What's New at Bumgardner Farm?

I've been incredibly slack about blogging over the past year. I decided it's time for another update about what is going on around the farm. Wow, so what's happened since April 8, 2012? Here's a quick summary: 

May 4: I officially became a Bumgardner...we tied the knot!

During the spring I planted like a mad woman - we grew corn, beans, squash, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, and gorgeous sunflowers. I believe I canned over 70 quarts of green beans! Our freezer is still full of corn, squash, and zucchini. Our tater box is still plentiful and we have seeds saved for next year from the good stuff! In a not so great attempt we tried peppers, watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkins, hanovers, and okra. Definitely an attempt and not a very good one. We did get quite a few Hungarian Hot Wax peppers from the only plant that made it. We also ended up with about 4 Sugar Baby watermelons, 1 gorgeous pumpkin, and 2 okra. Maybe next year! 

During the spring we also purchased 8 chicks. I absolutely love raising them! We are now up to 11 great laying hens. Our eggs range from a beautiful light brown, to dark brown, even teal!

Here lately we've been discussing where we want to see the farm go this year and beyond. It looks like we're going to be raising more chicks this spring with hopes to start selling eggs in the fall. Plus, we're working on a more productive garden plan so we'll have produce to sell. We will only be using organic methods plus we're doing our best to avoid any seeds produced by the corporate giant. Most of our seeds are being ordered from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Their website is www.rareseeds.com and they have a HUGE selection of open-pollinated, heirloom seeds. 

Be sure to check back to keep up with what's going on here at the farm. I promise I won't go so long between updates in the future!