Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[McChooky]

I have found that the best way to start trees and shrubs by transplanting shoots is to plant them into large pots in the spring, keep them in a semi-shady area and well watered for the summer, and then put them in the ground in the fall once they have developed a good root system.

I tried planting rooted elderberry cuttings but none of them survived the winter until I tried this method!

 

[Chickin Fairy]

NEXT WEEKEND IS CHICKENSTOCK!!!

We still need some people to bring stuff:


Chickenstock 2025

 

[1muttsfan]

I hope everyone who makes it there has a great time.

We had a big rainstorm pass through this morning. It rained for over 3 hours, and we got over 4 1/2 inches of rain. Tropical deluge for hours.

 

[fuzzi]

I tried planting rooted elderberry cuttings but none of them survived the winter until I tried this method!

Mine was given to me in a pot, didn't get into the ground before winter, so I dug a hole in a sheltered area of my garden, sunk the plant still in its pot into the hole, then mulched heavily. In the Spring, after I prepared its permanent location, I transplanted.

April 12:

June 21:

We're zone 8a, so your method will vary.

 

[1muttsfan]

I forgot to wish all my peeps happy summer solstice, winter is coming!!

 

[TheDandyLion]

Yes, happy solstice.

How is everyone and your chickens dealing with this heat wave?

 

[Folly's place]

DH and I were at Tillers, near Kalamazoo, for the weekend Midwest Ox Drover's annual fun meeting, and it was HOT! Outside, but a nice big tent fort shade, and lots of food and water, pop, lemonade to stay hydrated, but HOT, hope next year has milder weather. People from all over, and many ox teams, from little guys to large Brown Swiss. We don't have a team any more, but still enjoy seeing everyone and their critters.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

So that was off topic, but our birds are doing okay. Cold water in drinking containers, lots of shade under trees and shrubs, and insulation in the main coop roof.
Some are panting, but all doing well in the weeds and shade. Now that I'm home, maybe watermellon tomorrow.
Mary

 

[fuzzi]

It's hot here in NC, too. I bought a seeded watermelon...hard to find, everything is seedless now. I gave each flock a section, icy cold. At first the hens just picked out the seeds, but later I saw that all the red flesh was gone. I buried the rinds in a fallow raised bed.

The second hoop coop gets more direct sun, and the ground is dry on the surface. I dug a shallow hole and poured in about a gallon of water. The gals were intrigued, came over to investigate. When I went back later they'd filled it in but the soil was still damp. Last year they wallowed in a similar hole.

 

[DemeterAD9]

Yes, happy solstice.

How is everyone and their chickens dealing with this heat wave?

Some birds are handling it better than others. My poor brahmas seem miserable, possibly more miserable than my cornish cross pullet. I've let them out most of the day to free range and they are sticking to the woods mostly. I've given them electrolytes and some watermelon but they aren't too interested in the melon unless I make it into bite sized pieces. Glad I butchered the 2 wild cockerels before the heat wave or they'd likely still be chasing the pullets (especially the cornish X) and stressing them out more. I let the flock pick clean one carcass, gotta say it feels odd watching the parents of the cockerel dig into their unruly son