Winter greens

[MissPrissy]

I grew wheatgrass and alfalfa a while back. A flat grows in no time. In 7 - 10 days it was really tall. I am thinking a couple of flats and a grow light and you could grow it in a cellar or spare room all winter long if you don't have a warm window area.

 

[GloriaH]

You could do it with oats too. They grow really fast.

 

[pattycake]

That's so great!!! I'll definitely do it. My chickens free range for half the day now, and they'll definitely miss their greens if I don't figure something out. Thanks all!

 

[Sandrachx]

new to this - should i be planning on something green for the girls this winter (southeast MI)?

 

[greginshasta]

Quote:
Sandra - we have a greenhouse. Suppose this would work over the winter up here on the hill?

And by wheat seed, are you talking about the "wheat grass" that is popular in health food stores? We got a flat from the local produce distributor's dumpster recently and the girls really loved it.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

I usually grow leaf lettuce in flats in the basement under lights all winter long. This is our first time with chickens so I will plant more flats. I grow lettuce called "black seeded Simpson" which grows fast, is tender and likes the coolness of the basement.

 

[GloriaH]

Sandrachx, You don't have to plant greens for the winter. We just spoil our chickens rotten.

 

[allen wranch]

Don't freeze grass clippings and feed to the chickens. Too much possibility for impacted crop.

 

[3peeps]

I've been contemplating doing a cold frame or something like it (hot frame?) and sprinkling in dandelion seeds we saved. They are, after all, a weed and grow extremely well. Kale also grows well in cold weather, as does mache, and the girls seem to like whatever fresh green things I give them.

 

[schmoo]

Quote:
Thanks for warning me. Just curious...... why? They can only eat it if its fresh? I would let it thaw first. Is it because it would be mushy?