Arizona Chickens

[MagicChicken]

I've never heard of it, but I like the idea of pool salt instead of using something like Roundup. My backyard is just dirt, but the weeds are over two feet tall now since I've neglected for over a year.

On a side note, would you folks have any suggestions as what to landscape the rest of this dirt yard with? I have at least 15 feet of space around the entire perimeter. Gravel would be boring, since the whole HOA front/sides are landscaped, laying sod/grass would mean that I would have to invest in a lawn mower...maybe some type of mulch to rake on occasion? Some of you all have amazing setups out there, and maybe some of you designer/practical experts can chime in.

Sorry if I come off as high-jacking, but weed control is a part of landscaping. This is just my back yard, minus the raging weeds and soon to be raised beds around the run. I don't wanna walk around in mud on those rainy days.--BB

I would be extremely leery of using any kind of salt for weed control. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove accumulated salt from the soil. You might possibly be able to flush it out with huge quantities of water over a long time, but it is best not to contaminate the soil to begin with. Please use methods of weed control that don't poison the soil. You may actually want to grow something in that spot someday. Leave yourself (and future owners) options.

 

[nicollee]

habitat for humanity

Also they may have a demolition crew, call your local store and find out if they offer removal service. It should be free of charge, to unhook, and haul the donated appliances away.

 

[Bobby Basham]

Bobby, I have friends that live in an HOA over in Tempe. The grass in the front yard died from something or other, possibly from the husband over watering it. Anyway's, the HOA got on them about it, so they just went out and bought some of that used artificial grass to cover that part of the yard. It looks so much like real grass, that unless you know that it is, you can't tell the difference.

It was in the back of my mind, but never gave it much thought. Back in the day, I think they called that artificial stuff Astro-Turf, and was popular for back patios and back yards. I guess I'll have to do some homework, hoping this is less expensive than the real thing. I don't want a beautiful run planted in the middle of a dirt lot. That's what it virtually is right now. Maybe add some shrubbery and some other plants around the area, a place to enjoy walking around during the early mornings and late evenings with our gorgeous Arizona weather at this time of the year.

Thanks for the tip, BlueBaby!

 

[Bobby Basham]

Consider this. Make raised beds and plant flowers in them. Raised beds are not exclusive for vegetables. Years ago I used to plant all kind of vegetables. As time passed, I graduated to FLOWERS ONLY.

I would like to take my try at establishing vegetables first. I'm not a flower person, but later down the line, would like to establish something fragrant like Lilac bushes and other fragrant plants. I have more than enough room to distribute extra raised beds throughout the yard. Other than the run, the remaining area is just a blank slate.

 

[BlueBaby]

It was in the back of my mind, but never gave it much thought. Back in the day, I think they called that artificial stuff Astro-Turf, and was popular for back patios and back yards. I guess I'll have to do some homework, hoping this is less expensive than the real thing. I don't want a beautiful run planted in the middle of a dirt lot. That's what it virtually is right now. Maybe add some shrubbery and some other plants around the area, a place to enjoy walking around during the early mornings and late evenings with our gorgeous Arizona weather at this time of the year.

Thanks for the tip, BlueBaby!

Yes, Astro-turf is what they call it. I noticed some of the used one's in ads over in Craig's List before. The used stuff would be cheaper than the new stuff, if you are looking to save some money on it. You could always place some of those raised garden beds on top of it, if you wanted to.

 

[igorsMistress]

@Bobby Basham Raised beds tend to dry out quickly here. It might be a good idea to put on several inches of mulch if you use them. Also, tomatoes and many other veggies need room to stretch their legs, at least a foot, so consider this when you decide on bed depth.

Flowers attract beneficial pollinators and some can also help repel pests.

 

[meetthebubus]

My hens go CRAZY when they can catch a lizard....

Mine aren't big meat eaters, they will only hunt the baby lizards, the bigger ones they leave alone, we have a few big white lizards with reddish scaled tails and a head that looks like a Dino that they leave alone but a big garden snake comes in and they all go sniff it out chatting excitedly to each other... so who knows? Lol

 

[MagicChicken]

Yes, Astro-turf is what they call it. I noticed some of the used one's in ads over in Craig's List before. The used stuff would be cheaper than the new stuff, if you are looking to save some money on it. You could always place some of those raised garden beds on top of it, if you wanted to.

@Bobby Basham - Used artificial turf may be cheaper but it won't last as long. When that fake grass starts to deteriorate it can get ugly. Bits of it go everywhere. And it falls apart when you try to roll it up. Makes a big, bulky mess that's a pain to dispose of.
Ask me how I know...

Artificial turf has come a long way over the last couple of decades. It's a good alternative if you don't want actual plants. Buying it new paying a bit more for better quality will pay off in the long run, if that's how you want to go.

 

[BlueBaby]

Ok, I'm about to go into lock-down over here! Wish me luck on the chick hatch?

 

[igorsMistress]

Ok, I'm about to go into lock-down over here! Wish me luck on the chick hatch?

Good luck!!