BennyB1966

Planting a tray of Organic Heirloom Peppers along with some Eggplant and Tomatillos. These will be going outside to be placed on a seed-starting heat mat and covered with a humidity dome for fast germination.

Planted a 50-cell tray of Organic Heirloom Tomato Seeds. These will be for the Fall Garden since I'm getting such a late start. There's not much point in trying to grow much of anything outside in this Giant Microwave Oven anyhow. After 6 to 8 weeks of 100+ degree days, the entire garden will most likely be burnt to a crisp until late September/ early October. I'm planning to use sunshades and drip irrigation but even that may not be enough to save it from another Summer of extreme heat.

Getting ready to plant a couple trays of Heirloom Tomato and Pepper Seeds. Should have already done this a month ago, but better late than not at all. For some reason, I just have not felt like doing this until now. Good news is they won't need to be started inside the house at this point. They should be just fine to start outside on a heat-mat for fast germination and a humidity dome to keep them from drying out.

Mixing up a small batch of my favorite homemade organic seed-starting and soil-blocking mix. I adapted this formula from Elliot Colemans Soil-Blocker Recipe and another one called "Patches of Green" found open-source on the WWW. I really like this combination for seed-starting and also for making homemade soil blocks and plugs with a soil-blocker mold or hand press. I have started using reconstituted Coconut Coir instead of Organic Peat Moss since it is a more sustainable product and less expensive than Peat. The cost of biodegradable pre-made Peat Pots has tripled over the past few years. Here is the Small Batch Formula I'm currently using to start most of my seeds: 2 Cups Reconstituted Coconut Coir 2 Cups Earthworm Castings 2 Cups Composted Chicken Manure 1/3 Cup Perlite 1/3 Cup Alfalfa Meal 1/3 Cup Soft Rock Phosphate 1/3 Cup Texas Green Sand (from Glauconite) Sift the ingredients through a coarse screen or wire mesh to remove any large chunks or debris then mix it all together to evenly distribute. This mix is loaded with natural sources of the Plant Fertilizer Nutrients (N-P-K) Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and several other micronutrients and minerals that plants need to grow and thrive. It also provides for moisture retention, aeration, and drainage to promote healthy root development. Before starting my own Chicken Manure Compost Pile, I used store-bought Composted Cow Manure and Organic Mushroom Compost. Those worked just fine, but now my chickens provide more than enough compost for my raised beds and Containers. I let the Chicken Manure, Straw, and Pine Shavings from the Chicken Coop break down in the Compost Pile for at least a year before using it in the garden; otherwise it will burn the plants with too much Nitrogen and heat generated by the decomposition process.

Loading the Chicken Eggs in the Incubator, blunt/wide end up, at 100 degrees for 21 days. Will need to check daily to make sure the average temperature remains as close as possible to 100 degrees without going over 101 degrees. Will check the eggs with a "candler" light in about a week to see if there is any sign of embryonic development. Getting ready to add a few more fresh eggs that were layed today 04/09/2024.

Adjusting Incubator thermostat and calibrating with analog gauge thermometer probe to read no more than 101 degrees during on/off cycle of the heating element. Sustained incubation temperatures greater than 102 degrees will either kill the embryos or result in birth defects and low hatch rate. Did not wash the eggs selected to be incubated. It is believed the natural bacterial "bloom" on the eggshell protects the developing embryo and helps the chick to build up immunity to disease. Selecting the darkest chocolate brown and speckled French Copper Marans eggs and the lightest blue and green tinted Ameraucanas eggs for this batch. The eggs have been marked with a pencil to indicate the date they were layed. I write an "O" on the blunt wide end and an "X" on the pointed narrow end to help me confirm the eggs are positioned correctly in the automatic turning tray. The tiny air sac inside the egg should be located near the top of the blunt wide end. This apparently helps the hatching chick to make that first "pip" out through the eggshell when the hatching process starts in approximately 21 days. I will check the eggs with a "candler" light in about a week to see if there is any development inside the eggs. I may add a few more eggs today if we get some exceptionally dark and pretty ones; other wise we will go with what has been started so they hatch at close to the same time. I really don't need more than half a dozen baby chicks to raise this Summer, so I will be very happy with a 50% hatch rate. Also, there is a 50/50 chance of hatching out more roosters. I don't know anyone here that wants to raise roosters since they are very loud and can be aggressive. They're mostly just good for breeding and eating, lol.

Getting ready to set a batch of chicken eggs in the "cheap" Styrofoam Incubator. I paid around $130 for it a couple of years ago. It has the optional "forced air" fan and an automatic egg-turning tray (essential for any success at all). I've had good results with it in the past, but the thermostat is not accurate. I had to re-calibrate it with a more accurate analog gauge probe thermometer. This Incubator consistently runs 3 to 4 degrees too hot. That is enough to kill the embryos or cause the chicks to hatch with horrible birth defects. Ideal incubation temperature for chickens is 100 degrees. I aim for 99 degrees since the internal temperature fluctuates plus or minus 2 degrees every time the heating element cycles on and off. Humidity can also be a major issue. Too much humidity will cause the baby chicks to drown before they can hatch. Not enough humidity can cause them to get dehydrated and stick to the inside of the shell. It's a balancing act and has to be watched closely to keep it optimal for developing and hatching chicks. There is a port on the side to add distilled water as needed. Being careful not to get the electrical components wet, I washed it out with warm soapy water and then disinfected it with a weak bleach solution. Rinsed it out to air dry and then plugged it in to stabilize the temperature for several hours before adding the fertile hatching eggs.

An X-shaped "Chem-Trail" appeared to materialize in the sky SE of Fayetteville, AR during the Eclipse. I've seen these many times. Sometimes they look like a "Tic Tac Toe" grid. It just seems a bit odd to see one right now. Also, the location would put it in the vicinity of the Arkansas One Nuclear Reactor near Russellville. That is the one and only "active" Nuclear Power Plant in this entire region. I don't even want to think about what a nightmare scenario it would be for Russellville, Little Rock, and anyone in the path of the prevailing winds if something bad ever happens there. I really wish they would permanently decommission that horrific accident waiting to happen.

Thank God it's finally over and we're still here getting back to our semi-normal routine. We were up all night, then fell asleep this morning. I woke up just in time to grab my disposable ISO approved shades, poured a cup of coffee, and then ran outside to stare at the sun for 10 minutes. It was only a 99% partial eclipse here in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It did become dark and eery for a few minutes, but we did not see a total black-out. There were some odd looking high altitude wispy clouds and a huge "Chem-Trail" X in the South-Easterly sky (approximately in the vicinity of the Arkansas Nuclear One Reactor near Russellville). Will post that suspected "Chem-Trail" video next. My chickens did not go to Roost during the Eclipse, but they did stop crowing for a few minutes. Shortly after, they became very agitated, pacing back and forth, and squawking. It appears at least one of the hens layed an egg during the Eclipse. I will definitely try hatching some of the eggs collected today to see if anything unusual develops.

First time growing edible broadleaf weeds on purpose. Looking forward to finding out what they taste like in a salad. I do like the Rabe stir-fried with olive oil and garlic. The celery leaf has a very strong flavor, but the stalks don't grow very big here. The Celeriac Root seems to do better for me and it is very cold hardy.

Starting some more Cool-Season greens and root vegetables from seed. Longer days and warmer temperatures are helping the early Spring crops to grow much faster now. We had several frosty mornings last week, but it appears we are going into a warming trend this week. It has been very windy and sunny here the past two days.

Don't forget the Zipper Lubricant! Nothing worse than a stuck or broken zipper when it's cold and rainy or just needing to keep the mosquitoes out. Now, more than ever, we need to keep those zippers working smoothly. These things always seem to fail at the worst possible times. Once a zipper fails on a tent or sleeping bag, it's pretty much ready for the garbage can, so let's hope this stuff works. Things we used to think of as disposable will need to last the rest of our lives now. Think like a frugal Grandmother that survived the previous Great Depression. 04/05/2024

So happy to finally have at least one full 15-20 pound Propane Cylinder for the Portable Propane Heater. This will be so much easier to use and will last much longer than the "disposable" one pound bottles. This particular size Cylinder is commonly used with BBQ grills and the empty tank can be exchanged for a full one at just about any store that sells BBQ Grills. Make sure the Clerk knows you returned an empty tank or they will charge you an additional $30 to $40 for a new tank. This is similar to paying a Deposit. Don't be like me and let your family get rid of your empty tanks because they think they are ugly worthless garbage. Another option would be to take it to a Propane Filling Station at the Farm & Ranch Store or a U-Haul Rental Store to have it refilled. In my location, it costs about the same and is usually faster to just trade them out at a Convenience Store. It's really nice to have the optional Level Indicator Gauge so you can see approximately how much fuel is left in the tank. I wasn't able to find the compatible "Quick-Connect" Propane Hose locally, so I ended up ordering one online from one of my favorite Preparedness Suppliers: https://canadianpreparedness.com/ The "Quick-Connect" Hose will be very nice to have since it can be cumbersome trying to screw on the tank connectors with cold fingers. It's also super easy to strip the threads if you're not extremely careful. Be sure to check out CANADIAN PREPPER on YOUTUBE and watch their frequent videos and updates on current events of concern and tons of info on preparednes and survival: https://youtube.com/@CanadianPrepper?si=420yN9zF38k4dtmN

Very happy with the 18,000 BTU Liquid Propane Portable Heater for the Greenhouse Tent. It's very warm and cozy, but I will definitely be needing the optional 20 pound tank with the adapter hose. The 1 pound tanks are convenient, but I would prefer not to have to change them out every few hours in an emergency situation. Good news is they have the tanks at the Convenience Store. Bad news is I will have to buy a new tank since someone got rid of my empty 20 pound tanks a few months ago. So difficult trying to prep when you have clueless unsupportive family, lol. They are more concerned about the "ugly" clutter than surving off-the-grid during a disaster. I really like that it has practically no bad fumes at all. This unit has a very clean burn. #18000-BTU-LIQUID-PROPANE-PORTABLE-HEATER #1-POUND-LIQUID-PROPANE-CANNISTERS #20-POUND-LIQUID-PROPANE-BOTTLES #EMERGENCY-HEAT #BENNYB1966

This is not far from the Webbers Falls, Oklahoma Bridge Collapse on Interstate Highway 40 about 20 years ago #ARKANSAS-RIVER-BRIDGES #RIVER-BARGE-SHIPPING #TRANSPORTATION #INFRASTRUCTURE It was reported way back then that incidents such as this had very likely weekened the structure from being hit by loose barges multiple times...

#ORGANIC-FERTILIZER #GREENSAND #GLAUCONITE #NPK #POTASSIUM #SUDDENLY-UNAVAILABLE #ORGANIC-GARDENING #FAMINE #FOOD-SUPPLY #BENNYB1966 What happened to the Greensand organic fertilizer? Also known as Glauconite, Greensand was once an abundant and popular organic soil ammendment used as a natural time-released source of potassium, iron, calcium, and other plant nutrients and minerals in seed-starting formulas and soil-block mixes. Been using it in the garden for years, but now it’s practically nowhere to be found. With the permanent closing of our local organic fertilizer supplier, none of our local outlets carry it anymore. Many online suppliers have it listed as “Out of Stock”, “Unavailable”, and “Unknown When or If it will be available again”. In the meantime, Kelp Meal and Alfalfa Meal is being offered as a substitute. Also found a small amount listed in the ingredients of “Tomato-Tone” Organic Fertilizer. The closest thing I could find is called “Texas Greensand”, but it doesn’t even have Glauconite or Potassium (K) listed in the ingredients. Not believing this. Considering that Greensand (from Glauconite) was previously mined from natural mineral deposits in the United States, it would be interesting to find out what has happened over the past few years that has caused it to suddenly become unavailable. What gives?

Scored some amazing Rhubarb and Artichoke plants at one of our longtime favorite local nurseries. It would take me two years to grow plants of this size from seeds. I love growing them, but they can have a bit of difficulty thriving in this part of the world. The Rhubarb will need to be shaded and watered frequently to survive the scorching hot Summer. The Artichokes will need to be heavily mulched or overwintered inside the garage in order to survive the bitter cold Winter. Aside from that, I have found them to be very easy to maintain from year to year and similar to growing Asparagus, once established. What a joy it is to see these beautiful plants break through up out of the cold ground in late Winter / early Spring. #COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #RHUBARB-VICTORIA #ARTICHOKE-GREEN-GLOBE #NW-ARKANSAS #BENNYB1966

Most of the Cool-Season Vegetable Seeds and Leafy Greens I planted on 03/16/2024 have sprouted, as of today 03/27/2024. Germination was poor for the Cauliflower and the Collards. Will try replanting some more of those. The remaining seedlings are ready to be thinned-out or transplanted to larger containers. #COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #CONTAINER-GARDENING #SEED-SPROUTING #LEAFY-GREENS #NW-ARKANSAS #BENNYB1966

Frost blankets & plastic garbage bags saved my plants from the 26 degrees hard freeze this morning. Some of the potato plant leaves had some minor damage, but they will likely make it just fine. The peas, fava beans, and garbanzo beans aren't showing any frost damage at all. We get to play this cat & mouse game with the unstable weather every year, but I think it's worth the trouble to get an early start before the scorching Summer heat & humidity settles in. We will probably have to water it three times a day & put a sun shade over it to survive the Summer...my backyard gets as hot as a microwave oven June through September. #CONTAINER-GARDENING #COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #FROST-BLANKETS #BENNYB1966

We had a "plant-killing" hard freeze of 26 degrees here in NW Arkansas this morning on 03/18/2024. Will be lucky if it didn't kill the plants back to the ground, even with frost protection. Everything I have planted, as of today, is tolerant of a light frost, but a hard freeze of sustained temperatures in the 20's may require replanting if damage is severe. Potatoes & onions will usually re-grow from the roots on their own. We're still having the typical roller coaster temperature swings that have been extending all the way up into the middle of May the past several years. This is exactly why it's best to hold off on planting warm-season tender plants like tomatoes and peppers well after Easter here in NW Arkansas Zone 6b. Good news is it's not too late to replant the cool-season crops, if necessary. #BENNYB1966 #COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #CONTAINER-GARDENING #HARD-FREEZE #FROST-PROTECTION

03/16/2024 Cool weather seed planting and listening to Celeste Solum and John B Wells podcast about SynBio. #COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #BROCCOLI-GREEN-GOLIATH #CAULIFLOWER-SNOWBALL-Y #BRUSSELS-SPROUTS-RED-RUBINE #BRUSSELS-SPROUTS-CATSKILL #BOK-CHOY-PURPLE-LADY #CONTAINER-GARDENING #SYNBIO #BENNYB1966

#COOL-SEASON-GARDENING #LEAFY-GREENS #CONTAINER-GARDENING #CHINESE-CABBAGE-GOLDEN-BEAUTY #RED-CABBAGE-TETE-NOIRE #ARUGULA-ROCKET #KALE-PREMIER-BLEND #COLLARDS-VATES #BENNYB1966 03/16/2024 Planting Leafy Greens from seeds and listening to Celeste Solum talk about Syn-Bio with John B. Wells on "Caravan to Midnight".

In case you missed it: "the most brutal 7 minutes you will find on the internet."

https://rumble.com/v4ieh1x-the-chao-before-the-ordo-david-livingstone.html Making Whole Grain Banana Blueberry Almond Pancakes while listening to The Free Zone w/ Freeman Fly and Guest, David Livingstone talk about "The Chao Before The Ordo" along with several other mind-bending conspiracies. #BANANA-BLUEBERRY-ALMOND-PANCAKES #WHOLE-GRAIN-PANCAKE-MIX Ingredients: 1 Cup Whole Grain Pancake Mix 1 Cup Evaporated Fat Free Milk 2 4-ounce jars baby food bananas 3 eggwhites, whipped until fluffy 1 egg yolk nonstick cooking spray serve with honey, ground Allspice, chopped Almonds, and a heavy dose of late-night conspiracy talk radio.

03/14/2024