Posted on 09/18/2015 1:12:45 PM PDT by greeneyes
That’s good.
Ours isn’t really cedar; its mountain juniper and for the most part is unwanted. The pollen it produces is killer. But it chips up real good.
Normally crushed on desert type stuff. It is an art to crack the little beggers. I read recently about a guy that freezes them prior to cracking, haven’t tried it yet but I intend to. Otherwise it is an activity for the dead of winter while sitting around the cookstove in the out building (also known as the prepper palace).
Thanks for the update. I don’t know of any way to treat that metal where it won’t absorb so much heat, but maybe there is.
If I lived in Texas, I’d sure be reluctant to move to Ohio - for many reasons, but being close to family is also a high priority-which is a big reason why I’m stuck here instead of Springfield, Mo. area.
Will do. I’ve grown them else where but never tried here but then I saw a wonderful plant last spring. Figured I’d try some started inside around the first of the year as well.
That “splains” a lot.
The plants themselves were absolutely stunning. And I let a couple of the ‘chokes turn into the gorgeous purple flowers. I’ve thought about growing them since, just for the flowers but haven’t gotten around to it in time in the spring.
I’ll try anything. They taste wonderful, but I don’t have the patience to deal with them, nor the strength - even tried a vise clamp.
Got to go for a bit and take a med. test. Back later on.
My brother just sent me a cracker that has very sharp razor blade type blades in a pliers-like tool. It works very well and am anxious to try it on hickory nuts.
Consider giving the plants some sun shade from the overhead noon sun.
Another suggestion , contact your local cooperative Extension Office to see which varieties are reccomended for your area.
A friend of mine had a similar problem , which he solved by putting halfed cedar wood shingles diagonally so the plants didn't get baked out by the noonday sun .
Also, works good for seedlings; since it is cedar , they can be used year after year.
Mulch anytime you can; it will equalize soil moisture , and supress any week growth that will compete with the plants.
Also , the further North you are , it will minimize 'frost heaves' which could also dessicate the roots by limiting the temperature variations in the soil .
Sounds to me like a win/win situation.
Have you been to the SA Home & Garden Show before?
Exactly true !
When it comes to processing/ canning meats , or low acid foods , use a pressure canner.
I always prefer to : "Be safe , rather than sorry"
The only exceptions, to my mind, is when you are brineing or putting up high acid foods like tomatoes and pickleing cukes.
The only other meat processing that I do is dehydrating; but that gets tiresome if you don't like to gnaw on your food.
Get the Ball Blue Book of Canning and Preserving , and you will have all the information that you need for food processing and preserving.
Off season , you can probably get much of your supplies at Hardware stores , Tractor Supply, Dollar Store, or even Salvation Army and Goodwill .
Not sure of your location or handyman skills - I would suggest a "Chicken Tractor" which is a portable chicken coop and moveable fencing.
Depending on how frequently you move it ,the chickens are also free range, but you control how much yard they have access to.
Since the coop of the "Tractor" moves with them , eggs are easy to find, the chicks get good nutriition, greens and bugs, and you always can find the eggs.
Just a thought - instructions avaiable at Mother Earth News, many organic websites , or just 'google" it.
Electric fence is expensive - I just got 50 feet of chicken fence wire, 3 feet high, at Tractor Supply for $18.00 .
Posts , rerod , stakes are extra.
I hear you. Since we moved here in 10/02, this property has become so overgrown.
What pressure-cooker-canner do you use? I’ve done lots of hot water canning over the year, but I’ve never ventured into the world of pressure cooking. But the idea of canning meat and broth intrigue me.
Can you also use it for things you can in hot water? I few years back I let son #2 take my big canner for making beer. I haven’t seen it since. Too bad as I also used it for my once (twice if I’m lucky) lobster dinner. I miss having a really big pot for those occasional cooking event ;-(
I have built a nice chicken house with an automatic door and a large run. But my wife feels sorry for them nonetheless and lets them out so they take over the whole place (5 acres). It is the cause of much family discord.
We’ve had T-storms and lots of rain every day here...not good motorcycle weather.
Oh well, the grass is nice and green!
What a wonderful idea. My fall lettuce has fallen (ha-ha, not really) to a mole of chipmunk. The little that is left is getting picked tomorrow.
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