We started this project a few months ago when we decided that we wanted organic eggs. So far it’s been great except for having to birdnet all of our veggies. We built the coop to be automated, so the door and heat lamp are on separate timers. Luckily our Australian shepherd thinks of them as something he can herd rather than eat. We got our first egg on Feb 14th and 3 more since than. It was from the white silkie and about half the size of regular eggs. The other chickens should start laying full size eggs in about a month.

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After our dog ate all the leafs off of the banana tree:-(, we replanted the root ball. Luckily, the banana tree is an herb and is able to grow back from almost nothing. The first shot was taken on April 25 and the 2nd was on July 18. With a little shade, it should make it through the summer just fine.

04/25/2010

07/18/2010

Protection from the extreem AZ sun!

Here’s a quick garden walk-through.

I planted sugar cane about a month ago. I got it from the farmers market for $1.00 a piece. One of the stalks finally sprouted!

I finally got around to building a trellis for the grapes. They’ve  been trying to grab on to anything they can! The wood only cost $10 at Lowes… Just look for the discounted wood. It may be a little warped, but it gives it character:-)

Looks like the Goji Berry bush is blossoming. It has these really nice looking purple flowers all over.

Been eating these for the past few weeks:)

Goji Berries 06/20/10

We are getting allot of strawberry guavas budding on our tree. Cant wait to taste these!

04-26-10

05-08-10

Finished the frame just in time for the hot temperatures. All we need to do now is attach the shade!

We finally got the shade on… Just in time for the hot summer!

We just got a grand nain banana tree and a goji berry bush from Tropica Mango Nursery. If you looking for rare and tropical plants, this is the best place I have found. Now we just need to find a good spot for these!

The best way to beat the bad bugs is with the good bugs! We got some praying mantis eggs and ladybugs from Summer Winds Nursery in Chandler. The praying mantis container comes with 2 large eggs. You get between 50 and 200 mantis from each egg and there are about 1500 ladybugs. Hopefully they do their job and have a nice bug feast in our yard.