Week 31 summer heat peaks and preparations for the upcoming fall season begin. For hobby farmers, focus on maintaining summer crops while planning for fall planting. Harvest vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans regularly to encourage ongoing production. If you plan to grow fall crops such as carrots, lettuce, or broccoli, this is the perfect time to sow seeds to ensure they establish before cooler weather arrives. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture and reduces weed growth during the hot days. For livestock, ensure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shaded areas to prevent heat stress. Clean and inspect enclosures, fences, and shelters to maintain safety and comfort.
For pets, hydration and heat protection are essential in Week 31. Provide constant access to clean water and shaded spaces, especially for outdoor pets. Avoid exercising pets during the hottest parts of the day, opting instead for early mornings or evenings. Regular grooming is key to keeping pets cool—brush them to remove excess fur and prevent overheating. Monitor small pets like rabbits or birds for signs of heat stress and ensure proper ventilation. Week 31 is perfect for balancing care and preparation for the changing seasons.
Koi growth rates
For koi enthusiasts, watching a fish grow from a small fingerling into a magnificent, flowing creature is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. But how do we really know how much…
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Pasteurizing duck eggs at home
Duck eggs are a prized ingredient in cooking, especially for rich emulsified sauces and homemade mayonnaise. Their larger size, thicker shell, and denser, fattier yolk make them more flavorful than chicken eggs but also…
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Pasteurizing chicken eggs at home
Using gentle heat to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella without actually cooking the egg. Pasteurizing chicken eggs at home is a simple process that uses gentle heat to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella without…
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Honey goodness
Honey is a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike refined sugar, honey offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune health and aiding digestion. Its phytonutrients may help combat oxidative stress, while…
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Hearty equine, pet & farm links
Updated since 4/30/2017. These links are excellent resources for animal owners, providing reliable information, quality products, and expert advice for equine and poultry care. Use them to research best practices, purchase supplies, connect with…
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Growing food for environmental impact
Embracing sustainability in daily life. Updated since 10/29/2023. Having my own small orchard and vegetable garden brings immeasurable joy as I can nurture a space teeming with life. Cultivating my food imparts a sense…
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First and last frost dates by U.S. hardiness zone
Work with nature for gardening success. Hardiness zones in gardening are geographic regions that categorize the climate’s suitability for plant survival. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) devised this system based on average…
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Building a Bluebird nest box
What’s better to conserve than nature’s beauty the bluebird. Building bluebird nest boxes is a heartwarming endeavor that fosters a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. By constructing these small shelters, one becomes a…
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Runner Duck
Quirky, cute, productive, and hardy egg laying ducks. Raising Runner ducks is rewarding due to their practicality and charm. They are prolific egg layers, producing up to 300 nutrient-rich eggs annually, making them ideal…
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White Peking Duck
Hardy, productive, and friendly duck. The Peking Duck breed, also known as the White Pekin, is renowned for its culinary and agricultural significance. Originating from China, this breed is characterized by its white plumage,…
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Incubating chicken eggs
Hatching your own fluffies. Incubating chicken eggs is a rewarding way to hatch chicks without relying on a broody hen. It allows for greater control over the hatching process, ensuring optimal conditions like temperature,…
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Cayuga Duck
Black ducks with iridescent green. Keeping Cayuga ducks has been part of our little farm life since my son fell in love with them in poultry catalog and begged for us to get them…
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Farm egg freshness
Storing and floating eggs. Freshly laid eggs can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration due to their natural protective coating called the “bloom” or cuticle. This coating helps prevent bacteria from entering the…
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Silver Laced Wyandotte
Pretty friendly hens with perfect large medium brown eggs. I am a real fan of the Silver Laced Wyandotte chicken for many reasons. I have been raising them as part of my egg layer…
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Black Copper Maran
Black Copper Marans are renowned for their deep chocolate-brown eggs, which are highly prized by enthusiasts and chefs. Originating from the Marans region of France, these chickens are known for their hardiness and dual-purpose…
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Trimming dog nails
Trimming your dog’s nails can be a breeze with the right approach and a little patience. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails is vital for their health and well-being. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, pain,…
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Trimming goat hooves
Regular hoof trimming keeps goats healthy and mobile. Trimming goat hooves is important for their health and mobility. Overgrown hooves can lead to pain, infections, and lameness, impairing their ability to graze and move…
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Turkey
Wild turkeys are native to North America, commonly found in forests, grasslands, and open woodlands across the U.S. and southern Canada. These large birds, known for their fan-shaped tails and wattled necks, have iridescent…
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The Rider’s Seat
The seat is foundational for balanced, effective communication with horses. In riding, the term seat refers to the way a rider sits on the horse and uses their body, particularly their pelvis, hips, and lower back,…
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Hoof Abscess and Bottom of the Hoof Injuries Protocol
Horses can develop hoof abscesses due to various factors. Common causes include trauma to the hoof, such as stepping on a sharp object or excessive pressure from uneven ground. Bacterial infections can enter through small cracks or punctures…
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The Rider’s Hands
Essential for precise, gentle communication with horses. Proper use of hand aids is one of the keys to riding and building trust with your horse. They provide direct communication with the horse’s mouth through…
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Ameraucana Chicken
Bearded, blue egg laying, friendly, cold-hardy, chicken. Ameraucana chickens have been a part of my backyard flock for years. I absolutely love their beautiful blue eggs and sweet bearded faces. These birds add a…
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Week 33 Farm & Pets
Week 33 is an important time for pet and hobby farm care as summer transitions to fall. Focus on thorough cleaning and organizing your barn to prepare for cooler weather. Ensure that all stalls…
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