Winter Garden 2

Here is an update about the seeds I planted a month ago for a winter garden. As you can see, it's either the spinach or the chard that has come up, but I'm not sure which: I think spinach. Also nastursiums, which self-seeded and took advantage of the cultivation, I guess. The wire is to support the corn stalks which I have been layering on top of the plot to protect from frost. But last night I was out late (two nights in a row out dancing!) and I forgot to cover the crop. First frost hit, of course! So now we will wait to see whether these little guys survive or turn to rubbery mush when they thaw.

The Thai pepper plant is the last surviving pepper in the garden and seems to have contained sufficient inner heat to stand tall against this frost. Still, I think today will be the final pick for these; string them up to dry in the back room; more culinary heat than I am likely to use, so little gifts for friends who like them.

Water Frozen in the Coop

The coop is closed but only plywood (although painted warm and wild by the college student art class which designed and built it). Still, there was a ring of frost and I had to use hot water before I could lift off the top section in order to refill it. The chickens did not complain; went about their morning business as usual. But Hawkeye stopped laying about 10 days ago, and Ruby (name changed from Sadie recently by my toddler Granddaughter) has dropped down to irregular, laying an egg every two or three days instead of daily as she did all summer and fall. People recommend a light for both heat and increased laying, which I may set up.

Other people say not to worry about their health in the cold unless it drops to around zero F as long as they can be dry

First Frost