of the largest blemish-free seeds. Let the seeds air-dry completely and then store them in a brown paper bag. After a month take a look at your seeds. This will have given your seeds time to fully dry. Discard any seeds that show signs of rot or mold. Label your seeds and store them in a dark, cool place until you are ready to plant them in the spring.

3. Cook With the Extra Jack-O’-Lantern Flesh

halloween pumpkins flesh used for cooking
Cascadian Farms/Flickr

While you are carving your jack-o’-lantern you might end up with some extra flesh. Once the slimy parts and seeds have been removed, you might want to remove some of the extra flesh to make carving easier. I like to use a sturdy spoon or even an ice-cream scooper to scrape some of it away. Keep the flesh in a bowl and rinse off any extra seeds or stringy parts. You can use the flesh by microwaving it, boiling it or roasting it until it is fork tender. Turn the cooked pumpkin flesh into pumpkin purée by running it through a food mill, blender or food processor, and then use it in your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Avoid using the flesh of a pumpkin that’s been sitting on your porch and is starting to turn black. This could be harmful to your health.

4. Pickle the Rind

Have you ever tried pickled pumpkin rind? Any pickle lover will tell you it is delicious. You can pickle the rind of a very recently carved pumpkin—one that shows no signs of rot or mold—or you can save the pieces that you carved, like the smile, eye and nose of your jack-o’-lantern that you no longer need.

To pickle the rind, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer orange skin of the pumpkin. Cut the rind—this will be an inch-thick section right under the skin—into 2-inch squares. For each pound of pumpkin, use 2½ cup of sugar, 2 cups white vinegar and a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. A cinnamon stick is good, too. Put the sugar, vinegar and spices in large pot, bring to a boil, add the pumpkin, and cook until the pumpkin is tender. Chill overnight before serving.

5. Compost It

halloween pumpkins in the compost
kitty meets goat/Flickr

Pumpkin is such a great addition to your compost pile. If you’re using a heap method to compost, just toss your pumpkins on the pile. If you are using a more delicate method, you might want to cut your old jack-o’-lanterns into smaller pieces before adding them to your pile.

6. Bury Your Jack-O’-Lantern Leftovers

If composting isn’t your thing but you have a garden, dig a hole, toss them in, and let nature take over. By simply burying your leftover jack-o’-lanterns you will easily amend your soil. When it comes time to till the soil in the spring, you won’t find many jack-o’-lantern leftovers. You may find a few volunteer plants later in the season, though, if there were any seeds left in the pumpkin!

7. Feed Your Livestock, Chickens or Worms

Livestock love pumpkins! So do chickens and worm farms. Did you know that pumpkins can be used as a natural dewormer? Here’s what Lisa Steele from Fresh Eggs Daily has to say about that, “The pumpkin seeds (as well as the seeds of other members of the cucurbitaceae family, such as winter, summer, zucchini and crookneck squash, gourds, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelon) are coated with a substance called cucurbitacin that paralyzes the worms. The larger fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of cucurbitacin, while the smaller cucumber contains far less.”

8. Turn It Into a Planter

halloween pumpkins turned into planters
gardenworkscanada/Instagram

Keep your jack-o’-lantern around longer by turning it into a planter. After you’ve carved your pumpkin, dip it in a large bucket of vinegar solution: one part vinegar to four parts water. This will help slow the decay process. After Halloween put a layer of burlap or landscape cloth inside the jack-o’-lantern where you’ve carved the face—this will help to keep the soil from falling out. Fill the pumpkin with soil and add a fall plant. Mums are inexpensive this time of year and make a great choice. Plant the mum, or plant of your choice, and water well. Place the planted jack-o’-lantern on your porch with the carved part facing the house so you don’t see it as well.

9. Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder

pumpkin jack-o-lantern bird feeder
Dreamy Whites Lifestyle/Instagram

This is a really fun craft project with kids or grandkids. You can simply fill up your old Halloween pumpkins with a layer of bird feed and put them somewhere you’ll be able to watch the birds come and go. You can get more creative by hanging pumpkins. You can also carve out a large section of the back of the pumpkins so that you can see more of what the birds are doing inside. The birds might eat a bit of the pumpkin, as well as the seeds.

Don’t stop there! There are all kind of ways you can use your Halloween pumpkins after Halloween. Let this list be your springboard, the possibilities are endless.

This article about Halloween pumpkins was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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Poultry

Rhode Island Red: Chicken Breed Profile

rhode island red rooster in coop with other chickens
Adobe Stock/Jared S Davies

Rhode Island Red chickens are an iconic American breed. This barnyard hen is an excellent brown egg producer with a friendly personality and has much to offer the backyard flock owner. 

History

This breed was first developed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the nineteenth century by crossing Brown Leghorns with Javas, Malays, and Cochins. Although no one knows who created the first Rhode Island Reds, this breed soon increased in popularity nationwide. In the early twentieth century, the Rhode Island Red made its way to England, where it was met with great enthusiasm.

The breed was first admitted into the American Poultry Association in 1904.

Appearance

Rhode Island Red chickens come in one color: red. Hens sport dark red feathers, with some individuals appearing almost black. Tail feathers are black, giving these beauties an eye-catching appearance. As with all red chicken breeds, no two hens are colored the same. In general, roosters’ feathers are slightly darker than the females.

Both hens and roosters have single combs and red ear lobes. The beaks are a reddish horn color, while the feet and shanks are yellow. The toes and sides of the shanks may also have red markings.

Today’s Rhode Island Reds are slightly paler in color and smaller in size than the original birds. However, heritage strains of Rhode Island Reds are available for purchase as Heritage Rhode Island Reds at a local hatchery or through a breeder.

Rooster Weight: 8.6 pounds

Hen Weight: 6.6 pounds

Production

The Rhode Island Red is an excellent egg producer, with egg colors ranging from light to dark brown. Each hen produces an average of 4-6 large/extra large eggs weekly. (An average of 260-300 eggs annually).

Hens of this breed produce eggs for two years before production begins to slow. However, exceptional egg-layers may lay a couple of eggs each spring for ten years.

Known as dual-purpose chickens, these birds can be raised for meat and eggs. Some small-scale farms raise the pullets for eggs and cockerels for beef, but these days, Rhode Island Red chickens have been bred smaller and are usually kept for eggs rather than meat production.

Temperament

Hens are active and confident and dominate the top of the pecking order in a mixed flock. While they can bully other more docile breeds, if kept happy, most Rhode Island Reds will find their way to the top due to their confident nature, not their bullying habits.

When handled frequently, these hens are friendly and love to snuggle on their favorite human’s lap. They are energetic, curious, docile, and sweet, making them an excellent addition to the family.

Rhode Island Red hens are ideal pets, although their food-motivated personality may make them less ideal for families with small children. Because of their love of food, they are more apt to peck at your hands than other breeds, so care should be taken to discourage this behavior.

Roosters are usually more aggressive than other breeds, so they may not be the best option for individuals seeking a pet rooster. However, roosters are individuals, and some do make excellent pets.

Life Expectancy

The Rhode Island Red chicken’s average life expectancy depends on the quality of nutrition fed and the strain. Feed hens a complete layer ration supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, and herbs to help them live longer, healthier lives. When kept safe from predators, the average lifespan of production strains is about five to eight years (the average lifespan of most backyard chickens), while heritage strains average 9-10 years. Some hens may live as long as fifteen years.

Health Concerns

Rhode Island Red chickens are known to be quite robust and hardy, although they should be checked regularly for lice, mites, and internal parasites.

Like other high-producing breeds, hens of this breed can be prone to several severe egg-laying disorders, such as egg yolk peritonitis, egg binding, and ovarian cancer. Egg production should be monitored closely. Take your hen to a qualified veterinarian at the first sign of an egg-laying disorder.

Due to their extra large combs and wattles, roosters of this breed are susceptible to getting frostbite. During the winter months, protect the combs and wattles by rubbing a little coconut oil over these sensitive areas. Extra caution must be used to ensure that the feathers do not get coconut oil on them, as the oil could damage them.

Keep hens and roosters inside their coop whenever temperatures dip below 30°F to keep anyone from developing frostbite. Like all clean-legged fowl, don’t forget to check the toes for frostbite.

Fun Facts

Golden Comets. Photo by Erin Snyder
  • Golden Comet hens are often referred to as Rhode Island Red hens. Golden Comets have red and white feathers whereas Rhode Island Reds have red and black feathers.
  • Rhode Island Reds are one of the most popular chickens kept for egg production worldwide.
  • Golden Comets chicks are crosses between Rhode Island Red roosters and White Leghorn hens.
  • Rhode Island Red hens are seen frequently at petting zoos due to their friendly disposition.

The Rhode Island Red is as American as its name depicts. With their friendly personalities and excellent egg production, it’s easy to see how they have grown in popularity and will for years to come.

This article about Rhode Island Red chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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Poultry

Black Chickens: Popular & Perfect for Spooky Season

black chickens walking in a woodsy area
julochka/Flickr

Black chickens are popular breeds for backyard flocks and they are downright perfect for spooky season, but they can come with a significant hit to your pocketbook.

What Makes Black Chickens Black?

Fibromelanosis is the technical term for what causes a black chicken to be black. It is a genetic mutation that causes hyperpigmentation, an abnormal accumulation of melanin. This produces a bird with fibromelanistic traits — all black tissues, from feather to bone.

Rare Black Chickens

This trait is causing big interest among chicken keepers—or a big-money interest, anyway. Those fuzzy-looking Black Silkie bantams are common to the U.S., but two other breeds exhibiting fibromelanosis are quite rare. The Ayam Cemani, hailing from Indonesia, and the Swedish Black Hen, from Scandinavia.

Both breeds have been imported by rare-chicken breeder Greenfire Farms in Midway, Florida. Owner Paul Bradshaw, who has been working with rare breeds since 2007, is attracted to these chickens because of their “un-chicken-like, exotically beautiful and vaguely sinister appearance.” He continues: “In a world of beige Ford Fiestas, the Cemani are black Lamborghinis.”

They’re priced like Lamborghinis, too. Prices started out in the thousands when they were first introduced. Today, more breeders are carrying them, so the prices have come down, but are still much higher than purchasing a less trendy breed.

While an egg is an egg, what about the meat from these birds? Ewe Crazy Farms owner Bryce Everett says, “I do have several friends who have tasted the meat and describe it as having a slightly gamier flavor compared to regular chicken. Most compare the taste to game birds, such as dove, quail or pheasant.”

Ayam Cemani

The Ayam Cemani—which means “completely black chicken” in Javanese and Indonesian—is from Indonesia. The USDA has banned the import of chickens from Indonesia, but Bradshaw was able to get his Ayam Cemani from a breeder in the Netherlands. According to Cemani Farms, a breeder in Indonesia, Ayam Cemani are renowned as having mystical powers in their native country.

Like many Asian chicken breeds, such as the Aseel and the Malay, the Ayam Cemani has a game-fowl-like appearance. Its feathers are black with a metallic-green and -purple sheen, and the black coloration continues to the skin, muscles, bones and organs. The average weight is only 2¼ to 4 pounds.

Hens lay about 60 eggs per year. They go through a laying cycle of 20 to 30 large, cream-colored eggs, and then they stop laying for three to six months.

Swedish Black Hen

Called Svart Höna in Swedish, Swedish Black Hens are super rare. According to the Greenfire Farms website, a national poultry census confirmed fewer than 500 Swedish Black Hens in Sweden. Developed in a Nordic climate, Swedish Black Hens are cold-hardy and do well free-ranging.

“The Swedish Blacks (or Svart Höna) actually were not originally in my line of sight during the first [rare-chicken] import,” says Everett, who has been working with rare poultry since 2012. “My main concern was importing various colorations of English Orpingtons, and my contact providing the Orpingtons happened to also raise Svart Höna. One step led to another, and I eventually imported both eggs and adult Svart Höna from England after seeing photos of the stock. I was really lucky to find a breeder who was willing to export stock despite these birds being extremely rare, even in Europe.”

Swedish Black Hens have the same fibromelanosis trait that makes their feathers, skin, muscles and bone black, though some individuals have mulberry-red skin. The birds weigh only 5 to 7½ pounds, and hens lay 140 cream-colored eggs per year.

Making the Investment in Black Chickens

The price tag on popular black chicken breeds can scare farmers away as most are looking at a cost-effective way to deliver eggs and meat for their families and customers.

“Like most pursuits, the more sophisticated and knowledgeable you become about your interest, the greater lengths you must go to in order to satisfy it,” Bradshaw says. His typical customer is a sophisticated chicken fancier who is drawn to the black chickens’ exotic look.

Everett only sells Swedish Black Hens that are high-quality representations of the breed to others who are interested in breeding the chickens.

“I’ve been amazed at the number of people who have stepped forward and offered assistance in preserving rare breeds by breeding and showing,” he says. “As more people get involved, the rare breeds have a chance to become established in the U.S., which helps move these birds off the ‘endangered’ breed list.”

A word of caution before spending a few thousand dollars on a starter flock: Breeders might claim to be selling a certain rare breed, but you should do your research and verify the integrity of the breeder. “The single most important piece of evidence to support their claims would be a valid USDA import permit showing the origin of their breeding stock,” Bradshaw says. “Buyers should always ask for a copy of this permit.”

Even if black chickens aren’t the next animal you’ll be adding to your farm menagerie, learning about rare breeds, like the Ayam Cemani and the Swedish Black, can open to your eyes to a whole new (and colorful) world of livestock.

This article about black chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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Farm & Garden

Fall Vegetable Garden: 11 Crops to Plant

leeks fall garden crops
liz west/Flickr

A fall vegetable garden is the perfect place and time for getting your favorite root vegetables in the ground and seeding perennial staples. While you plan and tend to your fall garden, it’s also the time of year to leaf through catalogs and order seeds for early spring planting.

Why to Plant in a Fall Vegetable Garden

By taking advantage of autumn’s cooler temperatures and bouts of rain, you can extend your garden season quite a bit. Although North America offers a huge range of winter temperatures, in all but the coldest regions, it’s often possible to harvest crops right through December, January and February—that is, if you select the right ones. Some crops, such as members of the onion family, like a blanket of snow, and even tender crops such as spinach and lettuce, as well as many herbs, can handle sub-freezing temperatures, especially if you grow them under row covers or in cold frames.

If you’re working on a plan to put your summer growing space to bed and need some help determining which crops to include in the fall garden that can take you into the cooler months, here’s a quick guide for planting and transplanting.

1. Garlic

If you want to harvest big, juicy heads of garlic in July, you need to plant them in October. It’s important to order seed garlic—large heads of garlic that are free of sprouting inhibitors—from seed companies in late-summer to early fall, as supplies often run low. Separate the garlic bulbs into cloves, leaving the skin on, and plant each clove with the pointed side up and the blunt side down 1 to 2 inches deep in well-worked soil. Cloves should be spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 1 foot apart.

Plant shallots for the fall garden using the same growing instructions.

2. Leeks

Other members of the allium family—onions, leeks, chives and shallots—all do well in the garden over the winter, as well. Leeks especially love the cold weather, so sow seeds directly in the fall vegetable garden or start seeds in peat pots in late summer for fall transplant. Space the plants 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 1 foot apart, and mound dirt around the stalk every couple of weeks to encourage the white end. (The part of the stalk that grows above ground will turn green.) You can harvest leeks when the base of the stalk reaches 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

3. Onions

Onion sets, or bulblets, are widely available in fall, and by planting as cold weather approaches, you may get fresh scallions over the winter. In the coldest regions, the sets may hibernate underground in winter, but they will pop up in the spring. Plant onions 1 to 2 inches deep in soil mixed with some compost—a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is preferred. Avoid burying the neck of the plants too deeply to avoid rot, and provide consistent irrigation until the bulbs get bigger.

4. Chives

Chives can be seeded in the fall vegetable garden. You can also split existing clumps to transplant in the garden or pot up to bring inside for year-long use. Snip chives for use in cooking 30 days after transplanting or 60 days after seeding. If you cut the chives down 1 to 2 inches from the base, you should be able to get three to four harvests per year.

5. Strawberries

Young strawberry plants are typically sold for spring planting, but plenty of companies sell them in the fall, as well. With this seasonal jumpstart, you may be able to pick up a whole season of productivity. Many gardeners pinch off all the blossoms during the first season to allow the plants to put energy into root development; fall vegetable garden planting lets you leave the spring blossoms on and harvest a crop the first year.

6. Rhubarb

Late fall is a great time to split existing rhubarb crowns. If you don’t have plants of your own, seek out a friend who can share their wealth. Divide the crown into sections that contain one to three buds, and replant about 2 to 3 feet apart before the bulb dries out. Amend the soil with a 12-12-12 fertilizer, compost, bone meal or rock phosphate, and cover the area with mulch. Rhubarb takes a few years to get established, and fall planting lets the harvest begin a year earlier than otherwise.

7. Horseradish

Like rhubarb, horseradish can also be divided in the fall vegetable garden and will take a couple years of growth before you can harvest. It likes very cool temperatures for root growth and flavor development, so it’s an excellent choice for cooler climates. It’s also fairly drought-tolerant, but regular irrigation will help prevent woodiness.

8. Greens

Spinach, chard, kale and lettuce are must-haves in the fall garden. Plant seeds in late-summer to early fall for a quick crop of these greens—the cool weather sweetens them and prevents them from bolting. If you happen to get seeds in the ground too late, do not worry. Look for the sprouts to come up in spring.

9. Radishes

Radishes are famous for their speedy growth—as few as four weeks from planting to harvest for some varieties. Those planted from seed in the fall vegetable garden will provide a nice crop of rosy roots and edible greens after summer crops are through. The cool weather enhances their flavor, and you can sow them successively for a constant crop.

10. Cilantro

Lacy and delicate, cilantro is really pretty tough. It sprouts quickly from seed, producing edible leaves in a few weeks, followed by the seeds, known as coriander. If planted in late fall, cilantro seeds may stay dormant over winter and sprout quickly in spring. The plants will also frequently self-sow.

11. Parsley

Parsley is another great cool-weather crop for the fall vegetable garden. While growing it from seed can take forever, you can transplant clumps in fall that may stay productive much of the winter.

Protecting Your Fall Vegetable Garden Crop

It’s a good idea to protect fall-planted areas over the winter with a layer of straw to provide a layer of insulation and prevent frost heaving as soil freezes and thaws. Frost heaving is not as big a big concern with small seeds and seedlings as it is with crops like rhubarb and horseradish, which have larger roots. Don’t lay the straw down in a thick layer; rather, remove sections from the bale and fluff them up and sprinkle the loose material over the soil.

Avoid adding too much water and fertilizer to the soil in the fall. You don’t want too much tender growth too fast. Frail stems are susceptible to the cold.

This article about what to plant in the fall vegetable garden was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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Poultry

Pumpkins for Chickens: 4 Ways Your Birds Can Benefit

chicken chickens pumpkin pumpkins
Blessings Captured/AdobeStock

Pumpkins for chickens should be top of mind in the fall with creative carving and pie baking in full swing. With all those yummy human uses, make sure not to waste any of the remnants of this nutritious gourd. They’re great for our flocks. Here are four pumpkin parts and how they benefit our birds.

#1 Pumpkin Skin

While professional pumpkin carvers (like those seen on Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins) and bakers using fresh pumpkins prefer to pare the skin off the gourd, pumpkin skin is actually full of fiber. If thin enough, pumpkin skin can be eaten raw by your flock. It can also be roasted in an oven until dry, then crumbled and offered as a treat.

When using pumpkins for chickens, be sure to offer pumpkin skin in moderation, however. Its high soluble fiber content can quickly curb your birds’ appetite, keeping them from eating their regular rations.

#2 Pumpkin Pulp

The stringy, slimy guts of a pumpkin are typically quickly discarded by humans but quickly gobbled up by chickens. Pumpkin pulp’s purpose is to bring nutrients to the pumpkin seeds which results in its high water content. This is actually quite flavorful and can be boiled to make a flavorful vegan broth.

Fortunately, when feeding pumpkins for chickens, they will happily ingest what we humans barely care to touch.

#3 Pumpkin Flesh

Pumpkin is considered a superfood. Its orange flesh is packed with vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene (which converts into Vitamin A), potassium and Vitamin C.

Chickens require Vitamin A for reproductive health. A deficiency in this crucial vitamin can lead to impaired reproduction and infertility. Research has also shown that a Vitamin A deficiency can lead to an increased occurrence of blood spots in eggs.

Potassium, meanwhile, is important for proper cellular electrolyte balance, while a boost of Vitamin C—which chickens naturally produce in their kidneys and liver—helps birds during times of high stress.

Not that your birds care about any of this. They just think pumpkins for chickens are delicious. Because pumpkin flesh is high in soluble fiber (approximately 60 percent), be sure to only offer your flock pumpkin in small amounts so that it doesn’t replace their regular feed.

Read more: Follow these tips for preparing leftover pumpkins for your chickens.

#4 Pumpkin Seeds

Packed with protein and such minerals as zinc, magnesium and phosphorus, pumpkin seeds are truly a hidden treasure when feeding pumpkins for chickens. While we humans prefer our seeds completely free of pumpkin pulp, then roasted and flavored, our flocks aren’t as picky. In fact, they’ll eagerly pick out the seeds of any pumpkin they’re given.

Pumpkin seeds’ boost of protein is very welcome during the molting season when chickens’ protein levels are focused on the production of new plumage. Supplemental zinc has been shown to improve poultry growth and immunity, while magnesium and phosphorus are crucial to chickens’ bone development and density.

In other words, pumpkin seeds are ideal treats for chickens. Moderation is important when offering your flock pumpkin seeds, however, as research has shown that pumpkin-seed meal decreases feed intake.

This article about pumpkins for chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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Recipes

Apple Tea: How to Make This Fall Recipe

apple tea served in a silver mug with apple slices
istetiana/Adobe Stock

Apple tea is perfect for celebrating cool fall temperatures and apple-picking season.

Below is a recipe from The Green Witch’s Guide to Magical Plants and Flowers, written by Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano.

Have you heard the term, “Green Witch” over the past few years? The definition of a green witch is someone who embraces nature and intentionally works toward living in harmony with the earth and humanity. Green witches believe that their “connection to the earth and the universe allows them to draw great power from creating love, health, peace, blessings and harmony in their world.”

Magical herbalism is the central practice of a green witch. The two Green Witches who authored this book seek to encourage readers to transform everyday flowers, fruits and plants from the garden into salts, herbal infusions, soaps, sachets, tinctures and more.

Enjoy the recipe below. I’d say this apple tea is definitely worth making again and again.

Apple Tea Recipe

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 green tea bags
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 4 whole allspice berries
  • 1 cup unsweetened organic apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 green organic apple, sliced
  • Maple syrup or organic sugar, to taste

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring teo cups of water to a boil. Add tea bags, cinnamon, cloves and allspice to the pan. Remove from heat. Cover and let steep for three minutes.

Discard tea bags and spices. Stir in apple juice (or cider) and heat through.

Always remember that spoons are a kind of wand. You can use them while you cook to direct your energy and intentions to empower whatever you are preparing.

Serve tea with the green apple slices and sweetener of choice.

This recipe has been shared from The Green Witch’s Guide to Magical Plants and Flowers with permission from Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.

This article about a fall apple tea recipe was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Categories
Farm & Garden

3 Unique Types of Pumpkins for Halloween Displays

Brodé d'Galeux Eysines squash is one of many unique types of pumpkins
Kevin Fogle

Unique types of pumpkins are all the rage these days. An amazing world of heirloom and conventional pumpkin and gourd cultivars exists that can bring unexpected colors and shapes to your garden or front porch and people are embracing the unique.

Here are a few cultivars to go hunting for at a local U-pick. Many of these will also look great growing in your garden if you happen to have the space.

1. Lumina

lumina is one of many unique types of pumpkins

The Lumina is a standout in unique types of pumpkins. This  conventional cultivar is prized for its smooth, white skin and traditional globe shape. Lumina plants produce two or three pumpkins weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. The pumpkins need to be picked early to ensure the white skin doesn’t take on a bluish hue.

Primarily used for decoration, the Lumina variety is a great choice for fall centerpieces or carving. The white rind and bright yellow flesh create a striking contrast when carved. Just think of the fun jack-o’-lantern possibilities!

2. Long Island Cheese

long island cheese is one of many unique types of pumpkins

Another favorite in unique types of pumpkins is the Long Island Cheese pumpkin, which is famous for its unusual shape, weird name and pure buff color. This American heirloom earned its moniker from its uncanny resemblance to a large pale wheel of cheese. The pumpkin is flat and round with shallow ribs and a well-formed, thin stem. Weighing less than 10 pounds on average, the Long Island cheese has dense, slightly sweet flesh that’s prized for its use in pumpkin pie.

These heirloom pumpkins are also great keepers and will store well for many months if cured and kept dry. If you are thinking about carving the Long Island Cheese for Halloween, its especially thin rind means that the pumpkin will produce an eerie glow when it is well-lit from within.

3. Brodé d’Galeux Eysines

Brodé d'Galeux Eysines is one of many unique types of pumpkins

Looking for unique types of pumpkins and something creepy without even being carved? Consider the Brodé d’Galeux Eysines squash—better known as the peanut pumpkin. This favorite French heirloom gets its nickname from its distinctive peanut-like warts that cover the exterior of the peach-colored rind. Individual plants will produce only one or two of the flattened squashes weighing between 10 and 18 pounds.

This squash is also a culinary treat and is traditionally used by the French for savory dishes like soups and stews. Plan to harvest this pumpkin just before it reaches full maturity to avoid any cracking issues.

This article about three unique types of pumpkins was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Categories
Equipment

Tracked Vehicles: Can Your Farm Benefit From One?

skid steer carrying dirt in front bucket is an example of tracked vehicles for the farm
Skid Steer carrying dirt to build foundation pad in front bucket. Adobe Stock/Susan Waldron

Tracked vehicles can be a game changer in certain circumstances. Learn how your farm may benefit from the use of a vehicle with tracks instead of tires.

What are tracks?

Tracks go by a few different names. You might know them as caterpillar treads, and vehicles that have them are sometimes known as crawlers. Picture a military tank driving around on continuous bands of interconnected metal plates instead of tires—that’s an example of a tracked vehicle.

Many tracked vehicles have two tracks, one on each side. Some large agricultural tractors have four tracks, with two on each side. The length, width, and configuration of the tracks can vary depending on the vehicle and its purpose. Tracks can be made of metal, rubber, or a combination of both.

You don’t have to invest in a powerful agricultural tractor to gain the advantages of a tracked vehicle. A skid steer with tracks is a more affordable and practical option for small-scale farmers looking to benefit from tracks without breaking the bank. Also, some utility tractors are either designed to work with tracks or can be fitted with them. An example is the John Deere 40C, a version of the John Deere 40 that came with tracks instead of tires.

Advantages of tracks vs. tires

Tracks offer a big advantage over tires: improved flotation. What does this mean? It means the tracks spread the weight of the vehicle across a larger footprint and decrease the likelihood of the machine sinking into soft or wet ground. They “float” across the ground and won’t rut the soil as much as tires, especially if you opt for wide tracks that spread weight even more. With improved flotation, a tracked vehicle is less likely to get bogged down or stuck in wet ground. Traction in soft conditions can be much superior with tracks than tires.

Another advantage of tracks compared to tires is the fact tracks can’t go flat. Tracks can become damaged, true, but you don’t have to keep an eye on tire air pressure and won’t be interrupted by flat or punctured tires.

Tracked vehicles can also offer a smooth ride, since their large footprint evens out bumps and dips in the terrain. And they can be quite maneuverable, even turning in place by driving the tracks in opposite directions, much like a zero-turn mower. Most farm vehicles with tires don’t have this turn-in-place ability.

Disadvantages of tracks vs. tires

Of course, it’s hard to engineer perfection, and tracked vehicles have disadvantages too. Maintenance is a downside; the components of the tracks suffer a lot of strain while in operation, so you may find yourself replacing parts (like rollers, idlers, etc.) as they wear out. Maintaining proper track tension is another area requiring attention. And while specifics may vary, the track components also require grease and oil. Regularly cleaning the tracks can help prevent excess wear and mechanical issues, but that’s an extra chore, and not always an easy one.

Another disadvantage? Tracks can inflict damage to the terrain over which they drive. Tracked vehicles steer by driving their tracks at different speeds. This method of turning can be damaging to various types of ground, including lawns and grassy fields. Plus, metal tracks can damage pavement. Rubberized tracks can help alleviate these issues, but no solution is perfect.

Also, tracked vehicles tend to be more expensive than similar vehicles with tires.

Will your farm benefit from a tracked vehicle?

It comes down to this: if you need to tackle farming jobs over wet or soft ground, a tracked vehicle can allow you to power through conditions that would stop wheeled vehicles, either because they would get stuck or because they would cause too much rutting. And if you need to operate, say, a front-end loader in tight spots where maneuverability is critical, a small tracked vehicle like a skid steer might be perfect.

However, if you don’t see yourself in these circumstances—if your land is typically dry and firm and you don’t need to maneuver in tight spots—a vehicle with tires can alleviate the disadvantages of tracks and serve your needs just fine.

This article about tracked vehicles was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Categories
Poultry

How Much Does It Cost to Raise Chickens?

group of chickens inside a chicken coop which is included in how much does it cost to raise chickens
Adobe Stock/nd700

How much does it cost to raise chickens? While purchasing chicks is relatively inexpensive, the coop, run, feed, and other expenses quickly add up. Learn how much it costs to raise chickens before you get started.

What Do You Need to Get Started

All chickens need some basic essentials: a coop, run, feed, feeders, water fountains, perches, nesting boxes, and protection from predators are all essentials your chickens can’t live without.

The Coop

If you have ever Googled, “How much does it cost to raise chickens?” You have already learned that the coop is the largest expense. Coop prices vary depending on the size of the coop you acquire, whether you purchase an already-built coop, assemble one yourself, or construct a “coop” in an existing outbuilding.

Before purchasing or constructing a coop, consider what you want your future flock to look like. By planning ahead, you can prevent having to erect another coop in the future, saving you further expenses.

group of chickens at a feeder included in how much does it cost to raise chickens is the feeder, feed, birds and their shelter
Adobe Stock/thomaszobl

Pre-Built Chicken Coop Costs

Despite their cost, pre-built chicken coops are a popular option for starter flocks.  Assembled coops range in price from several hundred dollars to over six thousand dollars, depending on the coop size, whether there is an attached run, and the quality of the coop you are purchasing.

Bear in mind that for pre-built coop companies to cut costs, they may also be of lesser quality, so be sure to shop around for the safest coop, not just the cheapest.

DIY Coops

If you are handy at building things, DIY coops are an excellent way to cut costs. DIY coops also allow you to be creative and build the ideal coop to fit your needs. Construct a coop that is functional, human-accessible, predator-proof, and weather-proofed to keep your flock safe for the best chicken-raising experience.

When purchasing coop building supplies, avoid cheap materials such as chicken wire to create a safe home for the flock. The average cost of a DIY coop falls between three hundred and one thousand five hundred dollars.

Barn Coops

Constructing a coop in an existing barn or other outbuilding is the most budget-friendly option. Take care to only house chickens in an outbuilding with a wooden or cement floor. The estimated cost of constructing a coop in an outbuilding is between three and six hundred dollars. (Bear in mind that this cost does not include any repairs needed to make the outbuilding predator-proofed.)

Building the Run

Many chicken coops have runs attached to them, but constructing a run is necessary if you plan on housing your flock in a building without an attached run. Like the coop, the run should be safe from predators (including digging and ariel predators).

Chicken tractors are the most popular run options and generally cost between three hundred and four thousand dollars, depending on the size. Chicken tractors are often not completely predator-proof, which will add additional costs.

Coop Essentials

Coop essentials should not cost too much unless you plan to be extravagant. These essentials include nesting boxes, a perch, feeders, and water founts. To better learn how much does it cost to raise chickens, let’s look at the prices for these coop essentials.

The Perch

Untreated 2x4x8 boards (cut down to desired perch size) are really the best perching option, costing under five dollars per board. These boards make for better perches than old ladders, as the narrow side of the board is the ideal width for hens to easily grip the perch with their feet.

Nesting Boxes

Nesting box prices vary depending on whether you buy some from a manufacturer, build your own, or use some old storage containers. My flock uses plastic containers from Walmart, as they are budget-friendly and easy to clean up any accidental egg messes.

Nesting box prices vary from twenty dollars to several hundred, depending on your chosen style.

Feeders & Water Founts

Like all chicken care products, feeders and water fountain prices vary depending on style and size. However, for basic water founts and feeders for small backyard flocks, each feeder and water fount should cost approximately ten dollars.

Always have at least two feeders and two water founts in case one accidentally spills to ensure your flock has water and food at all times.

Feed Costs

Pellets, crumble, organic, natural, and non-organic are some of the choices to make before you can decide the estimated cost of feeding chickens. Estimate one fifty-pound bag of feed per month for every ten chickens (depending on the chickens’ age and the time of year).

  • Organic Feed Cost: $30.00-$40.00 per forty lbs. of feed
  • Non-Organic Feed Cost: $20.00-$25.00 per fifty lbs. of feed

Predator Protection

Predator protection costs vary depending on the condition of the coop/barn or existing outbuilding and run you have and the predators found in your area. Remember, predator-proofing is a life-long endeavor, not a once-and-done chore, leading to additional costs per year.

Chicken Costs

The average laying pullet (chick) costs about four dollars. For a flock of ten chickens, the estimated cost is forty dollars. Purchasing chicks through a feedstore will help cut costs, as you won’t need to pay for shipping.

How Much Does It Cost to Raise Chickens in Total?

How much does it cost to raise chickens in total depends on your specific wants and needs. However, the estimated startup costs for a flock of ten usually fall between one thousand three hundred dollars to over eight thousand dollars.

Additional costs should be considered when raising chickens for pets, including treats, supplements, and vet care.

How much does it cost to raise chickens depends on how you want to raise your flock and how important it is to protect them from predators. But for those drawn to raising their own food or pet chicken flock, the costs and effort are well worth the money and time.

This article about how much does it cost to raise chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Categories
Uncategorized

Growing Good Podcast #87: Entomologist Ron Bittner

This conversation with Ron Bittner will help you make the connection between crop pollination, water conservation and soil health in a way you probably haven’t before.

Learn about how Ron’s interest in insects—specifically the alfalfa leafcutting bee—has taken him around the US and all the way to Australia.

Hear about the beginnings of Ron’s small vineyard, which he operates with his wife, daughter and a small crew and why this location in Caldwell, Idaho, is ideal for growing wine grapes. Ron also talks about his farm’s certifications: Salmon Safe, Bee Friendly Farming and LIVE.

Ron’s involvement with the nonprofit Pollinator Partnership and continued research on pollinator populations in his area keep him involved with some of the 4,000 native bees in the US. Let his passion for pollinators get you excited about how to attract and protect these creatures on your own property. 

Links from this episode:

Hobby Farms Presents: Growing Good podcast episode with Sara Wittenburg

Pollinator Partnership website

iNaturalist citizen science app