Homesteaders

[rancher hicks]

Hi folks, I have a question about rhubarb. I planted some this year and it's doing very well. However I don't need any just now. Is it okay to just leave the stalks? They do wilt but can I just leave them?

 

[boskelli1571]

I always leave what I don't use. I'm not sure if this is 'correct' or not, but it doesn't seem to bother the plant.

 

[rancher hicks]

I always leave what I don't use. I'm not sure if this is 'correct' or not, but it doesn't seem to bother the plant.

thanks,

It figures I don't need it and it grows. Plus there are red currants and black currants and gooseberries.

To my Jostaberry bushes are doing good too. Not sure but they're long and hanging down. Is that okay?

 

[boskelli1571]

Not sure about Josta berries. I have currant bushes & gooseberries all doing well - the rabbits especially enjoy the currants! I'm going to have to fence them in next year. This crop is shot...

 

[wyoDreamer]

Good to know about the Rhubarb, ours has gone to seed and I didn't get the rest cut down when I was there. I believe my aunt always left hers to grow all summer...

 

[rancher hicks]

Not sure about Josta berries. I have currant bushes & gooseberries all doing well - the rabbits especially enjoy the currants! I'm going to have to fence them in next year. This crop is shot...

do I need to pick the berries off my Goose and currants? I've no use for them right now. Not this year anyhow. Will need to plant another Black currant though.

I need to check back to who I got the Josta berries cuttings from.

 

[boskelli1571]

Yes - I would pick them. You can freeze them or make gooseberry jam (delicious!). About how many pints do you have?? My currants (all 3 the bunnies left) arn't quite ripe yet, but when they are I will pick them.

 

[Raech]

Yes - I would pick them. You can freeze them or make gooseberry jam (delicious!). About how many pints do you have?? My currants (all 3 the bunnies left) arn't quite ripe yet, but when they are I will pick them.

Is it ok for rabbits to eat currants, if they have never had them before? The rabbits I am getting have never been off of a wire cage or in the sun, so I really want their final place to be more of a resort then a cage. Yes I know I am crazy, I am planning a retirement place for unwanted rabbits.

I am trying to think of edible bushes to put around the outside of my retirement bunny run to create a more private play place. Do you think I can keep them in a pot for awhile until I figure out a place to put them?

 

[boskelli1571]

Is it ok for rabbits to eat currants, if they have never had them before? The rabbits I am getting have never been off of a wire cage or in the sun, so I really want their final place to be more of a resort then a cage. Yes I know I am crazy, I am planning a retirement place for unwanted rabbits.

I am trying to think of edible bushes to put around the outside of my retirement bunny run to create a more private play place. Do you think I can keep them in a pot for awhile until I figure out a place to put them?

I think it's very kind of you. Rabbits are seen as a nuisance and somewhat 'disposable'. This is the 1st year my currant bushes have borne fruit, so I'm assuming it's the bunnies that have been nibbling away at leaves & fruit! I don't see any reason why they couldn't/shouldn't eat currants. I would say in moderation though, otherwise they might get diarrhea...

You can usually get currant bushes from some of the seed companies at the end of the year fairly cheap. People haven't yet discovered what a wonderful source of Vit B & iron these things are! For short term nibbles, I would get a bunch of cheap seed pkts - lettuce, spinach, beets etc. and grow them in plant boxes or directly to the garden.
When I get old and retire, can I come live with you please???

 

[Raech]

I think it's very kind of you. Rabbits are seen as a nuisance and somewhat 'disposable'. This is the 1st year my currant bushes have borne fruit, so I'm assuming it's the bunnies that have been nibbling away at leaves & fruit! I don't see any reason why they couldn't/shouldn't eat currants. I would say in moderation though, otherwise they might get diarrhea...

You can usually get currant bushes from some of the seed companies at the end of the year fairly cheap. People haven't yet discovered what a wonderful source of Vit B & iron these things are! For short term nibbles, I would get a bunch of cheap seed pkts - lettuce, spinach, beets etc. and grow them in plant boxes or directly to the garden.
When I get old and retire, can I come live with you please???

I might have room for ya. I actually have most of those seeds already, I have a huge Easter basket filled with seeds, except for the beets, I can't stand them. Maybe then I can get more than just 3 chickens. My friend is a rescue and breeder of bunnies, she gets bunnies that people have dumped at the park and rehomes them, or takes in ones that people need housed for awhile while they find a new place. I got one bunny from her awhile ago, kept it indoors, and it bothered our allergies to the point of we couldn't breathe right, then it ate through my carpet(didn't know bunnies did that) so we rehomed it to a friend's sister who had older kids. Sooo these retired bunnies will be outdoor, possibly sunroom in the winter bunnies. Depending on the house we buy this spring!! We have saved up almost half of what we want for a down payment, hoping our tax return can push us up to our final number to get the payments low enough to afford them. If Hubby and I can agree on a house style I think we will be better, Country and Tuner do not mix well when it comes to houses. So far we have settled on HIM: big garage, paved drive way and not a bump from street to driveway, room for tools, office. Me: huge yard, mature shade trees, fireplace(preferred), 4 bed, 1-2 bath, lots of storage, bigish kitchen. Not too much right? Oh our oldest wants a 4 car garage "for when he grows up there is a spot for mommy's car, a spot for daddy's car and a spot for his car, and maybe one for brother(but he's still a baby)." I told Hubby it would be easier to just buy the property and build our own.