***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[lonnyandrinda]

We found tracks and it looks like it was a raccoon. We are setting traps outside and my oldest son is getting ready to stake out the coop tonight. I sure hope he gets it. I don't want to lose another chicken

That or a weasel/mink would have been my guesses. Be glad it was a raccoon. Much easier to catch and less blood thirsty.

Fast forward to the last page in the thread. You all are still my favorite chicken people.i love the tip about cheep vanilla scented air freshener. Going to give it a try since we seem to be fly central.

I have 3 kittens since i last posted. One is a lovely mouser and i hope that she can update the new little ones as they get older.

My college graduate son is home for the summer before he begins his job in August. so nice to have muscle available.

Will be checking in more often. Wishing all a fantastic week!

The vanilla scented "trees" did not work for me. But did make the coops smell better!

 

[NanaKat]

Ok plant experts! My bell peppers have bugs, I've had mixed responses on how to get rid of them. Does diatomaceous earth work?
Also I saw talk of trimming tomatoes. This is my first year with a garden, how big should I let them get before I trim? They are over the 3ft tomato cages now but not looking "out of control" yet

What kind of bugs? Are you seeing aphids or spider mites.
For aphids use a tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, a tbs of baking soda and a quart of water in a sprayer of water. Shake well and spray away. The soda neutralizes their soft body she'll and the soap suffocates them. It's all natural.
For spider mites. Add 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar to the mixture for aphids.

I do not trim my tomatoes.
Some varieties are determinate...means they only grow a certain height and produce a flush of tomatoes and are done.
Other varieties are indeterminate...means they continue to grow and produce tomatoes all along their growth.
I support my tomatoes in cages for determinate OR I tie the up the indeterminate to a 16 foot cattle panel that is clipped to three T posts and set in my garden beds. The plants grow up thru the cages or up the panel and spill over the support. I tie the over growth to the cage or panel to support the vines. Here are a few photos of my garden

 

[NanaKat]

Fast forward to the last page in the thread. You all are still my favorite chicken people.i love the tip about cheep vanilla scented air freshener. Going to give it  a try since we seem to be fly central.

I have 3 kittens since i last posted. One is a lovely mouser and i hope that she can update the new little ones as they get older.

My college graduate son is home for the summer before he begins his job in August. so nice to have muscle available.

Will be checking in more often. Wishing all a fantastic week!

.

So good to see you and enjoy all the time with your son!

 

[Poco Pollo]

Fast forward to the last page in the thread. You all are still my favorite chicken people.i love the tip about cheep vanilla scented air freshener. Going to give it a try since we seem to be fly central.

I have 3 kittens since i last posted. One is a lovely mouser and i hope that she can update the new little ones as they get older.

My college graduate son is home for the summer before he begins his job in August. so nice to have muscle available.

Will be checking in more often. Wishing all a fantastic week!

Cathie Sue!!!!

Awesome to see your post.

 

[lonnyandrinda]

Very cool @NanaKat We are trying cattle panels for our tomatoes this year, too. At least the ones the rain didn't drown...

Love love love using cattle panel trellises for Cucumbers- makes them SO easy! We are already getting a few cukes.

 

[Ironsights]

What kind of bugs? Are you seeing aphids or spider mites.
For aphids use a tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, a tbs of baking soda and a quart of water in a sprayer of water. Shake well and spray away. The soda neutralizes their soft body she'll and the soap suffocates them. It's all natural.
For spider mites. Add 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar to the mixture for aphids.

I do not trim my tomatoes.
Some varieties are determinate...means they only grow a certain height and produce a flush of tomatoes and are done.
Other varieties are indeterminate...means they continue to grow and produce tomatoes all along their growth.
I support my tomatoes in cages for determinate OR I tie the up the indeterminate to a 16 foot cattle panel that is clipped to three T posts and set in my garden beds. The plants grow up thru the cages or up the panel and spill over the support. I tie the over growth to the cage or panel to support the vines. Here are a few photos of my garden

Wow what a neat garden! We didn't get one planted this spring.

 

[Kassaundra]

That or a weasel/mink would have been my guesses. Be glad it was a raccoon. Much easier to catch and less blood thirsty.


The vanilla scented "trees" did not work for me. But did make the coops smell better!

That was my experience too

 

[Jeansrie]

I'm no help on the bell pepper problems- sorry. Based on time- no it's not necessary to top them until late summer. BUT if you are using the short 3 ft tomato cages- a heavy storm could blow your plants over if you let them get TOO tall. Personally I would top as they get about 5 ft tall (in a 3 ft cage). I'm only 5 ft so that's as tall as I can manage them. Here's some reading for you: http://www.growbetterveggies.com/growbetterveggies/2012/07/how-to-prune-tomato-plants.html Look at these cutie bugs! Our Aussie Harper had her pups Saturday. One has already earned his name- Tank. Can you pick him out?

How cute!!

 

[cathiesue]

Must not look at puppies! Must not look at puppies!

Is anyone going to the Pryor poultry swap this weekend?

 

[Ironsights]

How cute!!

couldn't figure it out! LOL