Corn, tomatoes, pumpkin and melon plants are gaining in size now. Especially happy about the corn, as it seems to be a good indicator of the soil health improving. Last year, the corn began growing, often got to a little over 1 inch tall and then died. Right now, the average stalk is around 4 inches tall and looking healthy.
Between the corn, melon vines are sprouting. Nothing spectacular as yet and waiting to see how they do. Still going to plant more of them.
I have seen signs of iron deficiency. Unquestionably some of that is due to the sodium and the pH but adding some iron would be a good idea. I am torn between using iron sulfate and iron oxide. The sulfate is 30% iron but formulated for garden soil. The oxide is not specifically formulated for soil but is 100% iron oxide. Think I'll order both, apply them in different areas and compare results. May mix some of the oxide to sulfuric acid and apply it to still another area. Diluted, of course.
One reason for the iron is the strawberries. Even though they're in containers, they seem to be showing signs of iron chlorosis. Means the potting soil is poorly formulated. Got some different potting soil today. Can change out some potting soil for some of them and need to move a couple of others to larger pots. They're drying out too quickly in the small pots they're in, even though I moved them to a shadier area.
Cut almost all the remaining wood into fireplace size pieces today. Now have a stack about 3 ft tall and 20 ft long. Not completely done yet. Still have the largest trunks left to cut. Should have a considerable amount of wood once done.
Finally finished the rabbit hutch yesterday. It's 6 ft long with a "house" that's 2 ft long, 2 ft wide and 18 inches tall. Left the area on top open as a balcony, which bunnies seem to enjoy. They adapted to it quickly and seem to enjoy it out there. It's quite sturdy, 2 ft off the ground and securely enclosed with steel poultry netting. Should be cat, dog and bird proof. Strong enough that I believe it will last for several years. I put a roof of reclaimed polycarbonate on it and it's placed where it gets shade from a neighbor's tree and then the fence in the late afternoon and evening. And my house smells much better already.
Between the corn, melon vines are sprouting. Nothing spectacular as yet and waiting to see how they do. Still going to plant more of them.
I have seen signs of iron deficiency. Unquestionably some of that is due to the sodium and the pH but adding some iron would be a good idea. I am torn between using iron sulfate and iron oxide. The sulfate is 30% iron but formulated for garden soil. The oxide is not specifically formulated for soil but is 100% iron oxide. Think I'll order both, apply them in different areas and compare results. May mix some of the oxide to sulfuric acid and apply it to still another area. Diluted, of course.
One reason for the iron is the strawberries. Even though they're in containers, they seem to be showing signs of iron chlorosis. Means the potting soil is poorly formulated. Got some different potting soil today. Can change out some potting soil for some of them and need to move a couple of others to larger pots. They're drying out too quickly in the small pots they're in, even though I moved them to a shadier area.
Cut almost all the remaining wood into fireplace size pieces today. Now have a stack about 3 ft tall and 20 ft long. Not completely done yet. Still have the largest trunks left to cut. Should have a considerable amount of wood once done.
Finally finished the rabbit hutch yesterday. It's 6 ft long with a "house" that's 2 ft long, 2 ft wide and 18 inches tall. Left the area on top open as a balcony, which bunnies seem to enjoy. They adapted to it quickly and seem to enjoy it out there. It's quite sturdy, 2 ft off the ground and securely enclosed with steel poultry netting. Should be cat, dog and bird proof. Strong enough that I believe it will last for several years. I put a roof of reclaimed polycarbonate on it and it's placed where it gets shade from a neighbor's tree and then the fence in the late afternoon and evening. And my house smells much better already.
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