Our biggest homestead news is that my husband's female rabbit had kits! Unfortunately, they were born outside a nest, and despite efforts to save them, only one survived. It is a feisty little thing, though, and fat as can be since it has no competition for food.
We've also realized that Fiona and Fido are not Flemish Giants, as my husband was told when he adopted them. Maybe somewhere along the line they got a bit of Flemish in them, but they are most likely mutts, with Harlequin and New Zealand in their blood. (We've found that when buying rabbits you cannot trust what breed the seller claims they are, unless they come with pedigreed paperwork.)
Likely these were meat rabbits...and since we've been on the fence about how to add meat to our homestead, we kind of feel God dropped these rabbits into our lap for a reason..
Which brings me to the main focus of this post: Raising and growing food. There's really never a bad time to plant a garden. But folks, there has never been a better time to grow veggies and maybe raising some meat, too. I'll detail why below, but in the meantime, if you're considering how you can add meat to our homestead, rabbits are a good choice, even if you live in the suburbs. Check out this post for details. Other easy ideas include quail and chickens, which can both be raised for eggs, also.
What if you don't want to or can't raise meat? Then I highly recommend you grow as many edible plants as possible. I predict food prices will go to go way up. Actually, where I live, they've already begun escalating. By raising vegetables and maybe some fruit, you can at least save your money for food you can't grow. The evidence is stacking up:
* 2 million chickens slaughtered over Caronavirus staffing issues
* Half a dozen meat processing plants shut down because of coronavirus outbreaks
(these are huge plants, people!)
* A relatively small number of plants process much of the beef and pork in the United States, and some of them have closed because workers are getting sick
* Farmers dump milk, break eggs, as coronavirus restaurant closings destroy demand
* Coronavirus supply chain issues cause tons of wasted food
* Some farmers have had to begin dumping potatoes
* Dumped milk, smashed eggs, plowed vegetables
Yes, the feds are working on a relief program for farmers, but the fact remains that costs will trickle back to consumers. Combine that with food shortages due to people stocking up as the federal government has recommended, and many of us are seeing lots of empty grocery store shelves.
The good news is we are at the perfect time of year for starting a garden. We are at a great time of year for foraging wild plants. We are at a very good time of year for snatching up baby animals to raise for meat or eggs or dairy. This is God's grace to us, in a time of uncertainty. I hope you'll consider growing or raising something - even if it's only on a small scale.
Ok, onto the more usual favorite links!...
* My book "The Ultimate Dandelion Cookbook" is FREE on Kindle Unlimited right now. This time of year is great for getting to know the edible and medicinal uses of the common dandelion. (If you don't have a Kindle, don't worry; the book is affordably available in both digital and print editions. Learn how to read Kindle books on any digital device by clicking here.)
* Bummed that you can't find baking yeast in the store? Make your own yeast!
* Good advice here: 7 Tips for Starting Seeds.
* Got old seeds you're not sure will work anymore? Here's how to test them!
* Want to boost your harvest? Learn How to Improve Soil Quality in Your Garden.
* How to Grow Food in as Little as 3 to 4 Weeks.
* Quick Teriyaki Chicken is a meal my family loves...and it's pretty simple, with few ingredients, too. I serve it with steamed broccoli and I don't add any sweetener. Oldies But Goodies:
The Biggest LIE About Growing Tomatoes
15 Tips from the Great Depression
Homemade Yogurt in a Crock Pot
How to Plan a Medicinal Herb Garden
No comments